2014 Volkswagen Scirocco R Review: Style, Performance, and Features

The Volkswagen Scirocco R surprised us during our weekend spin. Since its latest iteration in 2008, the Scirocco hasn't changed much, retaining its key strengths. But is it the right choice for you? Let's find out.

Style

The Scirocco R looks decent from the front; however, compared to other fun hatchbacks in the market, there is room for styling improvements:

• Bigger wheels, like the 20-inchers found in the Opel Astra OPC.
• Sportier exhaust tips similar to the Audi RS4 Avant.
• Improved lighting design, as the current lights resemble those found in economy sedans.

Seriously, the 2014 Nissan Tiida has better lights compared to the Scirocco R. It's time for a change!

Interior Materials and Finishing

The interior quality is very good, featuring leather bucket seats and soft-touch materials throughout. This makes it superior to the Ford Focus ST and Opel Astra OPC. The interior ambiance is sporty, giving you the feel of driving a quality car, reminiscent of the Audi RS4 Avant in terms of steering design and feel.

Interior Visibility and Space

Unfortunately, the visibility is the weakest link in this otherwise fine car. Rear legroom is severely limited, making the back seat suitable only for children. Headroom is restricted, leading to potential discomfort when entering or exiting the vehicle. Additionally:

• The C Pillars and side windows are small, creating blind spots.
• There is no blindspot alert system, which is surprising for a German car.

During my test drive, I encountered narrow misses with other vehicles due to poor side visibility and the absence of blindspot alerts. This is definitely a 'must add' feature for future upgrades.

Interior Technology and Features

The technology is pretty good, offering almost everything you need. Key features include:

• Navigation system
• Push-button start
• High-quality sound system
• Intuitive controls
• Bluetooth and voice recognition

There are also small lights throughout the interior, including footwell lights and ambient lighting. However, some drawbacks include:

• The center armrest is too low.
• The glove box is small and only has a USB connection.
• The boot can only be opened from inside the car.

Additionally, while rear parking sensors are present, there is no rear camera. The panoramic sunroof can only tilt and does not open. Safety features are lacking, with no adaptive cruise control, lane change warnings, forward collision alerts, or blindspot warnings. Buyers, especially those with children, often expect these features.

Drive Experience

The driving experience is excellent. The Scirocco R is a joy to drive on both highways and city roads, showcasing fantastic road grip. It offers decent power and acceleration, with a 0-100 km/h time of 6.8 seconds and braking from 100-0 km/h in just under 3 seconds. The steering feedback is impressive, reminding me of the Audi RS4 Avant drive from last year.

Although the Scirocco R may not match the power and torque of competitors like the Ford Focus ST or Opel Astra OPC, it remains a pleasure to drive. It features driving modes: Normal, Comfort, and Sport, but the differences between them are minimal. The suspension is decent, providing a balance between comfort and sportiness, though a tighter suspension could enhance the driving experience even further.

Verdict

The 2014 Volkswagen Scirocco R is a great car to drive, though it has its quirks. While it's not the safest car around and lacks spaciousness, it is worth considering if you enjoy driving for pleasure.

Prices and Specs: Volkswagen Scirocco R