If you avoid cars that are specified with big wide alloy wheels that will cut down a lot of the road noise. Unfortunately the Octy isn't known for being a particularly quiet car. This may change with the new model. My VRS is pretty noisy but not unbearable and it has hard suspension and the biggest wheels in the range.

Anything with 16" wheels will probably be quieter.

Let's pretend nothing happens in the engine range from now to 2013: The MPG of the 1.8 TSI is almost the same (DSG) as the 1.4, but I worry about putting the maximum amount of tourque (250 NM) on the DSG as 250 is its exact limit.

Does anyone have a 1.4 TSI combi as a family car (babies, pram(s), filled up for holidays that thery are happy with and don't feel lack power and punch?

Hi Nicolai,

I've got a 1.9TDI estate and it's a great family car. It's only 105bhp but certainly doesn't lack any power or punch.

I've not driven a 1.4TSI petrol, but from everything I've read about them, plus your description of your requirements here I would say that, at least from the current range, the 1.4TSI DSG would be absolutely perfect for you.