In the view of these evens, I've been reading up on how these EPA tests are being performed and it turns out that its a common practice to remove mirrors and door handles, tape over all body gaps, install underbody covers, over inflate tires and so on. So the ratings based on these tests are purely subjective. VW just took it to the next level.
If the governments agencies such as EPA are going to mandate certain compliances, they have to define testing standards a lot more clearly. When these standards are vaguely defined, it basically gives EPA racketeering powers. Theoretically EPA can decide to single out any other manufacturer, accuse them of cheating during testing and impose fines and all other sorts of punishment.
Now, to make things clear, I think what VW did was very wrong. But I also agree with Clarkson that VW should take a tough stance and tell the limp brained farts in the EPA to clearly define standards for test procedures, and also set realistic requirements for emissions and economy. When setting these standards, maybe EPA should also take advice from actual engineers instead of nasally pluck dressed global warming professors. Because if engineers have to design cars that actually keep up with the mandates that these imbeciles dream up during their eco-mental potato trips, these cars will soon end up costing as much as spaceships, and cost about as much to maintain.
While ganging up on VW, its good to keep in mind that some of their TDI models can be had for an amazingly low lease rate, with lower monthly payments than what most people spend on fancy coffee at Starbucks each month.
I don't remember you mentioning before that you got a Sprinter.