Review
The Scirocco, which first debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 1974, has a new look with new colours, lights, rims, upholstery and a completely new engine range with higher power and lower consumption. We did a test drive with the most powerful diesel in a sporty version, the 2.0 TDI with 184 hp and R-Line version.
engines
In terms of motorization, you can choose from six turbo four-cylinder engines, all six of which have become more powerful and economical compared to the previous generation.
As an entry-level entry into the diesel range, you can opt for a 2.0 TDI with 150 hp. We drove the 2.0 TDI, which has a power of 184 hp and a torque of 380 Nm. This engine comes from the most powerful Golf diesel, the GTD, and runs sharply and smoothly. Moreover, it also sounds quite sporty for a diesel. The Scirocco takes just 7.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h and its top speed is 228 km/h in combination with the DSG gearbox. The basic prices of the diesels are between €29,820 for 150 hp with manual gearbox and €33,020 for 184 hp with DSG automatic transmission.
In addition to the 2 diesels, we also find 4 petrol engines in the range. The most economical petrol version is the 1.4 TSI with 125 hp. If you want even more horsepower, you can choose 180 hp, 220 hp or the top version: the Scirocco R with a 2.0 TSI that delivers no less than 280 hp. Compared to its predecessor, it has gained 15 hp. The maximum torque of the Scirocco R is 350 Nm and it goes from 0-100 km/h in 5.7 sec or 5.5 sec with the 6-speed DSG gearbox. The top speed of the R is electronically limited to 250 km/h. For the 1.4 TSI with 125 hp you have to pay at least € 26,680 and the Scirocco R is available from € 38,300.
Equipment
In terms of equipment, our test car, a 2.0 TDI of 184 hp, was equipped with the R-Line Pack. In the exterior pack you get, among other things, widened side sills, bumpers with an “R” styling and a handsome and discreet rear spoiler. As icing on the cake, there is also the “R-Line” logo on the radiator grille. You can also opt for an interior R-Line Pack with, among other things, a black headliner, leather seats with decorative stitching in Crystal Gray and the “R-Line” logo, seat heating for the front seats, aluminum sill coverings with “R-Line” logo and stainless steel pedals.
Look
In the interior, the updated Scirocco offers a choice of new colors and upholstery. You get standard sports seats and a leather-covered sports steering wheel that fits comfortably in your hand. Centrally located on the dashboard we also find a boost pressure gauge, a chronometer and an oil temperature display. This not only looks cool, but is also a tribute to the original Scirocco.
On the outside, the new Scirocco differs from the previous generation by, among other things, new halogen or bi-xenon headlights at the front and new LED taillights at the rear. At the rear we also find a new black diffuser and the tilting VW logo that sits as a handle on the boot lid.
Conclusion
The new Scirocco, like its predecessor, is imbued with sportiness. Its unique and characteristic sporty look was essentially retained. The engine range became even sportier and the 2.0 TDI with 184 hp already pleased us.
Johan De Haes
Test driver
