Two very rapid additions to the Volkswagen range have been confirmed, along with UK prices.

The Scirocco R’s 2.0-litre TSI four-cylinder engine develops 265PS (261bhp) and 258lb ft of torque which, mated to the standard six-speed manual gearbox, thrusts the car from standstill to 62mph in 6.0 seconds. Choose the optional six-speed DSG gearbox (adding £1300 to the OTR price of £26,945) and that 0-62mph time drops to 5.8 seconds.

The Golf R is even quicker – its 5.7-second 0-62mph time (or 5.5 seconds with the DSG gearbox) makes it the fastest accelerating Volkswagen ever produced, courtesy of the engine’s 270PS (274bhp) and 258lb ft of torque. Prices for this sophisticated hot-hatch start at £28,930 OTR.

The Golf, available in both three- and five-door bodystyles, is four-wheel drive, while the Scirocco R is front-wheel drive – a first for a VW ‘R’ model.

Styling features on both models include new front bumpers with LED running lights and a trio of deep airdams, Xenon lights framing gloss black design elements in the grille, gloss black wing mirrors and brake calipers, sill extensions and 18-inch five-spoke ‘Talladega’ alloy wheels as standard (19-inch optional). Rear, roof-mounted spoilers and twin-exit exhausts add to the sporty stance, while smoked rear light units further differentiate the R models.

Inside, the cabins of both new models boast sports seats with ’R‘ logos, black and silver highlights, a new three-spoke black leather sports steering wheel with contrasting stitching, and revised white backlit dials with electric blue needles (more subtle than it sounds).

Both the Scirocco R and Golf R have a top speed of 155mph. The Scirocco claims 34.9mpg combined (35.3 for DSG) and 189g/km of CO2 (187 for DSG). Figures for the Golf are 33.2mpg (DSG 33.6mpg) and 199g/km (195 for DSG).

The new hatchback and coupé are expected in showrooms from February 2010.

Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: Volkswagen