New-look Scirocco blows in for Volkswagen

• NEW CAR NEWS – VOLKSWAGEN SCIROCCO

A WIND of change blew through the Geneva Motor Show when the original Volkswagen Scirocco made its debut in 1974.

Now, exactly 40 years and more than a million sales later, a new Scirocco is storming back to the same automotive extravaganza.

Named after a Mediterranean wind off the Sahara, it comes with engines that really pack a punch – up to a hefty 280PS – yet also promise fuel efficiency improvements of up to 19 per cent.

Externally, the Scirocco’s sleek shape has been refined with new headlights and tail lights, as well as revised bumper styling.

A new-look front bumper features aerodynamic blades in the outer section, like those used on the latest-generation Golf GTI, with integrated indicator lights, daytime running lights and fog lights.

At the rear, all Sciroccos now have LED tail lights, while the bumper has been reshaped to appear lower and as with the Golf, the Volkswagen logo badge now works as the tailgate release handle.

Powering the range are six new tubocharged direct-injection petrol and diesel engines, all of which can return between 68.9 and 34.9mpg.

The petrol range consists of a 1.4-litre petrol with 125PS, a new 2.0-litre 180PS unit which replaces the previous 1.4-litre 160PS engine and a 220PS 2.0-litre TSI that’s 19 per cent more efficient than the engine it replaces.

Topping the line-up is the Scirocco R, which uses a 2.0-litre unit producing 280PS, and that’s 15PS more than before.

Two diesel engines will be offered, both 2.0-litre units, with either 150PS or 184PS, and economy of up to 68.9 mpg.

And as a tribute to the 1974 model, there’s an instrument cluster above the centre console consisting of chronometer, charge pressure and oil temperature gauges.

The Scirocco opens for ordering in May, with first deliveries expected in September. Pricing will be available closer to the car’s launch.