VW Scirocco 2014 update for Geneva Motor Show

The Volkswagen Scirocco is set to get a new look and extra power at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

The restyled ’Rocco arrives 40 years after the original made its debut in Geneva back in 1974, and brings with it extra performance and improved efficiency.
 

The update to the Scirocco’s appearance is subtle but distinct, giving the car a flatter-looking nose and an increasingly Golf-like rear end.

The changes at the front include new headlights and bumper – the latter featuring a series of strakes or "blades" on the outsides, which are reminiscent of the latest Golf GTI.

At the back, all versions of the Scirocco get an upgrade to LED taillights, while the bumper is lower than before. The VW badge now functions as the tailgate release handle.

On the inside, the dashboard and dials get a makeover to better complement the new auxiliary gauge pack that’s been added on the top of the centre console.

Consisting of chronometer, turbo charge pressure and oil temperature, the new gauges are a tribute to the original 1974 Scirocco.
 

Volkswagen

Top of the range remains the Scirocco R (blue car in the pictures), which now boasts 280hp – 15hp more than before. It also gets the same 18-inch "Cadiz" alloy wheels as the latest Golf R, leaving its old "Talladega" alloys available as an option for the rest of the line-up.

As previously, the Scirocco R gets unique styling touches, including specific bumpers front and rear. It remains front-wheel drive only, while the more powerful 300hp Golf R is four-wheel drive.

The Scirocco R engine is now based on the latest VW Group 2.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine, and with 280hp is similar to that fitted to the most powerful version of the new SEAT Leon Cupra.

This suggests a 0-62mph time in the region of 5.7-5.9 seconds, depending on gearbox. Expect both a six-speed manual and a six-speed DSG automatic to be offered.
 

Volkswagen

There are six engines in total for the new Scirocco – all of which are turbocharged and meet the latest Euro 6 emissions criteria.

In addition to the 2.0-litre R engine, petrol choices consist of a 125hp 1.4-litre in place of the previous 122hp 1.4; a new 180hp 2.0-litre unit that is both more powerful and more economical than the 160hp 1.4 it replaces (so much for downsizing); and a 220hp 2.0-litre that’s 19% more efficient than the old 210hp version.

Diesel choice consists of 150hp and 184hp 2.0-litre units, which offer as much as 68.9mpg. The least efficient engine is understandably the 280hp 2.0-litre R, which returns a claimed 34.9mpg.

A six-speed manual is standard on all models, with six- or seven-speed DSG automatic remaining optional, depending on power output.
 

The UK on sale date for the new VW Scirocco is 20 May 2014, but it’s not expected to reach dealerships until September.

Pricing will be confirmed nearer the launch date, but we’d anticipate a slight increase over the current car – which starts at £20,525 – perhaps tempered by some additional standard kit.
 

On Bing: see pictures of the 2014 Volkswagen Scirocco
Find out how much a used Volkswagen Scirocco costs on Auto Trader
Volkswagen Scirocco R review (2010 onwards)
Volkswagen Scirocco used car buying guide (2008 onwards)
Read a Volkswagen review on MSN Cars

By CJ Hubbard, contributor, MSN Cars