Geneva: VW Scirocco

Scirocco blows in

Reborn VW Coupe unveiled at Geneva motor show; launch version to get 197bhp Golf GTI engine

Volkswagen is set to re-enter a sector it defined more than three decades ago, with the launch of an all-new Scirocco.

	The 197bhp version will be competitively priced at £20,500

It’s appropriate that VW chose the Geneva motor show to reveal its reborn coupe, for the original Giugiaro-designed Scirocco was first shown in the Swiss capital back in 1974. Also based on Golf underpinnings, that crisply styled two-door four-seater enjoyed strong sales between 1974 and 1981, before it received a facelift that took the model – appropriately renamed Scirocco II – through to 1993. Production then ended to make way for its successor, the Corrado.

Externally the new Scirocco retains many of the cues first seen on VW’s Iroc concept at the Paris show in 2006. Though the angular grille and aggressive stance have been slightly softened in the transition from concept to full production car, the Scirocco is still a successful departure from the current ‘family’ look and appears to share little visual DNA with the Golf, which should further cement its stand-alone identity.

Inside it promises to combine a more engaging and intimate driving experience with the core Golf qualities of space, comfort and practicality. Despite its rakish roofline, the hatchback Scirocco is a full four-seater, with two individually sculpted rear seats replacing the more bench-like affair found in the Golf. These seats can be folded down to increase boot space, but there’s plenty of luggage volume with them in place.

When the Scirocco first arrives in the UK in September just one version will be offered: the 2.0 TSI, fitted with the 197bhp turbo 2-litre engine familiar from the Golf GTI. Competitively priced at £20,500, it will come with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, but a twin-clutch DSG ’box will be available as an option, costing around £1300 extra.

Before the end of the year, 138bhp and 168bhp 1.4 TSI versions will join the range, priced at around £18,000 and £19,000 respectively.

In keeping with the Scirocco’s sporting brief, it will be the first VW to employ the company’s ‘Dynamic Drive Control’ adjustable suspension. To be fitted as standard across the Scirocco range, it uses electronically controlled dampers to offer the driver three ride settings, from Comfort to Sport.

The Scirocco will be offered in two trim levels: the first will feature 17in alloys, while the higher-spec model will get 18s. Options will include a panoramic sunroof, touch-screen satnav and leather upholstery.

Although VW wouldn’t be drawn on the full breadth of the planned Scirocco range, it’s clear there are more models waiting in wings. Diesel and all-wheel-drive versions are both likely, the latter raising the exciting prospect of a model based on the R32 Golf. If the Scirocco is as sporty and driver-focused as VW is suggesting, a V6-engined, all-wheel-drive flagship would be quite a car.