Just when you thought that Volkswagen could do no wrong after a succession of wunderbar models, there’s this – the Scirocco 1.4.
It’s so good that it threatens the Sport 2.0 TSI version.
Instead of reserving the goodies to recognise the buyer who forks out the extra $32,500 for the premium model, this model looks just as complete as the 2.0.
There are no serious telltale signs like weedy alloys or a pathetic exhaust pipe.
The only significant differences in the Scirocco 1.4 are the missing projector Xenon headlights and the missing glass roof.
There are precious little signs of deprivation in the Scirocco 1.4 cabin.
Well, there’s this small matter of a missing button for the Adaptive Chassis Control, which alters the car’s suspension setting.
It’s a $3000 option on the Scirocco 1.4.
Most coupe buyers put looks above all else.
So, as far as its core audience is concerned, the 1.4 will already suffice.
And it’s not a case of all show and no go.
The 1.4 TSI engine is supposed to be the same unit as the one in the Golf Sport.
Scirocco 1.4’s engine is super- and turbocharged, and more than enough for the job.
But it sounds livelier, with an enthusiastic voice backed by a light supercharger whine and a delightful pop at every gear change.
The test car seems eager to spin beyond the 6500rpm redline, never mind that the power tapers off quite a bit from 5K or so.
Paired to the same 7-speed dual-clutch transmission as in the Golf, the changes feel marginally less crisp than the 6-speeder in the 2.0.
Manoeuvring in tight spaces, the gear actuation can be too abrupt, making it tricky to “creep”.
This seems to be a common complaint with this transmission.
If we must split hairs against the pricier 2.0 model, the non-adjustable suspension in the Scirocco 1.4 isn’t as cosseting as the 2.0 ACC in “Comfort” – but only just.
On paper, the deficit of 40bhp and 40Nm of torque makes the car 0.9 seconds slower to 100km/h.
But that’s nothing more than Top Trump talk comparing numbers.
The 2.0 is far from deficient in any way but the Scirocco 1.4 is more than enough as a junior sports car.
Apparently, many have come to the same conclusion.
At press time, there’s a looong waiting list for the Scirocco 1.4 – the single, biggest reason to shell out for the Sport 2.0 TSI, perhaps?
2009 Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 (A)
ENGINE 1390cc, 16-valves, inline-4, turbocharged
MAX POWER 160bhp at 5800rpm
MAX TORQUE 240Nm at 1500-4500rpm
GEARBOX 7-speed dual-clutch with manual select
0-100KM/H 8 seconds
TOP SPEED 218km/h
CONSUMPTION 10.4km/L
PRICE INCL. COE $97,300
