Less is good
A true hothatch with quality build
Gorgeous looking, sweet engine, lively handling, solid build quality 
Poor rear view from the cabin A more modest engine and spec, but no less in driver appeal
By Hadi Soedarsono
We can hardly find anything to fault in the Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0. It’s bloody sexy, deceivingly fast and amazingly confident in corners. The build quality too is bombproof while the cabin materials are classy. Then there’s that whole cabin atmosphere which makes you feel like you’re in a sports car rather than a Golf spin-off. Thanks mainly to the low-slung sitting position and tall window sills.
Costing $31,000 less is the Scirocco 1.4. Other than the smaller capacity engine, it makes do without the 2.0’s adaptive suspension, polished alloys (although they are of the same size and design), HID headlamps and glass roof.
The 1390cc four-cylinder engine has a supercharger and turbocharger, pumping out a respectable 160bhp. More impressive though is the generous 240Nm of torque that peaks at a super-low 1750rpm.
This has contributed significantly to the car’s effortless acceleration. It literary fires away from stationary and maintains its grunt till the redline. The 1.4-litre unit is rev happy as well and plays the right tune at the right rpm.
Compared to the 2.0-litre Scirocco, this entry-level model will have to work a little harder to achieve velocities above 120km/h. But don’t get it wrong. The Scirocco 1.4 is no wuss. It can still do triple figure speeds with ease and no sign of lethargy.
The lack of adaptive suspension means there’s only one suspension setting to cater for all kinds of driving and road conditions. Amazingly, it attacks corners with authority and at the same time sucks up bumps pliantly.
Expect a colossal amount of grip from the Pirelli PZero tyres and a laterally stiff chassis that doesn’t lose composure even on bad asphalts. The Scirocco 1.4 also responds well to quick direction changes, making it an impressively nimble car for tight and twisty courses.
The seven-speed twin-clutch semi-automatic gearbox, known as DSG, is a gem. It never misses a beat and shifts with almost jerk-free action even when you drive it aggressively.
Inside, the all-black upholstery with the black dashboard can be a bit boring to look at. Otherwise, we like the sporty looking instrument cowls and the expensive feel of the switches and dials.
If the Scirocco 2.0 is a hothatch for the mature drivers then the1.4 version would be for drivers whose boyracer in him is still raging in fire. The latter is just so much more playful with the revvy engine and ultra-responsive handling, while the omission of adaptive suspension and glass roof has kept things light and simple, which may also be looked at as a nice bonus.
Seriously though, you won’t go wrong with either Scirocco models. Each has its own characteristics and both are excellent choices. We guess it boils down to whether you are willing to part with the extra $31,000 or not.
NEED TO KNOW
Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 TSI
ENGINE TYPE 1390cc 16v, turbo and supercharged, in-line four
MAX POWER 160bhp at 6000rpm
MAX TORQUE 240Nm at 1750rpm
GEARBOX 7-speed semi-automatic
TOP SPEED 218km/h
0-100 KM/H 8.0 seconds
PRICE $98,300 with COE
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
CONTACT Volkswagen Centre Singapore
TELEPHONE 6474-8288