A BEEFED up sub-7 second sprinting Volkswagen Scirocco GTS has been unveiled at the Auto Shanghai.

A turbocharged direct-injection 2.0-litre TSI petrol 220PS engine from the GTi catapults the Scirocco GTS, either with a manual gearbox or with the 6-speed DSG, to 62mph in just 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 153mph.

Yet efficiency enhancements claim an average fuel economy of just 46mpg with a manual gearbox and 44mpg with a DSG gearbox and CO2 emissions of 142g/km.

The GTS will be equipped as standard with new 18-inch “Norwich” alloy wheels while the popular 19- inch “Lugano” alloy wheels will be available as an option.

Red brake callipers of the GTS can be seen through the spokes of both of these wheel options.

In addition, the GTS comes with the R-Line package “Exterieur” as standard, which includes distinctive R-style bumpers, custom side sill extensions, a roof spoiler and a diffuser.

For fans of go-faster stripes, the new model can be ordered with a sporty GTS decal for the body as an option. This option features two decorative red stripes that run centrally from the bonnet over the roof and the boot and if the car is painted in “Flash Red” the stripes are black.

Inside as standard is the “Composition Colour” infotainment system, available for the first time in the Scirocco. This marks the debut of the second generation of the modular infotainment matrix (MIB II) in this series of sports cars.

As an option, the Scirocco GTS can also be ordered with black “Vienna” leather upholstery; here again the seats are customised with decorative red seams. Volkswagen also offers features such as the transparent panoramic tilt sunroof, bi- xenon headlights, a multifunction steering wheel and – as previously mentioned – the new MIB II radio navigation systems. In China the leather interior and the panoramic tilt sunroof come as standard.