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0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC vs 1.0 MPI: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC carries less risk than the 1.0 MPI: 18/100 versus 19/100 (both low risk). The 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC has no documented serious faults; the 1.0 MPI has no documented serious faults.

Risk index

0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC

18

Low risk · 0 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

1.0 MPI

19

Low risk · 0 serious faults

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

23 sourcesHow we work

Is the 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC reliable?

The GM Daewoo S-TEC engines (0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 naturally aspirated, low power) power the Matiz, Spark, Aveo 1.2, Beat and Sail. The sources consulted document only minor and cheap faults, such as oil leaks and ignition faults on the Matiz, and we have found no structural engine fault.[1][2][3]

See the 2 of the 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC faults

Is the 1.0 MPI reliable?

The 1.0 MPI is a simple, low-powered (60-75 hp) naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine with no serious or systemic faults documented. Its most frequently cited issues are above-normal oil consumption -- especially in the Seat Ibiza V -- and, more occasionally, a cooling system fault with the engine light and vibrations. The timing belt has no fixed replacement interval and shows no failure pattern.[4][5][6][7]

See the 4 of the 1.0 MPI faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC and 1.0 MPI
0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC1.0 MPI
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement—999 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Timing belt (dry)
Power52–84 hp60–75 hp
Production2002–2022[8][9][10][11][12]since 2011[13][14][15][16]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)18Low risk19Low risk
Documented faults24
Of high or critical severity00
Worst severityMedium severityMedium severity
Main faults
  1. Medium severity: Ignition system faults (high-tension leads and modules)
  2. Low severity: Oil leaks from the rocker cover and sump
  1. Medium severity: Cooling system fault with engine light and vibrations
  2. Low severity: Higher-than-normal oil consumption (most cited on the Seat Ibiza V)
  3. Low severity: Timing belt with no fixed replacement interval
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • 1.2 S-TEC and S-TEC II 72-84 hp (Aveo T200/T250, 2005-2011)[17][18]
  • 1.0 and 1.2 S-TEC II DOHC 16v (Spark M300, Beat and Sail, 2010-2022)[2][3]
  • 1.0 MPI 60/75 (CHYA/CHYB, 2011-2023)[4][6][19][20]
  • 1.0 MPI 65/75 (CHYC/CPGA, 2017-)[5]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 0.8 and 1.0 S-TEC SOHC (Matiz/Spark M200, 2005-2009)[1][12]
  • 1.4 S-TEC DOHC 16v 102 hp (LCU, Sail, 2010-2015)[21][22][23]
None
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

Other comparisons

With the 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC

With the 1.0 MPI

Compare other engines

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Czy warto kupić: używany Daewoo / FSO Matiz (od 1998 do 2008)AutoCentrum.pl · Motoring press · published 22 August 2013 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  2. Chevrolet Spark hatchback reviewAuto Express · Motoring press · published October 2013 · consulted 2 November 2026
  3. Fiabilité Chevrolet Spark (2009-2015): pannes, rappels et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  4. Fiabilité et pannes de la Volkswagen UpFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. Fiabilité et pannes de la Seat Ibiza (2017-)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  6. Fiabilité et pannes de la Skoda CitigoFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. VW Up: Beliebtes Stadtauto im GebrauchtwagencheckGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 22 March 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  8. Daewoo S-TEC engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  9. Chevrolet SparkWikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  10. Chevrolet Aveo (T200)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  11. Chevrolet AveoWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  12. Chevrolet MatizWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  13. VW EA211Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  14. Škoda FabiaWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  15. VW Polo VWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  16. VW Polo VIWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  17. Czy warto kupić: używany Chevrolet Aveo (od 2002 do 2011)AutoCentrum.pl · Motoring press · published 5 March 2013 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  18. Używany Chevrolet Aveo T200/T250 - typowe awarie i problemyWP Autokult · Motoring press · published 28 January 2012 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  19. Fiabilité et pannes de la Seat MiiFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  20. Fiabilité et pannes de la Skoda Fabia 3Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  21. Chevrolet SailWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in Spanish
  22. Chevrolet Sail: conócelo en detalleAutocosmos Chile · Motoring press · published 3 November 2010 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in Spanish
  23. Lanzamiento Chevrolet SailAutoblog Uruguay · Motoring press · published May 2013 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in Spanish