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.”
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.
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[...] 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 [...]
Just bring the Scirocco to Australia FFS!
Who cares if it steals sales from the GTI, it’s still a sale for Volkswagen?!
[...] 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 [...]
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.
“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?!
We’re a little disappointed too Brad, but this is 100 percent straight-outta-the-horses-mouth. The decision may change in the future, but right now it seems the Scirocco is most definitely not coming here.
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.
Tim, Brad, perhaps shoot us an email and let us know who you talked to at VW Australia? We’ve gone straight to the source and been told it ain’t coming, so we’re curious to know who’s been telling you otherwise.
Hit us up with the “Contact Us” link at the top of this page!
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.
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.
Geoff… my thoughts exactly!
man golf mk6 looks crap compared to mk5 and Scirocco