Scirocco not certain for Oz
VW Australia chief says there's still work to do before Scirocco can come Down UnderVolkswagen Geneva show star, the all-new Scirocco sports coupe is not a certain starter Down Under. That's the shock news from the company's Aussie chief.
Volkwagen Australia boss, Jutta Dierks, in Geneva for the unveiling of the comeback coupe, told the Carsales Network that the Scirocco had yet to be secured for local release.
"We would love to add Scirocco to our line-up for Australia but there's still a lot of work to do," Dierks said.
"The car would make a great addition to our line-up. Eos is the top-selling sportscar in Australia and we believe that Scirocco would be a strong performer, if we can position it correctly," Dierks told the Carsales Network.
While Dierks would not elaborate, in plain English the above indicates Volkswagen Australia and head office are still some way apart on pricing for the reborn sportscar, the original version of which was launched at Geneva in 1974.
Available with a range of engines coupled with VW's newest seven-speed DSG gearbox, Scirocco will be launched Europe-wide the third quarter of 2008 with prices starting in Germany at under $40,000 (21,750 euros).
Dierks was more positive on the future of the Passat CC four-door coupe Down Under. Displayed at Detriot motor show in January, and making an appearance for the first time at Geneva, the CC will almost certainly go on sale before the end of 2008. In fact, it's expected to make its Australian sales debut in time for October's Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.
"We're much further down the line with CC," was Dierks' comment. "There's a big gap in our line-up between Passat and Touareg. We've added the R36 Passat, but we know the CC would be a good fit."
According to Dierks, engine choices for the CC are still to be finalised.
The Carsales Network's information is that both diesel and petrol powertrains will be offered, the former most likely a 125kW version of the new common-rail turbodiesel that will also debut in Skoda's new Superb (see separate story).
VW also unveiled a TDI-Hybrid Golf concept at Geneva. VW claims the concept car uses no more than 3.4L/100km. It can run in internal-combustion mode only, in mixed operation or for a limited time in emissions-free electric power only. It also features an automatic stop-start system.
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