I test drove one when they first came out for a good 30 minutes in town and motorway. Performance was quite a bit different to what I was used to but did feel quick.Different, although I've yet to really give the Ibiza a WOT high rpm run as it's only got 40 odd miles on the clock.
1.8T ~ 240lbft, 1.4 ~ 180lbft - it's a different beast, but easy to drive, and no slug just around town
Very easy cars to drive with the DSG. Perfect balance for a hothatch as it performs very well when pushing on.