Volkswagen Scirocco R Wolfsburg special edition announced

Volkswagen is farewelling it’s underappreciated Volkswagen Scirocco R hot hatch with a limited run Wolfsburg edition, which goes on sale here from November 14.

The 150 cars will have unique trim, Wolfsburg badges and a choice of Oryx White Pearl Effect or Rising Blue Metallic paintwork complemented by black 19-inch Lugano alloys and black wing mirror housings.

Interior extras include motorsport bucket front seats, premium multi-function colour display and limited edition numbered plaque.

Power comes from the familiar 2.0-litre direct injection turbo petrol four, which develops 188kW and 330Nm. Most of them will come with a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, with just 30 manuals.

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The Wolfsburg name celebrates VW’s global headquarters. It was recently used on the very frisky Golf R wagon and is expected to be rolled out for more special edition performance models next year.

“It’s fitting that we see off the Scirocco in such spectacular fashion,” Volkswagen Group Australia Managing Director Michael Bartsch said.

“This limited edition is one to keep enthusiasts happy at track days or on winding, weekend drives for many years to come.”

Volkswagen called time on the ageing Scirocco, instead of going ahead with its planned 2017 upgrade, as part of a rationalisation process that has also claimed the Beetle and Eos.

While its demise leaves a hole in VW’s performance range, Bartsch said this will be filled by this month’s introduction of the Passat 206TSI and the January launch of the Tiguan 162TSI SUV, which shares an engine with the Golf GTI.

“And our hot hatches, from Polo GTI through to Golf R, are outselling rivals by comfortable margins.”

The Volkswagen Scirocco R Wolfsburg will retail at $49,490 for the manual and $51,990 for the DSG auto. Add another $1750 if you want the panoramic glass sunroof.