The issue with this VW problem is one of deceit and falsification. Yes, I drive a Plus8 and am aware of the emissions compared to smaller, newer engines. I pay a price for the enjoyment in extra fuel costs/tax, VED, etc..
This is a personal choice.
My comments about VW are based on the deceit/false claims aspects.
How many people are truly eco conscious to the full extent? Not many.
There is both deceit and self deception with sales data for all cars. We know that the official fuel consumption figures, the only ones the manufacturers are legally allowed to quote, are simply nonsense yet we take note of them when buying a car. At the same time, every car manufacturer sets up to achieve the best CO2 numbers that the regime of the test will allow so doing things like pumping tyres up to 5 bar, running without alternator charging, no aircon etc. The power figures quoted are not at the wheels, the only place it matters but at the flywheel. Weights are quoted often without fuel and oil. And thats forgetting the carefully selected and fettled press cars. Etc Etc.
But the biggest issue of all is that the CO2 and NOx numbers, if they are looked at at all, are looked at by a general public most of whom dont know even what an mg is let alone what oxides of nitrogen are and what they do or do not do to MMGW and air pollution. So I dont see how they can be deceived.
There is more than a bit of hysteria in the public reaction to the VW scandal. The owners were overwhelmingly happy with their cars but now they are outraged about something that most dont understand. Could it be that they fancy some compo and/or a new car?
If you think about it, its similar to the British public reaction to the EU
