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EXCLUSIVE: VW Scirocco one step closer to Australian shores

Volkswagen Scirocco R

Cast your mind back to December last year, when news emerged that the 155kW Scirocco 2.0 TSI and 195kW Scirocco R had been granted approval under the Federal Government’s Specialist & Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVS). A post in the comments section of AUSmotive’s article revealed that this approval had been sought not by Volkswagen Australia, but by Melbourne-based importers the Australian Vehicle Import & Compliance Company (AVICCO). At the time I promptly fired off an email to AVICCO seeking further clarification of what this SEVS deal involved. Nothing…

…until yesterday morning. That was when I received the following news from a representative of AVICCO, “After a few ups and downs over a few months, we got the good news yesterday that we can bring USED Sciroccos under the RAWS scheme into Australia.”

Okay, the key word there is “used”. Perhaps not the way many Scirocco fans in Australia were hoping the car would arrive here, but given Volkswagen Australia’s apparent lack of willingness to introduce the model down under, this is a welcome step indeed. The variants of the Scirocco approved under the scheme, as noted, are the 2.0 TSI and R versions.

AVICCO have confirmed with AUSmotive that they have a client ready and willing to pony up the cash to bring in a sample car, sourced from the UK, to be used for compliance purposes. Assuming that process is given the sign off by the Feds, AVICCO expects to be in a position to offer the Scirocco to Australian customers in the second half of 2010.

Warranty and pricing information is still unconfirmed at this stage, but the 2.0 TSI version could well be in the same ball park as the current Golf GTI.

It’s hard to believe that it is as far back as May 2008 that it first became clear the Volkswagen Scirocco had a willing audience here in Australia. Now, almost two years on, it appears someone is ready to do what Volkswagen Australia won’t, and that is to bring the reality of the Scirocco on Australian shores within touching distance.

If you would like to be kept up to date on the progress of the Scirocco coming to Australia, I have been asked to invite you to send an email to AVICCO: sciroccoproject@avicco.com

UPDATE 14 March: Further clarification from AVICCO has been received on what the definition “used” might mean for their planned Volkswagen Scirocco imports. To qualify as a used vehicle under the relevant scheme a car only needs to have been registered in the original country, in this case the UK, before being put on a ship. For example, the registration period could be as little as one day. According to AVICCO, Australian customers could order a Scirocco to their exact spec and they will handle the rest. Sounds a bit better than importing a low mileage car that could have some question marks over it.

31 replies on “EXCLUSIVE: VW Scirocco one step closer to Australian shores”

Too late VWA. Gave up waiting for something worthwhile from the VW stable to replace the MKV GTI with so I went and bought something else.

If they start to sell a few I wonder how long it will take VWA to bring them in?

Fuck it. If only they were at this stage in mid Jan when my GTI order went in, I’d be all over a Scirocco R. Still might be depending on the price of import. Don’t have much of a deposit to lose.

I’m not familiar with UK, Australian & NZ standards but surely importing the Scirocco from NZ would be cheaper both in terms of transport and cost.

The response I had from VW Australia was pretty pathetic.
A country of 4.5million people can get the car but VW Australia doesn’t have the balls to bring it here.

Taz, even with the Mk4 Golf the Kiwis got the V6 4motion prior to the R32 being built. I’ve never really been too sure as to the reasons, but I think our (sometimes) demanding Australian Design Rules have a role to play.

I think (and hope) the Feds are becoming a bit more relaxed, in the sense that if its good enough for Euro standards, then cars won’t have to be re-engineered to meet ADRs.

I’m not expert on the issues by any means, but that’s my basic theory anyway.

I have just visited Hong Kong so I decided to check out a real Scirocco at VW Hong Kong, as I am sick of looking at pictures and videos in Australia. I was hoping to be disappointed. What a looker. I can’t understand why VW Australia does not bring this car here. It would be an instant winner. I hope I have a chance to get my hands on one soon or do I have to go to NZ, England or Hong Kong? Wake up VW Australia!

In response to Volkswagen Group Australia comment on 6th September, 2010. A Scirocco is a 2 door VW coupe that is available to car buyers in many developed countries of the world. Over 100,000 have been sold in many countries excluding Australia and the USA.If VW Australia want to increase their market share in this country they obviously need to know what cars are being developed by their parent body? This VW model has a large following in this country. You only have to read the many blogs, emails and webpages devoted to it. It will be an instant winner to whoever brings it to Australia.
What’s a Scirocco? You gotta be joking!!!!!!

Look how popular the Toyota Soarer/Lexus SC400 has been in Australia despite Toyota/Lexus refusing to officially import them. VW, please don’t make the same mistake with the Scirocco.

Woohoo, VW Australia seems to have confirmed the Scirocco for 2011.
Hopefully pricing will be competetive

VW Australia this week have been making comments that the Scirocco could be here in 2011. How about some detail or are we going to waits months to be disappointed. I will believe it when I see them at a dealership or see an official release from VW Australia.

Is it still Cricket season? A month after these comments from VW Australia managing director, “It’s an amazing car, and I love this car as well—that’s why I’m working on that.”
“It’s probably more a matter of when [it arrives]” still no official announcement. I am beginning to loose faith. Is it time to look for another brand that has a more exciting selection?

Well finally, confirmation that the Scirocco is entering the Australian market early 2012.
The top of the range Type R. Another poor choice by VW Australia. You want to gain more market share then give your customers what they want. MORE CHOICE!

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