I’ve got a Mk5 GT 170bhp 2.0 TDI – if it’s the same engine in the new ones I’d avoid it like the plague.
I’ve done just over 10k in mine in the last year (bought to get me around whilst my other car is being fixed) and so far its had
Lifter pump
Injector wiring loom (this runs under the rocker cover in the oil!)
Injectors
Fuel Pump
Turbo
Turbo Actuator
Its also now due a new duel mass flywheel, and I get some random warning light flashing at me about the DPF which is apparently a fortune to replace.
Honestly, bar the car its meant to be covering for (M6), its the worst car I’ve ever had reliability wise. The money I’ve spent on it not including the purchase price could have fixed the M6 engine (which isn’t cheap).
The 1.9’s are awesome engines, the 2.0 is terrible. Mine is quite high mileage but reading the forums, the issues above happen anywhere above 30k miles, or less if you’re really unlucky. My mum has an ancient A4 with the 1900 in it, she regularly see’s 60mpg+. Sitting at a constant 60mph I’m lucky to see 50mpg and thats in a car that weighs a fair bit less than my mums estate.
Also, if you do lots of short trips, even the VW sales folk tell you to avoid the TDI as the DPF gets choked up.
On the plus side, it does have quite comfy seats…