I have the exact model, bought 5 months ago, nearly new from Skoda with 2k on the clock. I was used to a 1.9 tdi, so was also wondering about how it would drive. In fact it is absolutely fine, very torquey and very refined. Enough performance to keep up nicely with the traffic and overtaking ability is fine. i'm getting 41mpg, driven fairly considerately, measured since I've had it. On a 200mile run at Xmas, fully loaded, I got 45mpg. The ehgine is very quiet, smooth and torquey. Sure, the tsi is probably quicker, but i doubt any more economical, and this was £2000 cheaper. I was intending to keep for several years but recent job/ circumstance change means I will have to consider selling shortly and run something older and much cheaper for a while, while offspring are in University etc. ( If you're interested in discussing further, ask the mods for my e mail)

Like you, I was put off the latest diesels by tales of horror, but more so that unless high mileage is covered, there is little cost advantage at the moment. Also the 1.6mpi is a very simple engine, with no turbo, no direct injection and much less to go wrong!

Cheers Baz

Yes you're right it's old technology, less less powerful than the TSI but simpler and given recent reports on the TSI engine, maybe a better long term bet. Only way is to test it's fit for your needs. Also worth checking out new ones at drivethedeal for 20% off to make sure you're not paying over the odds for a demo car.