I think if you think the VW thing through you can see where it came from.

What the software is doing is polling all available events and looking for things like if the wheels are turning, steering changing, etc. Which if ain'ta movin' you would like the engine to idle in the most efficient way. It is a leap from there to recognise the signature of emission tests and modify performance to suit. The latter is the crime.

In which case they should be looking at BMWs - I have seen some pretty black stuff coming out of them under fierce acceleration. All modern diesels will now be suspect.

When I see a hybrid SUV claiming 156 mpg you know they are being less than economical with the truth. But fashion never had anything to do with function or truth. MPG figure are prescribed by governments and are far from representative of idiot driving.