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I've driven both 2 and 1.6 litre - 2 litre as a rental a couple of times in Sweden, as it happens, and the 1.6 because I've just bought one!
Main difference in driving in my opinion is the torque and power delivery - 2 litre has a wider spread and you can put your foot down anytime and take off. 1.6 does nothing at all below about 1500 rpm (you can probably do a million mpg staying down there as it feels like you're being pushed by a lawn mower) but it's absolutely fine if you keep it 'on the cam' (or 'on the turbo' is more to the point I guess).
My 1.6D S feels very solid and well built and I agree that 'feel' and quality materials are a subjective thing, but I do feel I am in a quality marque.
Someone here compares a 1.6 petrol to the 1.6 diesel. Note the 'T' on the back! My V50 feels and is a lot quicker off the mark than my old 1.6 petrol Zafira, even though that car is substantially lower geared - with fuel figures to match. As for out of town, V50 will sit happily at 90 all day. But I strongly suggest driving both to see. They are different experiences.
Finally there ARE differences in engines - most problems I''ve seen on line refer to the 2.0D and the new eight-valve 1.6.
Finally if buying second hand note the diesel particulate filter replacement due at 75,000 on either before buying a high-miler.
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