VOLKSWAGEN Scirocco R Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

The first generation of the Scirocco was launched in 1974 and ended its production in 1981. In the same year, Volkswagen released the 2nd generation intended to last until 1988 when they proposed the Corrado. As the Corrado was not a very successful model, they continued to sell the Scirocco second generation until 1992.

Volkswagen decides to revive the Scirocco nameplate in 2008.

In 2014, Volkswagen brought a refreshed version of the Scirocco. As the changes are minor, it takes a good eye to spot the design differences.

The front end was slightly modified, with a refreshed bumper, new fog lamps and full LED headlights. In the back, the rear bumper got black air vents – they had no real use, but we must admit the back of the car looks better. The rear headlights are now equipped with LEDs as well.

All in all, the front of the car has a more sportier, aggressive look with the arrival of the face-lift, compared to its predecessor.

The exit pipes were mounted on both sides, while its predecessor had two exit pipes on the same side.

The sporty model comes with a 6-speed manual or a DSG dual clutch automatic transmission. The most powerful engine mounted on this car is the 275 bhp 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol. The power is routed to the wheels through an AWD system.

The R model brings a stiffer suspension and optional adaptive dampers.

The interior was updated with new colors, the R having the “Race” seat covers with the R logo. The new materials and the new steering wheel were borrowed from the sibling Golf GTI.

The seats make you feel connected to the road due to their low position. The steering is very accurate and offers good feedback, a really important aspect of a sporty car. Three auxiliary instruments were added on the dashboard: turbo pressure, engine oil temperature and chronometer.

The suspension was lowered by 10mm.

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.