All the informed comment I've read, and in accord with several posters' comments here, slates the 2L version of the original 1.9L for its rather compromised engineering design & long term reliability.
I've had 3 1.9L 130PS VAG engined cars (an A4, A6 & a Skoda Superb) and liked the engine's 'driveability' (a vague term really, each to his own) excellent mid-range power & economy. I also had a good test drive in a 105PS 1.9L VAG in an Octavia & was most impressed (after the initial 'oh it's only 105PS, can't be much cop..' reaction prior to drive) as well. I really didn't notice the lesser bhp/torque output (even though I wasn't exactly caning it on the test drive).
Reliability wise - I can't personally say, I had no problems (bar a leaky fuel pump in warranty on the A4) with any of them ,but I bought from new & didn't exceed 25-30K. However, the prevailing wisdom seems to be that the 2L versions have been mechanically compromised by increasing from their original 1.9L size. In a nutshell, the 105PS seems to be regarded as a nice, relatively understressed version, while the 130PS is the relaible limit for output & the 2L a hideous marketing man's desire for a nice round figure riding roughshod over best engineering principles.
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