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The refreshed Volkswagen Scirocco R has landed in Australia, although pricing of the car is still unknown at this stage, except that it will be positioned between the excellent Golf GTI and Golf R.
The 2015 model is largely the same as before, except for the usual changes applied for a mid-life update such as new head and taillights, as well as revised bumper design.
The revised front bumper features aerodynamic ‘blades’ in the outer section, like those on the latest-generation Golf GTI, with integrated indicator LED lights.
As the standalone Scirocco model in Australia, the Scirocco R comes with its own sports body kit; matte chrome-look door mirror caps; Bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights; 19-inch ‘Cadiz’ alloy wheels; black brake calipers with ‘R’ logo; sports suspension; adaptive chassis control; XDL electronic differential; R-specific sports seats; and a multifunction trip computer.
Also of note: the Volkswagen roundel is not in its traditional position in the grille but rather on the bonnet. At the other end, one of the less obvious revisions introduced in the 2015 Scirocco R is that the Volkswagen badge on the tailgate now functions as a handle. It opens into a 1006 litres boot space.
Inside, the dashboard has been updated, with new-look dials pinched from the Mk7 Golf R and an auxiliary instrument cluster above the centre console, consisting of a chronometer, charge pressure and oil temperature gauges – a tribute to the 1974 model.
The RNS510 unit with hard disc-supported navigation system is standard in the Scirocco R. The system’s hard disc drive allows routes to be recorded while driving and re-traced, and songs to be stored and re-played. The dash-mounted unit is also a touchscreen, giving easy access to all stereo functions, and includes a six-CD autochanger, SD card reader and connection for external multimedia sources, for example an iPod or MP3 player.
Other design features include a contoured, flat-bottomed multifunction sports steering wheel and distinctive triangular grab handles on the doors.
The updated Scirocco R also receives a number of safety and convenience systems as standard, including a Rear View Camera (RVC) and front and rear parking sensors.
It retains the same powertrain with minor revisions to improve consumption and broaden the range of the torque output. The 1,984cm 16-valve, direct-injected four-cylinder engine develops a maximum power of 188 kW at 6,000 rpm. Its maximum torque – a hefty 330 Nm – is available over broader range of engine speed: 2,400 to 5,200 rpm.
The Scirocco R’s exhaust system itself is designed as a double-flow system. Dual oval chrome tailpipes extend out from the bumper.
A choice of six-speed manual or optional dual clutch DSG transmission is offered with the coupé.
The Scirocco’s suspension system uses strut-type suspension at the front and a multi-link layout at the rear, while 345mm ventilated discs are fitted at the front with 310mm solid discs at the rear.
Like before, leather seats and panoramic sunroof are optional extras.
