Legend has it that Volvo downplayed the power outputs of the T4 units so as not to tread on the toes of the larger 850/v70 t5 which it essentially was minus a cylinder - I’ve been told by several sources that the factory power output on the early 1.9 t4 engines was more like 215-220bhp - having driven a few over the years - I can believe this - they feel far more lively than the T5s I’ve owned.
Do you have the old top gear episode where Clarkson is trying to find the best handling car and has some pros driving different cars? Ferrari 550, NSX, GTR, etc and all of them like the 106 GTI the most. I've been looking for that one!