Don't make fun of the moustache, hairdresser-boy. I'd personally like a car that not only coordinates with my wardrobe, but also my facial hair.
Unlike the Japanese boxen of this class, this definitely has some character to it. Interior's really well-equipped. Lots of bootspace for this class. Good, clean design. And, best of all, no stigma in comparison to driving a Passat. Oh, Skoda, America wants your sweet Czech-ness.
Welcome to VAG. Especially interior knobs and doodads get shared up and down the range.
As for the underpinnings, it's all MQB - modular transverse building kit. Likely every Audi, VW, Skoda and Seat with transverse engines will be based on this. Note though, the MQB is designed to scale in length, width, and wheelbase. It's much more flexible than the traditional notion of a platform.
It'll be 9cm longer and 4.5cm wider than the predecessor, and supposedly up to 100kg lighter. Apparently, the GreenLine TDI is supposed to make do with 3.4l/100km (69/83mpg), 4l should be realistic. Oh, and it has an ice scraper in the fuel door :lol:
This is the VW that everyone who hates VWs (read: me) likes. I wouldn't touch a Golf GTI, but I'd give my left nut for a chance to drive an Octavia vrS.