I could be bias, being as I've owned one for the last 2.5 years.
If it's the 170 Bhp, 20V version, this would be more dersiable, once you drive it and hear the engine note you'll be in love.
The down side to the V5 is that it's not as tunable as the 1.8T, but if you just want an motorway cruiser I would say it's an ideal car.
As with mine, it can be tuned, 191BHp from 170.5Bhp, and I manage to keep up we most other cars on the motor with ease.
Have a listen to my V5, with milltek exhaust, and I'm sure it will help sway your brothers decision [

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