Originally appeared on Automoblog.net

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First, there was McDonald?s and everything changed. Taste and style may differ regionally or nationally in the language of side orders, but basically a bun is a bun and a cow is a cow. In short order, the world became smaller as global names walked the earth.
Accountants rule; economies of scale are the name of the game.
Here in the United Kingdom, the German manufacturer Volkswagen has launched the new Tiguan to some acclaim. Memories are short in the car showrooms of Britain; past sins are, if not forgotten, then at least overlooked.
A couple of weeks ago, I tested a diesel version of this SUV, and there is no doubt Volkswagen did a good job. It is fun to drive, very comfortable and capable, and I expect it will sell in huge numbers. We?ll gloss over talk of exhaust emissions (for now) because there is one thing that bothers me more. Volkswagen Tiguan. Photo: DriveWrite Automotive
Universal Uniformity
Underpinning this vehicle is a new VW MQB (Modularer Querbaukasten, or modular transversal toolkit) platform, which can be fiddled about to accommodate all transverse, front engine cars under the brand umbrella. In Europe this will include Audi, SEAT, Skoda, and Volkswagen itself.
MQB is a ubiquitous, modular architecture. It is also a shame.
You see, all MQB cars will share the same pedal box, front axle, and engine positioning despite a varying wheelbase and track. This must info...