SEATs, Skodas and VWs have different images but much in common under the hood.

ECONOMIST: Volkswagen: VW conquers the world | The

Last year there were more than 438, 000 VWs sold in the U.S., up 35 percent over 2011.

WSJ: VW's chief in US expects sales to keep growing

Even in the U.S., VW has momentum, with 2012 sales up 31%, to 580, 000 vehicles (including 438, 000 VWs and 139, 000 Audis).

FORBES: How Volkswagen Will Rule The World

As I understand it, the DSG or "dual-clutch" transmissions on VWs, while not smooth as silk in their operation, are mechanically solid.

WSJ: Me & My Car: What's the Best Tire Pressure for a Saab?

Even quite elderly VWs and Toyotas were a revelation of modernity, quality and price compared with the Ladas of AvtoVAZ and the Volgas of Gaz.

ECONOMIST: Theme and variations