Used Suberb DSG - 1.8 TSI 160 v 2.0 TDI CR 170

Hi,

I wondered if anyone could offer me any advice....

I'm new to the forum, seriously thinking of buying a used Superb to replace my S-Max TDCi.    There's nothing wrong with the S-Max (in fact its great at what it does) but I really don't need all the seats, and am hankering after something that's (a) quicker, ( more refined, © more luxurious (d) a bit more fun to drive and with a better ride and (e) I fancy a DSG auto;   and if I'm honest I just fancy a change...

Quite fancy a 3-series estate, but I just can't justify the spend....also quite tempted by a Mondeo, but that feels just a bit 'worthy but dull'

So... a Superb is top of my list - I'll be buying used - most likely around 3 to 6 years old.  I'll be going for a DSG - Elegance - Hatch model (not estate).

The big decision is whether to go for a petrol 1.8 TSI 160 DSG or a diesel 2.0 TDI CR 170 DSG.   (though if I happened to spot one at the right price I'd be sorely tempted by a 3.6 V6 for a bit of fun...  

Fuel economy isn't a huge issue as I do 12,000 miles a year at most and I figure I'd pay less for a petrol upfront, though the 1.8 TSI DSG is pretty rare I think - I've spotted one or two for sale, but not many....

I know I really need to drive them myself, which I'll aim to do.... also I'm guessing this topic has been covered on this forum (though sorry, I couldn't find it)

So I'm wondering if anyone has driven both and could let me know how the two engines compare (with DSG box).  In particular, I'd like to know if you've any thoughts at all on...

• Is there much to choose in terms of refinement / quietness - both around town and at motorway cruise?
• Which engine  suits the DSG box better?    E.g. does the DSG tend to hold on to lower gears longer with the petrol and therefore keep the revs unnecessarily high (which I think might annoy me!)
• Is either model much quicker / more responsive - in the real world - or is performance pretty similar? 
• Is the ride and handling much different (eg due to the lower noseweight of the petrol)?  I can't stand cars where you feel every imperfection in the road surface - lots of potholes where I live!)
• What the difference in real world economy.
• Is either one more  reliable or likely to give me cheaper maintenance costs longer term?

I'd really appreciate any thoughts....Thank you.