A HOT wind of change is blowing in from Volkswagen as its new Scirocco prepares to turn the temperature up on the compact coupe market.

On sale here in the autumn, the new generation Scirocco is being described as the most dynamic and technologically advanced production coupe Volkswagen has ever built.

Paying homage to the original Scirocco, its modern day successor brings a mix of coupe styling with a practical hatchback boot, a transversely mounted four-cylinder and responsive dynamics.

The 21st century Scirocco draws inspiration from the Iroc Concept, unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2006 - aspects such as the deep front airdams and a razor-thin grille framed by twin-lens headlight units.

In a rare departure, the Volkswagen roundel has been moved from the grille to the bonnet while further back pronounced haunches sweep over the rear wheel arches accentuated by a tapered sill line that pinches around the middle of the vehicle before flowing into the slim high intensity rear light units topped off by a wide hatchback boot with aerodynamic wing.

The aggressive exterior theme runs into the new Scirocco's interior which includes supportive front seat, a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, dials that glow white at night and an electrically-operated panoramic sunroof.

Practicality is provided by a 292-litre boot space that can expand, via the split folding rear seats, to 755 litres.

All models feature advanced adaptive chassis control offering three driver-selected settings - comfort, normal and sport - allowing a balance between sharp responses and comfortable everyday accessibility.

The new model will be launched in the UK fitted with a 2.0-litre T-FSI four-cylinder engine developing 200bhp driving through the front wheels via a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed DSG gearboxes.

A range of TSI and common rail TDI engines will also be offered linked to six-speed manual and seven-speed DSG gearboxes, from the end of the year.

Full UK specification and pricing will be announced in June when the car will be opened for ordering, prior to the first UK deliveries in September. Prices are expected to start at around £20,000.