If first impressions weighed in more than a blonde’s opinion on the gross national product of a third world nation, the Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 TSI would certainly leave more than just a lasting impression in your gleaming eyes.
Next to the Golf that it’s based on, it looks a whole lot better, like Megan Fox next to Ashlee Simpson, attractive nonetheless but just not quite up to mark. Furthermore, under the hood is the same 1.4 TSI lump we reviewed earlier that left us questioning if there really is no replacement for displacement.
If all that wasn’t sufficient, it was mated to the same seven speed DSG that is arguably the future of transmissions.
So on paper then, it seemed like quite the piece of kit. But then again, first impressions don’t count for much for a reason.
There’s no denying that the Scirocco is a damn good looking car. Up front, the low down headlight line that curves upwards gives it a very sinister appearance that as you’ll find out, is quite fitting once you’re behind the wheel as well.
While it may be a hatch, the profile might seem like it’s playing tricks on your eyes with the rear half appearing just a pinch longer than your garden variety hatch. Squint a bit more and you just might fool yourself into thinking that the Scirocco shares more with a shooting brake than a normal hatch.
Not like that’s a problem though, as it just raises the appeal of the Scirocco even more. Lower slung and longer than the Golf, the sleeker profile and strong shoulder line that extends to the rear gives it appeal that the Golf will never even come close to smelling.
Out back, the shoulder line that extends outward from the cabin lends it a squatting appeal, much like a low slung predator ready to pounce. The hatch for the trunk seems a tad bit small but once popped, the opening is pretty huge and leads out to a decently sized trunk.
One of the best bits would be the frameless doors that, opened with the windows down, give the Scirocco sex appeal like no other. Granted, it doesn’t take long to realise that it’s a handsome car but lend it a bit more time and you’ll truly begin to notice the minor details that litter the car and give it an edgier look.
Step inside into the working area and things not only stay on par but actually step up a notch. The semi-bucket seats are as functional as they are beautiful, which just in case you haven’t noticed, are more than just easy on the eyes.
The dash is typical Volkswagen, well laid out and constructed from some very premium-feeling materials. Getting into the right seating position and grabbing onto the flat-bottomed steering wheel, you could definitely see yourself doing some naughty things on the road with the Scirocco, or as the tagline in the ads mentioned, weaving in and out of traffic.
If there was a chief complain about the car, it would be the two-person capacity of the rear seats. We get that if you wanted to squeeze three babes into the rear, the Golf is there for that, but honestly, the Scirocco and its looks would probably help better in scoring those babes in the fist place. The rear seats are moulded too for two sets of butt cheeks, so attempting to make it a crowd by throwing in a third person would just be a pain in the behind of that unlucky third wheel.
Apart from that though, the Scirocco scores top marks for looks and interior in our books. So it’s got to be a winner on the road as well right? Frankly, yes.
Sitting under the curved hood is the same 1.4-liter TSI engine mated to the equally impressive seven-speed DSG. Though such a small lump, Volkswagen’s effective use of twin charging, honed over time no less, has given the best of both worlds of forced induction. On the lower revs, a supercharger gives it more go and once the midrange is attained a turbo takes over until it reaches the redline.
Not only does that give it plenty of go, 158hp and 240Nm of torque to be exact, it’s a real fuel sipper too. Easy on the eyes, right foot and wallet, the Scirocco can’t seem to go wrong then.
On the move, the car is every bit as endearing to drive as the Golf TSI, with an extra order of fun. Just like the first generation Scirocco that was also based on the Golf platform of its time, this one feels tighter and more refined, like everything was sharpened up a pinch more to make it fun on the blacktop.
The suspension is a tad bit sturdier but nowhere near too firm, the steering feels more responsive and the handling on a whole is that much better. Push it to the limit and it leans towards understeer but on a few occasions the rear did feel a bit light and threatened to cut loose. However, a deft touch of counter with the wheel and you’re back on track again.
As I drove the Scirocco and Golf back to back, the difference in handling is apparent enough with the former proving to be the crisper corner carver.
Power was more than sufficient to get it rolling. Often, you’d find the speedo climbing up well above the intended limit with just a slight prod of the go-pedal. Nippy and quick would be two words best used to describe the driving experience. Mated to the DSG, it was a wonder to drive. Gearshifts were the usual lightning quick and instant, and if fingering is your thing you could switch over to the pedal shifters.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, having driven the DSG countless times, it still never ceases to amaze us.
So at the end of it all, the Scirocco leaves quite an impression on us. The thing is though, it will leave quite a dent on your wallet too at RM189,608.00 (OTR w/o insurance), more than just a pinch over the equivalent Golf.
It’s a matter of logic against passion, apart from the slightly sharper handling, and gorgeous looks, the Golf is more practical and cheaper but once again, having driven both back to back, the attention that ol’ Rocco draws can grow on you strongly. So if you’ve got the cash to splash and you need a dash of good looks, Rocco 1.4TSI will have you covered.
Text by Dinesh
Much appreciation goes out to RaceRevo.com for the photoshoot.
