This may not be a bad idea, and it was a long time in making, even without the emission scandal.

Ever since its decision to go mass market, quality of materials took a steep dive. They also looked very dull because engineering and production cost was putting constraints on design detailing. For the past 5 years, VW has been making cars that are duller than Toyota Camry of late 90s. They were given benefit of the doubt by automotive press because journalists love German cars. But with its competitors seriously ramping up their product portfolio, riding the coattail of its former glory is coming to an end.

Their current lineup with exception of Golf is entirely uncompetitive, particularly Passat and Jetta. There are far more compelling offerings out there than these dull box on wheel that are product of severe cost engineering.