Those are 2 big takeaways for me too. The lack of a hood strut is just one visible sign of cost cutting. How much more went on that doesn't show (yet)? There is probably more cost cutting all over the place - components sourced from lowest bidder, other little things omitted, cheaper materials, etc. In the wake of Dieselgate, I fully expect this has occurred. The elimination of the hood strut is just one visible and obvious hint.
I really don't understand the interior design decisions at ALL. iPad stuck to the dash, elimination of knobs & buttons? Were these decisions made 5 years ago? Because many automakers have already tried this and failed, and have brought back knobs/dials & buttons for major functions like infotainment and climate controls. Not here! Everything is touch and "sliders", all of which will be a PITA to operate while driving. It's going to be very interesting to see how this stuff is accepted by customers. If VW in fact screwed this up, it will have major implications since the Golf is truly the brand's bread & butter and main source of revenue.