New lease on life for iconic coupe
Volkswagen has updated the Scirocco coupe with a refreshed design and new equipment
CHARISMATIC coupes have been an important part of the Volkswagen model range for decades. The first Volkswagen coupe was the Karmann Ghia which was introduced in 1955 — a style icon that evolved with the times until the end of its production in 1974. The Karmann Ghia was succeeded by the Scirocco which was launched in the same year.
Two generations of the Scirocco were built in a space of 18 years between 1974 and 1992. The third-generation Scirocco was launched in 2009 in SA. The com- pany has now refreshed the current generation with new exterior and interior designs.
Externally, the new shape has been refined and modernised 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 on the latestgeneration Golf GTI, with integrated indicator lights, daytime running lights and fog lights.
The LED tail lights are a standard feature across the range. The bumper has been reshaped to appear lower and more purposeful. As on the new Golf, the Volkswagen logo badge now has an The Scirocco and Scirocco R both get new design treatment. The interior, left, has also been updated and includes new trim and equipment. additional purpose: functioning as the tailgate release handle.
The range-topping Scirocco R has a distinct look, with bespoke bumpers and alloy wheels. It now comes with 19-inch Cadiz alloy wheels. The rest of the range with the exception of 1.4 TSI 118kW also benefits from the new alloy wheel designs.
The engine line-up remains unchanged with the choice of three TSI engines, namely a 1.4 TSI 118kW, 2.0 TSI 155kW and 2.0 TSI 188kW in the Scirocco R. The 1.4 TSI is available with a six-speed manual transmission while the 2.0 TSI engines come standard with six-speed DSG transmission.
Inside, the dashboard has been updated with new-look dials and an auxiliary instrument cluster above the centre console, consisting of a chronometer and charge pressure and oil temperature gauges — a tribute to the 1974 model.
The seats have also been redesigned with new materials. The standard Vienna leather trim can be ordered in different colour variants such as Ceramique, Sioux and black in carbon style. Also new is the light interior trim Ceramique for the lower sections of the dashboard, door panels and the centre console which is offered in addition to black.
Functional standard equipment include fatigue detection, hill hold assist, climatronic automatic air-conditioner, multifunction display, radio/CD with six-CD changer and eight speakers, Bluetooth cellphone preparation and USB port.
As standard, Volkswagen has given the Scirocco R a bespoke sports chassis setup and equipped it with the front axle differential lock XDS. XDS is a functional extension of the electronic differential lock (EDS) that is integrated in the electronic stability control programme and effectively eliminates traction loss.
The brake system has also been modified to suit the higher performance of the Scirocco R. Instead of a 16-inch system, a 17inch system is fitted with internally ventilated discs and R-specific brake callipers. The electronic stability control (ESC) programme has also been specially configured for the Scirocco R. It can be switched to sport mode with an ESC button on the centre console. During fast driving, especially on roads with lots of bends or on the racetrack, the ESC response is delayed to offer agile handling characteristics. At the same time, the traction control system is completely switched off when the ESC sport mode is activated. In addition, the electromechanical power steering of the Scirocco R has been given a sportier characteristic, according to the company.
The new Scirocco can also be customised with a wide range of factory fitted optional features. These include panoramic sunroof, bi-xenon headlights (standard on Scirocco R), high beam light assist, rear view camera, keyless entry, adaptive chassis control, park distance control (front and rear), satellite navigation system, DynAudio 300W Excite audio system with subwoofer, R-Line package and Lugano 19-inch wheels.
Pricing
1.4 TSI 118kW Highline Manual R355,200 2.0 TSI 155kW Sportline DSG R419,100 2.0 TSI 188kW R DSG R489,300