The horsepower rating on the American-model 1.9 TDI may not be impressive, but the torque is much more so: 155 ft-lbs - more than an Acura Integra VTEC.
Furthermore, in Europe, the range of TDI models is much broader, with choices ranging up to the 180-hp, 2.5-liter diesel available in the Audi A6. Or, if you prefer economy, you can get a VW Lupo with a tiny 1.2 three-cylinder - the most fuel-efficient production car on Earth, at almost 90 miles per gallon.