Many thanks guys. I guess we have been spoiled by having a nearly exclusive run of diesel Golf's. Our first was a silver Mk4 GT TDi which did 104,000 before I bought a Mk5 GT TDi. We then sold the Mk4 at 144,000 and Caroline bought a Mk6, which I hated driving and much preferred the Mk5. We let the Mk5 go at 124,000 and couldn't get shot of the Mk6 quick enough. It was just not a good car and couldn't keep up with the Mk5 in corners. It never really felt all that safe.
We then leased a Mk7 GTD, and 2 years later we leased another Mk7 GTD, which is the car we are still using. It seems like the GTD is just a car that was designed for us and the way we drive, which is pretty normal motoring with the odd few miles of bat crazy speed when the roads are clear, and the mood takes us.
We will do as you suggest and test drive a couple more GTi's and see where we get to. If we could pick up another lease deal on a GTD I reckon we would jump for it but maybe the time is right to buy a car rather than leasing.
We are nervous as to where this media driven diesel hatred will end up though. It is ridiculous and completely wrong thinking and is going to lead to some pretty expensive blind alleys for a lot of motoring companies.
I really appreciate your input very much.