The VW Scirocco will not receive a successor earlier than 2017, contrary to a previous report that anticipated a redesigned model in 2015. Instead, according to German magazine Auto Bild, VW plans to launch a facelifted model of the current third-generation Scirocco in 2014.

Based on the fifth-generation of the VW Golf, the current Scirocco will be refreshed and kept on the market for at least four more years, as sales of coupes and roadsters are weak at the moment in Europe.

The facelifted model will get a slightly different look, more assistance systems and optimized Euro 6 engines, and could premiere as early as next year at the Geneva or Beijing motor shows.

The report says the upcoming fourth-generation of the Scirocco will continue to be based on the Golf and will remain a four-seater with a large tailgate and variable luggage compartment. However, as VW Group design boss Walter de Silva hinted earlier this year, it will be more of a full-fledged sports coupe than a shooting brake.

As far as engines are concerned, VW plans more powerful variants, beginning with the 2.0 TSI which will get 230PS instead of 210PS, with peak torque to increase from 280 Nm (206 lb-ft) to 370 Nm (273 lb-ft). The output of the base 1.4 TSI engine will also increase from 122PS to 125PS, while the 160PS 1.4 TSI will be replaced by a 180PS 1.8-liter unit.

The 2.0-liter diesel engines will gain in output as well, with the 140PS version increasing to 150PS, while the 177PS unit will be upgraded to 184PS. The range-topping Scirocco R model will have at least 300PS, up from the current model’s 265PS.

By Dan Mihalascu

Note: Sketches are from the current VW Scirocco

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