They aren't as overpriced in Europe, parts are cheaper which offsets the relatively lousy reliability (compared to Japanese cars), also the second-hand car market and the second hand parts market are huge here.
Basically Japanese cars ARE considered more reliable, but precisely for that reason they're seen as more premium than VW, which itself is the most expensive of "ordinary" brands.
You answered yourself.
True. But tought that more customers will choose more reliable cars, especially if future of VW after emission scandal was not so certain.
Last year they updated most models, new RAV4, Avensis, Corolla are much more suited to current trends. Looks like new C-HR will be popular in it's segment, so interesting how stats will look this year.
Of course, there are exceptions - Mazda is considered to look pretty cool across whole model range. Still, for my use, I much prefer my 1.4 TSI than whatever I saw available in Asian cars.
Volkswagen cheating was unacceptable and I'm pretty happy they got their asses handed to them over the issue. At the same time I'm aware that American diesel regulations are a way to protect your own brands, since Americans don't have the tech to make their own - you're more gas/hybrid/electric market.
I was searching for new in 2015, also considering VW, but they were overpriced, especially if you don't want basic version. After some research we decided to buy Toyota. They were maybe little delayed in terms of design and equipment, even slightly old-fashioned. But on the other hand they have long history of solid reliability. Of cource they have some bummers (like some d4-d engines), but at least Toyota always tried to fix them, even after warranty.