Word leaked late last week via an official-looking dealer communiqué that Volkswagen had finally decided to pass on bringing the Scirocco to the U.S., but to the best of our knowledge, nobody has gotten first-hand confirmation that the sporty hatchback will not make it across The Pond – until now.

We just got off the phone with Tom Wegehaupt, Volkswagen' of America's public relations coordinator, and he has given us an on-the-record confirmation that the car will not be coming to the U.S. Apparently, the business case just couldn't be made for the car, what with fears of the model cannibalizing sales of the forthcoming GTI and the health of the auto market.

We imagine that other factors were at work too, including the sour economy at large, America's historic aversion to hatchbacks, the short shelf-life of most sports-car models, and so on. Either way, if you want a sporting hatch from Wolfsburg, it looks like you're going to have to slake your performance joneses with something badged G-T-I.

Following closely on the heels of the Volkswagen Golf GTD, VW has announced it will also be offering a high-performance diesel variant of the Scirocco hatchback. Dubbed the Scirocco GT TDI, the new model will employ a 170 horsepower 2.0L diesel.

The Scirocco GT TDI makes its 170 horsepower at 4,200 rpm, but the real story is the car’s 258 lb-ft of torque available at a low 1,750 rpm. That’s enough grunt to get the hatch from 0-60 in 8.1 seconds while still achieving an impressive 44 mpg (U.S.) on the combined cycle.

Scirocco GT TDI buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG gearbox. No matter the gearbox, the Scirocco GT TDI can hit a top speed of 138 mph.

As with standard Scirocco GT models, the TDI variant will come equipped with a six-disc CD changer, automatic headlights, dual-zone air-conditioning and six airbags. The TDI model also does with the standard car’s suspension featuring VW’s Adaptive Chassis Control, allowing the driver to choose between normal, comfort and sport modes. However, unique 19-inch ‘Lugano’ wheels are available.

Pricing for the Scirocco GT TDI is expected to be announced closer to the car’s launch.

The Scirocco shares its 265-horsepower/350 Nm (258 lb-ft) 2.0L turbo four with the Audi S3, but unlike the latter, the VW is a front-driver. Drivers pick gears via either a 6-speed stick or DSG, and the VW Scirocco R gets the XDS electronic differential featured in the new GTI. On the tarmac, the Scirocco R makes the run from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.5 seconds with the manual gearbox.

Published Oct 20, 2009

WOLFSBURG, Germany — Volkswagen has officially unleashed its Golf R and Scirocco R models in Germany, with the Golf starting at the equivalent of $54,400 and the Scirocco at $49,950.

Both vehicles use a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder TSI engine. It makes 265 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque on the four-wheel-drive Golf and 261 hp on the Scirocco. The German automaker upgraded the power plant with a new head, uprated pistons and con rods and higher-pressure injectors. VW's Golf R sprints to 60 mph in less than 5.7 seconds, and both cars max out at a top speed of just over 155 mph. Fuel consumption has also been decreased. The Golf uses 21 percent less fuel, and the Scirocco attains an impressive 29 mpg.

Exclusive "R" features include 17 or 18-inch "Mallory" alloy wheels, R-designed bumpers, a roof spoiler, high-gloss radiator grille and black rear diffuser. The Golf R is distinguished by its newly developed LED front and rear lights.

To spice up the interior, the automaker added sport seats, "R" logo on the headrests and side sills, a sport steering wheel and stainless-steel pedal covers.

VW showcases the Scirocco R in the virtual world with the "Scirocco R 24h Challenge" iPhone application, which has already been downloaded more than a million times. It reached the top spot in the App Store in some 32 countries. Check it out here and see how fast you can pilot the Scirocco R around the 'Ring.

The cars are now available at German Volkswagen dealerships.

Inside Line says: Both vehicles are aesthetically pleasing and have a surprisingly powerful four-banger under the hood. — Mike Lysaght, Correspondent

with the Golf starting at the equivalent of $54,400 and the Scirocco at $49,950.