Why would anyone in LA want the ultra-cool VW Scirocco? It looks great, it gets rave reviews, and is as fun or funner than the benchmark “hot hatch,” VW’s GTI.
From the 1 December 2010 issue of Autocar Magazine (UK):
VW’s Greener Scirocco
VW is adding BlueMotion eco tech to its Scirocco 2.0 TDI, improving fuel economy to 62.8 mpg and cutting CO2 emissions to 118g/km.
All Sciroccos equipped with the 138bhp oil-burner will now get the improvements which include stop-start and battery regeneration. Before the changes, economy was 55.4 mpg and CO2 at 134g/km on manual transmissions. The changes are also available on the 138bhp 2.0 TDI Sciroccos with VW’s six-speed DSG ‘box. Economy improves from 51.4 mpg to 57.6 mpg and CO2 emissions drop from 145g/km to 129g/km.

2011 Volkswagen Scirocco BlueMotion
Of course, since this is a UK magazine, they are talking about Imperial gallons and the measurement course (city highway driving) conforms to EU standards. One Imperial gallon equals 1.2 US gallons; however even with the haircut, a fun, sporty car that averages around 48 mpg (with the DSG auto box) is more than hybrid-competitive.
I’ve begged before and I’ll beg again for VW’s US management to reconsider its decision NOT to bring the Scirocco to the US market.