► VW Scirocco GTS unveiled
► See it at Auto Shanghai 2015
► Just a cosmetic job
One of the new attractions on the Volkswagen stand at the 2015 Shanghai motor show next week will be the Scirocco GTS.
This is not – unfortunately – a Porsche-style higher performance model, bridging the gap between the cooking range and the Scirocco R. Rather, it’s a tarted up version of the existing 217bhp Scirocco R-Line, and descendent of the original Scirocco GTS that dates back to 1982.
What makes the Scirocco GTS different then?
Well. On the outside there are 18-inch ‘Norwich’ alloys (no we’re not making that up), red brake calipers and the same bumpers and body addendum as the regular R-Line. In these pictures there are what appear to be yellow-tinted lights in the front bumper, too, which is a nicely continental touch. You can make up your own mind about the stripes. These are only optional in Europe. The Chinese aren’t so lucky.
On the inside it gets a little bit more interesting, in as much as, like the original, the GTS gets the same golf ball as the Gold GTI. There’s also a set of red striped sports seats, plus lashings of red stitching and piano black detailing. And obviously some GTS logos in places.
The GTS is also the first Scirocco to get the updated ‘Modular infotainment matrix II’ Volkswagen infotainment system. VW shortens this to MIB II, but unlike the movie, this satnav is definitely an improvement. This will be coming to rest of the Scirocco range at the end of May.
Remind me of the Scirocco’s performance stats?
With the 217bhp 2.0-litre turbo beating its heart out under the bonnet, the GTS will go 0-62mph in 6.5sec, regardless of whether you stick with the standard six-speed manual or option the old-school six-speed DSG (no newer seven-speeder for the Scirocco just yet).
Top speed and efficiency both suffer if you opt for the auto, though – dropping from 153mph to 152mph (oooh), and from 46.3mpg to 44.1mpg. CO2 emissions are 142g/km and 148g/km, respectively.
I love it. How much will my Scirocco GTS cost?
Would love to tell you, currently can’t – VW hasn’t announced any pricing yet. However, we can tell you that the 2015 Volkswagen Scirocco GTS is due to go on sale Europe at the end of May 2015.