This is the new Volkswagen Scirocco R which will sit at the top of the stunning coupe’s range.

VW has fitted the Scirocco R with a modified version of the Mark V Golf GTI’s 2-litre engine with power increased from 197bhp to 261bhp.

The result is a 0-62mph time of 6.4 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph – quicker than the Golf R32 which manages 6.5 seconds.

The German car maker has shunned four-wheel drive, fitting the front-wheel drive Scirocco R with a reworked version of the new Golf GTI’s differential. This should help cut out understeer by channelling more power to the wheel with most grip.

It also gets a stiffer, lower suspension along with uprated brakes to cope with the increased power.

The Scirocco’s ‘I mean business’ face gets a little bit more aggressive while the hot hatch rolls on a set of newly-designed 18-inch wheels, which can be upgraded to 19s.

Other cosmetic changes include a roof spoiler, two side exhausts and body coloured side skirts.

Volkswagen is employing the use of smaller, turbocharged engines for its halo models instead of bigger ‘V’ powertrains to make them lighter and greener.

As a result, the Scirocco R should return an impressive 34.4mpg making it considerable more economical than the Golf R32 which averaged 26.4mpg.

With emissions of 192g/km, it’s also considerably greener than the 257g/km Golf R32.

Prices aren’t yet confirmed but the new Scirocco is expected to cost around £25,000 when it goes on sale in December.

This puts it on a par with the Ford Focus RS and around £2,300 cheaper than the Audi S3 and BMW 130i M Sport.
 

Would you buy a Volkswagen Scirocco?