My Leon PD170 has never had any major DPF problems but then it is a daily driver and gors on dual carriageways etc.
It has only gone into regen twice in 65,000 miles and a quick blast sorted it both times no bother.
Yes there have been problems but unless you only do 5 miles a day and never get over 2k revs then you will be fine, and if you do then why buy a diesel
The 170 is VERY powerful, great fun for a derv but not the most economical
The 140 can be tuned up fairly cheaply to 160 and is a fair bit more economical....