Volkswagen Scirocco Hurricane 2.0 TDI 140 CV DSG, road test (Equipment, price and verdict)

Over the last few days we have been talking about the road test of the Volkswagen Scirocco Hurricane, a German coupé with a personality of its own. We have tested our protagonist with the 140 CV diesel engine and the DSG gearbox. Everything about the engine, performance, handling or consumption has been analysed in the first part of the test.

In the second part we talked about design, both the exterior design as well as the interior roominess and finishes, plus the boot. Finally, in this third part, we will review the safety equipment, the rest of the equipment, price and verdict of the Volkswagen Scirocco.

Equipment

As far as safety equipment is concerned, it comes fitted as standard with front airbags, front side airbags, and front and rear curtain airbags. Electronic stability control and ABS are not missing either, and front fog lights are also standard.

It passed the EuroNCAP safety tests some time ago, specifically in 2009, when it already achieved five stars with 87% protection for adults and 73% for children. Since October 2009 Volkswagen has featured changes to the ISOFIX anchorages in the rear seats, so these EuroNCAP results are with the new anchorages.

Now that we know everything about safety, it is time to talk about the rest of the equipment. The Volkswagen Scirocco has a high starting price, but in return, it comes with practically everything as standard. It includes air conditioning, front fog lights, the RCD 310 radio with auxiliary connection, 17-inch alloy wheels, sports front seats and a multifunction steering wheel.

In addition, the Hurricane versions add the R-Line pack, cruise control, parking sensors, keyless start and entry, xenon headlights (on the diesel) or the touchscreen radio with colour display.

Within the equipment of our unit, the highlight is the complete navigation system, which offered a very simple touch operation and was comprehensive in functions and connectivity (Bluetooth, SD, USB interface). That said, when it comes to sound, the speakers are clearly short on power; there are cars in the same segment with better sound, even though this one has 8 speakers.

A dispensable extra (unless it comes as standard) is the keyless start and entry, since it is expensive and all it allows is getting in without taking the key out of your pocket and starting the car with a button. The key, however, remains the same as in the rest of the versions.

Prices

The starting price for a petrol Volkswagen Scirocco with the 122 CV 1.4 TSI is around 20,000 euros, but it currently has a discount (on condition of financing at least 8,000 euros with the German finance company) and the final price stands at 17,250 euros with complete equipment.

In addition to the promotions, the price is as follows:

• Scirocco 1.4 TSI 122 CV – 20,825 euros
• Scirocco 1.4 TSI 160 CV – 24,205 euros
• Scirocco 2.0 TSI 210 CV – 28,135 euros
• Scirocco 2.0 TDI 140 CV – 25,980 euros
• Scirocco 2.0 TDI 177 CV – 27,925 euros
• Scirocco 1.4 TSI 122 CV Hurricane – 21,500 euros
• Scirocco 2.0 TDI 140 CV Hurricane – 26,780 euros

Overall Verdict

The Volkswagen Scirocco represents a price premium over the Golf (its immediate sibling), or compared with other three-door compacts. It is a premium we have to weigh up in terms of design, the clearest differentiating element against similar models.

Mechanically, we liked this diesel engine because it is more than enough to have fun behind the wheel while keeping consumption at a level that does not hurt your wallet. If we add the DSG gearbox to that, there is an extra dose of comfort and smoothness. Meanwhile, in terms of dynamics, the Scirocco lives up to its sporty vocation and handles with poise and agility on the road.

That said, when it comes to space, it is a coupé and that has to be taken into account. It does not offer the same access as a compact, nor rear seats with much room to spare. As for equipment, with the complete standard specification and the discounted prices included, the final bill is reasonable, and this Hurricane version comes with practically everything we need while saving on the final price.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira