Official: 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco

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After a slew of leaks, Volkswagen has officials unveiled its Scirocco hatchback, which goes on sale in Europe later this summer. The car is on display this week at the Geneva Motor Show.


“In the Scirocco we will be bringing the kind of sports car into the showroom that people dream of. Yet it is a dream that an exceptionally large number of car drivers will be able to afford — despite all of the high-end technologies we have implemented,” CEO Dr. Martin Winterkorn said.
With a length of 168 inches, the Scirocco is on par with the Golf. However, it is built significantly lower to the ground and is nearly as wide as the larger Passat sedan.
There is seating for four adults, including the driver. Once they are all aboard, the Scirocco provides 292 liters of cargo capacity; when the two seatbacks of the individual rear seats are folded down, capacity increases to 755 liters.

There are three TSI gasoline engines offered and one TDI diesel. The gas engines deliver 120, 158, or 145 horsepower. The diesel motor develops 140 horsepower. The standard transmission is a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
A panoramic glass roof is available, which extends from the A-pillars to the B-pillars. The glass reflects 99 percent of UV radiation, 97 percent of infrared radiation (heat) and 80 percent of visible light.
Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, height adjustable driver and front passenger seats and steering wheel, leather parking brake grip, sport seats, split folding rear seats, power windows, air conditioning, ESP, braking assistant, six airbags, speed-dependent power steering, and of course a sport chassis.
U.S. availability
Reports surfaced a few months ago suggesting the Scirocco would not be offered in the North American market, but the appearance of prototypes this summer on U.S. soil suggests otherwise.
In late April, Volkswagen of America executive Adrian Hallmark said the new Scirocco hatchback would not come to the United States because “we don’t want it.” He implied it would cannibalize sales of the GTI.
But in May, spokesman Hans-Gerd Bode said the final decision will not be made by Volkswagen of America, but rather by VW CEO Martin Winterkorn in Germany.