The third generation Volkswagen Scirocco isn’t the brawniest hot hatch in terms of its power outputs, but is a more-than-capable sports coupe that offers dynamic looks, superb handling characteristics and a touch of exclusivity.
Unfortunately it was always going to be compared to its Golf GTI sibling – especially when you consider the popularity of the fifth generation GTI. In order to set the record straight about its intentions for the Scirocco, Wolfsburg-based VW has unveiled the most-powerful ‘Rocco ever – the Scirocco R.
Already featuring the new family face of Volkswagen vehicles, the Scirocco’s wedge-shaped body design and aggressive stance add to the appealing overall package. Not satisfied with the Scirocco’s image, Volkswagen designers have added further flavour to the exterior with a new front bumper that incorporates larger air intakes, LED daytime running lights and a revised grille, as well as new side skirts, 18-inch five-spoke wheels, (19-inch wheels optional), redesigned rear bumper, larger boot spoiler and darkened tail lamps.
The Scirocco R employs the same 2,0-litre turbocharged powerplant used in the fifth generation Golf GTI, but modifications allow for new outputs of 198 kW and 350 N.m of torque. Unlike most models in the Volkswagen line-up that feature the R-moniker, The Scirocco R will not feature all-wheel drive to keep its weight down to in the region of 1 330 kg.
Mated with a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional six-speed DSG transmission to drive power through the front wheels, the Scirocco sprints to 100 km/h from zero in 6,5 seconds using the conventional shift (6,4 with DSG) and goes on to an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h.
In order to further enhance the Scirocco R’s confidence-inspiring handling ability, Wolfsburg engineers have upgraded the stock suspension system with new dampers and spring for an even lower stance, as well as an electronic differential and larger brake discs front and rear -measuring 345 mm and 310 mm respectively.
In order to match the Scirocco R’s new character, the interior gets updated with sportier bucket seats (we don’t know if that goes for rear passengers as well), redesigned instrument cluster, flat-bottomed steering wheel and extra aluminium trim.