Vehicle: 2010 VW Scirocco 2.0TSI
Price as tested: CDN$37600 (Estimated)
If there is one car VW really needs to bring it to Canada, Scirocco has to be the top candidate.
It all begins with the 210hp 2.0 liter TSI engine that comes with both variable valve timing and VW’s advanced direct fuel injection technology called FSI, which puts out 265 lb/ft of torque that is more than many of the V6 rivals on the market. Then mated with the exceptional 6-speed DSG gearbox. As we have tested many times, it shifts quicker than any manual gearbox with heel-and-toe by race driver while returning respectable fuel economy.
Then comes to wonderfully docile chassis. We don’t have to mention how rigid and chassis VW’s chassis is. Then add a DCC which VW stands for Dynamic Chassis Control. Press a “Sport” button on the dashboard, everything else from suspension to steering are all boosted up for all out playing. All without sacificing the daily drivability of the Scirocco, as “Sport” setting is supple enough while regular “Comfort” just rides like a Passat on all those expansion joints and washboard pavements. The steering is all sharp and precise, while there aren’t any body rolls even on “Comfort” mode. If the GTI is the ultimate definition of a hot hatch fun, wait till you try the Scirocco.
The interior is equally well layout with classy materials. Even if the cargo space isn’t exactly huge, its enough for two persons on a weekend getaway. Best yet, fold down the rear seats for maximum cargo space while treat this Scirocco as a true 2-seater fun.
Instead of bringing us the aged City Golf and City Jetta, VW Canada should bring this Scirocco to us if they really care about reinventing the VW brand north of the border. It will also give VW’s image of producing fun and affordable hatchback a refreshing change in the marketplace, which currently consider VW as an also-ran brand behind those of Honda and Toyota.
Vehicle: 2009 VW Scirocco 1.4TSI with DSG and DCC
Price as tested: CDN$28600 (Estimated)
Handling: When VW introduced the original Scirocco back in 1974, it was all about driving fun. After 20 decades, VW reintroduced Scirocco with the same philosophy as its ancestor. What is it about? Its aout driving fun, fun and even more driving fun.
The latest Scirocco shares the same world-renowed chassis as its Golf silibings. That means a wonderfully stiff and rigid chassis for suspension components to hang its head. It won’t have any sorts of cracks and rattles. The end result for the Scirocco creates a truly wonderful sports car that can also serve as a practical hatchback. Combined with the nifty Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), which have 3 settings (Auto/Comfort/Sport). Leave it at Auto and it adjusts the suspension firmness through the computer by the road surface and driver behaviour. In Comfort mode, its as comfortable as riding in a Passat with a firmer ride. The most astounishing has to be Sport mode. While in Auto mode, the body rolls and understeer are minimal. In Sport mode, they are all but non-existence. The electric power steering provides exceptional feedback and extremely precise, without any of those twitches one associates with less civilized sports cars. The most delighful surprise has to be its ride quality. Its comfortably compliant without feeling harsh or ungainly. Curving up corners just make you smile in the Scirocco. It really does bring lots of driving pleasure through its exceptional setting. Curves and corners, Scirocco can just eat it with plenty of smile for the driver. The icing on the cake is the ESP won’t step in unnecessarily.
Performance: Our test Scirocco comes with VW’s amazing twincharger engine. It all begins with a 1.4 liter DOHC 16-valve with variable valve timing and direct fuel injection, then add supercharger for the low rev range and turbocharger for those on the top. Spool up the supercharger at the low rpm has elminated much of the sluggishness for those without. When spooling up the turbocharger above 2000 rpm, its transition between blower and turbo are seamless. The throttle response is quick and instant. When pushed the Scirocco through its 7-speed DSG, it makes this little puppy feels like a 6-cylinder than a plain-jean 4-cylinder in its smooth process. The 7-speed dual clutch gearbox shifts as smoothly and efficiently as its 6-speed, with a taller 7th speed for highway cruising. It makes such a small displacement engine revs at 1900rpm @ 100km/h. That would make for excellent fuel economy. On the othe hand, 1st and 2nd gears are low enough for blower to spool up quickly and smoothly. The paddle shifters allow for a quick downshift at Drive, means driver can drop a cone whether there is a need. On the Sport mode, its shifts are more eager and rev higher before upshift. In a nutshell, its performance creditals are as impressive as its dynamic ingredients.
Brakes: With Scirocco’s 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, its braking prowess certainly lives up to its billings. The pedal feel and modulation are exceptional, without a hint of brake fades after a couple of hard stops. The ABS doesn’t step in unnecessarily is another added bonus.
Interior: Inside the Scirocco, you find a superb driver’s environment. The sports seats hug both driver and passenger when they are playing through those corners. All those instrumentation gauges and center console layout are typical VW layout. The touch-screen stereo placed above auto climate control are logically placed. It also makes for one cool interface. If there is one drawback, its the moonroof only allows for tint without slide due to the sloppy roofline.
Even though the back is also bucket seat variety, its better to leave those for short trip. Cause you are very close friend with the tailgate window.
In terms of cargo space, the liftover is low and side sills quite narrow. When fold down the rear seats, which is what you should most of the time, it got more than enough space for two persons on a weekend trip.
Conclusion: The Scirocco is a truly awesome sports car. This car not only serve the sporty equation extremely well, it also serve the daily drivability side equally well. If you don’t need to get extra 2 sets of doors, there is no reason to buy a similarly equipped Golf. In short, Scirocco will set a standard for others to judge for years to come.
