Volkswagen Scirocco (2008 - )  

What's Good

First-generation Scirocco made public debut at Geneva in 1974.

New Scirocco at Geneva March 2008.

4,256 mm long x 1,810 mm wide x 1,404 mm high. 2,578 mm wheelbase.

Styled by team led by Klaus Bischoff, VW Chief Designer. 

Wide boot aperture leads to a 292 litre luggage space that can expand, via the split folding rear seats.

GT 2.0 TSI 200PS 6-speed manual £20,940
GT 2.0 TSI 200PS 6-speed DSG £22,270

Available from 1-9-2008

GT 1.4 TSI 160PS 6-speed manual £TBA
GT 1.4 TSI 160PS 7-speed DSG £TBA

GT 2.0 TDI 140PS 6-speed manual £TBA
GT 2.0 TDI 140PS 6-speed DSG £TBA

Available from “early 2009”

1.4TSI and 2.0TSI are chain cam.

New 1,984cc chain cam EA888 TSI unit features substantial changes including modified pistons and piston rings, an improved oil pump, new induction system and a high-pressure fuel pump. 210 PS between 5,300 and 6,200 rpm, 206 lbs ft (279Nm) between 1,700 and 5,200 rpm.

Entry-level specification and two additional engines announced 2-10-2008. Prices for the entry-level model, fitted with a 1.4-litre TSI 160 PS engine, start at £18,790 RRP on the road, opening the possibility of Scirocco ownership to a wider audience.

The new engines are now available in base trim which still benefits from a comprehensive list of standard equipment including a six-CD autochanger, rain and dusk sensor, multifunction computer, air conditioning and exclusive 17-inch ‘Donington’ alloy wheels. Safety features also, of course, remain a priority, with ABS, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) and six airbags all standard.

The 1.4-litre TSI 160 PS engine accelerates the Scirocco from 0 to 62 mph in just 8.0 seconds while returning 42.8 mpg (combined) and emitting 154 g/km of CO2. In addition, the new entry-level and GT models are now available with Volkswagen’s popular 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS common rail diesel engine linked to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic DSG gearbox. Both manual and DSG versions reach 62 mph in 9.3 seconds while achieving a combined figure of 55.4 mpg (51.4 for DSG) and 134 g/km of CO2 (145 for DSG).

7-5-2008 SCIROCCO GT TDI 170PS announced. 258 lbs ft of torque delivered from 1,750rpm, and the ability to return 53.3 mpg on the combined cycle. 170 PS at 4,200 rpm and is available linked to either a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG gearbox. Both gearboxes accelerate the Scirocco to 60 mph from a standstill in 7.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 138 mph (DSG: 136), while emitting just 139 g/km (DSG: 147) of CO2.

six-CD autochanger, rain and dusk sensor, multifunction computer and 2Zone air conditioning. In terms of safety, ABS, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) and six airbags are all standard. For the first time new 19-inch 'Luganoâ' alloy wheels are available as an option.

Scirocco GT 2.0-litre TDI 170PS 6spd manual £21,755.00 139g/km
Scirocco GT 2.0-litre TDI 170PS 6spd DSG £23,060.00 147g/km

20-5-2009: NEW 265 PS SCIROCCO ‘R’ SET TO MAKE ITS PUBLIC DEBUT

Designed, engineered and developed by Volkswagen Individual, the new car is not only the most powerful and fastest accelerating Scirocco ever produced but also the most focussed R model yet. At its heart is a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder EA113 engine (as opposed to the EA888 fitted to the conventional Scirocco) in heavily revised form. The block has been reinforced with an entirely new alloy head, uprated pistons, conrods and high pressure injectors. An uprated turbocharger generating 1.2 bar of boost is joined by a new intercooler to cope with the extra heat generated. The result is 265 PS and 258 lbs ft of torque – a rise of 65 PS and 51 lbs ft over the Scirocco’s current 2.0-litre TSI engine.

Drive is channelled through the front wheels via a six-speed manual or DSG gearbox. Ensuring greater grip in all conditions, especially on tight corners, is XDS (first seen on the new Golf GTI) an electronic cross-axle traction control system. As with the rest of the Scirocco range, the Scirocco R is fitted with Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC). This allows the driver to select from normal, comfort or sport modes to define the desired suspension, steering and accelerator response settings for the conditions and journey. The braking system has also been uprated with larger discs and callipers, the latter finished in gloss black.

The mechanical changes to the Scirocco R are joined by a purposeful new look. The new front bumper, featuring a set of LED running lights, is dominated by a trio of deep airdams while the Xenon lights, fitted as standard, frame a new gloss black grille element set into which is a single ‘R’ badge. Further back, the mirrors are capped in gloss black while the rubbing strips which run down either side of the standard Scirocco have been removed to be replaced by a set of body-coloured side skirts.

The rear of the Scirocco R features smoked rear light lenses and a new, rear spoiler along with a prominent diffuser finished in gloss black mounted between a pair of new oval tailpipes. The Scirocco badge and engine designation are both deleted in favour of the Volkswagen badge and a single ‘R’ logo. Completing the changes are a set of 18-inch five-spoke wheels with 19-inch versions available as an option.

The uprated look continues inside the Scirocco R. The main contact points are new sports seats complete with ‘R’ logos are joined by a gloss black finish on the centre console, vents and door cards replacing the silver highlights found on the standard car. A new three-spoke, flat-bottomed steering wheel finished in black leather with contrasting white stitching sits in front of new white backlit dials complete with blue needles unique to the ‘R’ models. As standard the Scirocco R will be fitted with a touchscreen CD stereo, 2Zone climate control, six airbags and Electronic Stabilisation Programme.

30-10-2009: Prices od Scirocco R announced, from £26,945. Only 2WD, not 4WD like the Golf R. 0-60 in 5.9 seconds (same as RenaultSport Megane 250), falling to 5.5 seconds when equipped with the DSG gearbox, while achieving a combined figure of 34.9 mpg (35.3 for DSG) and 189 g/km of CO2 (187 for DSG). Top speed 155 mph.

Alongside the Scirocco R, the power output in the ‘standard’ 2.0-litre TSI Scirocco GT has now been increased to 210 PS. This extra power reduces the sprint to 60 mph to 6.6 seconds for both the manual and DSG gearboxes, and top speed increases to 149 mph (147 DSG). Fitted with revised oil and cooling systems, the 210 PS unit also boasts improved fuel consumption of 38.2 mpg (was 37.2) and emissions of 172 g/km of CO2 (was 179) over the engine it replaces.

24-12-2009: From 4-1-2010 Volkswagen Scirocco available to order with 1.4-litre TSI 122 PS engine, at prices starting at £18,860 RRP on the road. The 1.4-litre TSI 122 PS unit develops 147 lbs ft of torque. 6-speed manual. 0 to 60 mph in 9.4 seconds, top speed 124 mph. 44.1 mpg and CO2 emissions of 146 g/km. Standard
equipment includes six-CD autochanger with iPod preparation, rain and dusk sensors, a multifunction computer, air conditioning and 17-inch alloy wheels as well as ABS, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) and six airbags. Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) is also available on this model as a £765 option.

Volkswagen also announced a new optional styling pack available on Scirocco GT models. The new Lugano Black package comprises 10-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels
finished in gloss black with additional Piano Black decorative inserts throughout the cabin, and costs £950.

25-11-2009 EURO NCAP 5 STARS:
87% Adult Protection
73% Child Protection
53% Pedestrian Protection
71% Safety Assist

24-11-2010: The cleanest and most fuel efficient versions of the Scirocco and Passat CC yet produced have been unveiled in the form of BlueMotion Technology models.

As with all of Volkswagen’s BlueMotion Technology vehicles, the new Scirocco and Passat CC variants combine efficiency with comfort and refinement to create cars that deliver greater economy and fewer emissions, yet which remain conventional to drive, service and maintain.

All entry-level Scirocco and GT trim models with the 2.0-litre 140 PS engine now feature BlueMotion Technology modifications including Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems to help to create the cleanest and most fuel efficient Scirocco to date.  The models, available with a six-speed manual or optional six-speed DSG gearbox, offer savings through increased fuel economy, improved from 55.4 mpg to 62.8 mpg on the combined cycle (51.4 to 57.6 DSG), and lower emissions, down from 134 g/km to 118 g/km (145 to 129 DSG) to allow all BlueMotion Technology Sciroccos to drop two tax brackets over previous models.

Volkswagen has also announced revisions to the 2.0-litre TDI 170 PS engine fitted to the Scirocco GT, which result in fuel economy figures improving to 55.4 mpg from 53.3 mpg (50.4 to 51.4 DSG) and CO2 emissions reducing from 139 to 134 g/km (147 to 144 for DSG) .  

The Passat CC line-up has also been updated and sees BlueMotion Technology models join the range in place of existing diesel versions.  As with the Scirocco range, the new additions to the Passat CC range have been modified to optimise efficiency and economy, with regenerative braking and Start/Stop systems fitted to the four-door coupé for the first time.

These revisions help the 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS Passat CC models achieve a combined 60.1 mpg, up from 50.4, and CO2 emissions are cut to just 125 g/km, down from 146 g/km.  The more powerful 2.0-litre diesel engine in the range producing 170 PS also boasts improved figures with economy up to 57.6 mpg (51.4 DSG) and emissions down to 129 g/km (144 DSG).

The Scirocco and Passat CC BlueMotion Technology models are available to order at Volkswagen Retailers now.

Model CO2
(g/km)
VED
band
Fuel economy
(mpg, combined)
Price, £
(RRP OTR)
Scirocco        
2.0-litre TDI 140 PS
BlueMotion Technology 6spd (DSG)
118 (129) C (D) 62.8 (57.6) 21,500 (22,800)
GT 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS
BlueMotion Technology 6spd (DSG)
118 (129) C (D) 62.8 (57.6) 22,680 (23,980)
GT 2.0-litre TDI 170 PS 6spd (DSG) 134 (144) E (F) 55.4 (51.4) 23,440 (24,755

2-4-2012: Price drops for the base model and standard satnav "refresh" the Scirocco range.

Every model in the range now comes with RNS 315 touchscreen satellite navigation, including the entry-level Scirocco, the price of which drops by between £420 and £600, depending on engine.  Also now standard are a multifunction steering wheel and 17-inch ‘Long Beach' alloys, while ACC Adaptive Chassis Control is now optional.

Move up to GT trim and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery is now standard, along with heated front seats.  Also standard are ACC, 2Zone electronic climate control, front fog lights, heat-insulating tinted glass from the B-pillars back and 18-inch ‘Interlagos' alloy wheels.

The new R Line builds on GT specification, but adds a dramatic bodykit, with bespoke bumpers and side skirts, and 19-inch ‘Lugano' alloy wheels.  Up front are Nappa leather R Line sports seats, an R Line wheel and chrome pedal covers.

At the top of the range, the Scirocco R offers the same compelling performance as before, thanks to its 265 PS 2.0-litre TSI engine, while RNS 315 satellite navigation and Nappa leather upholstery are now also standard.

Volkswagen Scirocco 2012 model line-up and pricing

Trim

Engine derivative

CO2
g/km

Combined 
mpg

Price, £, 
RRP OTR

 

 

 

 

 

Scirocco

1.4-litre TSI 122 PS 6 spd manual

149

44.1

19,650

Scirocco

1.4-litre TSI 160 PS 6 spd manual

154

42.8

21,280

Scirocco

1.4-litre TSI 160 PS 7 spd DSG

147

44.8

22,670

Scirocco

2.0-litre TDI BMT 140 PS 6 spd man

118

62.8

22,055

Scirocco

2.0-litre TDI BMT 140 PS 6 spd DSG

129

57.6

23,455

 

 

 

 

 

GT

2.0-litre TSI 210 PS 6 spd manual

172

38.2

25,470

GT

2.0-litre TSI 210 PS 6 spd DSG

174

37.7

26,870

GT

2.0-litre TDI BMT 140 PS 6 spd man

118

62.8

24,510

GT

2.0-litre TDI BMT 140 PS 6 spd DSG

129

57.6

25,910

GT

2.0-litre TDI 170 PS 6 spd manual

134

55.4

25,280

GT

2.0-litre TDI 170 PS 6 spd DSG

144

51.4

26,695

 

 

 

 

 

R Line

2.0-litre TSI 210 PS 6 spd manual

172

38.2

26,995

R Line

2.0-litre TSI 210 PS 6 spd DSG

174

37.7

28,395

R Line

2.0-litre TDI BMT 140 PS 6 spd man

118

62.8

26,035

R Line

2.0-litre TDI BMT 140 PS 6 spd DSG

129

57.6

27,435

R Line

2.0-litre TDI 170 PS 6 spd manual

134

55.4

26,805

R Line

2.0-litre TDI 170 PS 6 spd DSG

144

51.4

28,220

 

 

 

 

 

R

2.0-litre TSI 265 PS 6 spd manual

189

34.9

30,575

R

2.0-litre TSI 265 PS 6 spd DSG

187

35.3

31,975

*BMT denotes BlueMotion Technology

Road test at VW Scirocco 2.0 TSI 2008 Road Test

Discounted Spare Parts: www.volkspares.co.uk 

Next: What's Bad »

Last updated 8 May 2013
More at the Volkswagen website  

Related News & Road Tests

Also Consider

  • Audi TT 2006
    Enjoyable to drive. Nicely detailed cabin. Impressive engines. Frugal TDI available. TTS is a great performance car. Very few reported problems over 7 years.
  • Peugeot RCZ 2010
    A revelation on the road with superb handling. Great styling with double bubble coupe roof. THP 200 engine is the pick of the range. Available with HDi diesel.
  • BMW 1 Series Coupe 2008
    Good looking sporty alternative to the standard 1 Series, super quick 135i, strong and efficient diesels.
  • Volkswagen Beetle 2012
    Huge improvement on previous Beetle. Distinctive interior harks back to original Beetle. Enjoyable to drive. Engine line-up includes 1.2 TSI 105PS and economical 1.6 TDI.

Buying Advice

Honest John's Newsletter

Connect with Honest John

Facebook YouTube