lol... you have almost the same dillema as I a few months ago.. I've had an auto GD3 with Idsi engine a few years back, but traded it in for a family car. But since I'm a bit in luck for having the extra money, I was looking for a second hatchback. My choices were GD3 or Golf 1.4TSI.

I love to death on the cool stuff you get on the Golf; hidden boot release, illuminated vanity mirror, extensive MID, cool meter cluster, sportier semi bucket seats, higher grade interior plastics, and most of all the ride. Supercharge+turbo, you just can't beat it... Lots of torque and power... DSG transmission, smooth and quick... the ride was really something else for a hatchback...

But then after all the glitters are gone, the reality is the TSI required premium gas, a lot more expensive than a GD3, pricier maintenance, pricier mod parts, and the most decision-killer: reliability issue. Been hearing engine blowing up due to knocking sensor not working right, and the dread of having costly repair bills.... Not to mention I really-really hate DBW.... The gas pedal just doesn't work right with a DBW...

So in the end I bought an MT GD3 with 1.5vtec engine complete with cabled gas pedal and have managed to extract a decent 140whp from it without much modding... not far off from a 160hp TSI...