The trend toward engine downsizing has reached Volkswagen’s more-affordable performance models. It's a move that not only makes them more powerful but provides reduced fuel consumption, lower emissions and--by way of lower engine weight--also promises to make them a better drive.

The latest example is the potent Volkswagen Scirocco R, unveiled Wednesday in Europe and set to go on sale there this summer. We won't get the Scirocco in the United States--at least until we can persuade VW to change its mind--but we will get the powertrain.

The successor to the Golf R32 planned for launch in North America early next year will receive a 265-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a powerplant that is the heart of the Scirocco R. The previous Golf R32 was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.2-liter V6 rated at 250 hp.

The Scirocco R's turbo four is part of Volkswagen's EA113 engine lineup, in contrast to the 210-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter EA888 unit used in the base Scirocco, and is also found in the newly introduced Golf GTi. Until now, it has been used in various states of tune in both the Audi S3 and the Seat Leon Cupra.

Along with the additional 15 hp, the new four-cylinder engine brings an added 22 lb-ft, delivering peak torque of 258 lb-ft. In the new range-topping Scirocco R20, it results in a 0-to-62-mph time of 6.5 seconds, a 155 mph top speed and fuel consumption of 28.6 mpg.

In a move that will be mirrored on the upcoming Golf R, the new Scirocco R offers the choice between a standard six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the latter offering a fully automatic mode.

Also included is Volkswagen's new XDS electronic differential, first introduced on the new sixth-generation Golf GTi. It replicates the actions of a limited-slip differential for added traction. But while the Sirocco R puts its power to the road through the front wheels, next year’s Golf R is set to retain the multiplate clutch, four-wheel-drive 4Motion system from the discontinued Golf R32.