Volkswagen Scirocco R revealed

The new Volkswagen Scirocco R revealed today

Despite dropping the 6 cylinder engines previously used, this is the hottest and fastest Scirocco VW has ever made. Power comes from a 2.0 litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine, offering 265bhp. But there is no four-wheel drive on this Scirocco, instead VW has opted to offer the car as a front-wheel drive only, but benefiting from XDS (an electronic cross-axle traction control system). XDS acts like a transfer diff lock by applying braking to the inside wheel during cornering to restore stability and limit understeer. Performance should be more than adequate, with 0-60mph coming up in around 6.0 seconds and on to a limited 155mph.

The exterior has been ‘Butched-Up’ as you would expect. The front bumper gets three deep airdams, and the standard Xenons (with LED running lights) are framed by a gloss black grill. The door mirrors get the same gloss black treatment, and a set of side skirts replace the normal rubbing strips.

Out back the Scirocco R gets a new rear spoiler and diffuser, again in gloss black, with an oval exhaust pipe at each side. The R also gets a set of 18″ alloys (with 19″ option) and the only badges say, quite simply, ‘R’.

Inside you get new sports seats with ‘R’ logos and a gloss black centre console. A new flat-bottomed steering wheel sits in front of white, back-lit dials. There is also a touch-screen CD, Climate Control and ESP fitted as standard.

This looks to be a pretty good package. Not too over the top, but done with style and panache. It’s much more discrete than many a hot-hatch and has made the most of the already cracking looks of the Scirocco.

Due on sale in the UK later this year, the Scirocco R is expected to cost around £26,000. Which is not cheap. It will go head to head with the Focus RS, and to do that it will need to be pretty exceptional. But it’s certainly in with a chance on looks alone.

By Cars UK