Volkswagen Scirocco

	The firm’s designers have been able to be a great deal more flamboyant with the Scirocco’s shape

Auto Express magazine can exclu­sively reveal the first pictures of the German manufacturer’s next must-have hatchback, which has been spied testing for the first time.

Promising to be sleeker, lighter and faster than its Golf GTI stable-
mate, the Scirocco is certain to be welcomed by hot hatch fans and coupé buyers alike. The mag's images prove the shape of the final production model has barely changed from the concept which debuted at last September’s Paris Motor Show.

Ten months on, and engineers can’t wait any longer – public road testing has begun in order to keep the forthcoming model launch on schedule. And that has meant our spies were able to grab these shots of the first prototype in the US, where the newcomer briefly appeared wearing a disguise at the front and rear.

Despite the black camouflage in the mag's pics, sev­eral details are still clearly visible. Most striking is the unique profile of the Golf-based model, which is sure to make a big impression.

Free from the constraints of practicality and versatility that go into penning a conventional hatchback, the firm’s designers have been able to be a great deal more flamboyant with the Scirocco’s shape. Viewed from the side, it’s clear to see how the distinctive sill line rises and falls within the wheelbase. While the front end is under cover, the production model will have unique headlamps and an Audi-style four-sided grille.

At the rear, the newcomer has a steeply raked glass area to set it apart from the Golf. Due to go on sale in the UK next autumn, the Scirocco will fill a similar niche to the 1974 original, offering a sporty alternative to regular compact family hatchbacks. While torquey diesel variants are sure to be popular, Volkswagen’s TSI engines will spearhead the line-up.

Along with the existing 1.4-litre turbocharged and supercharged unit, larger-capacity versions are expected to produce up to 210bhp. Power will be fed to the front wheels in most models, with the option of all-wheel drive in top-of-the-range variants. Both conventional manual and two-pedal DSG sequential gearboxes will also be offered across the range.

Prices and specifications have yet to be confirmed, but the Scirocco will cost more than the equivalent three-door Golf. Unfortunately, the line-up is unlikely to include basic entry-level variants, so prices are expected to start from around £20,000