Last Update on : March 6, 2008
Volkswagen Scirocco: Golf-based coupe revealed
 Photos of Volkswagen’s new Scirocco coupe have begun circulating on the internet ahead of the car’s official unveiling at this week’s Geneva Motor Show.
The images show the production version of the car has stayed remarkably faithful to the Iroc concept vehicle that debuted at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, with the silhouette and side-glass area almost identical.
The concept car’s menacing open grille has, however, given way to a more conservative front end and the prominent dual exhausts have been replaced by conventional round tailpipes. Front foglights replace the concept’s brake cooling ducts.
The front end is nevertheless a noticeable departure from Volkswagen’s current ‘V-shape’ styling theme.
The badge has been moved to the bonnet and the grille has been split into two sections. The top part of the grille has been replaced by a thin slat opening, while a new honeycomb grate sits in the lower bumper.
The change could give a hint as to the new styling direction of the next-generation Golf, due in 2009, or it could simply be an attempt by Golf to separate the Scirocco from the garden variety Golf on which it is based.
Volkswagen Australia says no decision has been made on whether the Scirocco will come down under, but the car is under consideration.
“As long as we feel that we can position the car successfully in the market, it’s something we’d be interested in,” says VW Australia spokesman Jon Dawe.
Dawe says Volkswagen would be likely to look at both diesel and petrol powered variants for the local line-up.
The Scirocco is a 21st-century version of the cult two-door coupe of the 1970s and Volkswagen’s first coupe for more than a decade.
As with the original, the new Scirocco is a four-seater and the cabin has a touch of retro styling with brown, ribbed leather seats. The dash is typical Volkswagen and the steering wheel is a flat-bottomed unit similar to that in the current Golf GTI.
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It has a slightly longer wheelbase and wider track than the Golf to give it a better visual stance as well as improved handling.
Engines are expected to include the VW GTI’s 147kW 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol as well as a 103kW or 125kW 2.0-litre diesel. The company’s 125kW, 1.4-litre turbocharged, supercharged four-cylinder is also a possibility. The Iroc concept was powered by a 155kW version of this petrol engine.
Volkswagen could also slot a V6 into the Scirocco, choosing from either the Golf R32’s 184kW 3.2-litre or the forthcoming Passat R36’s 220kW 3.6-litre unit. The six-cylinder version would almost certainly be offered with all-wheel drive.
Transmissions will include a six-speed manual and the new, seven-speed version of VW’s dual-clutch, automated manual ‘DSG’ gearbox.
Overseas reports suggest Volkswagen could launch the Scirocco as early as June this year, although the car is unlikely to find its way down under until early 2009.
Potential competitors include the Volvo C30 and Mini, although it may also take sales away from similarly priced (likely high-$30k to high-$40k bracket) sporty three-door hatches, including Volkswagen’s own Golf GTI.
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