Volkswagen Scirocco Returns

Thirty-four years after the world premiere of Scirocco, Volkswagen returned to Geneva to debut the 2008 version of its practical sports car.

Scheduled to enter the European market in late summer of 2008, the Scirocco is an affordable sports car designed for everyday use.

While the 2008 Scirocco pays tribute to the original design, it looks modern and sporting with a long roof increasing rear-seat space. Scirocco is the same length as a Golf, but sits lower and is nearly as wide as a Passat, creating room for four adults.

From the front, the design features wide upper and lower grilles to accentuate the width of the car while the profile looks athletic with short front and rear overhangs. At the rear, the integrated spoiler extends the roofline and wide taillights again emphasize the width.

For the European market the Scirocco will be powered by three TSI (gasoline direct-injection) engines, producing 122, 160 or 200 horsepower and a TDI common-rail diesel engine that produces 140 horsepower.

High tech features include a 7-speed Dual Shift Gearbox transmission and an adaptive chassis control system. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, height adjustable driver and front passenger seats, adjustable steering wheel, leather parking brake grip, sport seats, split-folding rear seats, power windows, air conditioning, ESP, brake assist, six airbags, and speed-sensitive power steering.

Prices for Scirocco start at €21,750 ($33,057 U.S.) in Germany and pricing for other countries will be announced later. While there are no official plans to sell the Scirocco in North American markets, it is under consideration.

Also on display is the Golf TDI Hybrid concept that combines a high-tech diesel engine, electric motor and 7-speed DSG transmission. Making its world debut, Volkswagen claims the Golf TDI Hybrid concept consumes only 3.4 liters of diesel fuel per 100 kilometers (approximately 69 mpg).

The Golf TDI Hybrid can run on electric power only, a combination of the diesel engine with electric power or diesel power only with power delivered through the 7-speed DSG transmission. Start-stop functionality automatically turns off the diesel engine when the vehicle is stopped.

Volkswagen also showed a natural gas vehicle, the Passat Estate TSI EcoFuel. Powered by a 150-horsepower TSI direct-injection engine, the Passat Estate TSI EcoFuel shows that a natural-gas powered vehicle doesn't have to be mild mannered, yet only consumes 5.2 kilograms of gas per 100 kilometers (60 miles). The Passat and Passat Estate TSI EcoFuel are scheduled to go on sale near the end of 2008.

Another natural-gas-powered vehicle in Geneva was the Volkswagen Caddy Maxi EcoFuel with room for seven passengers. With five CNG storage bottle located under the vehicle, the Caddy Maxi EcoFuel can store 37 kilograms of gas for a range of 600 kilometers (approximately 373 miles) and automatically switches to gasoline when the natural gas is used.

Offered in both passenger and panel-van versions, the Caddy Maxi EcoFuel's natural gas storage does not impact passenger or cargo capacity.