Volkswagen Scirocco GT TDI stokes our oil-burning lust

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
[Source: VW]
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.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Yuros 10:19AM (5/07/2009)
Can someone please explain to me briefly, why companies such VW, that already have presence in North America, do not bring these models here? They will obviously sell....right?
It seems that we have a chronic Euro-envy in NA when it comes to model selection.
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Adonnay 11:26AM (5/08/2009)
I could ask the US the same ;) We have some kind of Chevys here but no Camaro, we have a doge Caliber, but we have no Challenger.
Anyway... I ordered my Scirocco 2.0TSI about 3 weeks ago :P
FitFan 1:42AM (5/07/2009)
Damn the Europeans and their cool cars :-)
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gorr 10:48AM (5/07/2009)
It cost almost two time more to build a diesel car that meet the actual anti-pollution laws and political goals about fuel consumption and co2 emissions per mile, and these laws are changing every days and are planned to stay up to 2015 and 2018 and 2022, LOL. If you add-on the minimum requirement of consumers to that, then you end-up with just volkwagen messing-up with diesel in u.s.a because they are already inplanted in europe and worldwide with easier diesel technology. Gm, chrysler and ford cannot do the same in u.s.a, too restricted and baddly ruled impossible regulations to overcome.
I said and i repeat to sell one gazeous hydrogen car near where i live to end this economic crisis. Stop messing with my buying bids worldwide, it already have provoked an economic downturn, all that because many folks here in this site are arguing my buying bids and speak the names of everyones, everywhere and for all the time to come. I said that i want to buy a hydrogen car for me, i didn't said that i want to put that buying bid to everyone. It's me that invented this system, ordering on internet the car that you want to buy, so starting today, just speak your name and don't mess or argue with me.
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Sam 3:17PM (5/15/2009)
umm what?
Bill 3:33PM (5/07/2009)
Looks like the U.S. Jetta TDi lists for about 10% more than the equivalent gasser.
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