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Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 TSI DSG (A) Review
23 Sep 2009|87,665 views
Well, it was 34 years ago that Volkswagen premiered the Scirocco in Geneva. The new design gave rise to the original Golf, and later on, it morphed into the Corrado prior to the nineties.
So while the most sought-after Corrado had a lovely, meaty VR6 up front, the additional weight blanketed the original Scirocco’s revvy, agile nature. And now, most will agree that it was well worth the wait, this new one.
The original two doors, four seats and front driven layout stays, with the main cue being the VW roundel that has been moved from the front grille of the chiselled nose and onto the bonnet.
The word “narrow” is key. It is demonstrated by the slim nose and windows that ascend over the rear end. The high shoulder-line and forward-visor-like roof combination makes the car look long and purposeful. I’m sure you’ll agree that it is an exceptionally photogenic car, not to mention in the flesh.
If you haven’t already realized by now, the three-door sports coupe uses a modified version of the latest Golf’s floorpan. At 4,256 mm it is a little longer despite sharing the 2,578mm wheelbase.
It is 75 mm lower from the ground-up, so headroom is still great for Afro-American basketballers and whatnot. But the big difference lies in the Scirocco's width of 1,810 mm.
So while the most sought-after Corrado had a lovely, meaty VR6 up front, the additional weight blanketed the original Scirocco’s revvy, agile nature. And now, most will agree that it was well worth the wait, this new one.
The original two doors, four seats and front driven layout stays, with the main cue being the VW roundel that has been moved from the front grille of the chiselled nose and onto the bonnet.
The word “narrow” is key. It is demonstrated by the slim nose and windows that ascend over the rear end. The high shoulder-line and forward-visor-like roof combination makes the car look long and purposeful. I’m sure you’ll agree that it is an exceptionally photogenic car, not to mention in the flesh.
If you haven’t already realized by now, the three-door sports coupe uses a modified version of the latest Golf’s floorpan. At 4,256 mm it is a little longer despite sharing the 2,578mm wheelbase.
It is 75 mm lower from the ground-up, so headroom is still great for Afro-American basketballers and whatnot. But the big difference lies in the Scirocco's width of 1,810 mm.
 |
More numbers - 292 litres of boot space with the seats up and 755 litres when folded down. Take a look at the pictures and you’ll realize that the Scirocco’s boot is almost 80 percent the size of your normal passenger sedans such as the Mitsubishi Lancer, Toyota Corolla, and not to mention the Golf.
Here we find a downside - visibility is blocked by the tailgate and rear quarter windows – nothing out of the ordinary for it is a coupe, after all.
One needs to be aware of the traffic around, especially when battling with motorcyclists, they all-too-easily get lost in the car’s blind-spots.
Some of the interior has been lifted from the Eos. That means there’s a contrast between the car’s dash and utter boldness, save for four triangle-shaped handles on he inside which we like.
 |
Engine and transmission
There’s lots to be said. We’ll start with the engine – 160 bhp at 5,800 rpm and 240 Nm from 1,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm. Supporters will associate with its rev-happy nature and ability to kick up to 7,000 rpm without running out of breath.
That hasn’t changed. In fact, it’s gotten better. Minor revisions to the design and placement of inlet and exhaust manifolds have resulted in a growling, fiercer engine note than in the original Mark V Golf GT.
Unlike the traditional six-speeder found in the 2.0-litre Scirocco Sport and the Golf GTI, the Scirocco 1.4-litre TSI receives the 7-speed “dry clutch” DSG.
This means that the engine and gearbox operates with a minimal amount of engine oil – around 4-litres to be exact, compared to the 8-litres needed in the traditional 6-speed DSG setups.
Volkswagen claims faster shifting times of two-to-three-hundredths of a second, and this checks out, but only on upshifts.
Downshifts in manual mode were delayed, presumably for reasons of longevity. It’s also more fragile as it has been designed for smaller engines. The torque limitation specification of 250 Nm might also spell a potential nightmare for tuners.
There’s lots to be said. We’ll start with the engine – 160 bhp at 5,800 rpm and 240 Nm from 1,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm. Supporters will associate with its rev-happy nature and ability to kick up to 7,000 rpm without running out of breath.
That hasn’t changed. In fact, it’s gotten better. Minor revisions to the design and placement of inlet and exhaust manifolds have resulted in a growling, fiercer engine note than in the original Mark V Golf GT.
Unlike the traditional six-speeder found in the 2.0-litre Scirocco Sport and the Golf GTI, the Scirocco 1.4-litre TSI receives the 7-speed “dry clutch” DSG.
This means that the engine and gearbox operates with a minimal amount of engine oil – around 4-litres to be exact, compared to the 8-litres needed in the traditional 6-speed DSG setups.
Volkswagen claims faster shifting times of two-to-three-hundredths of a second, and this checks out, but only on upshifts.
Downshifts in manual mode were delayed, presumably for reasons of longevity. It’s also more fragile as it has been designed for smaller engines. The torque limitation specification of 250 Nm might also spell a potential nightmare for tuners.
In “Drive” or “D,” the car assumes that you want to drive around mindlessly and save fuel. It doesn’t keep you in the torque and power band of the engine, but you’re able to tease VW’s claimed 7.6 litres per 100 km of fuel consumption on the combined cycle, as well as an environmentally healthy side effect - claimed CO2 emissions of 147g/km.
If you’re feeling lazy but want to get somewhere fast, “Sport” mode does it all. It holds each gear to the rev limit, and ensures that you’re always in the optimal gear and engine speed for acceleration bursts. However, we were disappointed to find that there wasn’t a launch function.
Ride and handling
Combine the 70 kg “tranny” with the slightly lighter engine, and you get a total of 27 kg in weight savings compared to the 2.0-litre TFSI variant where it counts – the front end.
The physical shifter and steering wheel has been lifted straight off the Mark V GTI, and to our surprise, it also translated to a distinct lack of torque steer and great off-centre steering feel.
There’s also a distinct lack of understeer, which actually sent the few of us who drove the car hunting for a possible, massive anti-roll bar mounted somewhere at the back.
Our ineptness prevented us from finding one, but I’m sure it would’ve been pretty darn thick.
If you’re feeling lazy but want to get somewhere fast, “Sport” mode does it all. It holds each gear to the rev limit, and ensures that you’re always in the optimal gear and engine speed for acceleration bursts. However, we were disappointed to find that there wasn’t a launch function.
Ride and handling
Combine the 70 kg “tranny” with the slightly lighter engine, and you get a total of 27 kg in weight savings compared to the 2.0-litre TFSI variant where it counts – the front end.
The physical shifter and steering wheel has been lifted straight off the Mark V GTI, and to our surprise, it also translated to a distinct lack of torque steer and great off-centre steering feel.
There’s also a distinct lack of understeer, which actually sent the few of us who drove the car hunting for a possible, massive anti-roll bar mounted somewhere at the back.
Our ineptness prevented us from finding one, but I’m sure it would’ve been pretty darn thick.
 |
The Scirocco held true and balanced through invariable and decreasing-radius curves, where 2.0-litre TFSIs and other GTIs would have been screaming for grip at the front end.
If that were the case, one would predictably have had to balance the understeer whilst yawning away.
The 1.4-litre Scirocco does not come with adaptive suspension, but based on what we’ve told you, it probably doesn’t need it anyway.
It’s ridiculously easy to set the car through a series of small, balanced drifts with almost no opposite lock – something only heard of from MINIs and well-tuned Type Rs alike.
To give you a little perspective, the Mark VI GTI might be one of the best-balanced front-driven hot-hatches around, but it doesn’t come close to the driving feel of the Scirocco TSI, especially in the area of chassis balance.
It does not have the mushy brake feel and numb steering problems of the Mark V GTI. In fact, pedal feel very much resembles the firm, positive and fade-free nature of the R32.
A different car for a different day
So unlike the frantic 2.0-litre, turbocharged Scirocco Sport, I really see the Scirocco TSI as the be-all, end-all car that will attract buyers of all ages.
You’ll find young, trendy females looking for a stylish car that renders comparisons with other makes and models as irrelevant.
If that were the case, one would predictably have had to balance the understeer whilst yawning away.
The 1.4-litre Scirocco does not come with adaptive suspension, but based on what we’ve told you, it probably doesn’t need it anyway.
It’s ridiculously easy to set the car through a series of small, balanced drifts with almost no opposite lock – something only heard of from MINIs and well-tuned Type Rs alike.
To give you a little perspective, the Mark VI GTI might be one of the best-balanced front-driven hot-hatches around, but it doesn’t come close to the driving feel of the Scirocco TSI, especially in the area of chassis balance.
It does not have the mushy brake feel and numb steering problems of the Mark V GTI. In fact, pedal feel very much resembles the firm, positive and fade-free nature of the R32.
A different car for a different day
So unlike the frantic 2.0-litre, turbocharged Scirocco Sport, I really see the Scirocco TSI as the be-all, end-all car that will attract buyers of all ages.
You’ll find young, trendy females looking for a stylish car that renders comparisons with other makes and models as irrelevant.
You’ll get middle-aged executives who want that bit of corporate image instead of your usual BMW or Mercedes.
Then there are the newlyweds or families with one or two kids, retirees looking for a small car, the list goes on. All I have to say is – picture these groups of people driving and owning the Scirocco – you can’t be too far off, really.
The differences between the Scirocco 1.4-litre TSI and Scirocco 2.0-litre Sport are minimal – luxuries one could do without if he or she is on a tighter budget.
In addition to the lack of adaptive suspension (DCC), one misses out on a panoramic sunroof, HID-lights and cruise control. The similarly designed, similarly sized 18-inch wheels that come with 235/40 profile Continental Sport Contacts are finished in matt-silver instead of high-polished chrome.
The Volkswagen Scirocco isn’t just a reiteration for the sake of the times. It’s a car that has the rudiments of the Mark I, and by means of technological advances, it encompasses the heart and soul of the original car in modern day form.
It’s a bundle of fun, so much so that Volkswagen has claimed it to be “the most dynamic and technically advanced production coupe Volkswagen has ever built.”
In the case of the Scirocco 1.4-litre TSI, we wholeheartedly agree.
Then there are the newlyweds or families with one or two kids, retirees looking for a small car, the list goes on. All I have to say is – picture these groups of people driving and owning the Scirocco – you can’t be too far off, really.
The differences between the Scirocco 1.4-litre TSI and Scirocco 2.0-litre Sport are minimal – luxuries one could do without if he or she is on a tighter budget.
In addition to the lack of adaptive suspension (DCC), one misses out on a panoramic sunroof, HID-lights and cruise control. The similarly designed, similarly sized 18-inch wheels that come with 235/40 profile Continental Sport Contacts are finished in matt-silver instead of high-polished chrome.
The Volkswagen Scirocco isn’t just a reiteration for the sake of the times. It’s a car that has the rudiments of the Mark I, and by means of technological advances, it encompasses the heart and soul of the original car in modern day form.
It’s a bundle of fun, so much so that Volkswagen has claimed it to be “the most dynamic and technically advanced production coupe Volkswagen has ever built.”
In the case of the Scirocco 1.4-litre TSI, we wholeheartedly agree.
Well, it was 34 years ago that Volkswagen premiered the Scirocco in Geneva. The new design gave rise to the original Golf, and later on, it morphed into the Corrado prior to the nineties.
So while the most sought-after Corrado had a lovely, meaty VR6 up front, the additional weight blanketed the original Scirocco’s revvy, agile nature. And now, most will agree that it was well worth the wait, this new one.
The original two doors, four seats and front driven layout stays, with the main cue being the VW roundel that has been moved from the front grille of the chiselled nose and onto the bonnet.
The word “narrow” is key. It is demonstrated by the slim nose and windows that ascend over the rear end. The high shoulder-line and forward-visor-like roof combination makes the car look long and purposeful. I’m sure you’ll agree that it is an exceptionally photogenic car, not to mention in the flesh.
If you haven’t already realized by now, the three-door sports coupe uses a modified version of the latest Golf’s floorpan. At 4,256 mm it is a little longer despite sharing the 2,578mm wheelbase.
It is 75 mm lower from the ground-up, so headroom is still great for Afro-American basketballers and whatnot. But the big difference lies in the Scirocco's width of 1,810 mm.
So while the most sought-after Corrado had a lovely, meaty VR6 up front, the additional weight blanketed the original Scirocco’s revvy, agile nature. And now, most will agree that it was well worth the wait, this new one.
The original two doors, four seats and front driven layout stays, with the main cue being the VW roundel that has been moved from the front grille of the chiselled nose and onto the bonnet.
The word “narrow” is key. It is demonstrated by the slim nose and windows that ascend over the rear end. The high shoulder-line and forward-visor-like roof combination makes the car look long and purposeful. I’m sure you’ll agree that it is an exceptionally photogenic car, not to mention in the flesh.
If you haven’t already realized by now, the three-door sports coupe uses a modified version of the latest Golf’s floorpan. At 4,256 mm it is a little longer despite sharing the 2,578mm wheelbase.
It is 75 mm lower from the ground-up, so headroom is still great for Afro-American basketballers and whatnot. But the big difference lies in the Scirocco's width of 1,810 mm.
|
More numbers - 292 litres of boot space with the seats up and 755 litres when folded down. Take a look at the pictures and you’ll realize that the Scirocco’s boot is almost 80 percent the size of your normal passenger sedans such as the Mitsubishi Lancer, Toyota Corolla, and not to mention the Golf.
Here we find a downside - visibility is blocked by the tailgate and rear quarter windows – nothing out of the ordinary for it is a coupe, after all.
One needs to be aware of the traffic around, especially when battling with motorcyclists, they all-too-easily get lost in the car’s blind-spots.
Some of the interior has been lifted from the Eos. That means there’s a contrast between the car’s dash and utter boldness, save for four triangle-shaped handles on he inside which we like.
|
Engine and transmission
There’s lots to be said. We’ll start with the engine – 160 bhp at 5,800 rpm and 240 Nm from 1,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm. Supporters will associate with its rev-happy nature and ability to kick up to 7,000 rpm without running out of breath.
That hasn’t changed. In fact, it’s gotten better. Minor revisions to the design and placement of inlet and exhaust manifolds have resulted in a growling, fiercer engine note than in the original Mark V Golf GT.
Unlike the traditional six-speeder found in the 2.0-litre Scirocco Sport and the Golf GTI, the Scirocco 1.4-litre TSI receives the 7-speed “dry clutch” DSG.
This means that the engine and gearbox operates with a minimal amount of engine oil – around 4-litres to be exact, compared to the 8-litres needed in the traditional 6-speed DSG setups.
Volkswagen claims faster shifting times of two-to-three-hundredths of a second, and this checks out, but only on upshifts.
Downshifts in manual mode were delayed, presumably for reasons of longevity. It’s also more fragile as it has been designed for smaller engines. The torque limitation specification of 250 Nm might also spell a potential nightmare for tuners.
There’s lots to be said. We’ll start with the engine – 160 bhp at 5,800 rpm and 240 Nm from 1,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm. Supporters will associate with its rev-happy nature and ability to kick up to 7,000 rpm without running out of breath.
That hasn’t changed. In fact, it’s gotten better. Minor revisions to the design and placement of inlet and exhaust manifolds have resulted in a growling, fiercer engine note than in the original Mark V Golf GT.
Unlike the traditional six-speeder found in the 2.0-litre Scirocco Sport and the Golf GTI, the Scirocco 1.4-litre TSI receives the 7-speed “dry clutch” DSG.
This means that the engine and gearbox operates with a minimal amount of engine oil – around 4-litres to be exact, compared to the 8-litres needed in the traditional 6-speed DSG setups.
Volkswagen claims faster shifting times of two-to-three-hundredths of a second, and this checks out, but only on upshifts.
Downshifts in manual mode were delayed, presumably for reasons of longevity. It’s also more fragile as it has been designed for smaller engines. The torque limitation specification of 250 Nm might also spell a potential nightmare for tuners.
In “Drive” or “D,” the car assumes that you want to drive around mindlessly and save fuel. It doesn’t keep you in the torque and power band of the engine, but you’re able to tease VW’s claimed 7.6 litres per 100 km of fuel consumption on the combined cycle, as well as an environmentally healthy side effect - claimed CO2 emissions of 147g/km.
If you’re feeling lazy but want to get somewhere fast, “Sport” mode does it all. It holds each gear to the rev limit, and ensures that you’re always in the optimal gear and engine speed for acceleration bursts. However, we were disappointed to find that there wasn’t a launch function.
Ride and handling
Combine the 70 kg “tranny” with the slightly lighter engine, and you get a total of 27 kg in weight savings compared to the 2.0-litre TFSI variant where it counts – the front end.
The physical shifter and steering wheel has been lifted straight off the Mark V GTI, and to our surprise, it also translated to a distinct lack of torque steer and great off-centre steering feel.
There’s also a distinct lack of understeer, which actually sent the few of us who drove the car hunting for a possible, massive anti-roll bar mounted somewhere at the back.
Our ineptness prevented us from finding one, but I’m sure it would’ve been pretty darn thick.
If you’re feeling lazy but want to get somewhere fast, “Sport” mode does it all. It holds each gear to the rev limit, and ensures that you’re always in the optimal gear and engine speed for acceleration bursts. However, we were disappointed to find that there wasn’t a launch function.
Ride and handling
Combine the 70 kg “tranny” with the slightly lighter engine, and you get a total of 27 kg in weight savings compared to the 2.0-litre TFSI variant where it counts – the front end.
The physical shifter and steering wheel has been lifted straight off the Mark V GTI, and to our surprise, it also translated to a distinct lack of torque steer and great off-centre steering feel.
There’s also a distinct lack of understeer, which actually sent the few of us who drove the car hunting for a possible, massive anti-roll bar mounted somewhere at the back.
Our ineptness prevented us from finding one, but I’m sure it would’ve been pretty darn thick.
|
The Scirocco held true and balanced through invariable and decreasing-radius curves, where 2.0-litre TFSIs and other GTIs would have been screaming for grip at the front end.
If that were the case, one would predictably have had to balance the understeer whilst yawning away.
The 1.4-litre Scirocco does not come with adaptive suspension, but based on what we’ve told you, it probably doesn’t need it anyway.
It’s ridiculously easy to set the car through a series of small, balanced drifts with almost no opposite lock – something only heard of from MINIs and well-tuned Type Rs alike.
To give you a little perspective, the Mark VI GTI might be one of the best-balanced front-driven hot-hatches around, but it doesn’t come close to the driving feel of the Scirocco TSI, especially in the area of chassis balance.
It does not have the mushy brake feel and numb steering problems of the Mark V GTI. In fact, pedal feel very much resembles the firm, positive and fade-free nature of the R32.
A different car for a different day
So unlike the frantic 2.0-litre, turbocharged Scirocco Sport, I really see the Scirocco TSI as the be-all, end-all car that will attract buyers of all ages.
You’ll find young, trendy females looking for a stylish car that renders comparisons with other makes and models as irrelevant.
If that were the case, one would predictably have had to balance the understeer whilst yawning away.
The 1.4-litre Scirocco does not come with adaptive suspension, but based on what we’ve told you, it probably doesn’t need it anyway.
It’s ridiculously easy to set the car through a series of small, balanced drifts with almost no opposite lock – something only heard of from MINIs and well-tuned Type Rs alike.
To give you a little perspective, the Mark VI GTI might be one of the best-balanced front-driven hot-hatches around, but it doesn’t come close to the driving feel of the Scirocco TSI, especially in the area of chassis balance.
It does not have the mushy brake feel and numb steering problems of the Mark V GTI. In fact, pedal feel very much resembles the firm, positive and fade-free nature of the R32.
A different car for a different day
So unlike the frantic 2.0-litre, turbocharged Scirocco Sport, I really see the Scirocco TSI as the be-all, end-all car that will attract buyers of all ages.
You’ll find young, trendy females looking for a stylish car that renders comparisons with other makes and models as irrelevant.
You’ll get middle-aged executives who want that bit of corporate image instead of your usual BMW or Mercedes.
Then there are the newlyweds or families with one or two kids, retirees looking for a small car, the list goes on. All I have to say is – picture these groups of people driving and owning the Scirocco – you can’t be too far off, really.
The differences between the Scirocco 1.4-litre TSI and Scirocco 2.0-litre Sport are minimal – luxuries one could do without if he or she is on a tighter budget.
In addition to the lack of adaptive suspension (DCC), one misses out on a panoramic sunroof, HID-lights and cruise control. The similarly designed, similarly sized 18-inch wheels that come with 235/40 profile Continental Sport Contacts are finished in matt-silver instead of high-polished chrome.
The Volkswagen Scirocco isn’t just a reiteration for the sake of the times. It’s a car that has the rudiments of the Mark I, and by means of technological advances, it encompasses the heart and soul of the original car in modern day form.
It’s a bundle of fun, so much so that Volkswagen has claimed it to be “the most dynamic and technically advanced production coupe Volkswagen has ever built.”
In the case of the Scirocco 1.4-litre TSI, we wholeheartedly agree.
Then there are the newlyweds or families with one or two kids, retirees looking for a small car, the list goes on. All I have to say is – picture these groups of people driving and owning the Scirocco – you can’t be too far off, really.
The differences between the Scirocco 1.4-litre TSI and Scirocco 2.0-litre Sport are minimal – luxuries one could do without if he or she is on a tighter budget.
In addition to the lack of adaptive suspension (DCC), one misses out on a panoramic sunroof, HID-lights and cruise control. The similarly designed, similarly sized 18-inch wheels that come with 235/40 profile Continental Sport Contacts are finished in matt-silver instead of high-polished chrome.
The Volkswagen Scirocco isn’t just a reiteration for the sake of the times. It’s a car that has the rudiments of the Mark I, and by means of technological advances, it encompasses the heart and soul of the original car in modern day form.
It’s a bundle of fun, so much so that Volkswagen has claimed it to be “the most dynamic and technically advanced production coupe Volkswagen has ever built.”
In the case of the Scirocco 1.4-litre TSI, we wholeheartedly agree.
Also read our comparison article on:
Veloster 1.6 GDI Turbo (A) vs Astra GTC 1.6 (A) vs Scirocco 1.4 (A)
Car Information
Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 TSI DSG (A)
CAT B|Petrol|15.4km/L
Horsepower
119kW (160 bhp)
Torque
240 Nm
Acceleration
8sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Volkswagen Scirocco
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