Volkswagen Australia has given local press a sneak peek at its revised Scirocco R, ahead of the model's official launch here in February next year.
Remaining available locally only in 'R' spec, the hard-charging three-door hot hatch is set to receive a host of technology and styling updates, including a Golf R-inspired front-end and 19-inch Cadiz alloy wheels.
Pricing for the MY15 Scirocco R is still a closely guarded secret, but Volkswagen has said that the facelifted model will receive a packet of new technology items as standard.
These include bi-xenon headlights with LED running lamps and indicators, LED tail-lights, matte chrome mirror scalps (previously black) and a rear swivel badge with reversing camera, a la Golf hatch, as well as Adaptive Chassis Control (adaptive dampers).
Inside, the renewed Scirocco R will add an R-Line leather steering wheel (with paddle shifters on DSG-equipped models), a reversing camera with guidelines, front and rear parking sensors, new tri-gauge binnacle cluster with turbo boost, oil temperature and stopwatch dials, 6.5-inch colour touch-screen audio system with sat-nav, new trim garnishes and the long-awaited option of heated leather trim.
Metallic paint, a panoramic glass roof and powered, heated front seats will be made available optionally.
The 2015 Volkswagen Scirocco R will remain front-wheel-driven and continue to feature VW's fiery 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. For the Australian market, the Scirocco R makes 188kW and 330Nm. It continues to be offered with the choice of six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch (DSG) transmissions, sports suspension and XDL electronic lock front differential.
Minor changes to engine mapping have achieved small improvements in the model's fuel consumption with DSG models now sipping 8.0L/100km and manual variants 8.1. The full torque value of 330Nm also arrives earlier at 2400rpm (100rpm lower) allowing 0-100km/h times of six and 6.2 seconds respectively.
Volkswagen has given no indication of any pricing change for the Scirocco R, which is currently positioned between the Golf GTI and Golf R from $47,990 (plus on-road costs). It is the only three-door performance model currently offered by Volkswagen locally.
"We've taken the most popular aspects of the Scirocco R and carried those on," said Volkswagen Australia product manager for Scirocco, Luca Popovac.
"We have taken a view on where the market is going – and obviously within our own range as to what we've been able to put as standard on many of our cars – and there are some really great upgrades to this car over the outgoing model," he concluded.
Visiting motoring.com.au again soon for a Quick Spin of the 2015 Volkswagen Scirocco R.