The Fabia is a great car. The PD diesel can be ramped up to over 200bhp with careful remapping. I agree with xfire though, Japanese petrols are stunning and virtually indestructible.
I run a performance diesel car but I do think that in the long term you're better off with a tried and tested petrol engine for longevity. The diesels are just far too complex now. For sure, they go like stink and are quiet.
But with the more frequent and expensive services I reckon you're probably better of with petrol.
I often consider ditching my 2.2 HDi for a 3.0 V6 petrol (which is possibly slightly slower than mine) but the servicing is SO BLOODY STRAIGHTFOWARD. No silly particle filters etc.