VW SA has launched its third hot hatch in a matter of months with the debut of the Scirocco R. Following on the heels of the Polo GTI and Golf R, the curvy Scirocco bolsters its offerings in this market.
Based on the already sexy Scirocco shape, the R model’s visual impact is enhanced by 19-inch alloys wheels, lowered ride height and a model-specific bodykit. LED daylight running lamps (DRLs) and darkened tail-lamps also add some aggression.
Inside there are a few ques to help differentiate this range leader from its lesser siblings. An “R” steering wheel, piano key black plastics and blue needles om the main dials are all part of the treatment.
The real difference, however, is under the bonnet. VW has wound up the wick on its tried, trusted and tunable turbocharged inline four. Maximum power is now rated as 188 kW coupled with 350 N.m of torque available between 2 500 and 5 000 r/min. Unlike its Golf brethren the Scirocco delivers all of its power solely to the front wheels. Buyers have the choice of either a six-speed manual gearbox or VW’s super-smooth twin-clutch DSG transmission.
VW claim that the Scirocco R is capable of accelerating from standstill to 100 km/h in 6 seconds flat, the DSG model takes a slightly quicker 5,8 seconds. Top speed is quoted as 250km/h. The combined fuel consumption figure is of 8,1 litres/100 km (8,0 for the DSG-equipped model) with CO2 emissions of 189 g/km (DSG: 187 g/km).
On the drive route on the highways and byways around KZN the Scirocco proved to be a decent cruiser, though the pairing of large alloys and low profile tyres does allow a fair deal of road noise and bump intrusion to enter the cabin. The real fun starts when you find a set of twisty roads to play on.
The new car has a strong power delivery that starts low down in the rev-range and does not abate until 6 000 r/min. There is very little noticable shove, very much like a normally aspirated engine. With a plateau of torque available across 2 500 r/min there is always a great deal of punch on tap, even in the higher gears.
Unlike the lower power versions of the Scirocco, this 188 kW version feels far more lively and finally the platform feels like it has the power to extract some fun from it. With less power on tap the Scirocco feels too planted and unflappable. In this guise it feels far livelier and more engaging.
Look out for a test, and quite possibly a comparison with another hot hatch in an upcoming issue of CAR
2.0 TSI (188 kW) Manual R403 355
2.0 TSI (188 kW) DSG R417 855
Pricing includes a 5 year/90 000 km service plan and a 3 year/120 000 km warranty.