As a previous VW owner ('01 Golf GLS 1.8T), I have been leary of VW for reliability issues. I've had my best luck with Mazda & Toyota over the years (20 years, 3 Mazda's 3 Toyota's, 8-10 others, foreign & domestic)
That said, for price & performance, I looked at the GTI. Did NOT like the DSG. Normal mode was sluggish, while "Sport" mode should have been re-labelled "Drag Race" mode. No happy medium for spirited daily driving. (I am a manual transmission guy, so anything remotely Auto gets a close & weary inspection from me)
Then there's the cost of repairing a DSG. Nobody really knows the long-term reliability for them, or how expensive it'll be to repair them. Good clutch job can run you close to a grand. So how much more for 2 of everything? What about the electronics & such? Then let's get into the R32 & repair costs on an AWD system...
Those thoughts kept me from bothering with the R32. Decent car, but overpriced, IMHO.
I had actually decided to go CHEAP and get an '09 Scion xB, which I had on order. But when it ran a week past its due date, I got itchy. Went out last night & drove the MS3, fell in love. Brought it right home. It wasn't as spur of the moment as that, as I had researched the MS3 when I was also looking at the GTI, WRX, and a few others. But the test drive cinched it for me.
If snow handling is an overriding concern, then get a jacked up 4-door 4WD truck of some sort. Why compromise, right? (I'm just yanking yer chain) Plenty of people do just fine with FWD in the snow- I think it's more about driving skill and the driver's familiarity with their car than anything else.
Personally, I prefer the MS3. I learned to drive in Upstate NY, but have lived most of my adult life in Florida, so snow is not a going concern for me. I also think the MS3's seats are more comfortable than the R32. Plus, I am a mad modder, and with the MS3 already having forced induction, it's easier to squeeze more fun out of it if you decide to go that route.
Let us know what you decide & what finally sways the decision!