Volkswagen Scirocco – review: Even though we all get older, we want to continue contributing to society. The idea that we will immediately withdraw into the yard at the first sign of old age is absurd.
While we all age eventually (if lucky), some people age more gracefully than others. Volkswagen Scirocco is a perfect example of this. This car is a true veteran in the automotive industry; Its debut was in 2008. This Golf-derived coupe has been inflated to absurd proportions.
Aesthetically, it still holds up well due to its sharp silhouette and well-polished details. Although the retro interior is a little gift from its era, it’s still imposing due to its high quality and sturdy build. It’s old, sure, but it’s still very much in demand. Imagine a grey-haired George Clooney in one of these coffee ads, and you get the idea.
He is fast on his feet, given his age. The suspension provides an excellent balance of comfort and control. It allows the vehicle to keep up with most young drivers in the corners without sacrificing ride quality to the point where it gives out the hips. The engines still pack a lot and have undergone some excellent upgrades, but they’re no slower than they used to be.
From a purely practical standpoint, the Scirocco still holds up pretty well. Although there are only four seats, there is plenty of legroom in the back and a large luggage compartment. You might get the Golf instead if you’re worried about a lack of space and versatility compared to a regular hatchback.
The age of the Scirocco has been revealed in a few select places. Some of the more innovative safety tools now widely available on affordable models, such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning, aren’t available at all, and the steering is a bit sluggish by modern standards.
The Scirocco isn’t “broken with the kids,” partly because its outdated infotainment system doesn’t support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Regardless, the Scirocco undoubtedly still has it, and there’s a lot to like if you’re in the market for flash without breaking the bank.
Do you think the Volkswagen Scirocco will suit you?
The Volkswagen Scirocco caters to individuals for whom beauty takes precedence over practicality. Although it lacks the utility and adaptability to inspire the Golf hatchback, the GTI is a more desirable sight than its more practical and agile predecessor. It also has four oversized seats and a luggage compartment.
It’s as impressive in terms of build quality as the Golf, and it’s entertaining and convenient on the highway, though with a somewhat sporty bent. The Scirocco isn’t the only luxury coupe that delivers on fun, style, and desirability, but few manage to do so while still being practical and sane. A reliable choice for those looking for a stylish and versatile vehicle
What is the best Volkswagen Scirocco model/engine you can choose?
The standard 1.4-liter petrol engine gets the job done, but we expect most buyers will opt for the 160-hp version of the same machine due to its superior performance and cost-effectiveness. If you want more power, the 2.0-liter mid-range petrol offers 200hp, 210hp, or 220hp, depending on when it was made. This packs a punch and delivers a fantastic performance.
The GT trim’s extensive parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, and plush upholstery made it worth the extra cost over the standard trim. With its sleek looks and available leather power seats, the R-Line may appeal to consumers who put a premium on fashion.
How does the Volkswagen Scirocco compare to other vehicles?
The Volkswagen Scirocco, a separate insignia coupe based on the Golf, faced stiff competition from many vehicles, including classic two-door sports cars and the more practical three-door hatchback. Audi TTs and Alfa Romeos reside in the former, while BMW 1 Series Coupes and the Vauxhall Astra GTC (the latter looks more like a saloon than a hatchback, but you get the point). The Hyundai Veloster and Peugeot RCZ both fit into this category.
Comfort and design
The Scirocco’s sports seats provide enough comfort and ample lateral support to keep you in place on twisty roads. If you opt for the R-Line trim, your leather-covered seat slides electronically, and there are adjusting pods for both the seat and steering wheel to accommodate drivers of varying heights and builds.
However, the dashboard design is as simple as possible. Only the units for the air conditioning units and a few other appliances are present, but they are all clearly labeled and located where you would expect them to be.
You won’t have any problems seeing ahead, and although the hatchback’s pinched shape results in smaller windows and thicker rear pillars than in other hatchbacks, your over-the-shoulder perspective is still sharper than in most coupes. However, you must get the top-tier GT model if you want parking sensors.
Quality and finish
The Scirocco, built on the golf cart of the time, had no problem providing its passengers with a luxurious interior.
Soft-touch surfaces abound, and metallic trim adorns the dashboard, door handles, and air vents for an upscale look and feel on par with its Scirocco hatchback sibling. If you look closely, you may be able to make out one or two other hard surfaces at the bottom, but they will still be hidden from casual observation. In addition, the car has an air of solidity and sturdiness due to how its components are assembled, adding to the luxurious atmosphere.
Steering wheels for all models are thick and upholstered in leather. Interiors vary by trim level, but they all feel luxurious.
Infotainment in the Volkswagen Scirocco
To start, even the base model Scirocco had a stereo that included a 5.0-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, a CD changer (yes, it still does), and an FM/AM radio. Later in 2012, the 6.5-inch screen and sat-nav previously reserved for the GT and higher trim levels became standard equipment. Volkswagen hasn’t gone as far as Apple Carplay or Android Auto, though the system was improved in 2014 to include DAB radio.
While the system may seem outdated by today’s standards, it was revolutionary when it was first implemented. The app worked well, the images were clear enough, and it was generally easy to use due to the inclusion of shortcut buttons and logical controls.
Space and practicality in the Volkswagen Scirocco
The front seats are roomy, as in contemporary cars, and although the two rear seats are somewhat tight in headroom, they offer surprisingly plenty of legroom. Travelers over six feet tall may need to recline a bit in their hearts, but they can still fit pretty comfortably. However, the narrow gap between the door frame and the driver’s seat makes getting in and out a hassle, and carrying small children can be challenging if you have to use booster seats in the back.
Weekend getaways are possible because the luggage compartment is more significant than you might expect. All cars like this have a big lip in the middle where you have to hook-heavy stuff before dropping it on the other side. The rear seats fold down and split in half so you can fit more, but the back won’t lie flat.
Power and driving comfort in the Volkswagen Scirocco
The Scirocco has a sportier look and more driving feel than the Golf, sharing many mechanical components. It feels more stable while changing directions due to its lower center of gravity and wider track than its stability partner. The steering is reassuringly heavy, albeit sluggish by current standards, and there are bags of grip and tight body control. The handling is always neutral and balanced, allowing for a fun and engaging driving experience.
The ride is on the somewhat firm side, as expected in a car of this type, but it never becomes irritating at any speed or surface.
Adaptive Chassis Control was an adaptive suspension system that was optional on most models and let you adjust suspension stiffness based on your mood. If you pay close attention, you’ll be able to tell the difference between the settings, but overall, the system doesn’t add much to the Scirocco in terms of comfort or fun.
Engines and transmissions
Despite frequent adjustments to the power output and efficiency figures, the turbocharged engines in the Scirocco haven’t changed much during the car’s life.
For example, the standard 1.4-liter petrol engine put out 122bhp and was later upgraded to 125. It was comfortable to drive because of its incredible agility, but it wasn’t quite as snappy, so it’s best for individuals who want a Scirocco for its good looks rather than its speed. There was another 1.4 with 160bhp, which drove somewhat better, so we’d recommend that most people go with that. We never got our hands on a 180-hp version of the 2.0-liter petrol engine, but we did try the 200- and 220-hp variants, and both were pretty strong for their day.
Not surprisingly, since they are the same engines used in the Golf GTI, they gave the Scirocco impressive hot-hatch acceleration. Moreover, the car was powerful, smooth, easily flexed, eager to accelerate, and great-looking. Meanwhile, depending on the production date, the R’s 2.0-liter petrol engine produced 265hp or 280hp, but we could never test any of those numbers.
The diesels were also high-speed. Depending on when it was built, the base model had a minimum of 140 horsepower and as much as 150 horsepower, while the more powerful model produced between 170 and 184 horsepower. They were gentle cruisers but not a hot paddler because of their natural unwillingness to turn, so they preferred them over petrol.
The standard transmission was a six-speed manual transmission, while the optional transmission was Volkswagen’s DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. Both provide smooth changes that are very rewarding. Also, read Toyota Prius Prime.
Smoothing and noise levels
All Scirocco petrol engines deliver their power in a precise and refined manner. Hard acceleration doesn’t feel quite as harsh by little ones, and there isn’t as much vibration.
However, the 2.0-liter engines are more refined and provide a satisfying feel when pushed to their limits. The diesel wobbles a bit at idle and when there are only a few revolutions on the crank, but otherwise, they are reticent and smooth compared to the competition.
Although the wide tires increase road noise slightly, the Scirocco’s slippery profile effectively helps reduce highway wind noise. Suspension operation does not produce a great deal of noise.
safety types of equipment
The Scirocco has six crash-mitigating airbags and Electronic Stability Control to prevent you from getting into an accident in the first place. However, there is no higher level of intelligence than that.
Modern conveniences such as automated emergency braking and lane departure warning, which have become standard in the auto industry, are not included. However, we shouldn’t be too harsh on the Scirocco since it’s such an old car that it did well by today’s standards. Shortly after its debut in 2009, Euro NCAP ran its course, coming out on top with a perfect five-star score.
Standard equipment and trim levels
Over the years, there have been many limited-edition and special-edition Scirocco models, but the base trim lineup has always consisted of Standard, GT, R-Line, and R models. It’s important to remember that older cars will get lower gas mileage than modern vehicles.
In short, the base model was equipped with several amenities, such as manual air conditioning, automatic headlights, windshield wipers, automatic wipers, alloy wheels, electric front windows, safety features, and infotainment amenities. If you want front fog lights, dual-zone temperature control, front and rear parking sensors, and faux suede upholstery, you’ll need to go for the higher-spec GT trim.
The R-Line trim adds several exterior and interior aesthetic touches and power-adjustable leather seats. The R variants include a more powerful engine, other stylistic details, and an adaptive suspension system.
