Some comments to your comments.
- The ride is awful especially cornering at any kind of speed - ride is firm certainly, but wouldn't class it as awful.
- The dash rattles in many places - mine doesn't
- The HID lights are rubbish - can't comment, don't have them.
- The hands free/voice activation is a joke even after mods - again, can't comment
- Soundproofing is really poor - Wide tyres do tend to make a bit of tyre noise, but again no worse than other cars I've driven.
- Auto wipers take ages to come on - Don't have an issue with the auto wipers, mine always work fine.
- Cruise control is not smooth especially when it backs off - If you find it jerky, try putting your foot on the accelerator before cancelling the cruise, then lifting off manually. Not had cruise before, so can't tell if it is any better or worse than others.
- Ipod connection is a rip off - Probably yes if the dealer fits it, not so bad if you fit it yourself (like I did)
- Computer overstates speed & MPG - All cars overstate speed to some extent.
- Suspension is noisy - no unwanted noises yet
- Stereo poor - I think the stereo is fine as it is - could maybe do with a touch more bass.
It feels like they had to compromise the quality to keep the cost down - as FWH says, all manufacturers are doing this to some degree.