Has the kangaroo disappeared in the MK4

[mdaw1985]

So I'm interested to learn if people are still getting the kangaroo effect in the 1.5 TSI in the new MK4 like they were in the MK3?
It's one of the main reasons that put me off getting another VW group car as that's the group of engine I'd be looking at as I want a balance of power and economy like my current 1.4 tsi 150 act. I'm also not sold on how much is on the infotainment like the temp etc.
Another question, does the interior feel as good quality as the MK3? More plastic than soft touch, road noise etc.

 

[Educated Scruff]

So I'm interested to learn if people are still getting the kangaroo effect in the 1.5 TSI in the new MK4 like they were in the MK3?
It's one of the main reasons that put me off getting another VW group car as that's the group of engine I'd be looking at as I want a balance of power and economy like my current 1.4 tsi 150 act. I'm also not sold on how much is on the infotainment like the temp etc.
Another question, does the interior feel as good quality as the MK3? More plastic than soft touch, road noise etc.

I never had the earlier 1.5 engine and this is my first petrol engine for a few years so I cannot comment on the earlier version but I was also worried about it when I bought the car.
I have the 1.5 esti and I would say the engine in mine is quite, smooth, sweet, and economical too, tyre noise is excessive but it has the larger alloys, I have drove the 1.5 130 ps with 17” wheels and that was less tyre roar engine was smooth etc but I did notice a slight lack of power compared to mine but it did have better fuel economy on shorter distance.
The infotainment system I got used too now, it’s all about learning the short cuts, I do wish the bottom slider switch lit up though.
Hope this helps.

 

[Philk]

Our previous 1.5 MK3 FR had the Kangaroo problem. Thus far, we have not experienced it on the MK4. However, it is early days and with the car having only done a few miles in our ownership courtesy of Tier 4 lockdown, I would prefer to see how things go in the Spring. Our prior issues really manifested themselves in the Spring and Autumn when the engine "cold start" would not have been as "cold" as in the depth of winter.

 

[pepsimax73]

I have the MK4 Leon estate 1.5 tsi 150bhp and you've to basically use 2nd or pretend your in a lowrider and use 1st. The infotainment system is how can I put this it's a pain in the arse (that's the polite version). If you have to change anything when driving wait until you've stop that way your eyes are on the road rather than on the screen.
If I got the chance to swap the MK3 TDI I had before this or the MK4 petrol I have now I'd be half way home with the MK 3. If you couldn't tell I really don't like the new Leon

 

[Philk]

Several months on from my post in January, I can confirm we've not experienced the Kangaroo issue on our MK4 Leon FR 150 (which was our problem with the MK3 FR 150). The car is also more economical. HOWEVER, in our view, the MK4 is not as good as the MK3 in many other areas; the Infotainment system is horrendous as is the lack of rotary heater controls. The seats are, in our opinion, less comfortable and the rear suspension in the MK3 is better. I looked into switching from the MK4 LEON to a MK3 Cupra and would have gone for that if it had not been for the poor trade-in offered on the new Leon.

 

[pepsimax73]

Several months on from my post in January, I can confirm we've not experienced the Kangaroo issue on our MK4 Leon FR 150 (which was our problem with the MK3 FR 150). The car is also more economical. HOWEVER, in our view, the MK4 is not as good as the MK3 in many other areas; the Infotainment system is horrendous as is the lack of rotary heater controls. The seats are, in our opinion, less comfortable and the rear suspension in the MK3 is better. I looked into switching from the MK4 LEON to a MK3 Cupra and would have gone for that if it had not been for the poor trade-in offered on the new Leon.

Was your last Leon petrol or diesel? My Mk4 being petrol and my Mk3 was diesel I really notice the difference in fuel economy I had my first long drive the other week going from Glasgow to Newcastle and the difference in fuel was unreal. I would go to Cleethorpes on holiday which is a similar distance and I'd have just under a half tank left but the trip there I had to fill the car back up when I got home. The thing I'm noticing about the front seats is trying to get your seat belt on it seems the catch is lower down on the Mk4. The infotainment system imo will be changed as its the main issue with everyone.

 

[BoomerBoom]

The MK4 fuel tank is slightly smaller than the MK3, which won't help, but petrol will always be worse economy than diesel - also the new engine effect.

My 1.5 130 has much less torque than my previous 1.4 150, but no kangaroo symptoms. I think the interior is 'classier' then the MK3, but the software and some control choices are hopeless.

 

[Philk]

Was your last Leon petrol or diesel? My Mk4 being petrol and my Mk3 was diesel I really notice the difference in fuel economy I had my first long drive the other week going from Glasgow to Newcastle and the difference in fuel was unreal. I would go to Cleethorpes on holiday which is a similar distance and I'd have just under a half tank left but the trip there I had to fill the car back up when I got home. The thing I'm noticing about the front seats is trying to get your seat belt on it seems the catch is lower down on the Mk4. The infotainment system imo will be changed as its the main issue with everyone.

Ours was a like for like Petrol FR150. The MK4 seems a bit more economical and smoother. However, that's as far as it goes in terms of advantages.

 

[Philk]

The MK4 fuel tank is slightly smaller than the MK3, which won't help, but petrol will always be worse economy than diesel - also the new engine effect.

My 1.5 130 has much less torque than my previous 1.4 150, but no kangaroo symptoms. I think the interior is 'classier' then the MK3, but the software and some control choices are hopeless.

We've had quite a few FRs. We thought the petrol1.4 148 BHP was a way better unit than the 1.5 150 BHP unit in the MK 3. The 150 BHP unit in the MK4 is better than in the MK3 but we still think the 1.4 was the better unit. Re the interior. I think it's a case of looks deceive. Yes, it looks classier... until you try living with it. For us, the seats are worse (neither of us are hugely tall) and the infotainment and controls represent an over-ambitious attempt by VAG which has sadly failed given how bug-ridden it is. The system would be easier to use if you were in a left-hand drive car and were right-handed. However, in RHD form, you need to be left-handed (when most are not) to be able to use it as easily.

 

[BoomerBoom]

I've not noticed any problem with the seats but I agree that the 1.4 was better than the 1.5; this is due to ever tightening emissions control - otherwise it's almost the same engine anyway.

I've found you can get over the left hand thing, mostly, by resting your fingers on the top of the display and then use your thumb to hit the right icon.

On the software then I'm hoping they can fix the majority, but some seem to be have been issues for years if you read about the SOS problems with Audi and no solution.

 

[pepsimax73]

I've had 2 mk3 both being diesel but I've the petrol Mk4 with the diesel not being an option. The difference in the acceleration is something I didn't think would have been as noticeable added to the gears you change going up twisting hilly roads The features from the Mk3 that didn't transfer over that like the ambilight or even the wee storage unit under the drivers seat are strange. The other problem which has never been fixed is a storage space for the boot cover but we now have stupid lights that project 'hola' on the road that was really something we needed. I shouldn't complain I've got another 30 months till I change car and who wouldn't want to drive a car

 

[cri1410sti]

I've not noticed any problem with the seats but I agree that the 1.4 was better than the 1.5; this is due to ever tightening emissions control - otherwise it's almost the same engine anyway.

I've found you can get over the left hand thing, mostly, by resting your fingers on the top of the display and then use your thumb to hit the right icon.

On the software then I'm hoping they can fix the majority, but some seem to be have been issues for years if you read about the SOS problems with Audi and no solution.

the difference between 1.4 and 1.5 is the stroke, it has the same bore.
another main difference is the injection pressure, in the 1.5tsi it is 170-350bar in order to be able to have up to 5 injections per cycle.
in the 1.5tsi the kangaroo is much more present, below is the cause: