How much for a new Scirocco?

So thinking just about the GT model, how much does the new Scirocco cost?
Well that obviously depends what options you go for, so I thought I'd have a look at the configurator, and see...

So the base model GT with Manual and 2.0 litre 210 is £24,450. Although not too bad, this no longer seems like the cheap option it was on launch, although the rise is partly due to the increase in VAT.

I then worked through the options list and selected the best, or at least the most expensive of everything. No accessories at this stage, just factory options like DSG, Leather, Sat Nav, Xenon headlights... you get the idea. And the grand total? £34,624.

Ouch.

I know you'd get some discount on that, but there is no way you can describe that as cheap anymore. And just to compare, I specified a Nissan 370Z GT (that has a starting price of £33,000) with a similar set of options and it comes to £35,950. I can see the appeal of the Scirocco over the 370Z when there is a £10k price difference, but when the difference is £1,000 I think the Scirocco is in serious trouble. The only reasons to buy the VW in this configuration are if you need the back seats.

Anyway, I know as well as anyone that the reasons for buying one car over another are complicated and personal, but if VW don't keeep the Scirocco prices keen then people are going to stop buying it.

But perhaps they don't care so much - they already make fewer Sciroccos than they can sell.

New Options.

I guess a lot of people who buy their cars new go through this, but its a first for me. My Scirocco GT is on order, but not yet confirmed - but VW have changed the list of available options, and I should be able to take advantage of any of these new things before my build date is confirmed.

Following on from my earlier post about Options, there is now a cheaper Navigation system available - but after a couple of quick checks, it cannot be specified with DAB. So that's still a no then.

The Bluetooth add on now appears attractive however - I'd written the old one off because it only worked on RSAP, effectively making sure that it would only integrate properly with Nokia phones - this has now been replaced with an HFP system which should work with practically anything. Will probably go with that.

Only other thing that I'm not sure about is the Multifunction Display now has a Colour option at £180. I'm going to dig a bit more... If it's exactly the same unit but in colour then £180 seems expensive.

Update 25/1/11:
Done it. HFP Bluetooth ordered assuming the order hasn't become confirmed - if it has a dealer fit option will replace it for about the same price.

While I was talking to the dealer, I also ordered the Autoglym lifeshine protection. The Dealer enthused about how good it was, especially inside - I know, he's supposed to enthuse about stuff like that, but he was more excited about me ordering the lifeshine than he was when I ordered the car. Mind you, I suppose its possible he makes more in commission for selling a car wash that a car!

Only other thing sorted was the number plates. I've asked for Euro marker plates.

Progress?

Call from the dealer a minute ago (well, a call back from a message I left) and my car is still unconfirmed. For the first time he has now mentioned a build week - 8, and from what I've read elsewhere I should get the car 3 weeks after the quoted build week. But obviously I can't start counting weeks until its confirmed.

That isn't actually going to stop me counting though, Week 8 is the week of 21st February 2011, 3 weeks later being 14th to 20th March.

So when can I have it?

I called Colbornes in the week before Christmas to check on progress but my salesman wasn't in. Guy who answered the call said call back in the new year. Humph.

Called again today... Incredibly, they still can't give me a build week for my car. Not even a guess. This is not good news as I have no idea when the car will actually be made.