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Last year, Volkswagen unveiled the midlife refresh for the stylish Scirocco. A few months down the line it’s now here in South Africa, with a handful of visual and technical upgrades, and a couple of things we’re glad haven’t changed a bit.
Externally, the Scirocco’s looks have been upgraded with new head- and taillights. Optional (standard on the R model) are bi-xenon headlights which feature LED daytime running lights within the main headlamps. LED taillights are standard across the range. Both front and rear bumpers have been reshaped, the front now receiving Golf 7 GTI ‘blades’ on the sides for aerodynamic purposes, with integrated indicators, DRL’s and fog lamps, whilst the rear bumper appears lower. The VW badge now acts as a tailgate release handle – as seen on the Golf 7. The top-spec model, the Scirocco R, has also benefitted from the refresh, receiving bespoke bumpers and Golf R-spec alloy wheels, 19-inches in size, whilst the standard models also receive new alloy designs.
Beneath the surface, the Scirocco’s chassis hasn’t been upgraded to the new MQB platform found in the Golf 7. Not that that’s a bad thing though, the Scirocco will retain some of that soul and engagement that’s gone missing from vehicles sporting the MQB chassis. The engine line-up remains the same too, retaining the 118kW 1.4TSI engine with a 6-speed manual ‘box, as well as the 2.0TSI in 2 power outputs – 155kW and 188kW on the ‘Rocco R, both only available with the 6-speed DSG twin-clutch transmission. That’s right, South Africa hasn’t received the 206kW Golf R-spec engine upgrade the rest of the world has – meaning the Scirocco R retains its performance figures of a 5.8s 0-100km/h sprint and a limited top speed of 250km/h.
Inside, the dashboard has been upgraded with new-look dials and the addition of auxiliary dials above the centre console – now with a boost gauge, chronometer, and oil temperature gauge as a throwback to the 1974 model.
Sadly, the facelift is nothing much more than visual – particularly for the R model which we were hoping would receive the 206kW engine. But nevertheless the Scirocco still remains a stylish proposition in the coupe-hatchback market – with the updated looks making sure it still looks modern alongside its competitors.
The refreshed Scirocco is still pricy though, with revised prices as follows:
1.4 TSI 118kW Highline Manual R355 200
2.0 TSI 155kW Sportline DSG R419 100
2.0 TSI 188kW R DSG R489 300
The new Scirocco comes standard with a 5 year/90 000km Service Plan, 3 year/120 000km warranty and a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty. Service interval is 15 000km.
