New Volkswagen Scirocco Arrives in October

First deliveries for the newly revised Volkswagen Scirocco start in October following on from its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show back in March, 40 years after the original Scirocco took its bow on the highways and byways of the world; but these new ones come with a new range of advanced engines that offer up to 280 PS and fuel efficiency improvements of up to 19%.

From the outside, the changes are refined and obvious. The Scirocco’s shape has been modernised with new headlights and tail lights, as well as with revised bumper styling, especially on the front which now feature aerodynamic ‘blades’ in the outer section, mirroring those on the latest-generation Golf GTI, with integrated indicator lights, daytime running lights and fog lights.  All Sciroccos now also have LED tail lights.

The top-of-the-range Scirocco R has a distinct look, with bespoke bumpers and 19” ‘Cadiz’ alloy wheels with the rest of the range also featuring new alloy wheel designs.

Under the Volkswagen badged-bonnet are six new turbocharged direct-injection petrol and diesel engines that return from between 67.3 and 35.3mpg; and all of them fall well within the EU6 emissions standards. Three of the four models - Scirocco, GT and R-Line – also feature BlueMotion Technology modifications, meaning they come as standard with Stop/Start and also brake energy recuperation systems.

Within the range of cars there are 4 petrol and 2 diesel engines

Starting off with a 1.4-litre petrol engine with 125 PS, the petrol side moves on swiftly to a new 2.0-litre 180 PS unit which replaces the previous 1.4-litre 160 PS unit, and amazingly enough is also more economical than it, despite being bigger and more powerful. The previous 2.0-litre TSI 210 PS has been replaced with a 220 PS unit that is 19% more fuel efficient and the aforementioned top-of-the-range Scirocco R features another 2.0-litre unit that produces 15 PS than before – a new figure of  280 PS.

Both diesel engines are 2.0-litre units, one producing 150 PS and the other 184 PS, up to 68.9 mpg. 

All engines come with a standard six-speed manual gearbox with the option of a six-speed DSG gearbox, but the 1.4-litre TSI doesn’t have that option.

On all cars, there is an updated dashboard with new-look dials and an auxiliary instrument cluster that is a tribute to the original 1974 model consisting of chronometer, charge pressure and oil temperature gauges.

So what does each trim level hold for us?

All-in-all, there are four trim levels available.

At entry level we find the Scirocco which comes with an RCD 510 touchscreen infotainment system with DAB digital radio with six-disc CD changer, SD card reader, MDI iPod and USB audio connectors and Bluetooth; air conditioning; automatic headlights and wipers; an auto-dimming rear view mirror; 17-inch ‘Long Beach’ alloy wheels height-adjustable sports seats; and a multifunction leather-covered steering wheel (with paddleshifts on DSG models).

This is closely followed by the GT model which has all that the Scirocco has and then adds in an RNS 315 touchscreen navigation system; 2Zone climate control; dark-tinted rear windows; 18-inch ‘Interlagos’ alloy wheels; front fog lights; front and rear parking sensors; a black roof lining; ‘chequered flag’ dash inserts and aluminium-look pedals and cloth and Alcantara upholstery.

As if that wasn’t enough for most people out there, the R-Line model takes the GT and upgrades it with R-Line-specific bumpers and side skirts; 19-inch ‘Talladega’ alloy wheels; R-Line scuff plates; an R-Line-specific steering wheel, handbrake and gear lever; ‘carbon-look’ dash inserts; and heated, electrically adjustable ‘Vienna’ leather sports seats.

And then we reach the pinnacle of the new Scirocco range, the Scirocco R, which comes with its own unique exterior styling kit; chrome-look door mirror caps; bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights; 19-inch ‘Cadiz’ alloy wheels; R-specific sports seats; 10 mm lower sports suspension; DCC dynamic chassis control; and a colour multifunction trip computer.

Those drivers wanting a new VW Scirocco have a choice to make in October – and I don’t envy you...YET!