Volkswagen Scirocco (2008 - 2017) Review

Volkswagen gave the Scirocco a facelift and it has helped the coupe, it has more road presence especially the flagship models thanks to their distinctive profile and aggressive front and rear ends.

The Scirocco’s received 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 latest-generation Golf GTI, with integrated indicator lights, daytime running lights and fog lights. On models with (optional) bi-xenon headlights, the daytime running lights are LEDs within the main headlights.

Move to the rear of the car and all Sciroccos have LED tail lights, while the bumper has been reshaped. As on a Golf, the Volkswagen logo badge now has an additional purpose: functioning as the tailgate release handle.

Is the Scirocco the coupe for you? Read on to find out…

If it’s choice you want then there is plenty on offer. The engine line-up comprises of a 1.4-litre TSI with 123bhp, there’s a 2.0-litre with 147bhp, a 178bhp 2.0-litre TSI and the 2.0-litre TSI producing 217bhp. There’s also the flagship 2.0-litre TSI producing 276bhp available in the Scirocco R.

Opt for a diesel unit and you can choose between a 2.0-litre TDI producing 148bhp and a higher-powered 181bhp version of the same engine.

Performance figures for the Scirocco are good. The entry-level 1.4 TSI engine will reach 62mph from a standing start in 9.3 seconds and will go on to a top speed of 126mph.

Whereas the red hot Scirocco R will complete the benchmark sprint in 5.7 seconds (5.3 seconds with the DSG ‘box) and has a top speed of 155mph.

The 1.4-litre TSI is only available with a six-speed manual gearbox, while all the other engines come with a standard six-speed manual gearbox or are available with the option of a six-speed DSG gearbox.

You’ll not be surprised to find that the Scirocco feels good on twisty roads. Based on the Golf’s chassis it was never going to be a lemon. Thanks to the low centre of gravity, bodyroll is minimal while the steering is good although a little more weighting would make it even better. Front end grip is superb and gives the driver tons of confidence, the Scirocco is a fun car to drive and feels agile, nimble and pick the right engine, very quick too. 

Comfort levels are high in the cabin of the Scirocco. Thanks to its coupe shape, it offers four sculpted seats, which are uber comfortable whether you are in the rear or the front of the car. Although the coupe roof line means a tight fit for six-footers or over, for those of average height, there is a decent amount of room in the cabin.

The ride is good though if you choose the GT trim then this gets even better. These models receive an adaptive chassis control system (ACC) and have three different modes - sport, normal or comfort. They do exactly what they say on the tin. 

The updates continue on the inside with tweaks to the dashboard including new-look dials and instrument cluster above the centre console, consisting of chronometer, charge pressure and oil temperature gauges.

The Scirocco is available in four trim levels, Scirocco, GT, R-Line and R. The entry level Scirocco is equipped with an RCD 510 touchscreen infotainment system, (which includes DAB digital radio, a six-disc CD changer, SD card reader, MDI iPod and USB audio connectors), Bluetooth. Aircon, automatic headlights and wipers, an auto-dimming rear view mirror; 17-inch alloys, height-adjustable sports seats; and a multifunction leather-covered steering wheel (with paddleshifts on DSG models).

GT adds an upgraded touchscreen navigation system, 2Zone climate control, dark-tinted rear windows, 18-inch alloys, front fog lights, front and rear parking sensors, a black roof lining, ‘chequered flag’ dash inserts, aluminium-look pedals and cloth and Alcantara upholstery.

The R-Line model comes with R-Line-specific bumpers and side skirts giving the car a sport edge. Other kit includes 19-inch alloys, R-Line scuff plates, an R-Line-specific steering wheel, handbrake and gear lever, heated and electrically adjustable ‘Vienna’ leather sports seats.

Choose the flagship R and it adds a sporty styling kit, chrome-look door mirror caps, bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, R-specific sports seats; 10 mm lower sports suspension; DCC dynamic chassis control; and a colour multifunction trip computer.

Even though the Scirocco is a coupe, it actually is fairly practical for daily life. The boot has a useable 292 litres of space although you may have to use your best packing skills as the boot lip is quite high making access a bit more difficult for some items over others. On the inside, storage is very good, the glovebox and drinks holders are all of a useful size while the door pockets are also of a good size. 

The most frugal engine on the Scirocco line-up is the 2.0-litre TDi, which produces 148bhp. It has a claimed average of 67.3mpg and emits 109g/km of CO2 when this unit is mated to the six-speed manual gearbox. 

Volkswagen is renowned for making first class vehicles and the Scirocco can be spoken in the same ilk. All the mechanical parts are proven in other models. Its cars perform well in reliability surveys and the materials used inside the cabin are all of a high quality. 

Safety is high on the Scirocco. Standard features include six airbags, Isofix mountings in the rear seats for child seats and electronic stability control (or ESP). The Scirocco was also awarded five stars. When tested by the independent crash experts at Euro NCAP. An alarm and immobiliser are also fitted as standard and should help to keep insurance groups low.