It's Not The Golf, It's The Golf's Sporty Cousin! VW Scirocco R Review
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- čas přidán 12. 09. 2024
- In today's video, I'm looking at a less-than-common option for a sensible small hatch/coupe with the VW Scirocco R. Taking an older but well known nameplate, this car also followed the formula of reworking a Golf into something sleeker - but is it worth it?
#VW #Scirocco
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This is one european car I've always been jealous we never got. Even if it's mechanically identical to a golf those hips make me 🥵
They are REALLY good looking cars. Why the US market didn’t get them no one knows…
@@christopherwhitehead8946 too expensive with such a poor engine....no V8 no fun
@@artureff3046 there's nothing wrong with these 2.0ts really, and not everything needs a v8 either
@@HumbleHonkingEnthusiast muricans don't think that way
@@HumbleHonkingEnthusiast I think thats the pity with US market, people think they need a V8 in their family cars
I've been a huge fan of Mk6 Golf R and Scirocco R at the time, and I've finally earned myself one 3 months ago. Enjoying every second driving it.
How is it so far ??
Manual or DSG?
@@bilal6094 We only got DSG available for this market. It's running smooth, but the gear ratio could be a problem if you do a lot of long distance driving. I still enjoy driving it like I did a year ago.
Bought a 17 plate 1.4GT new and absolutely loved it. Not the fastest, but zippy and fun, but with great MPG and tax. Made a mistake last year and traded it for a Seat Leon ST FR and regretted ever since. Sold it back to the dealer for a tidy profit, then bought a Golf convertible, which I’m loving. But , truthfully would have the Scirocco back in a heartbeat. So cool!👍
These are great cars. Such a shame (thanks to Dieselgate) that we never got to see a version with the MK7 Golf R’s engine and four wheel drive system - that would have been quite something…..
Can always do it the garage lol
The last Scirocco Rs had 280hp and the 4wd haldex system. From 2013 until the end of production.
Still fwd And ea113 engine. It was still pq35 platform.
@@albanemini1274 They were always fwd….
Absolutely one of the prettiest hatches ever made. Shame it never got the 4Motion version.
no way dude! looks like a box on wheels. weird looking but i guess we all have different taste
I absolutely agree on the looks. It has something so special and different from the other cars. It's also a shame that this car got ruined by all these problems it used to have. Pretty much every person I know that owned one (they are really popular in my country) had their timing chain and pistons replaced as they used to break really easily (on the 1.4 TSI 160 hp engine). The 2.0L R on the other hand was much more reliable
@@denaco Let me guess...you think the Subaru/Scion sporty thing, now history, was sexy....
This Scirocco R is far better looking than any Golf! VW should have sold these in the US, but they never did. Great review. Really cool car.
I've had my white 2012 R for 8 months now, love it!
I've been looking around to buy a Sirocco R for around 12-15k! Could you tell me what personal good and bad (if any) you have experience while owning yours.
@@BothSideStoriez Never noticed this reply. I think it's just a great better looking alternative to the Golf, biggest downside being there's no AWD. It's fast and corners great and even the stock exhaust sounds good with the resonator removed. The sound system without any fancy package is pretty bad. I don't have issues with practicality, when you buy a 3 door car, you get 3 doors and the trunk space is enough. One thing to mention is the A pillars are a little obstructing when looking around.
Just got a base diesel one as an instructor's car. My learners love it 😂
I must say, I always loved the way these looked. Still look new today.
Why do people put budget tyres on a performance car?
Thanks for having me James, great video and was a great day out
Thanks for making this possible man. Have you found it compared to your 330d and the other impressive fleet of previous cars?
I've found sparse reviews of this car and, unfortunately have never test driven one. It's been a consideration on each new buy. I was always afraid though that the unfortunately outdated golf derived underpinnings would make it disappoint in the engagement and feel department.
Currently I run an 07 Cooper S, lovely spec, remap, airbox, cat back exhaust and different BOV among other mods and a 2021 GRY. Love them both.
It's still on my list if I have the opportunity to afford another car next time around. Just afraid it won't deliver if I pulled the trigger.
@@confounded_feline I must admit it’s right up the top as probably the best car I’ve owned but the competition is close!
I couldn’t find many reviews either (that were actually any good anyway) so when James said he’d be happy to review it I was more than happy to lend him it. I find it a blast to drive and am still very much in the honeymoon phase wanting to drive it all the time. I think it would deliver personally but everyone has differing opinions and values they want from a car
@@oliversaunder1469 Hello mate, bit late but after about a year of owning the car what's your final verdict?
@@YaminAlomhi mate, been pretty good if I’m honest, other than normal servicing all its asked of me was an injector which is hardly uncommon and the clock spring (controls the horn and steering wheel controls) which was just unlucky I suppose but not ridiculous money to repair. It has remained a blast to drive, and although it may not be the most practical it’s handled all I’ve thrown at it! Me, the Mrs and the kid went on holiday in it for a week! Only because her “more reliable” family car was broken 😂
I hope however to change soon, not that I’ve lost love but I just want to move on to something more. Maybe something else James can get behind the wheel of…..
One of my all time favourites other than one of the most interesting cars. So grateful you gave us a review of this car that I really hope to buy one day. The thing I'll never understand is why VW never made it with the VR6 or 4motion, either in R or non-R version
Emissions/MPGs probably. This was when they were switching to a 1.4 Turbo and Supercharged.
Fr
thats why i never brought one and stuck with the golfs, loved the design but was dissapointed they didnt use the same setup as the mk6 and later mk7 golf Rs, more of a gti than an R
They didnt do it because they probably would have sold more of these than a Golf R, what's the point of having two of the same car? GTI's have the smaller turbo so not really a comparison.
@@scoobyimprezaSTI1 regardless of the turbo size its more comparable to a gti than an R due to it only driving the front wheels imo, golf GTIs came with different sized turbos but all front wheel drive, all the golfs with an R badge have been 4motion, it should have been badged as a GTI, would have looked nice with the red touches :)
They should have made a Scirocco R32 4WD…. Would have the perfect blend of looks & sound 👍🇮🇲
I love my 2026 scirocco r, standard comes with 280 bhp has so much character than a golf r. Plus everyone has a golf r, with decent rubber Im running toyo sports 2's all round this thing in the twisties is hard to beat, she'll be back out of the garage soon running full stage 2+ and will be entertaing the 380bhp mark 🤙🏻
Great review and history telling. You said about the engine beeing a GTI engine. But it's not. This is the CDL version of the TFSI which you find in the S3, Golf R and EDITION 35 golf GTI. Very very different to the TSI on the normal GTI because it comes with K04 turbo and different engine configuration.
The exhaust is very likely standard. I owned one for a year and was surprised at how aggressive it was set up. I did some digging to learn that VW actually put a lot of work into the Scirocco R to make it a bit special and unique in its lineup, and the exhaust was one of those bespoke changes where money was spent.
I only sold mine because I had a chance to jump ship into an E46 M3 CS (no regrets!), but it was a surprisingly wonderful car to run. I would own one again in a heartbeat.
I also bought one with cheap rubber, and found that upgrading to quality tyres had a marked improvement on steering feel. The main improvement was when under load it returned some communication to the front end that was missing.
It is also surprisingly neutral when you drive it agressively. It sits nearly square on the road and the back will rotate rather quickly if you lift. Much faster than in a GTI! Not something I expected from a sensible VW at all....
Better rubber is definitely on the cards but they still have good tread atm until they need changing they are staying
I guess that the problem with the sporty Sciroccos is that they strayed over into their other cousin’s territory: .. the Audi TT. The top end Sciroccos were quite pricey and if you wanted a stylish Golf in a “pretty frock” then the TT was a great alternative at little extra cost.
Except the TT has very small back seats and a smaller boot. I was never in a Scirocco but being a Golf in a "pretty frock" I suppose it's just as practical
It turns out the Scirocco only has 4 seats and a smaller boot. But unlike the TT it can be 4 adults
@@nigo1787 that’s one other flaw of the Scirocco. A Golf was always more practical, especially in the back seat. That Scirocco was a little less spacious than a 3 door Golf. Why VW did that is beyond me. Ultimately, if you wanted a sporty hatchback, the Golf was an overall better option than the Scirocco.
@@raistaparta they did it because on the lines. Volvo did the same in the C30 with the same results. Both very good cars 😉
@@nigo1787 obviously, but that’s more a consequence of the design than a design premise, which is what I was referring to. The difference with the C30 (beautiful car) is that it has no equivalent in the Volvo lineup. That was the concept of the C30, a sporty looking hatchback with 4 seats, a throwback to the legendary 480. If you wanted a compact Volvo, you bought a C30, period. The VW group had several options. You had to reeeeeally want a Scirocco.
I had a Scirocco GTII back in the 1990’s, loved it. My favourite car to this day. Not the most practical, but handle well and lots of power
Great review as always, I had the 1.4 super turbo charged one back in 2009 and really enjoyed it. At the time back then it really turned heads, now they are a little less conspicuous. I would have looked at a Renaultsport as a natural competitor too though...and one other R which looks gorgeous is the RCZ R which is a hell of a machine.
Always liked the look of those
Me too. It’s like a sexy Golf with a timeless design. Shame we never got them in the US
Budget rubber on an R. Have a word!
Came on it when I bought it! When they’re done I’ll be popping some pilot sports on
@@oliversaunder1469
And I bet you didn't have to wait long before those budget tyres were "done", if you've had yours remapped like me, putting 310bhp through the front wheels.
About 4 years ago I was looking to buy a German hatch and was considering a Golf or an Audi A3, then my mate suggested a Scirocco. As you said I hadn't even considered it but went online and found that they weren't much more than what I was prepared to pay, which was a surprise as I thought they'd be more expensive. Found myself a 2009 2.0 TSi in grey locally and snapped it up. Had the full leather and on a manual gearbox and I fell in love instantly. Still have it now and it's a real fun car and a real headturner as it's relatively rare to see one on the road, unlike an A3 or Golf, which is something that appeals to me, never did like common motors. I'm now looking to replace it but nothing else I look at gives me the same feeling so I've decided to get a newer one, post facelift, '16 or '17. I paid £6.5k for mine and I'm happy to see they retain their value so I won't lose too much on it. There's just nothing that can fill it's boots in terms of looks and quality. It's a real shame they ceased production and I'd have liked to see a 4WD version like they did with the Golf. I think it had a lot of life left in it.
How did you find the much newer nearing end of life car when you replaced your 09?
@@confounded_feline I haven't replaced it yet. On the lookout for a newer one, possibly an R but they are hard to find so may stick with a 2.0 litre. My '09 is still going strong with no real issues so I'm happy to wait for a good example. My local VW dealer has had a couple over the last 2 years on their forecourt but I wasn't ready to change then, plus they weren't full leather, which I want.
@@MrNomadic76Did you do it yet? Maybe even go look for the Motorsport (carbon) bucket seats which weren‘t mentioned in this vid. Very rare and about 3-5k € in Germany. Currently there are even the Wörthersee edition ones + doorcards listed on a german sellers platform, which feature a 1 of 1 blue leather and stitching from an official VW showcar from 2009. Would get those if I had a „better“ Scirocco and the money
This was my favourite car I’ve had the pleasure of owning! Gutted when I had to sell, but I will get another! So much fun and just a gorgeous car!
Had my 2016 scirocco R for about 4 months now and the amount of 2nd looks it gets is note worthy, it's also very fast and I love it
Had a tdi 170 followed by a facelift R. Brilliant cars & very desirable still like you say. The facelift with the bucket seats and in purple is the one to go for. Miss them both to this day
Do wish mind had buckets! And the purple is lovely
I used to dream of 2 door hatchbacks like the Scirocco. It's a real shame they're not more common.
Look forward to the moment you upload a new video everytime!
Hear, hear!
Fond memories of running a Mk 1 Scirocco in metallic dark green with cream interior! Lovely car and nicer to drive than my Mk 1 Golf GTI i had in previous years in the mid eighties. A very cool car i wish i had now!
I owned 3 mk1 roccos including a mk1 storm.
I love the Stig's Cousin reference in the title James.
After a really long day working that started early this morning and only just finished there’s nothing better than sitting with a coffee, marmite on toast and JayEmm.
There is a very similar car to the Scirocco R, the Volvo C30 T5.
Both cars take a typical hatchback shape and squeeze it at the rear to make a 2+2 coupe, both cars make mid 200s bhp (if you specced the Polestar optimisation on the Volvo), both very torquey.
I’d say the Scirocco takes a more sporty traditional hot hatch side whereas the Volvo is a bit of a more grown up mini-GT with a bit less composed handling but both great cars which happened to both exist at the same time.
Surely you should by comparing to the Mk 6 Golf R which was launched at the same time not the Mk 5 Golf R32?
From watching his videos I’ve realised he doesn’t really know what he’s talking about..
The Mk3 Scirocco was launched well before the Mk6 Golf, and whilst the Scirocco R shares an engine with the Mk6 Golf R (which is the EA113 2.0 from the Mk5 GTI albeit with a larger K04 turbo, and not the EA888 of the Mk6 GTI), they both utilise the PQ35 platform of the Mk5 Golf, and the Scirocco shows its Mk5 roots more clearly. For example, the dashboard and instrumentation is lifted largely unchanged from the Mk5 (although hvac and other electronics and switchgear are of a slightly later generation seen not just in the Mk6, but also a bunch of other VWs of the era). I've owned one, and a Mk6 Golf GTI, and two Mk5s (a 2.0 FSI and an R32). The Scirocco certainly has as much in common with the Mk5 Golf as it does a Mk6.
Was thinking about buying one just to use for weekend trips to the country side however any decent example price went to the moon like all other cars. Nice video. Keep up the good work.
I didn't even watch the video yet and I can tell you you should buy one of these. I saw one when I was stationed in Germany and my God they are so much better looking than GTIs or any R32 and Golf R. The only reason we never got them here in the states is because they would've stepped on the toes of the GTI. I definitely want one.
I want one. Will probably import one if I can in future. Got a mk6 R now
U review a GTD yet?
Got me looking at some on auto trader
There are several fan made custom re-built vw Eos with front parts from scirocco which looks prety good and mean but what a pitty vw didn't make real scirocco convertible because with those wide rear fenders it would be pretty cool summer wheels toy!
I still miss my 1.4 super turbo charged Rocco, the design is well ahead of its time and still holds up today
Never got this in the US and as a previous scirocco and corrado owner it was a real bummer. They were great fun. Just a great looking little car. Would have loved to own one and I probably would still have it if I did.
"If you've ever looked at a Golf R and thought that's probably the car for me but it is just a little bit too sensible"
Hah, quite honestly I almost bought one of these a couple months ago, and that was almost my exact train of thought. I wanted a Golf R, but I didn't want something that was EXACTLY a Golf R.
Unfortunately I was unable to find one not totally ruined by the previous owner.
Ended up with a Passat 206TSI instead in the end. Less of a conversation starter, but still a capable sleeper with the same punch.
That Scirocco will always be the one that got away though. Best looking (attainable) car of the decade in my opinion.
Oh yeah, also I was upgrading from a MK5 Jetta and uh... Yeah, like you said, same interior. Did kind of want a refresh.
SOOOOOO much cooler than ANY Golf.
I love that design
Love my remapped Scirocco GT TDI with vienna leather heated seats. Turns heads everywhere and you see about 37,455 Golf R's on the road to 1 Scirocco.
Just bought one in black today with the heated vienna leather! love it
Great intro into a great car that is often overlooked by enthusiasts. I relate to this video as it has been fairly accurate with my motor car journey - started off in an MG ZR160 with the high revving twin cam which was a blast to drive, moved on to an E92 and currently in a 2012 Scirocco R DSG. My scirocco has been remapped with some other bits and comfortably makes 310hp and 430nm, it is miles faster than the golf R32 while gets good fuel economy if you behave with your right foot. The advantages of the car are its scarcity, the lower centre of gravity when compared to a Golf GTi which improves the handling drastically and just how practical it is when you put the rear seats down. It is going to be a difficult car to replace.
With a SuperPro alloy kit you can transform the Scirocco's steering and bring back the feel. After all, it's still a HPS.
Absolutely love my 2.0TDI, much much better than the Golf counterpart! Would love an R but can't deal with parting with mine haha!
An R would be superior in every way apart from fuel consumption.
The intake screws that are on your test car are there because the intake comes off the front section through vibration over time , this is the diy fix .
I had one of these for a couple of years and it was absolutely brilliant! It drive like it was on rails and pulled really well 😊.
Definitely worth the money they’re fetching at the moment.
I've seen it in the wild multiple times and it's got a great rear, I like that it just has a single 'R' badge and nothing else on the back. Plus you don't see many of them so it is a bit different. I think their problem is their price range competition. For that price most people would rather get a nice specced A3 1.8 TFSI Quattro with it's 100hp less but with a nicer interior and more 'upmarket' looks.
Facelift R with Recaro Wingbacks/panroof/dynaudio/dsg is what you’re wanting
Would love the wingbacks
Its not the same engine as the GTI, its the one found in a Golf R and S3! Different turbos and a few other bits. Also, this isn't based on a MK5 but the MK6!!
Currently running an entry level 1.4L TSI MT Scirocco in Candy White (2012). Not the fastest by any stretch but still lots of fun to drive down those country roads. Hands down best car I've had. Hasn't missed a beat in the two years I've had it. Please give us an ID Scirocco VW! 🙏
Always loved the styling of the Scirocco but...
That unmistakable, throaty R32 burble wins me over *every* time!!
😎👍🏼
Absolutely loved mine, I traded in my 18 month old Mk6 Golf GTI for the Scirocco when it appeared in the showroom. Brilliant car, great fun and looked so much more interesting than the Golf.
The mk6 GTI is so beautiful to me also. Two good choices there mate
A white Scirocco R with DSG 'box and pop&bang crackle tune is a staple diet for rich teens here in Indonesia. Usually those who goes by the name of Kevin.
Love the flower shot with the car blurred out
My first car was a MK1 Scirocco. I wish they’d bring them back to the U.S.
My Dad speaks highly of that scirocco. Always fancied the look of the classic too. I'd love to get a drive in one.
Well,What a great car the VW Scirocco is, the R I am really excited and very surprised, really good review too,thanks for all your incredible effort in research 👏 😀
Good on you for mentioning the confused gearbox +,- positions. It is indeed frustrating to rewire instincts and use this on a day to day basis or rather avoid using it.
that car is sick
I still have my 2008 1.4 160 white panorama with brown leather and interlagos 18" ;) God I love that car, it made my day driving it. My glc now due to family is meeeeah
Another cool hatch we won't get in the US because it's not obscenely large.
The Karman Gia, the Scirroco, Passat CC and the Arteon are the must interesting looking VW.
I still think this car looks better than 99% of cars on the road today. A future classic maybe?
The problem of the Sirocco r is, and will always be, the megane 3 rs... Same kind of coupe but the megane is far better in term of enjoyment and perf...
Had one as a company car. 2.0 Tfsi R Line. Rising blue with the black alloys as well! Lovely car. Nearly got another a few years ago but ended up with the CC GT. it was cheaper and a lot more car. Not as much fun, but a great cruiser for eating up motorway miles.
I got to your use of 'parsimonious' and drifted off to the 58 plate one I had years ago, loved it until I changed tires and it lost all feel on the turn in..............🙃word of the day BTW
Biggest problem is Golf R and R32 are 4WD. The Scirocco R isn't.
Just got a manual 2016 plate black type R and I'm made up with it. It's a lovely driving machine.
Dynaudio ‘demonstration’ reminiscent of the legendary 90s Saturday afternoon show ‘Mega Movie Magic’
They should have merged this and the Kafer into the same car, to rival the Mini with both a stylish and sporty image.
Ah the roc reason the golf mk6 gti and r went kind of under the radar. Sciroccos heyday from 2010 to 2015
You missed trying SPORT Suspension which stiffens up steering lots. You also missed SPORT Mode. I don't know how you missed these
Not started the vid yet but as a scirocco owner and advocate I’m hoping you’re impressed. Pretty unique chassis rather than just a squashed golf.
What kind of changes did they make? Never much a golf fan, scirocco has always appealed but I've wondered how much it feels its age considering the older base that it was built from
@@confounded_feline has the Passat rear subframe which is why it’s wider at the back, keeps it planted nice. All models standard with DCC, they do ride high but doesn’t feel boaty even in comfort. The R has about 265brake but stays FWD, not as efficient as golf R but has more drama. Mines a 2012 and still feels modern now, great flat bottom wheel, nice dails etc.
Maybe the question will be to have a Golf R32 or a Shcirocco R32 Swap, the options of platform that can be swap with a VR6 is really awsome, from the Golf Mk1, 2, 3, 4, 5 to Vw polo MK4 and others. I think having the looks of the Schirocco and the soundtrack of the VR6 is just a killer option.
R32 hands down mk4 to be specific
However I personally feel like VW missed a massive opportunity to stick the vr6 lump in the scirocco
I think the reason they didn’t is because the scirocco was a practice run for some features of the mk6 platform for example the interior is all like a mk6 and a few other bits and pieces. Given the mk6 golf R was a 2.0tsi engine putting the vr6 into the scirocco unfortunately wasn’t the direction they were going in.
the vr6 was a bit of a pointless engine by that point though wasnt it?
slow, heavy and thirsty, pretty much the sound is all it had going for it
@@orbytl2799 I think a lot of people who call them slow and heavy haven’t driven one they ain’t slow yes they certainly ain’t fast but definitely not slow. More a case of emissions and vw knowing they would be going I4turbo it was a waste of time for them yet annoyingly the Eos got the vr6 haha
Nah . The owners in the uk completely put me off .
Also it does 30mph after 30miles and after this 35mpg. The Double Clutch is better than PDK by far and if you do use SPORT Mode 0-153mph you will not get any jolt when changing up gears. They need to stop EV nonsense and bring this Car back again. It rocks.
I’ve wanted one of these 3rd gen sciroccos forever
You can get the Mk6 Golf R which has the same Engine but all wheel drive.
Wish they had sold those in the USA... I had a MKI - probably my favorite car for its time/budget/place in life
Volvo C30 is a good competitor for this
I had 2 Scirroco R,s and they were excellent,it’s a shame VW didn’t update them
Only the first version of this car was sold here in Canada. I'd buy this version if there was 1 here. Cheers mate.
Reminds me of the Volvo C30
I only remember this car thanks to Jeremy Clarkson.
"Berlin to Warsaw in one tank"
That alone would make the diesel version worth it
They do look absolutely gorgeous.
As an American VW fan, I hated the fact these were unavailable in the States.
Am lucky to own one of the Wolfsbourg final editions... have to say, most likely wont sell it ever
I have the 2.0tdi scirocco and it’s been chipped to 190hp love the car also very nice when driving long distances.
Originaly 140 or 170hp?
It might be time to start a catchphrase drinking game. “Exhaust well judged” and “where it does its best work” are two ;)
Don't forget "lovely place to spend some time"
I had the 1987 Original VW Scirocco GTX 16v… it was awesome…
Just got me a my14 and I absolutely love it. That bum too
How about the Volvo c30 T5?
This thing looks sexy, hope they make an updated version of it before fully killing combustion engine….btw would you review the new i30n ?
My neighbour just bought one of these ( with the gti engine ) and I am now considering buying one, I just got a mk5 gti around 12 months ago too lol
It makes me so sad we never go these in north America
A cooler Golf? Yes, please!
you forgot about the most important and perhaps most significant rival, the Volvo C30, i would personally be much inclined to investing in a C30 D5/T5 over a scirocco R!
I considered one a few years ago, but chose a Volvo C30 instead - I'd say its most closest competitor, along with the astra GTC and perhaps also the Renault mégane coupé. Looking at it now, the scirocco would have been the more practical car with definitely a bigger boot, but you don't really buy cars like these when practicality is your priority, no? And though I still think scirocco's a pretty car, C30-styling to me has proven te be more timeless. I still miss that car sometimes, even though it only had the 1.6 diesel-engine.
Pretty sure these were bassed moreso on the Mk6 Golf not the Mk5? I was under the impression the Scirocco R was basically a Mk6 Golf R underneath?
It is a MK6 its based on.. Also, its the same engine as the Golf R and S3 not the GTI as he mentioned..