VOLKSWAGEN SCIROCCO R test

 

While the front end is resolutely sporty, the rear isn’t too shabby either with its prominent bumper, black gloss diffuser and twin muffler pipes. And the finishing touch is the set of 18-inch wheels and R badge on the bodywork and on the aluminium door sills.

The interior is both sporty and sober thanks to the mix of black and aluminium. The multifunction steering wheel feels very nice and features paddle shifters for the even nicer DSG six-speed gearbox. The bucket seats come with a special leather upholstery.

Gone are the R32 and R6 versions with their big 3.2 and 3.6 litre V6s that also powered the Golf and Passat. Under the engine cover of the Scirocco R with a downsized four-cylinder 2-litre TSI, developing 265 brake horsepower, which has been borrowed from the Audi S3, but without at an all-wheel drive transmission.

While it is a bit nervous as you climb through the revs, it does have a decent 350 Newton metres of torque. With a naught to 100km/h time of a tick over six seconds, there is plenty here to enjoy one’s self. The Scirocco R does a good job of getting the power to the ground despite being a front wheel drive car.

Being a front wheel drive car offers quite a bit of amusement and you never feel bogged down by the car’s weight of1500 kilograms. Thanks to a low centre of gravity the R version is lively and has incredible road handling. The ESP does a very good job when it comes to keeping everything nice and safe and doesn’t get in the way when you want to push the Scirocco R’s limits.

The on option DCC system is also quite nice. The three suspension modes are electronically controlled and are called into service by simply pushing a button. When driving hard, the sport mode limits chassis roll and offers a stiff ride. In town or for cruising, the comfort mode allows the shocks to absorb any imperfections in the road surface, just like a top of the line sedan.

With a smaller engine comes improved fuel mileage. The Scirocco R needs just 8 litres of petrol to cover 100kms in mixed conditions, which is very respectable.

The Volkswagen Scirocco R is a welcome addition to a very competitive segment. Along with the Golf R it is, for sure, more expensive than a Megane RS, Seat Cupra or Ford Focus RS, but its equipment package and comfort is a cut above the rest. You’ll need to come up with a bit more than €40 000f if you want this particular version.