Get ready to be swept away with new Scirocco
Charismatic coupés have been an important part of the Volkswagen model range for decades. The first Volkswagen coupé was the Karmann Ghia which was introduced in 1955 - a style icon that evolved with the times until the end of its production in 1974. The Karmann Ghia was succeeded by the Scirocco which was launched in the same year.
Two generations of the Scirocco were built in a space of 18 years between 1974 and 1992 with production totalling 795 734 units. The third generation Scirocco was launched in 2008 (2009 in South Africa). By the end of 2013 over 212 450 had been produced at the Volkswagen factory in Palmela, Portugal.
This year Volkswagen will present the new Scirocco which has been refreshed with new exterior and interior designs. The LED tail lights are a standard feature across the range. The bumper has been reshaped to appear lower and more purposeful. As on the new Golf, the Volkswagen logo badge now has an additional purpose: functioning as the tailgate release handle.
The engine line-up remains unchanged. The new Scirocco is offered with the choice of three TSI engines, namely 1.4 TSI 118kW, 2.0 TSI 155kW and 2.0 TSI 188kW. (Scirocco R). The 1.4 TSI is available with six-speed manual transmission while the 2.0 TSI engines come standard with six-speed DSG transmission.
Inside, the dashboard has been updated, with new-look dials and an auxiliary instrument cluster above the centre console, consisting of a chronometer and charge-pressure and oil-temperature gauges – a tribute to the 1974 model.
Functional standard equipment include fatigue detection, hill-hold assist, Climatronic automatic air conditioner, multi-function display, radio/CD “RCD 510” with six-CD change and eight speakers (RCD 310 with eight speakers and aux-in for 1.4 TSI), Bluetooth cellphone preparation and USB port.
The configuration of the running gear in the Scirocco deserves the name “sports chassis” in every respect. A McPherson axle at the front ensures precise tracking and balanced comfort properties. A four-link axle at the rear rises to the challenge of providing both sportiness and comfort. What’s more, the Scirocco is optionally available with dynamic chassis control. The permanent electric control of the damping solves the conflict between a firm, sporty and a comfortable setup.
The new Scirocco can be customised with a wide range of factory-fitted optional features. These include panoramic sunroof, bi-xenon headlights (standard on Scirocco R), high-beam light assist, rear-view camera (rear assist), KESSY Keyless entry, adaptive chassis control, park-distance control (front and rear), satellite navigation system, DynAudio 300W Excite system with subwoofer, R-Line package and Lugano 19-inch wheels.
