Automotive

VW's Scirocco gets new engines and a sharp new look

VW's Scirocco gets new engines and a sharp new look
The new VW Scirocco is available with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines
The new VW Scirocco is available with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines
View 33 Images
VW's new Scirocco has a refreshed interior
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VW's new Scirocco has a refreshed interior
Volkswagen has redesigned the Scirocco's boot release
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Volkswagen has redesigned the Scirocco's boot release
LED taillights are standard on all Sciroccos
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LED taillights are standard on all Sciroccos
The styling changes are evolutionary, not revolutionary
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The styling changes are evolutionary, not revolutionary
The Scirocco R packs a 206 kW turbocharged engine under the hood
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The Scirocco R packs a 206 kW turbocharged engine under the hood
The Scirocco R's interior has been updated to include new gauges and a leather steering wheel
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The Scirocco R's interior has been updated to include new gauges and a leather steering wheel
VW has updated the Scirocco's front and rear bumpers
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VW has updated the Scirocco's front and rear bumpers
VW's coupe is based on the MK6 Golf platform
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VW's coupe is based on the MK6 Golf platform
The new VW Scirocco is available from mid-August in Europe
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The new VW Scirocco is available from mid-August in Europe
All Scirocos come standard with a 6-speed manual gearbox
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All Scirocos come standard with a 6-speed manual gearbox
A DSG gearbox is available on the new Scirocco
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A DSG gearbox is available on the new Scirocco
The new VW Scirocco is available with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines
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The new VW Scirocco is available with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines
The new Scirocco R's interior
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The new Scirocco R's interior
A leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard on new Sciroccos
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A leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard on new Sciroccos
The Scirocco R sprints to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds
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The Scirocco R sprints to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds
Blind spot warning is optional on the new Scirocco
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Blind spot warning is optional on the new Scirocco
The styling changes are evolutionary, not revolutionary
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The styling changes are evolutionary, not revolutionary
VW's Scirocco R has the option of hands-free parking
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VW's Scirocco R has the option of hands-free parking
VW's Scirocco R
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VW's Scirocco R
The new VW Scirocco R
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The new VW Scirocco R
The new VW Scirocco R
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The new VW Scirocco R
The new VW Scirocco R
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The new VW Scirocco R
The new VW Scirocco R
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The new VW Scirocco R
The Scirocco has new gauges atop the dash
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The Scirocco has new gauges atop the dash
The new Volkswagen Scirocco is available with 6 new engines
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The new Volkswagen Scirocco is available with 6 new engines
The styling changes are evolutionary, not revolutionary
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The styling changes are evolutionary, not revolutionary
VW is offering 2 diesel engines on the new Scirocco
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VW is offering 2 diesel engines on the new Scirocco
The most frugal diesel uses only 4.5 l/100km
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The most frugal diesel uses only 4.5 l/100km
VW's Scirocco is not yet confirmed for the American market
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VW's Scirocco is not yet confirmed for the American market
Blind spot warning is optional on the new Scirocco
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Blind spot warning is optional on the new Scirocco
The new Sciroccos are faster and more efficient than their predecessors
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The new Sciroccos are faster and more efficient than their predecessors
The new VW Scirocco
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The new VW Scirocco
The new VW Scirocco
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The new VW Scirocco
View gallery - 33 images

As good looking as the Volkswagen Scirocco is, the current model is six years old. VW has given the Golf-based coupe a major refresh, with a new range of more powerful and economical engines and a sharper look.

Walter de Silva’s original design, despite being six years old, still looks fresh today, so it's no surprise that Volkswagen has taken an evolutionary approach with the styling. The front and rear of the car have been styled to more closely fit Volkswagen’s updated design language, and LED taillights are standard across the range. All of the new cars are also fitted LED daytime running lights up front.

A DSG gearbox is available on the new Scirocco
A DSG gearbox is available on the new Scirocco

VW has gone big with its changes under the hood, though. For fans of petrol engines, the new Scirocco will be available with four TSI motors. The base model is a turbocharged 1.4-liter, making 92 kW (127 hp), and is fitted with fuel-saving tech like auto start/stop, which switches the car’s engine off when idling in traffic. Fuel economy was a real focus for VW, who claims a combined economy figure of 5.4 l/100km (44 mpg) and CO2 emissions of just 125 g/km (combined).

The other three petrol engines are all turbocharged 2.0-liter motors. The least powerful of the three puts out 132 kW (177 hp), which is a jump of 14 kW over the engine it replaces. This power boost helps cut 0.6 seconds from the old model’s 8 second sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph). Despite the extra power, the 132 kW Scirocco still returns a combined economy figure of 6 - 6.4 l/100km (37 mpg), and in ideal conditions will emit only 139 - 148 g/km of CO2.

VW has updated the Scirocco's front and rear bumpers
VW has updated the Scirocco's front and rear bumpers

As before, the Scirocco range is topped by the "R" version. In line with the rest of the range, VW’s hot coupe has received a boost. Power is up by 11 kW (15 hp), with a peak output of 206 kW (276 hp), with the sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) taking 5.5 seconds. As the range flagship, the R also gains bigger wheels than the rest of the refreshed Sciroccos. Combined economy is claimed at 7.9 - 8 l/100 km (29 mpg), with CO2 emissions of 185 - 187 g/km.

Beside the Scirocco R, the third petrol engine is the most powerful in the Scirocco range, making 162 kW (217 hp). Volkswagen claims the same economy figures for the 162 kW Scirocco as it does for the less powerful,132 kW version.

Both diesel versions get turbocharged 2.0-liter engines. The less powerful of the two is the most economical engine in the updated Scirocco line up, with its 110 kW (148 hp) output contributing to a combined fuel economy figure of 4.2 - 4.5 l/100km (52 mpg). Top speed jumps from 207 to 215 km/h (134 mph), and CO2 emissions range between 109 and 119 g/km depending on conditions.

If you like diesels but don’t like going slowly, VW has a 135 kW (181 hp) version of its 2.0-liter engine. For all the extra power, there is very little penalty in economy, with a combined figure of 4.4 - 4.8 l/100km (49 mpg). Emissions range from 115 to 125 g/km, once again depending on the driver’s style.

The new Scirocco R's interior
The new Scirocco R's interior

Inside, the Scirocco’s interior has once again been refreshed. VW has added some gauges atop the dash, and there is a raft of tech available on the new car that wasn’t on the old mode. Blind spot warning and hands-free parking can be specced on the new Scirocco.

The new models go on sale from mid-August in Europe, with a standard 6-speed manual on all engines. A DSG gearbox will be available as an option.

Pricing has not been announced.

Source: Volkswagen

View gallery - 33 images
8 comments
8 comments
Bill Bennett
like the seats, and that is it.
almosthome
Topgear couldn't make them look any better.
Bryan Rule
I don't get my they wouldn't sell this in North America. I'd buy the R or the more potent diesel ASAP
Roccovw
The looks of this car are really disappointing! The Scirocco in the 80's was a great looking car and performed well for it's time. The new Scirocco has hp, but dang it's ugly and just looks like another Golf... don't we already have enough of the annoying Golf VW's? The Scirocco should be low, sleek, slightly boxy and be fast.. Not resemble a stinkin civic hatch back!! FAIL
bergamot69
The diesel version needed a refresh- the TDi I drove recently was pretty average performance-wise, so a performance boost to go with its 'sporty' (read 3 door Golf that has been flattened a bit) looks.
Diesel coupes do make sense. Today I had the pleasure of driving this car's sister model (Audi TT TDi Quattro) across the very narrow, exceedingly twisty Pennine hills of Yorkshire- the same route (in reverse) that the Tour de France took. Together with an excellent chassis, the turbo diesel produced ample torque to make very speedy progress- frequent gearchanges needed for the very sharp bends and steep inclines. Would love to try the same in the rehashed 2wd diesel Scirocco.
Arthur Douglas
Would love to see this car in the States. Just returned from living in Germany for 6 years. There are many many fantastic, great looking, well made, high gas milleage cars available in Europe that we cannot get here. Some are starting to trickle in with Ford (Fiesta anyone). I think Fiat has a great opportunity to really make a dent in the compact car market here in the U.S. More Alfas would be nice. The Mito is a great car, looks fantastic, great milleage, etc, etc.
JweenyPwee
On a trip to Europe in 2009, I saw many Sciroccos. I LOVE my S5, but I'd very seriously consider selling it if they brought the Sciro to the States.
Mike Lawson
VWoA won't bring the Scirocco to the U.S. because they're convinced they can make beige work.