a mate has a 1.9 turbo diesel and its quick. But because its french and getting on a bit, its really tatty. especially the interir with the cheap plastic.
my mate had the GTI 6 and hated it. Didn't turn right properley because of the extra gear. It smelt of sick for months too and it turned out to be something to do with the engine! Drank fuel too lol
Mate has a standard diesel, 10+ years old and its an excellent car, really solid and reliable. Nothing like the newer 106 I test drove which had doors and bonnet falling off! Cambelts are apparantly a major job to change though.