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Born again to wow

Volkwagen’s Scirocco has roared into the list of born-again hatches such as VW’s own Beetle and BMW’s Mini Cooper. The original Scirocco had a glorious run from 1974 to 1992. Over 18 years, the car received one revamp and a few aero dynamic upgrades and engine introductions to beef up its credentials. After 1992 though, there was neither sight nor sound of the Scirocco until VW unveiled the exciting Iroc coupe hatch concept in 2006.

The Scirocco looks almost identical to the 2006 show car. While the front air dam has lost the insane edge, other simple touches like the slant of the headlamps, the black mascara for the inset head lights, the lip-like finish of the bonnet together give it a very aggressive look. Magnifying the road fighter look is the coupe roofline that tapers and then kind of melts into the purposeful broad hips. The rear looks oddly pleasing despite the high bumper line and small glass area.

The Scirocco’s interiors are a big letdown though. There’s no engine start-stop button and the instruments are ordinary. Also, there is no neon back-lighting like in the Iroc concept. The rear bench isn’t particularly spacious, nor is it too comfy as you are seated quite low. The front seats too low too but the six-way adjustment lets you fix your seating position for optimum comfort. And staring back at you is a flat-bottomed steering wheel with paddle shifts.

Start the car and you’ll forget all your gripes. The 2-litre turbo-petrol comes to life with a slight rumble. It feels tame, but a gentle prod to the accelerator proves otherwise, as the Scirocco leaps forward. I mash the loud pedal and the front wheels spin for a metre or two before the TC kicks.

On the open roads, the engine builds speed rapidly from the 1800 rpm mark, roaring all the way to the top end. Shift down a notch for the corners and the constant surge from the engine will have the fat 225/45 R17 wheels spinning while exiting corners. You can use the paddle shifts on the steering wheel, or use the manual in drive mode, or shift to the sports mode which will tweak the shift points for better cornering on the smooth six-speed DSG transmission. In manual mode the time lag in downshifts when pushing hard is annoying, but the upshifts make you smile as they are accompanied by an addictive, loud ‘POP!’ sound from the exhaust. The optional six-speed manual would make this car even more fantastic.

VW will offer the Scirocco with three petrol options and one diesel version. Apart from the 197bhp, 2-litre TSI (turbocharged, direct-injection) engine that I was driving there will be a 122bhp, the 1.4 TSI with the six-speed DSG and a 160bhp supercharged, turbocharged 1.4 petrol. This twin-charged unit’s sub-250Nm torque rating allows it to be offered with the optional seven-speed DSG’box.

The Scirocco is planted and confident while attacking corners, lithe and agile too. I managed to unsettle the four-link rear suspension over slight undulations as I stepped heavily on the 312mm front discs, but only just. It hardly had any roll, the front MacPhersons taking up the lateral load. The adaptive suspension by ‘reading’ the driver inputs like braking, steering and acceleration determines the ride quality. Easy inputs translate into a cushy ride for everyday use. The Scirocco does thunk heavily through potholes.

The only let down was the steering – direct and well-weighted but a bit short on the fun factor due to muted feedback. To me, the Scirocco is in its element at 220kph. The harmony of sports and comfort in a stunning package stood out, the suspension worked calmly and the engine powered on tirelessly despite being only 15kph short of the company-claimed top speed, the steering was composed and I was absolutely relaxed in the driver’s seat.

The Scirocco is an impressive number to pull off, especially since it is Rs 85,000 than the Golf GTI on which it based. However, the Rs 17 lakh price tag (not including duties) still makes it a very expensive hatch by Indian standards. VW’s plans to bring the Scirocco to India depend upon how many of us are wowed by it. I know I’ve been.

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