How do you know it's idling @ 2k rpm?
I thought all the 1.6's didn't come with a rev counter 
He hasn't said but it could be a driver, they came with rev counters, both 1.6 and 1.8 versions.
If its a pierburg carb (everyones had problems with these), then invest in a weber DTML conversion (£250ish for a new kit), it will transform the overal running of the car. MPG will improve aswell as power.