Hi Nick,

You have encountered a common problem with small capacity, forced induction engines. They are designed to be frugal and economical, but to have enough torque to get them about town as if they had a larger, normally aspirated engine. This is all fine and, on an official fuel economy test cycle (the old NEDC or current WLTP run, for example), it results in very decent CO2 and consumption figures. However, these 1.0- and 1.2-litre engines become quite thirsty when you start using more of their power. You will be better off in an Astra 110hp diesel, because it will have a lot more torque and will feel more muscular than the 1.2 TSI Golf, meaning you won’t have to drive it as ‘hard’ to keep up with traffic flow. Of course, if you don't regularly use the diesel at higher speeds and loads, its DPF and other components could clog up and end up costing a lot more in maintenance.