Volkswagen Scirocco: PH Buying Guide
What to look out for if you're thinking of buying the Golf's sporty sibling
From launch, VW fitted the Scirocco with a choice of 1.4- and 2.0-litre turbo petrol engines taken from the Golf range, giving buyers power ranging from 120 to 200hp. Few bothered with the 120hp unit, but the 160hp 1.4 TSI proved popular with those who valued style over performance. For anyone who wanted more of the latter, the GTI-sourced turbo petrol was the one to have, and its power increased to 210hp at the end of 2009.
If that wasn't enough to satisfy you, Volkswagen launched the Scirocco R in 2009 with a 265hp 2.0-litre turbo petrol motor. An XDS electronic differential helped get that power to the road through the front wheels and there was lowered suspension too. As well as the unique body kit, the R came with DCC as standard.
We, however, will concentrate more on the 2.0-litre turbo petrol and R models, as they hold the greatest interest for us. The 2.0-litre model offers 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds, while the R requires just 5.8. Top speed for the R is 155mph, 10mph more than its 200hp sister model.
A mild facelift in 2014 introduced a revised front bumper with aero blades on the edges, while new indicators and daytime running lights arrived at the same time. The R received new Cadiz alloy wheels, and the engine line-up was rejigged to better reflect VW's, but not much changed and Scirocco sales slowed to a trickle before the axe fell earlier this year.
Thanks to those small changes during its life, an early Scirocco still looks remarkably fresh and is a good used punt. While £4,500 will bag you an early car with high miles, we'd reckon on spending £7,000 for a late 2009-on 2.0 TSI in GT spec with around 70,000 miles. Go for an R and prices start at £11,500 and rise to £33,000 for a nearly new one from a VW dealer.
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PHer's view:
"Frankly I love it, which is not to say that it's without foibles. As a driving machine in either of the two modes it enjoys - pootling or on a razz - it is quite brilliant. The look of the car is still very pretty, even though it is now an old design."
Simon Phillips
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At a glance
The 1.4 twin charge is so nice to drive with the supercharger helping alot. To bad about reliability and hilarious oil consumption. My cupra had 1l/1200km before i handed it back at the end of the lease(glad i didnt buy it privately).
It always seemed nicely planted when driving, had a nice look from most angles, and with the DCC in sport mode the handling was pretty good too.
I liked it so much that when I part-ex'd it for a new car for the wife, I saw it for sale in the dealers and tried to buy it back a few days later. I was too late.
If it weren't for the stupid VW hierarchy games (it can't have the same more power than the Golf R), and the fact they've now given up, I'd have given strong consideration to a new one. If I was in the game for a 2nd hand car, I'd give it a definite thought.
As for putting 300+bhp through the front wheels on the R, not sure that would make it anymore fun than having say around 260bhp? Sure enjoy your straight line traffic light grand prix but not sure how you can put down much more power without some serious chassis upgrades?
Styling is subjective but to me, its certainly a lot more attractive than the dull box Golf - at least it has some design features and a coupe look!
2.0 TSI matches well to DSG box - but it does miss not having cruise control
Can easily fit 2 adults and 2 teenagers in without issue as well - probably not recommended for long journeys but better than the TT i had previously
6 months left on mine and its been great, done everything it should have and never let me down, cost me less than the depreciation on buying one as well
I wouldn't mind trying the R version to see what the extra performance is like, but unlikely to get another as i rarely have the same model twice
I had the basic 1.4 TSI 122 model. It wasn't a bad engine and was pretty nippy but it did not suit the car at all. Mine was also in Rising Blue, which is another lovely colour option.
I had the basic 1.4 TSI 122 model. It wasn't a bad engine and was pretty nippy but it did not suit the car at all. Mine was also in Rising Blue, which is another lovely colour option.
The 2.0 TSI engine is actually chain-driven and not a cambelt. It's the EA888 engine but slightly different from the 'belt-driven MK5 Golf GTI that it's based on. The R version is a cambelt though and not a chain.
My girlfriend has had one for the past 3.5 years, a '58 2.0 TSi with full GT spec and panoramic roof - the latter makes a huge difference to the light inside the car. Agree on the sat nav points but do think the GT pack for the leather seats and upgraded alloys is a necessity.
Hers has taken her to 92.5k miles from the 70k she bought it on with no issue beyond CV covers and coil packs. They are a good steer but can eat front tyres (~10k miles a front) and do go and handle well.
Hers is soon going however, eyes on a M135i and likely worth <£5k owing to the inconsiderate parking inflicted on it by others
The MK7 GTI Golf is 6.5 ish with 220 bhp. How can this be faster with less power? They must be similar weights.
Anyway the golf won for us because its more practical, better looking inside and out and the wife wanted checked seats!!
also Vw seem to be quite conservative with their figures
because I was curious and had the kit to do it I timed my car,
with the dsg box fitted it will indeed get to 60 in just over 6 secs, I tried several times and got the same result each time
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