In 2008, Volkswagen decided to revive the Scirocco name.
Like its predecessor, it was based on the same platform with the Golf but offered a sportier look. It was one of the sexiest cars made by the German brand.

The first generation of Scirocco was introduced in 1974 and it was followed by a second-generation in 1981, which remained on the market until 1992. It was overlapped for a few years by its more powerful but less successful brother Corrado, between 1988 and 1995. After that, no other sport-compact car was offered by Volkswagen, until 2008.

Despite the bad world economy, the third generation was introduced in 2008, but it was well-received by the market. In 2014, it was refreshed. It featured new LED strips inside the headlights and a new bumper with new fog-lights inside. In the back, the facelifted version featured a small line over the tailgate. The new taillights design was enhanced by LEDs.

The interior featured sport-bucket seats and leather sport steering wheel carried-over from the Golf GTI fitted as standard. There were more new configurations and a new Dynaudio sound system for the infotainment unit, that included the sat-nav.

For the drivetrain, the Scirocco featured a choice of gasoline and diesel engines. Most of the buyers preferred the latter since they offered good performance and they were very fuel-efficient. When compared to its non-facelifted version, the Scirocco featured a new brake system and better suspension.

After 34 years, Volkswagen revived the Scirocco name.
It was an alternative for the hot-hatch market, with a nicer shape and a better driving experience. It was unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.

The 2008 Scirocco remained true to the original formula of the first generation Scirocco: two doors, four seats, front-engine, and front-wheel drive. Like the original, 1974, generation, it featured a lower stance and sportier look. The same ingredients were used for the 2008 model. It was based on the same platform with the Golf, like the first generation.

The Scirocco featured a slim grille with clear-lens narrow headlights. The big bumper and spoiler featured a wide air-intake and Walter de Silva installed on its sides the fog-lights. The frameless windows for the doors and sloped back up to the tailgate enhanced the sporty look.

Inside, the Scirocco was fitted with a flat-bottom steering wheel. The sport-bucket seats were installed lower than in a regular Golf. In the back, there was room for two passengers. A panoramic glass-roof offered an airy feeling even if the interior space was far smaller than in a normal hatchback.

The Scirocco was offered with a choice of three engines: two turbocharged gasoline units and a turbodiesel mated to a standard 6-speed manual. A 6-speed automatic or a 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch) unit was offered as an option.

The second generation of Volkswagen Scirocco was officially launched in 1982 when the German auto manufacturer came out with an improved version of the previous model.
No less than 291,497 units of this generation were produced in approximately 7 years, between 1982 and 1989. In comparison with the previous model, the new Scirocco came with an impressive line-up of features and, even if they were available as options, they could make the car one of the best vehicles in its class. For instance, a buyer could install leather interior, air conditioning system and power windows on the basic version of Scirocco during its whole lifetime.

Volkswagen introduced the Scirocco in 1973 as a replacement for the Beetle-based Karmann-Ghia and paved the way for the Golf 1.
In 1977, the German carmaker was already successful, and the Scirocco was doing well on the market. Its sales were not as high as on its hatchback sibling, the Golf, but they were good for the segment. They shared the same platform. In 1977, as part of its improvement program, Volkswagen introduced a facelift for the sporty compact coupe.

At the front, the carmaker kept the same four round headlamps and the black grille. For the 1977 model, the Scirocco sported corner-mounted, larger turn signals. Thus, Volkswagen removed the side-mounted additional lamps since the car did not need them anymore. Also, the bumper received a new design, without metallic parts exposed as on the 1973 model. Behind it, the apron was extended on the lower side, and, for the GTI version, it received small scoops on its outer side.

Inside, Volkswagen kept the same interior but with wood veneers on the dashboard. Depending on the trim level, it featured a stereo positioned next to the dials, towards the center of the car. Leather upholstery was offered as an option, with bolstered seats at the front.

Under the hood, the carmaker replaced the base 1.1-liter engine with a 1.5-liter unit that provided more power. The fuel-injected GTI model (also known as GLI on specific markets) was the one to get. With its 110 hp, it was a little pocket rocket for those times.