04 Mar 08
Volkswagen will open the order books for the Scirocco coupe in June with UK deliveries scheduled for September.
The two-door Scirocco has changed little from 2006's Iroc concept. Predictably, the exterior styling is more; notable differences include changes to the air intakes, hood line and headlights. A metal grille surround has been dropped, the A-pillars have been changed and the sculpted, muscular look has been toned down. The rear is quite close to the concept's, but the trapezoidal, dual exhaust outlets have been replaced by twin round pipes at the left corner. The Scirocco is slightly longer than the Golf GTI, but a little wider and lower-riding.
Volkswagen intends to replicate the appeal of the original Giugiaro-styled Scirocco, launched 1974. This new one similarly combines sportiness and coupe good looks with a practical boot - 292 litres, or 755 litres with the rear seats folded flat - and everyday usability. It offers decent rear headroom, though its cabin has four individually-sculpted seats rather than a three-person rear bench.
Interior features include a flat-bottomed steering wheel and optional panoramic sunroof; all versions will have adaptive chassis control with comfort, normal and sport settings for the suspension and steering, as well as stability control.
The first engine on offer will be the 200bhp 2.0 TFSI turbo unit, with six-speed manual or DSG gearboxes. Further TSI and TDI engines will follow later in the year. Volkswagen plans to sell 3000 Sciroccos in the UK this year and 9000 in its first full year on sale.
Final prices and specifications are yet to be confirmed, but expect an entry price around the £20,000 mark.
Check out the rest of our Geneva Motor Show coverage.
