Totally agree with the above. Loving my TDI90 but I am missing the feel of driving the 1.4 petrol. Test drove a 1.6 but it did not feel much different to the 1.4 petrol I had...perhaps is was just that car or my driving!
My view, based on my experience of owning all models of A2.
The 1.4 petrol is great, switching to it from a diesel meant stalling it a few times due to a drop in low down torque.
But it felt light and nimble and the gear change was hugely better than the diesels I have had. You could change gear with your little finger if you wanted to.
Not the quickest if A2s but still nippy and fun to drive.
The 1.6 petrol has many of the advantages of the 1.4 petrol, but with a significant benefit of it being a little flying machine.
You have to rev it to get the most out of the engine and this is why some people don’t notice much difference between the 1.4 and 1.6 but the difference is huge.
I wa always a bit unsure of owning a 1.6 A2 but if you have a well running, well maintained one they are a joy.
The 1.4TDI amazed me 16 years ago when I bought our first ever A2. It just felt so quick that I simply didn't believe the 0 to 60 figures (and still don’t) it just seems a lot quicker due to the torque of the diesel.
Thst torque has meant that I have never stalled a diesel A2 ever and it is the main advantage.
Also, on today’s crowded roads the diesel A2 is plenty quick enough for modern day traffic and since you don’t have to rev it to get the performance it is great around town.
But then the TDI 90 has all of the benefits of the 75 and even more torque and drive ability.
To me the only difference across all models that sometimes “colours the water” is that the diesels are just unbelievably reliable. As I have said many times, having 7 A2s in the immediate family (all TDIs) has meant that I am never being dragged out to breakdowns or even asked “Dad, or Grandad, I have a problem with my A2” very true.
For me the tdi 90 is my favourite all round A2.
It is a close call between a 75 and a well sorted 1.6, as for the 1.4 petrol, they are exceptionally good around town and are in no way a poor option.
Ok, this sounds like a bit of fence sitting, but all A2s have plenty going for them and choosing which one I like best is like being asked “which is your favourite child!!”
Just my views.
Steve B