2010 volkswagen scirocco
The 2010 Volkswagen Scirocco would share a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with the company's GTI hatchback. See pictures of future sports cars.

Consumer Guide's Impressions of the 2010 Volkswagen Scirocco

It's not a done deal yet, but VW's new sporty compact coupe may be coming to America after all. With GTI spirit and sexier style, the reborn Scirocco should be a bona fide European driving machine with good fuel economy and a reasonable price.

What We Know About the 2010 Volkswagen Scirocco

Volkswagen revived its sporty Scirocco hatchback coupe last spring as a new showroom lure for the European market. At the time, VW's North American team said they didn't want the car, fearing it would steal sales and image thunder from the mother of all hot hatchbacks, the iconic Rabbit-based GTI. They also cited a weak dollar/euro exchange as likely making the car too expensive to be profitable here.

Since then, of course, the auto industry has been rocked to the core. Sales are tough for everyone in a worsening economy with credit tightening and worried consumers tightening their belts. But although new products alone probably aren't enough to pump-up sales for any automaker, they certainly don't hurt. With that and a strengthening dollar, VW is now said to be looking at bringing the Scirocco to America after all.

According to VW officials interviewed by trade weekly Automotive News, the U.S.-market Scirocco would likely be sold as a specially equipped limited-edition model positioned above the GTI in power and price. It's basically the same approach the company took with the V6 all-wheel-drive Golf R32 of 2005, which sold out a 5,000-unit allotment, and the similar 2007 R32 that drew 1,756 U.S. sales. Because the new Scirocco was designed for American safety and emissions regulations, it could come here fairly quickly once VW gives the go-ahead. That could mean a 2010 model debuting as early as mid-2009.

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