Audi A4 - V6 diesel or 2.0 petrol?

[Condi]

Does anyone have any experience or opinion on the engine options for a 2016/2018 (B9) era A4? The "performance" versions (excluding S4/RS4) are a V6 diesel in 2 states of tune, or a 2.0 petrol with 250hp. Both options are in Quattro, with automatic S-Tronic gear boxes. The diesel appears to do slightly more MPG, especially around town (although who knows exactly what to make of Audi economy figures) while on the motorway they are both about the same. I'm probably leaning towards the diesel for the torque and economy - driving is short journeys followed by occasional long (2-3hr) motorway hacks.

Edited by Condi on Monday 3rd October 15:42

[Dr G]

Given the option (and budget) for the type of car I'd have the 286PS 3.0 diesel with the 8 speed box.

Petrol engine is a decent thing but for a car that's more about luxury/refinement/practicality than performance the diesel is at least as quiet, better on fuel, and much more economical.

The lower power 3.0 is OK but has no performance advantage (although is a good deal cheaper).

[Condi]

Which gearbox is the 8 speed? Is that Tiptronic rather than S-Tronic?

The lower powered V6 is cheaper on tax and officially a lot better on fuel. I'm thinking buy that one, then map it to about 250hp which will give cheap tax and reasonable fuel economy with performance not that far away from the more powerful V6. Sound sensible?