The Prius is about the same price, also uses the less desirable CVT automatic "Less desirable CVT"HOLY SH*T MAN! Get with the program!
The Toyota Hybrid system is not a CVT like all others as you implied, but a rather PST (Power Sharing Transmission). The PATENTED Toyota Power Split Device uses multiple (3) imputs which vary themselves together on a planetary gear set to create one output, one ratio, gear on gear.
Industry standard CVTs take one output and then provides variable output speeds and torque via the CVT.
Once this VW unit gets out into the real world and into stop and go urban driving for a period of time then we can discuss.