Volkswagen's range-topping R20 Sirocco has been officially revealed today, packing a 261bhp version of the previous generation Golf GTI’s 2.0-litre direct injection motor.
It uses an uprated turbo, revised cylinder head, increased compression ratio and higher-pressure injectors to boost power from the Mark 5 GTI's 197bhp. Apparently this engine was chosen over the latest 207bhp GTI unit for the R20, as it's simpler and more cost-effective to modify. Maximum torque of 258lb ft is available from 2500rpm to 5000rpm.
Previous 'R' models from VW have been four-wheel-drive, but the new Sirocco R20 makes do with front-drive and two-fewer cylinders than we might have hoped. Volkswagen is making an effort to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and thus make its performance cars more socially acceptable, but losing some of the hardware has at least helped keep the kerb-weight down to 1333kgs. The result is a claimed 0-62mph time of 6.4secs, which is one tenth faster than the R32 with the standard six-speed manual gearbox. The R32's DSG twin-clutch auto will also be offered on the R20 as an option. Another result of downsizing from a six-cylinder engine is improved mpg (compared to the R32 Golf), which is said to be in the mid-30s on the combined cycle, while CO2 is also down to 192g/km.
As you can see from these first official pics, the R20 looks the part with revised front and rear bumpers, smoked lenses, sill trims and a roof spoiler.
It will be available to order here in the UK from September, with first deliveries hitting the road a month later. Volkswagen hopes its hot new coupe has what it takes to hit the Focus RS where it hurts, and will price the car accordingly at around £25k.
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 4 3"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1 1"%3E%3C/svg%3E)