Volkswagen gives Scirocco mild update

VOLKSWAGEN has revealed its Golf GTI-based Scirocco R hot hatch/coupe will get a mild styling rework and extra kit when it lands in Australia in the first quarter of 2015.

Sitting between its Golf GTI and Golf R four-door siblings, the three-door Scirocco R will return with the same 188kW and 330Nm engine of the outgoing version, but torque will be more readily available between 2400 rpm and 5200rpm compared with 2500 rpm and 5000 rpm of the previous Scirocco.

Both six-speed manual and seven-speed DSC double-clutch automatic transmissions will again be on offer, driving the front wheels. Unlike its Golf R sibling, no all-wheel-drive system will be on offer.

From the outside, the new Scirocco is distinguished from previous versions by a reshaped front and rear end with restyled bumpers housing new bi-Xenon headlights, fresh high-density tail-lights, LED running lights and indicators.

The 2014 models wear R-branded brake callipers behind 19-inch Cadiz wheels, as well as matte-silver door-mirrors and an aerodynamic body-kit with bigger airvents, gloss black inserts and a reshaped grille.

At the back end, the revamp extends to a roof spoiler, while the VW boot badge now acts as the release latch and handle like that of the Golf.

On the inside, the styling update continues with R-specific sports seats, a redesigned dashboard with new-look switches and gauges, while a new auxiliary gauge pod sits on top.

The three additional gauges read oil temperature, time/stopwatch chronometer and turbo boost pressure with blue needles to match the new-look cluster.

Safety systems for the new model have also been upgraded with a reversing camera hiding in the boot badge and parking sensors all-round.

Volkswagen's latest RNS510 navigation is standard on the Scirocco, bringing a 30GB hard drive, 6.5-inch touchscreen and multi-connectivity for a range of devices.

A restyled flat-bottomed leather steering-wheel houses multi-function switches and, on DSG variants, has gear-shift paddles that turn with the wheel.

New additions to the Scirocco's chassis include an extension of the vehicle's electronic locking differential (EDL) dubbed XDL, using hydraulic force to brake an inside wheel if it begins to spin and diverting power to the outside wheel to minimise understeer.

Scirocco also gains adaptive chassis control with three driving modes – Comfort, Normal and Sport – that alter steering/throttle sensitivity and damper stiffness, according to the desired driving style.

Options include a Vienna leather seat covering to replace the standard cloth/alcantara, and a choice of four exterior colours.

Performance figures for the 2014 Scirocco have not yet been made available but with no drastic variation to power or torque, little change is expected in the previous zero to 100km/h of about 6.0 seconds depending on the type of transmission.

Pricing information is also undisclosed but at the first press demonstration of the new car this week, Volkswagen said the cost would be “competitive”.

With a manual gearbox, the outgoing Scirocco sells for $47,990 before on-road costs, but a small increase in price as per the recently updated and kit-boosted Tiguan range is likely.