VW Scirocco closer to Oz?

Volkswagen’s gorgeous Scirocco coupe is a step closer to Australia after this R Line version was unveiled in the UK overnight. British websites Autocar and iMotor have both published details of the high-performance addition.

The confirmation that the car will go on sale in Britain in October this year is the first official word on right-hand drive production. The last time the Carsales Network broached the subject of the Scirocco and its chances of joining VW’s Australian line-up was in February, when Volkswagen Group Australian Managing Director Jutta Dierks said a right-hand drive version hadn’t been announced.

And although she admitted the regular Scirocco models were too close in price and performance to the Golf range, especially the strong selling GTI, Dierks revealed that an R version would be an ideal fit for the local range (see here).

The initial reports confirm the Scirocco R is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TFSI engine but it is not the same one found in the Mk 6 Golf GTI. The Golf uses the newer EA888 unit while the Scirocco powerplant is based on the EA113 version found in the Mk 5 Golf GTI. The reports explain this was done because the older engine is easier and cheaper to modify. It features new cylinder head, pistons, conrods and injectors.

The result is that the upgraded engine pumps out 195kW of power and 350Nm of torque. Peak torque is available all the way from 2500rpm to 5000rpm which should mean some very impressive performance.

That grunt is transferred to the front wheels via either a six-speed manual gearbox or VW’s double-clutch DSG transmission. The choice of front-wheel drive only is a surprise given the previous generation Golf R32 featured an all-wheel drive system. It is understood the decision to axe the drive to the rear wheels was driven by a desire to save weight and complexity. Instead, the engineers have fitted the same XDS electronic differential and Dynamic Chassis Control systems that has earned praise in the new GTI.

As expected the suspension has been modified with new dampers, springs and a lower ride height. The bodywork also gets the R Line treatment with redesigned front and rear bumpers and a rear spoiler.

Official pricing hasn’t been released but speculation has it priced from £26,000 (approximately AUS$52,000).

No official word yet from Volkswagen Australia about this latest development, but we’ll keep you updated when it comes through.

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