For 1975, Volkswagen has two new cars for the motoring public, and they will also continue production of the popular Beetle.

New for 1975 are the Scirocco (pronounced sher-rock'-oh) and a nimble economical hatchback sedan called the Rabbit.

The Rabbit, available in two and four-door hatchback sedan versions, is a "companion car" to the Beetle. In contrast to the Beetle, which has an air cooled rear mounted engine, the Rabbit has a water cooled front engine and front wheel drive.

Like the Rabbit, the Scirocco four-seater has a water cooled front engine, front wheel drive, hatchback convenience, exceptional fuel economy and spirited performance. Rabbit and Scirocco models, equipped with manual transmissions, achieved 40 miles per gallon in highway tests, according to Environmental Protection Agency figures.

"In the Rabbit, VW engineers have come up with a car that doesn't have an ounce of unnecessary fat," said Stuart Perkins, President of Volkswagen of America. "The Rabbit provides excellent operating economy, performance and value."

Full size tests in the VW wind tunnel helped the engineers pare away unnecessary bulk and cut aerodynamic drag to a minimum. The running gear is equally advanced to provide spirited performance and handling.

Though only 155.3 inches long, (Pinto is 169² long), the Rabbit has ample room for four adults on a wheelbase of 94.5 inches, (Pinto is 94.4²), thanks to engineering aimed at maximum space utilization. With a base retail price of $2999 and a gross weight of 1820 lbs., the overall size of the Rabbit was kept small by mounting he engine transversely, rather than "north and south" as in most cars.

The hatchback opening combined with a folding rear seat creates a most versatile and practical car. The 12.4 cubic foot normal luggage area expands to 24.7 cubic feet when the rear sear is folded to accommodate large bulky items. The wide-opening hatch gives easy loading for such items as furniture.

The Rabbit has bucket seats in the front and a bench sear in the rear. The styling concept called for clean, lean lines and for large glass areas that give the driver and passengers excellent visibility all around. Air conditioning, a sun roof and automatic transmission are among the options. The passenger compartment was engineered as a rugged unit, while front and rear chassis and body sections have specially designed energy absorbing zones.

With a base retail price of $4450 and a gross weight of 1920 lbs, the Scirocco has a wind-cheating, wedge-shaped profile high-lighted by large windows and clean lines. It has wide-opening doors and comfortable bucket seats with bright tartan upholstery. Reclining front seats are standard and the rear seat can be folded to provide room for bulky objects or additional luggage. The big hatchback provides access to the normally concealed luggage area, whose cover lifts automatically when the hatchback door is opened.

The functional, easy-to-read instrument panel has a large-diameter tachometer as standard equipment and a center console carries additional instruments, including a voltmeter.

A fully synchronized, manual transmission is standard as are rack and pinion steering, power front disc brakes, steel belted radial tires, four wheel independent suspension, a heated rear window defogger and tinted glass. Automatic transmission and air conditioning are among the options available.