1.8t's are pretty easy tbf.
If you cant afford a smoke test I would start from the top of the turbo and follow it all the way down to the intercooler, then from the intercooler to inlet. Even if it means removing all these pipes and check for obvious splits.
If you have found nothing remove the engine covers and check under the inlet manifold youl find a few pipes connected to it, these are under vaccum and perish over time. If they are perished time to invest in new pipes or perfect oppertunity to get a catch can installation.
Goodluck