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Volkswagen Scirocco R 2.0 DSG (A) Review
15 Oct 2010|32,867 views
Volkswagen's Scirocco holds some rather special personal significance for me. Afterall, my first foray into the motoring industry coincided with the launch of the Golf's resurrected sibling. What's more when I finally took the next step to becoming a motoring writer, the article that got me the job was a review about the Scirocco. Thus you can understand my attachment to this particular coupe.
Even with the personal attachments stripped away, the car still appeals to me. Having driven the model in all its engine variants before, the car is nothing short of impressive. Driving both the entry-level 1.4-litre TSI and the 2.0-litre Scirocco Sport back to back, the 1.4-litre was especially noteworthy. Despite its seemingly smaller capacity, the clever supercharged and turbo charged 1.4-litre engine manages to give robust acceleration while still keeping economy figures low. The 2.0-litre was also no less impressive. Giving significantly better body control over the GTI with its lower ride height. But more importantly, did I mention the looks?
Now, the ultimate wet dream of our Scirocco fantasies has arrived. One that bears the much coveted R insignia™
Even with the personal attachments stripped away, the car still appeals to me. Having driven the model in all its engine variants before, the car is nothing short of impressive. Driving both the entry-level 1.4-litre TSI and the 2.0-litre Scirocco Sport back to back, the 1.4-litre was especially noteworthy. Despite its seemingly smaller capacity, the clever supercharged and turbo charged 1.4-litre engine manages to give robust acceleration while still keeping economy figures low. The 2.0-litre was also no less impressive. Giving significantly better body control over the GTI with its lower ride height. But more importantly, did I mention the looks?
Now, the ultimate wet dream of our Scirocco fantasies has arrived. One that bears the much coveted R insignia™
 |
Exterior
Externally, much remains the same as in the standard Scirocco. That ground hugging stance that has brought it a whole new generation of fans has been enhanced with some fibreglass augmentation parts. Rubbing strips along the doors have been removed to create a smoother profile. The front of the car has also been given a more aggressive outlook with its new R exclusive bumper that was first seen on the Scirocco Cup Car. Incorporated into the bumper are LED daytime running lights at each front side intlet. The three large air inlets dominate the lower half of the front fascia and allows greater cooling of the engine and brakes. Intercoolers for the engine can be found hidden behind both inlets on the extreme end.
 |
Another notable change is in the rear where cut outs in the rear make room for the pair of oval exhausts. On the Scirocco R, the tailgate has been kept simple and non-descript with the deletion of the 'Scirocco' badge. Only a simple but imposing 'R' badge remains in its place.
The latest flagship Scirocco comes with some new shoes as well. And in this case, the R is complimented with a rather striking set of R exclusive 19 inch Talladega rims. Though the ones pictured are in sterling silver, one could specify for Volkswagen to paint them in gloss black if it pleases you. In either guise, the wheels will set off the brilliant Rising Blue that has become the trademark of VW's R cars.
Interior
The Roc R's interior is similar if not exactly the same as in the Golf R. That thankfully isn't a bad thing as the Hot Roc inherits the same comfortably grippy steering wheel as in its other R sibling. I love the way the wheel plays in my hands with the right portions of the wheel cut out just for your thumb. It seems to beckon to be twisted from side to side. Where the similar wheel used in the GTI was finished in shiny aluminium bits, in the R, the details are in gloss black with a discrete R badge to make sure you don't forget how special this Roc is.
The latest flagship Scirocco comes with some new shoes as well. And in this case, the R is complimented with a rather striking set of R exclusive 19 inch Talladega rims. Though the ones pictured are in sterling silver, one could specify for Volkswagen to paint them in gloss black if it pleases you. In either guise, the wheels will set off the brilliant Rising Blue that has become the trademark of VW's R cars.
Interior
The Roc R's interior is similar if not exactly the same as in the Golf R. That thankfully isn't a bad thing as the Hot Roc inherits the same comfortably grippy steering wheel as in its other R sibling. I love the way the wheel plays in my hands with the right portions of the wheel cut out just for your thumb. It seems to beckon to be twisted from side to side. Where the similar wheel used in the GTI was finished in shiny aluminium bits, in the R, the details are in gloss black with a discrete R badge to make sure you don't forget how special this Roc is.
On the centre console, the audio and climate control panel are encased in a high gloss black surround. Most VW owners would by now be familiar with the touch screen audio. The audio system is made up of the Dynaudio 8-speaker RCD 510 system that takes 6 CDs, radio and AUX-in/USB. Sound reproduction by the RCD 510 is nothing short of excellent with strong bass and exquisite clarity in the higher frequencies.
The familiar Scirocco quirks remain in the R. Despite the roof being made almost entirely out of glass, it unfortunately doesn't slide open to let the wind in. One has to be content with the two inch tilt that hopefully helps to vent air out of the cabin. And also due to the sloping design of its roof, taller passengers in the rear seat might experience a shortage in vertical real estate. Drivers must also contend with the reduced rear visibility created by the extra thick C-pillars and the reduced aperture of the rear windscreen hindered even more by the head restraints of the rear seats.
While the R comes with standard electrically adjustable front seats, the enthusiast among you can specify for full bucket seats. Though the addition of these manual seats will make entry into the rear a bit more of a hassle for passengers. Nevertheless, the rear seats in the Scirocco remain surprisingly spacious. Seating six foot tall adults with more than adequate legroom to spare.
The familiar Scirocco quirks remain in the R. Despite the roof being made almost entirely out of glass, it unfortunately doesn't slide open to let the wind in. One has to be content with the two inch tilt that hopefully helps to vent air out of the cabin. And also due to the sloping design of its roof, taller passengers in the rear seat might experience a shortage in vertical real estate. Drivers must also contend with the reduced rear visibility created by the extra thick C-pillars and the reduced aperture of the rear windscreen hindered even more by the head restraints of the rear seats.
While the R comes with standard electrically adjustable front seats, the enthusiast among you can specify for full bucket seats. Though the addition of these manual seats will make entry into the rear a bit more of a hassle for passengers. Nevertheless, the rear seats in the Scirocco remain surprisingly spacious. Seating six foot tall adults with more than adequate legroom to spare.
 |
The rather deep boot in the Scirocco remains the same and while it will be enough for your weekly grocery trips, the storage of golf bags would require you to sacrifice at least one of the rear seats.
The Drive
In the heart of this flagship R sits a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo that was developed from the one used in the GTI. This is also the same powerplant found in both the Golf R and Audi S3. On why the engine produces only 256bhp in the Rs while the similarly engined S3 produces 265bhp is a mystery to us. But what is clear is that the 330Nm of torque gives the R a lotta grunt off the line. Drama like that calls for an equally thrilling soundtrack and the oval pipes in rear gives plenty. While some might find the constant drone an annoyance, I personally found it 'encouraging'. Not only that, the girlfriend enjoyed the constant bellow as well. Step on it and the soundtrack rises in a bassy crescendo that ends in a thirsty gurgle with every upshift. It is a soundtrack that few will find mundane even after six months of ownership.
Compared to the Golf R, the Scirocco R's lower and wider stance means it gets through the bends faster and flatter than its Golf brethren. Drawing comparison from an earlier drive in the Golf R, the Scirocco R feels sharper and more communicative through the bends.
The Drive
In the heart of this flagship R sits a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo that was developed from the one used in the GTI. This is also the same powerplant found in both the Golf R and Audi S3. On why the engine produces only 256bhp in the Rs while the similarly engined S3 produces 265bhp is a mystery to us. But what is clear is that the 330Nm of torque gives the R a lotta grunt off the line. Drama like that calls for an equally thrilling soundtrack and the oval pipes in rear gives plenty. While some might find the constant drone an annoyance, I personally found it 'encouraging'. Not only that, the girlfriend enjoyed the constant bellow as well. Step on it and the soundtrack rises in a bassy crescendo that ends in a thirsty gurgle with every upshift. It is a soundtrack that few will find mundane even after six months of ownership.
Compared to the Golf R, the Scirocco R's lower and wider stance means it gets through the bends faster and flatter than its Golf brethren. Drawing comparison from an earlier drive in the Golf R, the Scirocco R feels sharper and more communicative through the bends.
While it might lack the Golf's 4motion all wheel drive system, the Scirocco never felt lacking in the grip department. In fact, the looser rear end helps tuck the nose in when attacking an apex.
On the R, the Dynamic Chassis Control system has been tweaked to match its performance. The 'Normal' setting in the R now feels like the 'Sport' in the standard car according to the butt-o-metre. While personally I found the 'Comfort' setting erring too close to jello. In 'Sport' mode, the Roc is all confident and sure footed.
Conclusion
Besides its greater road presence, the more affordable of the two turns out to be a livelier drive as well. While the coupe form means that the missing set of doors drive down practical considerations, the sharper looks command critical consideration as well. All these factors combine to edge the Scirocco R over its Golf R sibling.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
On the R, the Dynamic Chassis Control system has been tweaked to match its performance. The 'Normal' setting in the R now feels like the 'Sport' in the standard car according to the butt-o-metre. While personally I found the 'Comfort' setting erring too close to jello. In 'Sport' mode, the Roc is all confident and sure footed.
Conclusion
Besides its greater road presence, the more affordable of the two turns out to be a livelier drive as well. While the coupe form means that the missing set of doors drive down practical considerations, the sharper looks command critical consideration as well. All these factors combine to edge the Scirocco R over its Golf R sibling.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Volkswagen's Scirocco holds some rather special personal significance for me. Afterall, my first foray into the motoring industry coincided with the launch of the Golf's resurrected sibling. What's more when I finally took the next step to becoming a motoring writer, the article that got me the job was a review about the Scirocco. Thus you can understand my attachment to this particular coupe.
Even with the personal attachments stripped away, the car still appeals to me. Having driven the model in all its engine variants before, the car is nothing short of impressive. Driving both the entry-level 1.4-litre TSI and the 2.0-litre Scirocco Sport back to back, the 1.4-litre was especially noteworthy. Despite its seemingly smaller capacity, the clever supercharged and turbo charged 1.4-litre engine manages to give robust acceleration while still keeping economy figures low. The 2.0-litre was also no less impressive. Giving significantly better body control over the GTI with its lower ride height. But more importantly, did I mention the looks?
Now, the ultimate wet dream of our Scirocco fantasies has arrived. One that bears the much coveted R insignia™
Even with the personal attachments stripped away, the car still appeals to me. Having driven the model in all its engine variants before, the car is nothing short of impressive. Driving both the entry-level 1.4-litre TSI and the 2.0-litre Scirocco Sport back to back, the 1.4-litre was especially noteworthy. Despite its seemingly smaller capacity, the clever supercharged and turbo charged 1.4-litre engine manages to give robust acceleration while still keeping economy figures low. The 2.0-litre was also no less impressive. Giving significantly better body control over the GTI with its lower ride height. But more importantly, did I mention the looks?
Now, the ultimate wet dream of our Scirocco fantasies has arrived. One that bears the much coveted R insignia™
|
Exterior
Externally, much remains the same as in the standard Scirocco. That ground hugging stance that has brought it a whole new generation of fans has been enhanced with some fibreglass augmentation parts. Rubbing strips along the doors have been removed to create a smoother profile. The front of the car has also been given a more aggressive outlook with its new R exclusive bumper that was first seen on the Scirocco Cup Car. Incorporated into the bumper are LED daytime running lights at each front side intlet. The three large air inlets dominate the lower half of the front fascia and allows greater cooling of the engine and brakes. Intercoolers for the engine can be found hidden behind both inlets on the extreme end.
|
Another notable change is in the rear where cut outs in the rear make room for the pair of oval exhausts. On the Scirocco R, the tailgate has been kept simple and non-descript with the deletion of the 'Scirocco' badge. Only a simple but imposing 'R' badge remains in its place.
The latest flagship Scirocco comes with some new shoes as well. And in this case, the R is complimented with a rather striking set of R exclusive 19 inch Talladega rims. Though the ones pictured are in sterling silver, one could specify for Volkswagen to paint them in gloss black if it pleases you. In either guise, the wheels will set off the brilliant Rising Blue that has become the trademark of VW's R cars.
Interior
The Roc R's interior is similar if not exactly the same as in the Golf R. That thankfully isn't a bad thing as the Hot Roc inherits the same comfortably grippy steering wheel as in its other R sibling. I love the way the wheel plays in my hands with the right portions of the wheel cut out just for your thumb. It seems to beckon to be twisted from side to side. Where the similar wheel used in the GTI was finished in shiny aluminium bits, in the R, the details are in gloss black with a discrete R badge to make sure you don't forget how special this Roc is.
The latest flagship Scirocco comes with some new shoes as well. And in this case, the R is complimented with a rather striking set of R exclusive 19 inch Talladega rims. Though the ones pictured are in sterling silver, one could specify for Volkswagen to paint them in gloss black if it pleases you. In either guise, the wheels will set off the brilliant Rising Blue that has become the trademark of VW's R cars.
Interior
The Roc R's interior is similar if not exactly the same as in the Golf R. That thankfully isn't a bad thing as the Hot Roc inherits the same comfortably grippy steering wheel as in its other R sibling. I love the way the wheel plays in my hands with the right portions of the wheel cut out just for your thumb. It seems to beckon to be twisted from side to side. Where the similar wheel used in the GTI was finished in shiny aluminium bits, in the R, the details are in gloss black with a discrete R badge to make sure you don't forget how special this Roc is.
On the centre console, the audio and climate control panel are encased in a high gloss black surround. Most VW owners would by now be familiar with the touch screen audio. The audio system is made up of the Dynaudio 8-speaker RCD 510 system that takes 6 CDs, radio and AUX-in/USB. Sound reproduction by the RCD 510 is nothing short of excellent with strong bass and exquisite clarity in the higher frequencies.
The familiar Scirocco quirks remain in the R. Despite the roof being made almost entirely out of glass, it unfortunately doesn't slide open to let the wind in. One has to be content with the two inch tilt that hopefully helps to vent air out of the cabin. And also due to the sloping design of its roof, taller passengers in the rear seat might experience a shortage in vertical real estate. Drivers must also contend with the reduced rear visibility created by the extra thick C-pillars and the reduced aperture of the rear windscreen hindered even more by the head restraints of the rear seats.
While the R comes with standard electrically adjustable front seats, the enthusiast among you can specify for full bucket seats. Though the addition of these manual seats will make entry into the rear a bit more of a hassle for passengers. Nevertheless, the rear seats in the Scirocco remain surprisingly spacious. Seating six foot tall adults with more than adequate legroom to spare.
The familiar Scirocco quirks remain in the R. Despite the roof being made almost entirely out of glass, it unfortunately doesn't slide open to let the wind in. One has to be content with the two inch tilt that hopefully helps to vent air out of the cabin. And also due to the sloping design of its roof, taller passengers in the rear seat might experience a shortage in vertical real estate. Drivers must also contend with the reduced rear visibility created by the extra thick C-pillars and the reduced aperture of the rear windscreen hindered even more by the head restraints of the rear seats.
While the R comes with standard electrically adjustable front seats, the enthusiast among you can specify for full bucket seats. Though the addition of these manual seats will make entry into the rear a bit more of a hassle for passengers. Nevertheless, the rear seats in the Scirocco remain surprisingly spacious. Seating six foot tall adults with more than adequate legroom to spare.
|
The rather deep boot in the Scirocco remains the same and while it will be enough for your weekly grocery trips, the storage of golf bags would require you to sacrifice at least one of the rear seats.
The Drive
In the heart of this flagship R sits a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo that was developed from the one used in the GTI. This is also the same powerplant found in both the Golf R and Audi S3. On why the engine produces only 256bhp in the Rs while the similarly engined S3 produces 265bhp is a mystery to us. But what is clear is that the 330Nm of torque gives the R a lotta grunt off the line. Drama like that calls for an equally thrilling soundtrack and the oval pipes in rear gives plenty. While some might find the constant drone an annoyance, I personally found it 'encouraging'. Not only that, the girlfriend enjoyed the constant bellow as well. Step on it and the soundtrack rises in a bassy crescendo that ends in a thirsty gurgle with every upshift. It is a soundtrack that few will find mundane even after six months of ownership.
Compared to the Golf R, the Scirocco R's lower and wider stance means it gets through the bends faster and flatter than its Golf brethren. Drawing comparison from an earlier drive in the Golf R, the Scirocco R feels sharper and more communicative through the bends.
The Drive
In the heart of this flagship R sits a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo that was developed from the one used in the GTI. This is also the same powerplant found in both the Golf R and Audi S3. On why the engine produces only 256bhp in the Rs while the similarly engined S3 produces 265bhp is a mystery to us. But what is clear is that the 330Nm of torque gives the R a lotta grunt off the line. Drama like that calls for an equally thrilling soundtrack and the oval pipes in rear gives plenty. While some might find the constant drone an annoyance, I personally found it 'encouraging'. Not only that, the girlfriend enjoyed the constant bellow as well. Step on it and the soundtrack rises in a bassy crescendo that ends in a thirsty gurgle with every upshift. It is a soundtrack that few will find mundane even after six months of ownership.
Compared to the Golf R, the Scirocco R's lower and wider stance means it gets through the bends faster and flatter than its Golf brethren. Drawing comparison from an earlier drive in the Golf R, the Scirocco R feels sharper and more communicative through the bends.
While it might lack the Golf's 4motion all wheel drive system, the Scirocco never felt lacking in the grip department. In fact, the looser rear end helps tuck the nose in when attacking an apex.
On the R, the Dynamic Chassis Control system has been tweaked to match its performance. The 'Normal' setting in the R now feels like the 'Sport' in the standard car according to the butt-o-metre. While personally I found the 'Comfort' setting erring too close to jello. In 'Sport' mode, the Roc is all confident and sure footed.
Conclusion
Besides its greater road presence, the more affordable of the two turns out to be a livelier drive as well. While the coupe form means that the missing set of doors drive down practical considerations, the sharper looks command critical consideration as well. All these factors combine to edge the Scirocco R over its Golf R sibling.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
On the R, the Dynamic Chassis Control system has been tweaked to match its performance. The 'Normal' setting in the R now feels like the 'Sport' in the standard car according to the butt-o-metre. While personally I found the 'Comfort' setting erring too close to jello. In 'Sport' mode, the Roc is all confident and sure footed.
Conclusion
Besides its greater road presence, the more affordable of the two turns out to be a livelier drive as well. While the coupe form means that the missing set of doors drive down practical considerations, the sharper looks command critical consideration as well. All these factors combine to edge the Scirocco R over its Golf R sibling.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Benjamin G, Kline
Also read our comparison article on:
Volkswagen Scirocco R 2.0 DSG (A) vs Renault Megane RS 2.0T (M)
Car Information
Volkswagen Scirocco R 2.0 DSG (A)
CAT B|Petrol|12.2km/L
Horsepower
191kW (256 bhp)
Torque
330 Nm
Acceleration
6sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Volkswagen Scirocco R
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