[Closed] Skoda Octavia 1.9TDi - powerful enough?

I know the weapon of choice is the 2.0 [140bhp] estate, but I'm looking at the 1.9 [105bhp] - Is that enough bhp's or will I become a laughing stock. I've got a 115bhp Focus. Will I notice the difference. The Skoda dealer said "it's not about horse power, it's the torque that matters". The torque is the same as the Focus.
Has anyone got the 1.9? Is it up to the job of general lugging stuff about.

Related question. I sometimes transport a canoe on the roof. With the focus I screw in the towing eye in the front bumper and tie the front of the canoe to that. Is there a suitable point on the Octavia to lash the front of a canoe without running around and under the bumper?

Ta