VW's spruced Scirocco blows into SA

JOHANNESBURG - Volkswagen's Scirocco receives a makeover in 2015 complete with redesigned exterior, interior and new technology. The changes only cosmetic as no tweaks have been made to its engines.

VW says its new Scirocco’s shape has been "refined and modernised" with new head and tail lights, as well as revised bumpers.

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The front bumper now has aerodynamic "blades" in the outer section, like those on the Golf GTI, with integrated indicators, daytime running lights and fog lights.  On models equipped with optional bi-xenons (standard on Scirocco R), the daytime running lights are LEDs within the main headlights.

IMAGE GALLERY: 2015 VW SCIROCCO

The bumper has been reshaped to appear lower and as with the Golf, the Volkswagen logo badge now functions as the tailgate release. The updated Scirocco, with the exception of 1.4 TSI 118kW, benefits from new alloys borrowed from the Golf.

The range-topping Scirocco R has a distinct look, with bespoke bumpers and 19" alloy rims.

Under the bonnet it can be be equipped with three TSI petrols; 1.4 TSI 118kW, two-litre TSI 155kW and two-litre TSI 188kW (Scirocco R). The 1.4 TSI is available with a six-speed manual while the two-litre TSI engines are mated to a six-speed DSG transmission.

UPDATED INTERIOR

Inside, the dashboard has been updated with new dials and an auxiliary instrument cluster above the centre console, consisting of a chronometre, charge pressure and oil temperature gauges – a tribute to the 1974 model.

Five of the 13 exterior colours are new in the range, these include a new shade of red, black, white, violet and gold.

It has a storage compartment close to the handbrake lever which can be closed using a sliding cover. The seats have been redesigned with new materials. The standard Vienna leather trim can be ordered in different colours. Also new is its light interior trim Ceramique for the lower sections of the dashboard, door panels and the centre console which is offered in addition to black trim.

It also boasts new decorative silver inlays on the dashboard.

STANDARD KIT

Standard kit includes power-adjustable driver seat (manual in 1.4 TSI), lumbar support (front seats), sport seats, sport steering wheel, hand-brake lever grip and gear shift knob in leather, folding rear seat backrest and "easy entry" system.

The new Scirocco is equipped with fatigue detection, hill hold assits, auto aircon, multi-function display, Radio/CD "RCD 510" audio system with six-CD change and eight speakers (RCD 310 with eight speakers and aux for the 1.4 TSI), Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

SCIROCCO R

The revised Scirocco R, bears the hallmark of Volkswagen R, says its maker. Inside it has high-quality leather sport seats with the "R" logo on the headrests and decorative grey stitching, "Carbon Touch" inlays and stainless steel pedals. The instrument needles are blue and the aluminium door sill plates are complemented with an "R" logo.

This R-version has a bespoke sports chassis setup and equipped with a front-axle differential lock (XDS). According to VW: "The XDS is a functional extension of the electronic differential lock (EDS) that is integrated in the electronic stability control programme and effectively eliminates traction loss."

OPTIONAL TREATS

There’s a wide range of optional features such as a glass sunroof, bi-xenons, high-beam assist, reversing camera, keyless entry, adaptive chassis control, park distance control (front and rear), satnav, DynAudio 300W Excite system with subwoofer, R-Line package and Lugano 19” wheels.

R-Line Package boasts distinctive bumpers with "R" styling (with integrated fog lights at the front and a black high-gloss radiator grille and air inlet grille), individualised side sill extensions, a rear spoiler in "R" design and 18” alloys.

PRICING

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 five year or 90 000km service plan, three year or 120 000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are 15 000km.