The bigger the turbo, the more lag. And if it is mated with auto-box (which you can't rev to build boost to take off), it's worse.
I heard quite a few Airtrek owner either switching back to TD04 for drivability or some upgrading to 2.4L (more air to push the turbo) to avoid lag. For me, I just stayed at it is.
Yes, lag is so obvious that sometimes, I have no confident to cross road. Even if I floor the pedal, there's a momentarily delay before the car moves. Imagine if the on coming car is fast... really need to have good judgement.
The other thing is during traffic jam. When the car moves in front, you step the pedal softly, the car won't go. A huge slam will see a delay and by the time the car moves, some idiots cut in front of you and there also where boost suddenly kicks in. I cannot imagine how many times I almost 'kiss' the idiot in front.
Airtreks with Evo upgrades like mine are PERFECT for open roads. On highway driving, cruising at 180kph is a breeze. I am not boasting but it doesn't break sweat at all. Going to 200 mark is just tap on the pedal.
In stock TD04 form, it's a bit slow after 160kph. Alright, those are all history now for me. Hahaha...