Volkswagen has opened the order books for the new Scirocco coupe, which goes on sale on September 1.

At launch, the Scirocco is available with a 197bhp two litre TSI petrol engine and sold only in the GT trim.

Priced at £20,940, standard equipment includes a touch screen CD changer, 18” alloy wheels and a multi-function steering wheel.

A 158bhp 1.4 TSI petrol and 138bhp two litre TDI engine will join the range in early 2009, plus a lower specification trim level.

Volkswagen UK predicts 3,350 Sciroccos will sell this year, rising to 9,000 next year when the full line-up is available.