This year marks four decades of the
VW Scirocco
. Sort of. Though the first two generations followed each other, there were more than 15 years (and the Corrado) between the second and third Sciroccos. Still, it's 40 years for Volkswagen, and six years for this iteration, so the Scirocco has been spruced to keep it competitive in the face of updated competition.
Now up to 280hp the R is even faster
Because as well as the new raft of hot hatches based on the MQB platform (its
Golf R
SEAT Leon Cupra
Audi S3
are all less expensive and at least as powerful), the Scirocco also as the
Peugeot RCZ R
to compete with. They are similar in both design and intention so the comparison there will be intriguing. Don't forget there's a
new TT
To therefore see nothing but a cosmetic refresh for the Scirocco is a little disconcerting. Normally 'facelift' can be applied to revisions that go more than skin deep but here facelift means just that. New bumpers, new lights, additional colours but very little in the way of mechanical updates. Different engines have been introduced lower down the range but the R continues as before, albeit with another 15hp.
Carry on
And 'as before' means using the old VW group 2.0-litre turbo, the EA113 that featured in the Mk5 Golf GTI (contrary to what was initially expected but it's definitely that engine). It's been made Euro 6 compliant for the latest Scirocco R yet it's relatively dated origins can't be entirely disguised. That's not necessarily a bad thing though. Compared to the EA888 that's now used in the GTI it feels more discernibly turbocharged, lag evident for a little longer and then the change from being off to on boost more marked. But then that adds a little excitement, anticipating the turbo and keeping the engine above 2,500rpm where it seems to respond best. It still revs round to 7,000rpm keenly enough too without ever feeling quite as urgent as the suspiciously rapid Leon with identical power.
Five years on the Scirocco R remains super
The Scirocco R continues to impress dynamically too. It's easy to forget how well it was received back in 2009 (see
here
for Autocar's video verdict against the Focus RS) and a lot of the praise heaped upon it then still stands true today. The DCC switch does adjust steering and throttle response as well as dampers but there's a nice subtlety to its operation. Nothing suddenly ramps up artificially in one mode with a hair trigger throttle or bizarre steering weight. There are incremental changes, each enough to warrant a different mode and all relevant on the road in certain situations. Normal in fact suffices for the majority of the time.
Competent
More than anything else the Scirocco R is still really good fun. It perhaps lacks the outright excitement of an RCZ R or the pace of a Golf but the Scirocco remains agile, compliant and with fairly good traction despite lacking the new VAQ 'diff'. The steering is fine, nothing more than that, but it's certainly no barrier to enjoyment. Unfortunately the test route was far more autobahn than German country roads which prevented too much exploration of the R's dynamic talents. However, the very fact it felt so adept in both scenarios at least displayed how well rounded the Scirocco's abilities are. It's just restricted autobahns aren't that much fun.
Yep, there's still a manual if you wish
In case you hadn't already assumed as much, the Scirocco's cabin is much as before. There's a turbo boost and oil pressure gauge on the dash but it's fundamentally the same organised and smart layout. It's a nicer environment than the Peugeot's but the S3 is far more modern and the TT will take that another stage further still.
So the Scirocco continues as a desirable and accomplished sports coupe, but now with a rather significant caveat. When the R first came out in 2009 it cost £26,945. Five years later and with only 15hp more it's £32,295. As an everyday prospect it's easier to recommend than the £31,995 RCZ R but rather harder against the 300hp Golf (£29,900), Audi (£30,645) and 280hp Leon (£26,940). The style will continue to sell the Scirocco to some (at least until the TT arrives) but where it may have previously been the Golf-derived car of preference the R's price has now made it much harder to justify.
VW SCIROCCO R
Engine: 1,984cc 4-cyl turbo
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive (6-speed DSG optional)
Power (hp): 280@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 258@2,300-5,200rpm
0-62mph: 5.5 seconds
Top speed: 155mph (limited)
MPG: 35.3 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 187g/km
Weight:1,344kg
Price: £32,295