Now that our first drive of the Scirocco has hit the internet, let me share a fascinating view on the new coupe from the man who oversaw much of its final development, Ulrich Hackenberg.
When we met at the Nurburgring a couple of weeks ago to participate in the final validation test with a group of Volkswagen engineers, Hackenberg was quick to draw parallels 
between the Scirocco and one of the cars that was developed during his watch as head of research and development at Audi, the TT Shooting Brake.
“Look at the two in direct profile,” he said pointing to one of the three pilot production prototypes that were on hand, adding, “You’ll discover many similarities, especially at the rear end.”
I only ever saw the TT Shooting Brake in the metal once, but Hackenberg is right. The Scirocco is remarkably similar. It is the proportions that link them. More than that, however, there’s the fall of the roof towards the rear, the shallow rear side windows and the angle and shape of the hatchback.
First revealed at the 2005 Tokyo motor show, the TT Shooting Brake proceeded the arrival of the IROC concept – the car that indicated Volkswagen’s intention to bring the Scirocco back after a break of 16 years - by nine months. 
After some deliberation, Audi bosses decided to forego production of the former suggesting the added investment was prohibitive, while Volkswagen’s strategy was clear from the outset – the Scirocco would definitely be built.
However, there is more than just the styling linking the two coupes. Hackenberg reckons the interior packaging, and more specifically the rear, is close to a 100 per cent match.
Yet while share similar styling and packaging there is one thing that separates the Scirocco and TT Shooting Brake. When the latter was revealed it ran a 250bhp 3.2-litre V6 engine and a Haldex four-wheel drive system. Right now, Volkswagen is denying the Scirocco will get either of these.