THERE can be no denying that Volkswagen’s most successful recent attempt at recreating the charm, character and dynamic prowess of the original Mk 1 Golf GTI was the launch of the Mk 5. Even with a new generation waiting in the wings, the current GTI continues to impress with its everyday usability, sure-footed handling, impressive build quality and smooth powertrain. The only potential downside of this success has been that with increased popularity comes a decrease in exclusivity. At one stage, Volkswagen South Africa reported that at least 40 per cent of all fi fth-generation Golfs sold here carried the GTI badge. With the next generation GTI predicted to be a fi ne-tuned evolution of the outgoing model, it is safe to assume that the popularity of this icon is set to continue into the foreseeable future. But for those who wish to retain a sense of exclusivity without leaving the VW stable, an exciting new alternative has arrived in the form of the Scirocco.
First seen in 1974, the Scirocco nameplate was introduced on a Giugiaro design, launched as a replacement for the Karmann Ghia. As now, Scirocco was seen to offer a slightly sportier option to the Golf and Jetta of the time. Like the first model, and its replacement introduced in 1982, Scirocco has always been aimed at a buyer who is prepared to forego some of the convenience offered by a conventional hatchback or saloon in favour of something just a little less practical, but a bit more individualistic. This third-generation Scirocco certainly succeeds in that area.
Sceptics will tell you that this is just a Golf in a new body, and they won’t be completely incorrect, especially since the Scirocco shares the hatch’s PQ35 platform and engine lineup. There are, however, enough subtle differences to give this three-door model a personality apart from that of its stablemates. The most obvious differences will be noted as soon as one glances at the Scirocco’s dimensions. A 97 mm lower roofline than the current Golf GTI, with a 40 mm longer body. A front track that’s 35 mm wider, and a rear track that’s grown by 59 mm, play a large part in enhancing the dynamics over those of big brother GTI. And all this comes wrapped in a dramatic, wedge-shaped body featuring widely flared rear ’arches.
Standard 18-inch “Interlagos” alloy wheels on the 2,0 TSI model tested here dominate the profile, with blanked-out B-pillars and tinted rear windows adding to the drama. Up front, the new family face of Volkswagen has been introduced. The VW badge is mounted on the bonnet, leaving a fresh and uncluttered grille. Twin light housings within each headlamp cluster, low-slung foglamps, and daytime running lights housed with the indicators in the bumper, add a touch of aggression to the package. At the rear, a large, single-piece rear bumper with protruding twin tailpipes props up narrow tail-lamp clusters and a relatively small tailgate.
The Scirocco is strictly a fourseater, and Volkswagen has succeeded in ensuring that all occupants are housed as comfortably as possible. Rear legroom, and indeed headroom, are better than the tapered profile of the car might suggest, and the two sculpted rear seats offer good support. Individual rear backrests fold flat to provide access to the deep luggage bay from inside, and increase carrying options when required. Full leather is standard in the 2,0 TSI model, and the front seats in particular function as well as they look, providing excellent lateral support. If we have one complaint it’s that, once again, the driver’s seat, with its available height adjustment, simply does not drop low enough to suit taller pilots. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is adjustable for rake and reach, yet most of our testers still commented that they would prefer to sit lower in the cabin – á là Audi TT.
As we have come to expect from Volkswagen, perceived interior quality is of the highest standard, and the facia of the Scirocco – modelled on that of the Eos convertible – although slightly conservative in design compared with the exterior styling, is comprehensively equipped and feels very well put together. Only a touch-screen, 6CD audio system was fitted as an option to our test unit, the dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, cruise control, Isofix anchorages and a total of six airbags all being on the list of standard equipment.
At launch, only the DSG double- clutch transmission is available, mated with the company’s ever-faithful turbocharged direct injection 2,0-litre engine. At first glance this might be considered to be the exact unit currently doing duty in the Golf GTI, but modifications to the crank, pistons, connecting rods and balancer shaft have further improved this engine’s refinement levels. As before, 147 kW of power is still the order of the day, but peak power is now achieved 900 r/min higher up the rev-range, at the 6 000 mark. Conversely, the 280 N.m of torque is now available from a slightly lower point, namely 1 700 r/min. Small changes you may say but, surprisingly, they can be felt. On our test day we were pleasantly surprised to achieve a best 0-100 km/h time, using the double-clutch transmission’s launch control function, of just 6,46 seconds – somewhat faster than Volkswagen’s claimed 7,1 seconds for the car. After effortlessly repeating our recorded time, we can only conclude that the manufacturer may have been slightly conservative in its estimation. The kilometre dash was dispensed with in 26,57 seconds, and we were able to push on to a top speed of 233 km/h.
In our braking test, the ABS with brake assist helped the combination of 312 mm ventilated discs up front and solid rotors at the rear to bring the Scirocco to a halt from 100 km/h in an excellent average time of 2,75 seconds. The last of the 10 stops proved to be the best, at just 2,64 seconds.
Chassis Control) system, offering three driver-selectable suspension modes, is available to order, though this would only be necessary for anyone finding the standard set-up too firm. The Scirocco’s standard suspension settings are sporty without being bone jarring. Handling prowess and balance have always been among the most impressive qualities of the GTI, and the Scirocco, with its lower and wider stance, easily matches, and even enhances, this reputation. The speed-sensitive electric power steering can feel slightly wooden, and lacks feedback at times, but this does not detract from the fact that the steering is pinpoint accurate, and the front tyres require a serious lack of respect from the driver before they lose grip. Most satisfying, however, is the “squat” from the rear as power is fed in and a corner successfully negotiated. Standard ESP with traction control keeps a watchful eye over proceedings.
Steering wheel-mounted paddles will override the DSG transmission’s natural instincts, and are most effective when downshifting but, for the most part, this transmission is best left to its own, silky smooth devices. Left-foot braking can confuse the system slightly, especially at lower speeds, but once on the move it is one of the better dualclutch transmissions around. In Sport mode, up-shifts are delayed for maximum acceleration and are executed with a satisfying rasp from the tailpipes. A standard hill-hold function assists with pull-off on an incline.
We calculated an impressive average fuel consumption figure of 9,12 litres/100 km. Most owners should therefore manage 603 km between fill-ups of the 55-litre tank.
TEST SUMMARY
Judging by the success of the fi fth-generation Golf GTI, and with the knowledge that the next generation is more of an evolution of the species than a complete rethink, you can be sure that it will, once again, be raising the bar in terms of establishing a near perfect balance between performance- oriented dynamics and comfortable practicality. This should once again ensure its popularity. But what Scirocco offers is that little extra something. Limited numbers will ensure some exclusivity, and its striking looks are bound to age well. These days, 147 kW of power in a hot hatch is considered “good enough” rather than scorching, but, as the Golf GTI proved in our January hot hatch shootout, extra power is only one of the qualities that make up a good all-round performer. We like the Scirocco because it does the basics right, and then offers a smile factor on top of that when the chips are down.
