Lots of the wagons you saw were probably VR6, most of the 2.0 gas were very anemic. Lots of revving but, still had to wait to get to 55mph!
TDI swaps up in the North-East happened, cars of Southern pedigree were the ideal.
Diesel wagons re-appeared into the 2003, here in the US. That was still the 1.9L, about mid year '06 though, the 2.0 DIESEL longitudinal engine was appearing.
Much stronger engine, and the torque was a rush compared to the 1.9L Diesel.
This type OEM power was what we, the ones with the older TDI's spent money on, MODDING the turbo, injectors, pipe, ECU, etc... to get close to what the new ones put out from factory. (but still somewhat far away in HP/TQ)
Hope this fills a little more of your(who may consider TDI wagons), INFO for pre-purchase knowledge.
(I have a 1996 B4-V(wagon) with the 25 gallon tank and it is nice passing stations/not stressing where to get fuel. Best tank was the best that I know so far of anyone: 1,521 miles
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