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The Volkswagen Scirocco 16VIn one fell swoop, the Wizards of Wolfsburg have transformed the ho-hum Volkswagen Scirocco from an also-ran into a super coupé to be reckoned with.
This VW (the fastest and most powerful machine ever to wear those initials in America) is ready for all corners.
Naturally, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but there is no denying the VW Scirocco is a pretty little thing.
The stylish coupé hatchback is certain to take sales from the other chic coupé, the Audi TT, as well as – somewhat confusingly – the Golf GTi. Now, the Golf GTi 16V was the first new car I bought myself and was my pride and joy. I can see the Scirocco becoming the pride and joy of many of today’s 20- and 30-year olds.
There are plenty of sporty touches, such as a boot spoiler and frameless side windows.
And although not immediately apparent, the new model does share some design influence with the original, such as its rising waistline culminating in a kick-up line and a thick rear windscreen pillar.
Despite having the same wheelbase as the Golf GTi, the Scirocco is both longer and wider, but almost 100mm lower. Volkswagen says there is enough space to comfortably seat a 6ft 2in driver in front of a 6ft 2in rear passenger.
It may not resemble a Volkswagen, but the Scirocco’s look is rumoured to herald the company’s new design direction, so expect next year’s new Golf to share some similarities; particularly as the Golf’s designer Marc Lichte was on the Scirocco team.
But while this exterior is new and exciting, the cabin is reassuringly familiar with a dash lifted straight from the Eos convertible. Sporting sober plastics, and built with the solidity we have come to expect, it really is business as usual.
Out on the road, the Scirocco displays impeccable driving manners. There is very little body roll, and the steering is weighty and responsive.
At higher speeds, it shines even brighter, with a grippy front end, allowing the driver to place the car on the road with ease.
Thanks to the engine developing a considerable 206lb/ft of pulling power at a mere 1 700rpm – as low as most diesels – the benchmark 0-62mph time is covered in only 7.2 seconds before reaching 146mph.
This engine feels extremely powerful, with enough reserves to give the chassis a real workout. Emissions of 179g/km are surprisingly low for such a potent engine.
The Scirocco features Volkswagen’s Adaptive Chassis Control, which employs a number of sensors to measure braking, cornering and acceleration. It reacts instantly to ensure optimum ride comfort and handling characteristics.
The system has three settings: comfort, normal and sport, with the latter firming the ride, sharpening the throttle response and steering settings for a more planted and confidence-inspiring feel around bends.
This is a system similar to the ones found on the Audi TT and R8 as well as the Ferrari 599.
Indeed, Volkswagen says the new Scirocco is the most technologically advanced production coupé it has ever built – and I can see why!
Cost? R282 000 per entry model. ▲
