Volkswagen Scirocco R avoids the axe

VOLKSWAGEN Australia has reversed its decision to cut the Scirocco R coupe from its line-up, while confirming the expansion of its R-Line sports enhancement pack across more models, including the Tiguan and Golf Wagon.

Speaking at the launch of the new Polo light hatch this week, Volkswagen Australia managing director John White said the positive reaction the Scirocco R received following its debut at last year’s Geneva show saved it from being axed, and that the new version was set for a November arrival.

“At the launch of the Golf GTI (in September 2013) we indicated two cars were exiting the market, one being the Up the other being the Eos and we were considering what to do with Scirocco,” Mr White said.

“Right about that time the car was shown at the Geneva auto show and after the feedback from the press, from the dealers and also from social media we made a decision that we’re going to keep the Scirocco R and introduce the new model in the month of November.”

Mr White said the new Scirocco R will retain the same powertrain as the current model – a 188kW/330Nm 2.0-litre direct injection turbo four-cylinder with either a six-speed manual or six speed dual-clutch DSG.

Mr White confirmed things such as the colour palette and options packages would be simplified compared to the current model, but that enhancements would also be made to the line-up.

“We’re going to focus on making the car a more volume, highly desirable vehicle,” he said.

Before the Scirocco R’s November arrival, Volkswagen will extend its R-Line – which differs from high-performance R-badged models such as the Scirocco and Golf R – sports enhancement pack, which brings lower suspension, alloy wheels and a more assertive body kit.

Currently the R-Line is offered on the Golf hatch, Beetle and top-of-the-range V8 Touareg, but from next month it will be available on the Tiguan compact SUV, with the Golf Wagon to follow in October.

Mr White said the sporty R-Line appeals to buyers that want to add some emotion to their otherwise practical new car.

“You need some emotion as opposed to having just a rational line-up and we believe that the R-Line stirs emotion,” Mr White said “Australian consumer we’ve seen like vehicles which have a little bit more spec, they like vehicles that make statements. It’s a nice little niche and it drives that emotion.”

Pricing for the upcoming Tiguan and Golf Wagon R-line will be announced in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, more details of the new Scirocco R, such as specification and pricing will be available closer to the November launch.

The three-door four-seat Scirocco R coupe first landed in Australia in 2012 and since its arrival, 1270 units have been sold. The current price is $47,990, plus on-road costs for the manual and $50,490 for the DSG.