CHECK OUT THE HI-RES IMAGES OF THE SCIROCCO R HERE
Never have we seen so many Volkswagens being launched in such a short space of time. We’ve scarcely taken a breath after the rapid-fire introduction of the Golf R, the Polo GTI, the Passat and the Polo sedan, or the Scirocco R is upon us – soon to be followed by the Amarok Single Cab, the Jetta and the Beetle.
It’s a huge year for Volkswagen, but it’s the hot hatches that normally generate the most interest among Topcar readers. The Polo GTI and Golf R (tested and reviewed in our June issue) were impressive, so it was going to be interesting to see how the more stylish Scirocco R measured up.
Since it uses the same 2.0 litre turbocharged four cylinder engine (good for 188kW and 350Nm of torque) and the same transmission (in the DSG version) as the Golf R, one might be tempted to label it as a prettier version with two less doors. It’s not that simple though.
They might be mechanically related and specced similarly, but there are some fundamental differences. There’s no 4Motion system in the Scirocco, which means all the power goes to the front wheels and it’s considerably lighter.
Since there’s no expensive four-wheel drive system in the Scirocco, it’s also slightly cheaper than the Golf R – R403 355 for the manual and R417 855 for the DSG compared to the Golf R’s sticker price of R423 400 for DSG and R408 930 for the manual.
Volkswagen is claiming a 0-100kph time of 6 seconds for the manual and 5.8 seconds for the DSG version, and a top speed of 250kph. We put the manual through its paces on some good KwaZulu-Natal roads at launch and came away very impressed. First impressions are that where the Golf R is a solid bruiser perfect for the open road, the Scirocco R is the more nimble, responsive car that you’d pick for the twisties.
Like the Golf R, the standard spec count on the hottest Scirocco is high, with options limited to racing bucket seats, dynamic chassis control with comfort, normal and sport settings, a 6-CD 300w sound system, satnav and a sunroof. We’ll test it comprehensively for the August issue of Topcar and deliver comprehensive verdict then.
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For dan san
Don´t be fanatic Dan san! Is a great look for you that do not understand nothing about cars, not for me man!!!
Me knows nafink. Duh!
Agreed! I don't understand nothing about cars. And I don't understand everything about cars. But I do understand something about cars and as Douglas Adams would say, about life, the universe and everything. I can get extremly vindictive here but I will refrain. That is not netiquette. In time you will mature, develop people skills, language skills and a more balanced view on cars, and maybe even learn the meaning of the word fanatic. Until then don't just asume anybody that disagree with you is stupid. I respect your knowledge on the subject but knowledge on its own is not wisdom. And in that department you are still lacking young man.
Wow its SEXY!
Ah Miguel/Roy, Now if you start to accept that all VW's are not bad and you give credit where it is due some people might just start to see your ramblings as worth reading. Trying to shoot down EVERY VW that enters the market brands you as a fanatic and sane people tend to ignore your views. This is a great looker. The image fits the market it competes in like a glove. Man its SEXY
SCIROCCO IS SO UGLY!
WHEN A LOOK AT THE SCIROCCO I ALWAYS THINK OF AFROG WITH LARGE HIPS! GOD, IS SO, SO UGLY!!!!!!!!!
Colour
The more I look at this colour the more I begin to love it!
www.uniquefinish.co.za
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