The Scirocco 2.0 TSI (132 KW)—with and additional 20 PS—accelerates 0.6 seconds faster to 100 km/h than its predecessor. At 350 N·m the Scirocco 2.0 TSI (162 kW) develops 70 N·m more torque than the 155 kW predecessor. And with power output of 206 kW (276 hp), the Scirocco R is the most powerful and agile Scirocco of all time (with DSG 0-100 in 5.5 seconds).

The new Volkswagen Scirocco and Scirocco R. Click to enlarge.

The six turbo direct injection engines belong to the latest generation of Volkswagen's four-cylinder engine family and consistently fulfill the EU 6 emissions standard in addition to being up to 19% more fuel efficient.

All Scirocco models with power output of up to 162 kW / 220 PS are fitted with a Stop/Start system as standard; these versions use braking energy to charge the battery (recuperation mode) so that the engines are able to work even more efficiently via load point shifting. If a dual-clutch gearbox is on board, energy is saved with a coasting function (up to 220 PS).

Volkswagen is producing the latest Scirocco at its Portuguese plant near Lisbon. From there the sports car will be launched from the middle of August—with all six engine variants—initially in Europe; advance sales have already started in some countries such as Germany. Further high-volume markets such as China, Turkey, Australia, Russia and South Korea will follow soon afterwards. US buyers will, at least for now, miss out.

Coupés have been an important part of the Volkswagen model range for decades. The first was the Karmann Ghia coupé in 1955—a style icon that evolved with the times until the end of production in 1974. The successor to this classic was launched in the same year: the first Scirocco. Two generations of the Scirocco were built in a space of 18 years between 1974 and 1992 with production totaling 795,734 units. In the late summer of 2008 Volkswagen re-introduced the model with the third-generation Scirocco.

By the end of 2013, 212,450 Scirocco had left the Volkswagen factory in Palmela, Portugal. Now Volkswagen is presenting a new version of the Scirocco.