Volkswagen Scirocco R revealed

Well, we were close with our story on the Volkswagen Scirocco R20T. But it looks like VW are dropping the ’20T’ bit and sticking with VW Scirocco R. Fine by us. Car names are getting so long and convoluted it’s nice to see a car maker actually using something straightforward for a change. And unlike the current crop of ‘R-Line’ models from VW, such as the VW Tiguan R-Line and the VW Passat R-Line, this Scirocco R actually has something to shout about in the power department. Good.

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.

Volkswagen Scirocco R Photo Image Gallery