Volkswagen Scirocco GT TDI stokes our oil-burning lust
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on May 6th 2009 at 4:59PM 
Volkswagen Scirocco – Click above for high-res image gallery
Europeans just got another turbocharged diesel engine option for the Volkswagen Scirocco, leaving us even more jealous than before that the sporty hatchback won't be making its way to America. The new powerplant is the same unit that VW recently introduced in the Golf GTD, and it offers up the same 168 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque in this application.
The torque-rich oil-burner can be mated to either a six-speed manual or VW's excellent six-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox. Either way, the TDI is capable of pushing the Scirocco to 60 mph in about eight seconds and on to a top speed of 138 mph. According to Volkswagen, the new powerplant manages to score 53.3 mpg (44 in U.S. gallons) on the EU combined cycle.
VW is only putting the new diesel in vehicles equipped with the up-level GT trim. As such, standard features include a six-disc CD changer, dual-zone climate control, electronic stability control and VW's Adaptive Chassis Control, which offers three separate suspension settings. Also newly available are 19-inch "Lugano" alloy rims. Check the complete press release after the break for all the details.
Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco UK
PRESS RELEASE:
SCIROCCO GT TDI 170PS COMBINES PERFORMANCE, STYLE AND ECONOMY
The new performance diesel variant of the Scirocco GT equipped with a 2.0-litre TDI 170PS engine is now available to order. Combining effortless acceleration, made possible by 258 lbs ft of torque delivered from 1,750 rpm, and the ability to return 53.3 mpg on the combined cycle, the new model mixes style, economy and sharp dynamics.
The refined and powerful 2.0-litre common rail TDI engine develops 170 PS at 4,200 rpm and is available linked to either a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG gearbox. Both gearboxes accelerate the Scirocco to 62 mph from a standstill in 8.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 138 mph (DSG: 136), while emitting just 139 g/km (DSG: 147) of CO2.
The latest addition to the Scirocco range is available linked exclusively to the GT trim level and offers a comprehensive list of standard equipment including a six-CD autochanger, rain and dusk sensor, multifunction computer and 2Zone air conditioning. In terms of safety, ABS, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) and six airbags are all standard.
For the first time new 19-inch 'Lugano' alloy wheels are available as an option.
As with all models in the Scirocco range, the new GT 2.0-litre TDI 170PS is fitted with Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) operating through pneumatic valves in the damper units. The system allows the driver to select from normal, comfort or sport modes to define the desired suspension and steering response settings for the conditions.
For more information on the Scirocco visit your local Volkswagen Retailer, call 0800 333666 or log on to www.volkswagen.co.uk.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
zamafir 5:05PM (5/06/2009)
I love the scirocco, i love TDi, but vw can keep this one, the reviews are beyond meh.
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Rogue_G 5:07PM (5/06/2009)
Can we just call a moratorium on any more Scirocco news from now on? At least the Focus RS will be coming in a couple years, and most of the hot looking Alphies. But VW is determined to deny us this car, so why give them the press?
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David 5:17PM (5/06/2009)
VW is determined to keep most of the good stuff and give us the entrails.
I agree: they need to be punished!
mk3 6:01PM (5/06/2009)
I think there are a lot of people that read this blog and don't leave in USA.
Tomac 5:17PM (5/06/2009)
TDI = exciting, Scirocco = snore. Who styled this bland, featureless coupe? I can appreciate underwhelming styling for the sake of conservative handsome lines, but the Scirocco lacks even that. I don't understand the hype and lust over this car. There are better looking minivans out there..
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Ken Stamper 5:51PM (5/06/2009)
Couldn't disagree more. This looks so much better than any comparable $20-30,000 available stateside to me. I think the lack of scoops, spoilers, and tacky ground effects are exactly why I love it so much
Tomac 8:10PM (5/06/2009)
To each his own-- that's why there are options out there. I too dislike side skirts, wings, and spoilers, and while the Scirocco sheetmetal looks clean, it comes off as wholly uninspired to my eyes. Neither the front and rear fasciae are particularly unattractive, but they don't exactly excite. I think the Golf is nicer looking, and I even prefer the Mazda3 hatch over both (garish smiley grille and all). I'm know Veedub fans are drooling over it, though, so it may just be a case of differing tastes.
Rev Junkie 5:17PM (5/06/2009)
I'm sorry, but imagine yourself sitting behind the wheel, in a sexy looking hatch like this, turning the key, or pushing the start button, and suddenly the noise of an idling tractor enters the cabin. The experience is ruined.
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Yikes 5:34PM (5/06/2009)
Clearly you have ZERO experience with European Diesels.
mk3 6:03PM (5/06/2009)
Clearly. At least try before you say your opinion.
Aprime 6:08PM (5/06/2009)
Well the last generation Jetta TDIs sound like tractors.
Aprime 6:08PM (5/06/2009)
Same goes for the present generation - at idle, but they're not nearly as loud as the previous gen.
Val 6:31PM (5/06/2009)
If you are riding next to the front left tire, strapped onto the hood, maybe you will hear this. In the seats, with the windows closed, there is not even the slightest vibration in the older (2-3 years old) VW diesels, let alone the new ones. At cruise speed there is considerably less engine noise and vibration than a 4 cyl petrol engine.
MONTE 5:27PM (5/06/2009)
Buffy and Muffy don't want to smell diesel on thier hands as they sip their lattes, so this car will never see U.S. soil. We are gonna be stuck with gas burners and automatics forever because of the mindset here. Yay!
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Farris 6:04PM (5/06/2009)
FALSE. ADVERTISING.
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-volkswagen-scirocco-uk/865466/
Grrrr.... stupid VW for not bringing it here.
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sub 6:55PM (5/06/2009)
False advertising?
Are you refering to the bridge? Because that's not SF's Golden Gate.. It's Lisbon's (Portugal) 25 de Abril Bridge (same styling).
cheers
Farris 7:11PM (5/06/2009)
Crap... now I feel stupid.
Anti-believer 8:15PM (5/06/2009)
damn this is FUGLY!
they were smart for once.... not bringing it here.
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Newzmann 8:16PM (5/06/2009)
I think the car looks great...I love the TDI, and this one's got even more torque than the one they're exporting here.
What I don't love is that it's not coming to the US.
If I ever buy a new car, it's going to be a hybrid or a turbo diesel.
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JMills 8:29PM (5/06/2009)
I'm curious, anyone on here have any experience with these modern diesels? With that much torque, I'm assuming it's a relatively flat torque curve, How do they drive compared to gas engines? Are there less revs to work with? Is it as satisfying to wind through the revs as a gas engine?
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