SHANGHAI MOTOR SHOW: VW Scirocco GTS

There's a new GTS version of the Volkswagen Scirocco and once again it will be positioned below the top-shelf R coupe, the 2015 version of which landed Down Under in January priced at $45,990.

As such, like the previous Scirocco GTS, it's unlikely to be sold here, following its world debut at the China's Shanghai motor show next week and its European release in May.

For the record though, the 2015 GTS combines elements of the Golf 5 and 6 hatch, led by the same 162kW 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that powers the latest Golf GTI, replacing the 155kW engine in the old Scirocco GTS.

Volkswagen says both the six-speed manual and twin-clutch automatic versions will hit 100km/h in 6.5 seconds on its way to a 246km/h top speed. Fuel consumption is 6.1L/100km (manual) and 6.4L/100km (DSG).

Unique features include specific GTS-badged seats, exclusive black trim with red stitching, new 18-inch alloy wheels, red brake callipers, VW's golfball gear knob and latest-generation modular infotainment matric (MIBII) system.

Volkswagen's first Scirocco was released in 1982 and VW has sold more than a million since.