Volkswagen Scirocco R-Line package revealed; future remains unclear for sporty hatch in Australia

When fitted with the R-Line styling pack, the facelifted Scirocco model gains new-look front and rear bumpers, a black grille with R-line badge, fog-lights, sports side skirts, a rear spoiler and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The interior treatment for the Scirocco R-Line includes "Race" fabric trim with Alcantara inserts, grey stitching, a black head-liner, carbon look and piano black trim elements, a sports steering wheel with leather wrap, and stainless steel pedals and door sill protectors.

As with the other recent R-Line packages announced for the Golf Wagon, Golf hatchback and Beetle models, the styling enhancements are offered as a way for buyers of the less expensive variants in the range - including those fitted with the smaller, less powerful 1.4-litre petrol turbo engine in Europe - to mimic the styling seen on the performance models.

Volkswagen Australia has never offered entry level versions of the Scirocco - and as CarAdvice has previously reported, it is currently reconsidering its need to have the standalone 2.0-litre turbocharged Scirocco R model in its already crowded hot-hatch range which consists of the Golf GTI, Golf GTI Performance and Golf R.

Volkswagen Australia public relations manager Kurt McGuiness admitted there had been a lot of speculation regarding whether the facelifted Scirocco will be offered in Australia, but he said no decision had been made at this point.

"It's certainly not dead and buried," McGuiness said. "As with all new models, we are looking at it for the local market."

If Volkswagen does drop the Scirocco R it will be due to its niche nature, as the German brand is aiming to simplify its range. The Scirocco R currently on sale is priced extremely close to the Golf GTI Performance and Golf R, and as a result its potential sales volume may not be deemed to be high enough to justify the car being sold here.