Look closely at our pictures of the new VW Iroc concept car and you'll see that the number plates actually say "SCIROCCO", with "IROC" painted black. That name, and the funky 'Viper Green' paintwork are the only items shared with VW's successful coupe nameplate, yet we have been assured that a new Scirocco is on the way and this concept is a good indication of its appearance.
Though the eye-catching shape of the Iroc shares little with the current VW range, it is thought to preview a new family face (to be debuted on the new Tiguan SUV) and the rear three-quarter view could even represent the next Golf. The concept sits on a longer wheelbase than the current Golf (though still shorter than the Passat's) and is longer and wider, though lower.
Behind the GTi-like honeycomb grille sits a 210bhp version of VW's radical TSI engine that utilises both a turbocharger and a supercharger to make the best compromise between emissions, fuel economy and performance. It is likely that production versions will have the same options as the faster Golfs, including a four-wheel drive powertrain and a V6 engine. It is, however, beginning to sound like a serious competitor for the new Audi TT.
One aspect of the concept car unlikely to get the green light is the overtly sporting interior. We love the funky new 'cylinder' instrument design and the use of a honeycomb on the air vents, but it could be too radical for the management board to give the go ahead to.
With nearly 80,000 Sciroccos sold in the UK alone between 1974 and 1993, we'd say it's a safe bet that there will be a replacement to sit alongside the more relaxed Eos folding-hardtop in the range. The Iroc concept has already been shown in Berlin, but we'll get our first view in
Paris at the end of September.
Shane O' Donoghue - 31 Aug 2006