With the news of the Fiat 500′s projected arrival in the U.S., we got to thinking about another car that we’d love to see rolling around in the states: the VW Scirocco.

That name alone should ring a bell to automotive old-timers. The Scirroco (pronounced Sheer-rock-o) was a VW staple in the 70s, 80s and a early 90s yet undergoing only two redesigns during its 18 year run. Fast forward to the present and we find that ze Germans have given this little coupe a second chance at life. Following in the proud tradition of producing some of the hottest of hot hatchbacks, VW reintroduced their Scirroco to European markets in 2008, sadly leaving the U.S. out of their scope.

Of course, the absence of an American Scirroco probably has something to do with import taxes and trade tariffs and a million other red tape/health and safety issues, but the fact of the matter is we want it! And here is why:

1. The Looks: We’ve already said this is a hot hatchback and it takes no time to see why. What a looker! VW has ditched their unassuming Sarah Plain and Tall styling and created something that Sienna Miller would be jealous of.
2. The Drive: Ok, maybe it’s not the best choice for blitzing a track time in its segment, but the Scirocco is available with a whole host of engines including a turbocharged 2L R option that tops out at 265hp. And like any other Vdub hot hatch, the drive should be crisp and responsive.
3. The Efficiency: Thirsty isn’t what you’d call any of the Scirocco engine options. Throw in the TDI Diesel package and the MPGs start at the 55 mark.
4. The Top Gear Commercials: Yes, Top Gear made their own commercials for the Diesel Scirocco. See below.

Unfortunately the decision to keep the Scirocco out of the U.S. is set in stone largely due to VW’s concerns about its impact on American GTI sales. But it can’t cost that much to just get one shipped over right…?

[Chad Waite]

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