Review: Volkswagen Mk.3 Scirocco (2011-17)

Review: Volkswagen Mk.3-I Scirocco R (2011-14)

Overview

Released in December 2011, the Volkswagen Mk.3 Series I (Mk.3-I) Scirocco was a three-door hatchback. Manufactured in Palmela, Portugal, the front-wheel drive VW Scirocco R was available in a single ‘R’ variant which was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine. Transmission options consisted of a six-speed manual or six-speed double clutch unit (DCT, or Volkswagen’s Direct Shift Gearbox or ‘DSG’).

EA113 engine

The Volkswagen Scirocco R’s 2.0-litre EA113 engine had a cast iron block, an aluminium alloy cylinder head, direct fuel injection, a water-cooled Borg Warner K04 turbocharger (with peak boost pressure of 1.2 bar), double overhead camshafts, variable camshaft timing, four valves per cylinder (sodium-filled) and a compression ratio of 10.5:1.

Dimensions

Compared to the Volkswagen Mk.5 Golf on which it was based, the Scirocco had two-plus-two seating, was 51 mm longer (at 4255 mm), 61 mm wider (1820 mm), 75 mm lower (1410 mm) and had a 3 mm shorter wheelbase (2575 mm).

Suspension

The VW Scirocco R had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent four-link rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Volkswagen Scirocco R included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control (with counter-steering assistance), traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.

The Scirocco R was also fitted with an electronic transverse differential lock which was integrated with the electronic stability control system. If the inside front wheel were to unload too much when cornering, brake pressure would be applied to this wheel to restore optimal traction.

Brakes

The VW Scirocco R had 345 mm by 30 mm vented front brake discs and 310 mm by 22 mm vented rear discs.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , a 2009 VW Scirocco that was fitted with a 1.4-litre petrol engine received a five star safety rating which included an 87 per cent adult occupant protection rating and a 73 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the offset crash test, the driver’s head bottomed out against the airbag, hitting the steering wheel and lower leg protection was assessed as marginal. In the side impact test, chest protection was rated as adequate. Volkswagen also demonstrated that occupants of different sizes and those in different positions would be offered a similar level of occupant protection.

Features: Scirocco R

Standard features for the Volkswagen Scirocco R included 19-inch ‘Talladega’ alloy wheels with 235/35 R19 Pirelli tyres, an eight speaker sound system with a six-disc CD player, MP3-compatibility, auxiliary inputs (3.5mm/USB/SD card slot) and 6.5-inch touch screen display (RNS510), Bluetooth phone connectivity with audio streaming, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, heated front seats, cruise control, bi-xenon headlights with LED driving lights, rear fog lights, rear parking sensors (with visual display in the RCD510 display), a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, 50/50 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, an automatically dipping passenger door mirror when reversing, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, rear privacy glass, tyre pressure monitoring, two 12 volt power outlets, a trip computer and immobiliser. Models with the DSG transmission were also fitted with steering wheel gearshift paddles.

The Scirocco R was also fitted with Volkswagen’s ‘Adaptive Chassis Control’ which constantly adjusted the electronically controlled dampers to the road conditions, driving situation and driver behaviour; the system also included three selectable damper settings: Normal, Comfort and Sport.

Related links

• Press Kit: Volkswagen Mk.3 Scirocco R (January 2012)
• Brochure: Volkswagen Scirocco R (July 2012)

Review: Volkswagen Mk.3-II Scirocco (2014-17)

Overview

Released in Australia in October 2014, the Volkswagen Mk.3 Series II (Mk.3-II) Scirocco introduced a more powerful engine and cosmetic updates.

Visually, the Mk.3-II Scirocco R could be identified by its 19-inch ‘Cadiz’ alloy wheels, new headlights, LED tail-lights, front bumper with aerodynamic ‘blades’ in the outer section, chrome-look door mirror caps and integrated indicator lights and fog lights.

Inside, the Volkswagen Scirocco R had an updated dashboard, new-look dials and an auxiliary instrument cluster above the centre console (with chronometer, charge pressure and oil temperature gauges).

Features

Compared to its Mk.3-I predecessor, standard features for the Mk.3-II Scirocco R were extended to include front parking sensors and a reversing camera.

MY16 Scirocco R

In July 2015, standard features for the Scirocco R were extended to include Volkswagen’s ‘Discover Media’ system with a 6.5-inch touch screen display and ‘App-Connect’ USB interface for enhanced smartphone connectivity (including access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink).

2016 Volkswagen Scirocco R Wolfsburg

The Volkswagen Scirocco R Wolfsburg was released in Australia in November 2016. Visually, the Scirocco R Wolfsburg could be identified by its 19-inch black Lugano alloy wheels, black door mirror housings, motorsport bucket front seats (which did not have side airbags), Wolfsburg badging and limited edition numbered plaque. Furthermore, the Scirocco R Wolfsburg was offered in Oryx White Pearl Effect or Rising Blue Metallic paint finishes.

Australian deliveries of the Scirocco R Wolfsburg were limited to 150 vehicles (120 with manual transmissions and 30 with manual transmissions).

Related links

• Press Kit: Volkswagen Mk.3-II Scirocco R (October 2014)
• Behind the Wheel: 2015 Volkswagen Scirocco R Review
• Volkswagen Australia: Volkswagen Scirocco
• Wikipedia.org: Volkswagen Mk.3 Scirocco