Slow but simple, reliable and capable of very high mileages.

Over 100k advisable to replace the injectors to avoid bore wash/wear and to improve economy.

The 1.9 tdi(pd) engine is better though

When did they stop producing the SDI? 2004?

I had a Polo with the N/A diesel for a short time in the late 90's. It was not the SDi, it was the earlier engine with few less BHP.

All I will say is the car, although much smaller and presumably lighter than the Octavia was a slug. Overtaking needed careful planning and even then there were some real bottom clenching moments, at times it could be downright dangerous when you hadn't driven it for a while. Since you had to drive it hard to keep up with other traffic the mpg was pretty poor as well, low 40's from memory.

Basically I would never buy such a low powered car again. Local taxi drivers loved the the Octavia SDi a few years ago but now they all appear to have disapeared. Wonder why.