2014 Volkswagen Scirocco R-Line 2.0-litre TDI first drive review

What is it?

Despite appearances this is not a Scirocco R, though you could be forgiven for believing it is given the R-Line specification.

The diesel engine note also gives it away, even if here it’s the same 181bhp 2.0-litre TDI unit that powers the Golf GTD. It heads the diesel line-up in the revised Scirocco range, the blink-and-you’ll-miss-them changes that make up the coupe's mid-life update.

Revisions include re-profiled headlights and LED rear lamps, while new bumpers contain aerodynamic blades in the outer section.

It’s all fairly subtle really. Inside, new instruments feature, while there’s an homage to the 1974 original in the shape of a central dash-top auxiliary cluster containing boost and oil temperature gauges, plus a chronometer - the red digital clock display within it looks every bit like it has come from the '70s. 

Other changes to the ‘new’ Scirocco focus on its powertrains. All offer improved performance allied to greater economy and lower emissions, while the previous 158bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine is replaced by a 177bhp 2.0-litre - Volkswagen bucking the current trend for downsized units with that one.

Trim revisions add more equipment across the range too, which is certain to please UK buyers, which are only second to China in Scirocco sales - and comfortably the biggest market in Europe. 

What is it like?

Very much like the old Scirocco, only here a touch more powerful, but not seeing any improvement in its 7.5-second 0-62mph time.

What is more notable is the 8.5mpg improvement in economy and corresponding 19g/km drop in CO2, the latter bringing it down a couple of tax bands to the benefit of your bank balance. Other than that, the smarter instrument binnacle features deeper cowls on the dials.

Some 75 per cent of Scirocco sales will be diesels, which is slightly at odds with the Scirocco’s coupé positioning, though the manual outsells the DSG by a ratio of around two to one, which is more likely because it shifts it down another tax band rather than allows any greater driver involvement. 

That’s despite the 181bhp TDI’s uncharacteristic keenness to rev beyond 3,500rpm, even if the best of its performance is delivered in the mid-range.

It’s quick, in response and on the road, though the DSG transmission gets a bit busy if you’re demanding with the accelerator. It’s best then to shift gears yourself if you want to enjoy that muscular mid-range, the 2.0-litre unit even managing to sound appealing given its choice of fuel.

The ride and handling remain entirely predictable, so there's decent grip, light and accurate steering and a ride that’s commendable given 19-inch alloy wheels - though the Scirocco isn’t exactly the last word in excitement from behind the wheel. 

Should I buy one?

Tricky one that, the Scirocco has always been a bit hatchback-like to really be considered a proper coupe, though R-Line specification here does add some real visual appeal.

The biggest problem is the existence of its cheaper Golf hatchback relation, which, with the same engine in the GTD, does everything the Scirocco does, with arguably a little bit more sparkle and more efficiently, too.

Source: Autocar

Restyled Volkswagen Scirocco makes debut at Geneva; up to 19% better fuel economy

The restyled Volkswagen Scirocco will debut in Geneva, featuring a new range of engines that offer up to 276 hp yet also promise fuel efficiency improvements of up to 19%. The Scirocco offers a choice of six new turbocharged direct-injection gasoline and diesel engines, all of which meet EU6 emissions standards and return between 57.4 and 29.1 mpg US (4.1 to 8.1 l/100 km).

The gasoline range consists of a 1.4-liter petrol with 125 PS (123 hp), and a new 2.0-liter 180 PS (177 hp) unit which replaces the previous 1.4-liter 160 PS (158 hp) unit. Despite the increase in capacity and power, it is more economical than the unit it replaces. The previous 2.0-liter TSI 210 PS (207 hp) has been replaced with a 220 PS (217 hp) unit that is also 19% more fuel efficient. The new top-end Scirocco R uses a 2.0-liter unit producing 280 PS (276 hp)—15 PS more than before.

Scirocco R. Click to enlarge.

Two diesel engines will be offered, both 2.0-liter units, with either 150 PS (148 hp) or 184 PS (181 hp), and economy of up to 57.4 mpg US. Depending on power output both gasoline and diesel engines come with a choice of six-speed manual and six- or seven-speed DSG gearbox.

Externally, the Scirocco’s shape has been refined and modernized with new headlights and tail lights, as well as revised bumper styling. The revised front bumper features aerodynamic ‘blades’ in the outer section, like those of the latest-generation Golf GTI, with integrated indicator lights, daytime running lights and fog lights. On models fitted with the optional bi-xenon headlights, the daytime running lights are LEDs within the main headlights. At the rear, all Sciroccos now have LED tail lights, while the bumper has been reshaped to appear lower and more purposeful. As on a Golf, the Volkswagen logo badge now has an additional purpose: functioning as the tailgate release handle.