Hi folks, I'm finally on Briskoda!
I recently ordered a 1.2TSI Octavia and expect delivery in mid July, its being built this week. I did take it for a test drive, and though I haven't had the chance of any motorway driving, I can broadly agree with Ranger MD... performance is more than adequate as long as the turbo is spinning. You must adjust your driving style a little for the relatively slow pick up below 1500 or so rpm. It is a world away from the likes of the 1.4 MPI in older Octavias in terms of outright performance. I'm currently running an older VW 1.4MPI and my father has an Octavia II 1.4MPI.
In terms of absolute economy, I think its too early to say for the 1.2 TSI in particular. It depends what you want - if you want to enjoy your driving the numbers will dip surely, but it should make a torquey comfortable long distance cruiser, and with the 6 speed manual, or DSG, achieve diesel approaching economy. Autocar recently were disappointed with the economy of the 1.2TSI in a Golf 3 door. Economy should improve with age though.
I would say the economy will be broadly similar to the 1.4 TSI, not considerably better...similar pace-wise to the 1.6 MPI, (and only a second slower to 60 than a 1.4TSI), maybe nearer the old 1.6 FSI in truth, slight question mark over outright economy at this stage.
Still can't wait though......................I'll update when I have a few miles up! K