At the 1974 Geneva Motor Show, a sleek new Volkswagen hatchback coupe made its debut. Forty years and over a million sales later, the Volkswagen Scirocco is preparing to return to Geneva, with a new range of advanced engines that offer up to 280 PS yet also promise fuel efficiency improvements of up to 19 per cent, without compromising the Scirocco’s dynamic performance.
Externally, the Scirocco’s stylish 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 of the latest-generation Golf GTI, with integrated indicator lights, daytime running lights and fog lights. On models fitted with the optional bi-xenon headlights, the daytime running lights are LEDs within the main headlights. At the rear, all Sciroccos now have LED tail lights, while the bumper has been reshaped to appear lower and more purposeful. As on a Golf, the Volkswagen logo badge now has an additional purpose: functioning as the tailgate release handle.
As before, the range-topping Scirocco R has a distinct look, with bespoke bumpers and alloy wheels. The Scirocco R now comes as standard with 18-inch ‘Cadiz’ alloy wheels, as on the Golf R. The rest of the range also receives new alloy wheel designs, including the option of the ‘Talladega’ alloy previously reserved for the ‘R’.
Under the bonnet (which as before features the Volkswagen roundel) are six new tubocharged direct-injection petrol and diesel engines, all of which meet EU6 emissions standards and return between 68.9 and 34.9 mpg.
The petrol range consists of a 1.4-litre petrol with 125 PS (was 122), a new 2.0-litre 180 PS unit which replaces the previous 1.4-litre 160 PS unit. Despite the increase in capacity and power, it is more economical than the unit it replaces. The previous
2.0-litre TSI 210 PS has been replaced with a 220 PS unit that is also 19 per cent more fuel efficient. The new Scirocco R uses a 2.0-litre unit producing 280 PS: 15 PS more than before.
Two diesel engines will be offered, both 2.0-litre units, with either 150 PS or 184 PS, and economy of up to 68.9 mpg. Depending on power output both petrol and diesel engines come with a choice of six-speed manual and six- or seven-speed DSG gearbox.
Inside, the dashboard has been updated, with new-look dials and an auxiliary instrument cluster above the centre console, consisting of chronometer, charge pressure and oil temperature gauges – a tribute to the 1974 model.
The Scirocco opens for ordering in the UK in May, with first deliveries expected in September. More details will be available closer to launch.