The 1.8T is a cracking engine - its quick in std form, is very tuneable, and when driven sensibly (with a moment or two of stupidity thrown in) quite economical.
It won't be as quick as a 4motion in standard form, but is capable of being tuned to that level. It won't be lugging around heavy Haldex 4wd system, so won't need much power increase to level power to weight ratio.
The PD engined diesels are very quick (especially when you consider they are diesels). Mine was a PD150 which, when rolling roaded clocked 186bhp (as standard). It was also the torquiest car there on the day, bar none (IIRC), which in real world driving meant that its fookn quick!! Obviously a diesel will be more economical too, and economy won't drop below 42-43 even if you drive like your hair is on fire (trust me, I should know!!!) Don't believe any of that 60-70mpg garbage - unless you drive like a funeral director you will never see that sort of economy, I don't think I ever saw over 55.
Yes, the red car is for real - its a left hooker, 348ts putting out about 300bhp. Its not stupidly, stupidly fast (its quick enough) but its the noise it makes whilst it does it
