I really do not get the criticism of base GTI’s lights. I have a base 17. The base halogen headlights are fine. I have a 19 Bullitt with fancy LEDs to compare.  Other than being whiter, I fail to see why they are better.

? Cars in the US are way cheaper than elsewhere..unless you count the Tata Nano or the like.

There isnt much exciting from Toyota nowadays so there is no reason to be frustrated at Toyota. They do what they do. They have some great vehicles such as the Avalon, the Land Cruiser, Rav4, 4Runner, Prius and maybe the Corolla. I expect no surprises from - and therefore disappointment by - Toyota Co.

Ditto your last paragraph.  

This may me more expensive than the STI in the US. I hear ya. I bought a 17 GTI and a 19 Bullitt. I am interested in driving the Toyota thing for sure, but I am unlikely to realistically buy it over Mk8 Golf R when the time comes for parting with my GTI. The Toyota is a very, very niche vehicle realistically. 

They would lose money even at 50K. Not worth it to the manufacturer unless it carries a huge halo effect. A small hatch carries no halo effect in the USA so it will cater to few enthusiasts with cash. At this price and in this segment (buy something fun), a used auction find of some interesting car may be a much…

Sure you would. For real?

Why? The Rav4 is still available. 

Judging by internet commenters, Toyota should have sold thousands of these. In reality, nobody will buy it. Nog for $40K it will end up being. You most certainly won’t. I do not know you, obviously, but it is a pretty good probability guess.

You did not include tips in the equation.  Tips are a major source of income for rideshare drivers, it seems.

Which is ironic because leasing is more expensive than buying. But of course, must always have new.

No takers

А loaded F-150 King Ranch Raptor with Ketchup package will cost as much or more. Or something something Suburban Denali XLE. Vehicles are expensive now of you want anything above base.

In other news, Tesla vehicles are electric.

On its own, it’s almost certainly a waste of money and resources. However, I strongly suspect that this increases sales and becomes cost-effective in the presence of competition.

Sure, but none of them sell nearly in F150 numbers. In fact, engine choices in the US market is more of an exception. Take a look at any volume models in Europe. Multiple engine choices is practically the rule in Europe. Dare count engine choices in VW gold, Merc C and E class, BMW 3-series?

? I have lived in North Dakota for 9 years and up until 3 years ago both vehicles were on all seasons. Now we have snow tires for the SUV that my wife drives. I continue to drive my small car on all seasons. Yes, it is worth it for an SUV. For a hatchback - it's fine as is. 

US vs other? Would you mind checking the number of engine options in VW Golf family?

Remember that this vehicle model sells more than many manufacturers' entire lineups. F-150 is not a model, it is practically its own brand.

Voluntary timely recalls do not and should not affect reliability ratings. Unless the problems are ongoing, in which case the manufacturer would be too late to recall and should be dinged.