Simply getting our AUA running better made a huge difference - on >185,000 miles the injectors were worn, the coil was badly compromised, the plugs were filthy, throttle body full of crud, and EGR bust. After doing all of the above last year you really notice a much stronger pull from 3-3.5k upwards to the redline. Someone here (one of the Steves?) got a stainless exhaust made that is apparently a significant improvement, and in longer-term project thinking, I have an AUB ECU and plans for an AUB (Fabia) swap with the more aggressive cams and bigger injectors. Not this year's problem though.
Despite my other half's fuel-consuming abilities, we are now getting 250-255 miles on a 34L tank (fuel warning only, not emptied) this summer instead of 205-215 last year, so that is a definite step forwards.