Volkswagen Scirocco R Photos, engines & full specs

Volkswagen introduced the third generation of the Scirocco in 2008 and enchanted its fans the following year when it unveiled its sportiest version, the Scirocco R.

Customers were happy when they heard that the Scirocco nameplate was back after 16 years of absence from the market. Those who had dreamt about it when they were children could buy it brand new and have it with a much more potent engine than any other Scirocco in history. Moreover, the car was an excellent mix of a daily driver, a hot hatch, and a canyon carver at the same time.

The 2009 Scirocco R looked slightly different than its regular siblings. While it featured the same headlights, it had an altered piano-black grille that sported the silver R-badge on it. The most significant difference came on the lower bumper, which featured an air dam where a broad rectangular air intake helped to cool the engine, and a set of side scoops adorned by LED daytime running lights flanked it.

From its profile, the standard 18-inch alloy wheels and the available 19” ones were the largest ever installed on a Scirocco. Their design completed the aerodynamic look of the car, emphasized by the side sills and the roof spoiler mounted on top of the tailgate. Also, part of the package was the R-specific rear bumper that featured a lower black center area flanked by two chromed exhausts.

Inside the cabin, customers were greeted by high-bolstered seats at the front and a split-folding (50-50) bench seat profiled for two in the back. A set of sports seats with integrated headrests and Kyalami fabric was also available. While the dashboard had the same overall design as the rest of the Scirocco range, it featured unique details such as the blue needles for the dials and gauges and the 300 kph (180 mph) marked speedometer. On the center stack, Volkswagen installed the RCD 310 Radio CD with eight speakers, while a sat-nav system was on the options list. The flat-bottom three-spoke steering wheel was decorated with the R-badge on its lower spoke, and versions fitted with the automatic transmission also sported aluminum paddle shifters behind it. To complete the sporty feeling behind the wheel, drivers enjoyed the standard aluminum pedals.

But the most significant part of the Scirocco R was under its skin. The car was powered by the most potent version of the Volkswagen’s two-liter gasoline engine to date, a 265 PS (261 hp) inline-four powerplant. It sent its power to the front wheels only via either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic (dual-clutch). An electronically-controlled differential was also standard. Furthermore, Volkswagen added an adaptive suspension to the car, which could stiffen the dampers.