My fun's engine is on the way out, seeping oil past the rings on pot 4, whilst driveable for now, it will need replacing.

If I need a new lump, am thinking of something newer and more efficient. Not wanting to go tdi, to much work involved and adds weight. Also not keen on the 100bhp 1.4 idea as from what I've seen on it, it's revvier and thirstier. Not wanting to go bigger for insurance reasons. I realise any swap will affect premium, but swapping for same size is easier to convince them it was done for efficiency.

Ideally I want to improve mpg, and any performance gains is a bonus. I've seen the 05-09 polo 1.6, with 100bhp and 43mpg (in a heavier car than the fun truck), and this appeals. More frugal and efficient, enough grunt to be fun on a b-road, without needing to go to silly speeds.

Has this swap been done? Mechanically, does it fit without too much work? 

If I got a rear-ended polo, could I make use of other front end parts, suspension, hubs, brakes etc?

Failing that, is there another 16v 1.6 that fits?

May be worth considering 1400 AFH has much lower road tax than the 1.6 perhaps.  Ditto the Polo 1.4 version of the SOHC.

 

Not sure anything that bolts in easily will be much more efficient to be honest