VW Scirocco Not On The Cards, Golf GTD "Being Considered" For Australia

vw_scirocco
May 8, 2009
ShareThis

Since going on sale in Europe in 2008, many a jealous Australian has been holding out hope that Volkswagen Australia would eventually bring the handsome hatchback to local showrooms.

Some rumours have even suggested the model was virtually months away from the dealership floor. Alas, it appears it's not to be.

We asked Volkswagen whether the racy three-door would be coming our way, and the answer was a solid "no". While it would no doubt get a lot of interest from hot-hatch fans, Volkswagen Group Australia spokesman Karl Gehling says it would clash with the rest of  VW's local range and cost too much.

 

"We like the car but cannot bring it here," Mr Gehling said.

"We are still looking at it but have no plans to release it in Australia."

 

2009 Volkswagen Golf GTD

It's a bit of a downer, but the VW hot-hatch story certainly doesn't end with the Scirocco. The new Golf VI GTI is due to go on sale here later this year, and Volkswagen Australia is also considering the diesel-drinking Golf GTD (above).

It's still too early to say whether we will or won't get the GTD variant, but those seeking FWD thrills should be adequately served by the GTI regardless.


Related Stories

Comments

  • VW Scirocco Not On The Cards, Golf GTD “Bei [reply]
    1 year ago 0 points
    [...] News Sources wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptSince going on sale in Europe in 2008, many a jealous Australian has been holding out hope that Volkswagen Australia would eventually bring the handsome hatchback to local showrooms, with some rumours even suggesting the model was virtually months away from the dealership floor . Alas, it appears it’s not to be. We asked Volkswagen whether the racy three-door would be coming our way, and the answer was a solid “no”. While it would no doubt get a lot of interest from hot-hatch fans, Volkswagen [...]
  • WOB-GTI [reply]
    1 year ago 0 points
    Just bring the Scirocco to Australia FFS!

    Who cares if it steals sales from the GTI, it's still a sale for Volkswagen?!
  • AUSmotive.com » Well that sucks [reply]
    1 year ago 0 points
    [...] the on again off again saga is an article on The Motor Report quoting VW Aus marketing boss Karl Gehling, “We like the car but cannot bring it here. We are [...]
  • Mick [reply]
    1 year ago 0 points
    The comments made by the VW spokes person are contradictory. If it is a 'no' to bringing it in, then why would they be still looking at it if there truly are no plans on bringing it in?

    I have a feeling that this may not be the end of the discussion on Scirocco. Pretty sure they could sell more of this model than the Passat CC - so I hold out hope.
  • Brad [reply]
    1 year ago 0 points
    "A source within Volkswagen Group Australia allegedly told an inquisitive enthusiast that the Scirocco is “currently undergoing the various tests to ensure the vehicle is able to withstand the Australian conditions”.

    ... well I happen to be that "inquisative enthusiast" who wrote to VW some months ago. Yes that is exactly the reply I received then. I can't believe there could be a 180 degree turn on this so quickly (actually, yes I can).

    I am deeply disapointed if this article has a fragment of truth to it. I don't want a bloody GTi... Volkswagen, are you listening?!
  • Tim [reply]
    1 year ago 0 points
    I like Brad also contacted Volkswagen Group Ausralia several months ago as I am interested in replacing my 2007 GTI with a Scirocco.

    Their reply was the same: "currently undergoing the various tests to ensure the vehicle is able to withstand the Australian conditions” and should be released late 2009/early 2010.

    A SciroccoTFI has even been recently released in New Zealand at little extra cost compared to the Golf GTI.

    I hope the May report is wrong as it looks like a great car.
  • Brad [reply]
    1 year ago 0 points
    OK... I have dug throughh my email archive and found the original email thread (initial enquiry and response from VW). If someone contacts me (email) I will forward on.
  • Geoff [reply]
    1 year ago 0 points
    If the Scirocco was released in Australia today I'd be at the dealers front door tomorrow, leaves the Golf looking like a box on wheels.
  • Brad [reply]
    1 year ago 0 points
    Geoff... my thoughts exactly!
  • sam [reply]
    1 year ago 0 points
    man golf mk6 looks crap compared to mk5 and Scirocco
  • Ankz [reply]
    8 months ago 0 points
    imo gold mark 6 looks better than mark 5....

    back to scirocco. hope VW just brings the GTI and the R version... and the price should be very comparible with the golf...

Post new comment

Want to join the discussion, or start one off?

Before you can get started, you'll need to log in to the TMR comments system via one of the services below (TMR Hub, Facebook, OpenID). If you don't have an account with any of those three, we'd recommend a TMR Hub account, so that you can take advantage of the great features that are just around the corner.

OR OR

(optional)
(not shown to others)


To comment, you must be logged in via one of the above methods.