Volkswagen scirocco preview

Volkswagen Scirocco review

The Volkswagen Scirocco range features a broad choice of four-cylinder engines

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The original 1974 Volkswagen Scirocco was a replacement for the Karmann Ghia and, setting the template for all future Sciroccos, was underpinned by Golf mechanicals – amazingly, some versions had as little as 60bhp. A Mk2 Scirocco replaced it in 1982, later variants of which shared the Golf GTI’s 1.8 16v engine. The Scirocco was replaced by the Corrado in 1992, but the 2006 IROC concept previewed the Scirocco’s return, with production starting in 2008.
Again Golf based, but with the promise of far sleeker looks and a sporty driving experience, the latest VW Scirocco is intended to inject the VW range with some desirability. VW's have long been known as much for how little they do wrong, as much for how they do right - the Scirocco is set to shift that balance by offering a tempting package at a surprisingly affordable price tag.

about scirocco

Volkswagen Scirocco

Have you ever heard the final movement of The Four Seasons: Summer by Vivaldi? You probably have, as this is one of 

the more popular pieces of Classical (OK, Baroque for the pedantic) music. This piece is a musical interpretation of the scirocco, a fierce, hot wind that often sweeps across the Mediterranean during the “Dog Days” of summer heat. This wind has inspired not only this musical masterpiece but also the VW Sirocco, a sports coupe from Volkswagen.

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Now, a sports coupe should be fast, and if the Volkswagen Sirocco wants to live up to its impressive name, it should be fast. And hot. And exhilarating. Does the Volkswagen Scirocco deliver on its name and live up to the smooth bodyshape? Well, judge for yourself. The Volkswagen Sirocco comes powered with either a 1.4 litre 118 kW engine with 240 Nm of torque available at quite a wide range of low revs (1500–4500 rpm) and a top speed of 218 km/h; or else a 2.0 litre 147 kW that flies off from a standstill to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds (automatic version) thanks to 280 Nm of torque in the 1700–5000 rpm range, then on to the top speed of 233 km/h (don’t do this on the open road – keep this sort of pace for where you can do it legally). The 118 kW Volkswagen Sirocco does the 0–100 km/h sprint in 8.0 seconds, just so you can compare the two models. Both engines come coupled with automatic transmission: the 1.4 litre is harnessed to a 7-speed auto, while the 2.0 litre joins forces with a 6-speed tiptronic gear system for extra exhilaration.

The Volkswagen Scirocco looks like it can do all this, too. This three-door hatch’s body sits low, looking poised for action and stable at the same time. The twin headlights look focussed and keen, an impression that is mirrored by the fog lights below. The lines are clean, aerodynamic and unruffled – the Volkswagen Sirocco even looks good from a bird’s-eye view. The twin chrome exhausts at the rear are just one of the tiny touches of smooth Euro class – exactly what you would expect from a VW.

The styling doesn’t stop on the outside, as you can imagine. The lower-priced 1.4 litre is well-appointed, with features like the climate control, the multi-function display and cupholders distributed for easy access around the dashboard – and don’t forget the leather sports-styled steering wheel. Cruise control, a cooled glove box and an eight-speaker CD/radio system with auxiliary input jack complete the Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4’s interior features. The 2.0 litre Volkswagen Scirocco adds in the paddle shifters for the tiptronic transmission and rear park assist, plus upgrading the sound system to a 6-CD stacker. Either model of Volkswagen Sirocco seats four, with the rear seats able to be folded flat.

 

All VWs handle well, and the Volkswagen Scirocco is no exception. Both models have a hill control function, plus an ESP package that includes driver steering recommendation, brake assist, Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Anti-Slip Regulator (ASR) and ABS brakes. This coupe likes being on the road and wants to stay on it! Front, side and curtain airbags complete the safety picture. The handling can be improved even further with the optional chassis control package.

The current model series includes the:

• Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4
• Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0