It's Not The Golf, It's The Golf's Sporty Cousin! VW Scirocco R Review 

This is one european car I've always been jealous we never got. Even if it's mechanically identical to a golf those hips make me 🥵

I've been a huge fan of Mk6 Golf R and Scirocco R at the time, and I've finally earned myself one 3 months ago. Enjoying every second driving it.

Bought a 17 plate 1.4GT new and absolutely loved it. Not the fastest, but zippy and fun, but with great MPG and tax. Made a mistake last year and traded it for a Seat Leon ST FR and regretted ever since. Sold it back to the dealer for a tidy profit, then bought a Golf convertible, which I’m loving. But , truthfully would have the Scirocco back in a heartbeat. So cool!👍

These are great cars. Such a shame (thanks to Dieselgate) that we never got to see a version with the MK7 Golf R’s engine and four wheel drive system - that would have been quite something…..

This Scirocco R is far better looking than any Golf! VW should have sold these in the US, but they never did. Great review. Really cool car.

Absolutely one of the prettiest hatches ever made. Shame it never got the 4Motion version.

I must say, I always loved the way these looked. Still look new today.

Thanks for having me James, great video and was a great day out

One of my all time favourites other than one of the most interesting cars. So grateful you gave us a review of this car that I really hope to buy one day. The thing I'll never understand is why VW never made it with the VR6 or 4motion, either in R or non-R version

Budget rubber on an R. Have a word!

They should have made a Scirocco R32 4WD…. Would have the perfect blend of looks & sound 👍🇮🇲

Great review and history telling. You said about the engine beeing a GTI engine. But it's not. This is the CDL version of the TFSI which you find in the S3, Golf R and EDITION 35 golf GTI. Very very different to the TSI on the normal GTI because it comes with K04 turbo and different engine configuration.

I love my 2026 scirocco r, standard comes with 280 bhp has so much character than a golf r. Plus everyone has a golf r, with decent rubber Im running toyo sports 2's all round this thing in the twisties is hard to beat, she'll be back out of the garage soon running full stage 2+ and will be entertaing the 380bhp mark 🤙🏻

Always liked the look of those

The exhaust is very likely standard. I owned one for a year and was surprised at how aggressive it was set up. I did some digging to learn that VW actually put a lot of work into the Scirocco R to make it a bit special and unique in its lineup, and the exhaust was one of those bespoke changes where money was spent. I only sold mine because I had a chance to jump ship into an E46 M3 CS (no regrets!), but it was a surprisingly wonderful car to run. I would own one again in a heartbeat. I also bought one with cheap rubber, and found that upgrading to quality tyres had a marked improvement on steering feel. The main improvement was when under load it returned some communication to the front end that was missing. It is also surprisingly neutral when you drive it agressively. It sits nearly square on the road and the back will rotate rather quickly if you lift. Much faster than in a GTI! Not something I expected from a sensible VW at all....

Had a tdi 170 followed by a facelift R. Brilliant cars & very desirable still like you say. The facelift with the bucket seats and in purple is the one to go for. Miss them both to this day

Great review as always, I had the 1.4 super turbo charged one back in 2009 and really enjoyed it. At the time back then it really turned heads, now they are a little less conspicuous. I would have looked at a Renaultsport as a natural competitor too though...and one other R which looks gorgeous is the RCZ R which is a hell of a machine.

Just got a base diesel one as an instructor's car. My learners love it 😂

I had a Scirocco GTII back in the 1990’s, loved it. My favourite car to this day. Not the most practical, but handle well and lots of power

Why do people put budget tyres on a performance car?

This was my favourite car I’ve had the pleasure of owning! Gutted when I had to sell, but I will get another! So much fun and just a gorgeous car!

About 4 years ago I was looking to buy a German hatch and was considering a Golf or an Audi A3, then my mate suggested a Scirocco. As you said I hadn't even considered it but went online and found that they weren't much more than what I was prepared to pay, which was a surprise as I thought they'd be more expensive. Found myself a 2009 2.0 TSi in grey locally and snapped it up. Had the full leather and on a manual gearbox and I fell in love instantly. Still have it now and it's a real fun car and a real headturner as it's relatively rare to see one on the road, unlike an A3 or Golf, which is something that appeals to me, never did like common motors. I'm now looking to replace it but nothing else I look at gives me the same feeling so I've decided to get a newer one, post facelift, '16 or '17. I paid £6.5k for mine and I'm happy to see they retain their value so I won't lose too much on it. There's just nothing that can fill it's boots in terms of looks and quality. It's a real shame they ceased production and I'd have liked to see a 4WD version like they did with the Golf. I think it had a lot of life left in it.

I've had my white 2012 R for 8 months now, love it!

I guess that the problem with the sporty Sciroccos is that they strayed over into their other cousin’s territory: .. the Audi TT. The top end Sciroccos were quite pricey and if you wanted a stylish Golf in a “pretty frock” then the TT was a great alternative at little extra cost.

There is one, ONE Scirocco MkIII in America, thanks to a Canadian who imported it in bits. An R32 powerhouse was tuned/fitted into it. Output:585 horses. $150K was invested in the venture an the car was sold a few days ago (this is June 24, 2023) on Cars and Bids. Doug de Muro reviewed this marvel just before it was auctioned.

Fond memories of running a Mk 1 Scirocco in metallic dark green with cream interior! Lovely car and nicer to drive than my Mk 1 Golf GTI i had in previous years in the mid eighties. A very cool car i wish i had now!

Look forward to the moment you upload a new video everytime!

I used to dream of 2 door hatchbacks like the Scirocco. It's a real shame they're not more common.

Surely you should by comparing to the Mk 6 Golf R which was launched at the same time not the Mk 5 Golf R32?

I love the Stig's Cousin reference in the title James.

Love the flower shot with the car blurred out

Love my remapped Scirocco GT TDI with vienna leather heated seats. Turns heads everywhere and you see about 37,455 Golf R's on the road to 1 Scirocco.

There are several fan made custom re-built vw Eos with front parts from scirocco which looks prety good and mean but what a pitty vw didn't make real scirocco convertible because with those wide rear fenders it would be pretty cool summer wheels toy!

Was thinking about buying one just to use for weekend trips to the country side however any decent example price went to the moon like all other cars. Nice video. Keep up the good work.

There is a very similar car to the Scirocco R, the Volvo C30 T5. Both cars take a typical hatchback shape and squeeze it at the rear to make a 2+2 coupe, both cars make mid 200s bhp (if you specced the Polestar optimisation on the Volvo), both very torquey. I’d say the Scirocco takes a more sporty traditional hot hatch side whereas the Volvo is a bit of a more grown up mini-GT with a bit less composed handling but both great cars which happened to both exist at the same time.

Got me looking at some on auto trader

I want one. Will probably import one if I can in future. Got a mk6 R now U review a GTD yet?

After a really long day working that started early this morning and only just finished there’s nothing better than sitting with a coffee, marmite on toast and JayEmm.

Facelift R with Recaro Wingbacks/panroof/dynaudio/dsg is what you’re wanting

Absolutely love my 2.0TDI, much much better than the Golf counterpart! Would love an R but can't deal with parting with mine haha!

With a SuperPro alloy kit you can transform the Scirocco's steering and bring back the feel. After all, it's still a HPS.

I didn't even watch the video yet and I can tell you you should buy one of these. I saw one when I was stationed in Germany and my God they are so much better looking than GTIs or any R32 and Golf R. The only reason we never got them here in the states is because they would've stepped on the toes of the GTI. I definitely want one.

I've seen it in the wild multiple times and it's got a great rear, I like that it just has a single 'R' badge and nothing else on the back. Plus you don't see many of them so it is a bit different. I think their problem is their price range competition. For that price most people would rather get a nice specced A3 1.8 TFSI Quattro with it's 100hp less but with a nicer interior and more 'upmarket' looks.

I had one of these for a couple of years and it was absolutely brilliant! It drive like it was on rails and pulled really well 😊. Definitely worth the money they’re fetching at the moment.

The intake screws that are on your test car are there because the intake comes off the front section through vibration over time , this is the diy fix .

I still miss my 1.4 super turbo charged Rocco, the design is well ahead of its time and still holds up today

Never got this in the US and as a previous scirocco and corrado owner it was a real bummer. They were great fun. Just a great looking little car. Would have loved to own one and I probably would still have it if I did.

SOOOOOO much cooler than ANY Golf. I love that design

Just got a manual 2016 plate black type R and I'm made up with it. It's a lovely driving machine.

A white Scirocco R with DSG 'box and pop&bang crackle tune is a staple diet for rich teens here in Indonesia. Usually those who goes by the name of Kevin.

Great intro into a great car that is often overlooked by enthusiasts. I relate to this video as it has been fairly accurate with my motor car journey - started off in an MG ZR160 with the high revving twin cam which was a blast to drive, moved on to an E92 and currently in a 2012 Scirocco R DSG. My scirocco has been remapped with some other bits and comfortably makes 310hp and 430nm, it is miles faster than the golf R32 while gets good fuel economy if you behave with your right foot. The advantages of the car are its scarcity, the lower centre of gravity when compared to a Golf GTi which improves the handling drastically and just how practical it is when you put the rear seats down. It is going to be a difficult car to replace.

I got to your use of 'parsimonious' and drifted off to the 58 plate one I had years ago, loved it until I changed tires and it lost all feel on the turn in..............🙃word of the day BTW

Also it does 30mph after 30miles and after this 35mpg. The Double Clutch is better than PDK by far and if you do use SPORT Mode 0-153mph you will not get any jolt when changing up gears. They need to stop EV nonsense and bring this Car back again. It rocks.

Had one as a company car. 2.0 Tfsi R Line. Rising blue with the black alloys as well! Lovely car. Nearly got another a few years ago but ended up with the CC GT. it was cheaper and a lot more car. Not as much fun, but a great cruiser for eating up motorway miles.

I still have my 2008 1.4 160 white panorama with brown leather and interlagos 18" ;) God I love that car, it made my day driving it. My glc now due to family is meeeeah

Its not the same engine as the GTI, its the one found in a Golf R and S3! Different turbos and a few other bits. Also, this isn't based on a MK5 but the MK6!!

Good on you for mentioning the confused gearbox +,- positions. It is indeed frustrating to rewire instincts and use this on a day to day basis or rather avoid using it.

Well,What a great car the VW Scirocco is, the R I am really excited and very surprised, really good review too,thanks for all your incredible effort in research 👏 😀

Nah . The owners in the uk completely put me off .

Always loved the styling of the Scirocco but... That unmistakable, throaty R32 burble wins me over *every* time!! 😎👍🏼

The problem of the Sirocco r is, and will always be, the megane 3 rs... Same kind of coupe but the megane is far better in term of enjoyment and perf...

I have the 2.0tdi scirocco and it’s been chipped to 190hp love the car also very nice when driving long distances.

Currently running an entry level 1.4L TSI MT Scirocco in Candy White (2012). Not the fastest by any stretch but still lots of fun to drive down those country roads. Hands down best car I've had. Hasn't missed a beat in the two years I've had it. Please give us an ID Scirocco VW! 🙏

Always fancied a shot in one of these. Outro music makes me want to drive errati…..courteously

My first car was a MK1 Scirocco. I wish they’d bring them back to the U.S.

Absolutely loved mine, I traded in my 18 month old Mk6 Golf GTI for the Scirocco when it appeared in the showroom. Brilliant car, great fun and looked so much more interesting than the Golf.

Ah the roc reason the golf mk6 gti and r went kind of under the radar. Sciroccos heyday from 2010 to 2015

Just got me a my14 and I absolutely love it. That bum too

They should have merged this and the Kafer into the same car, to rival the Mini with both a stylish and sporty image.

Dynaudio ‘demonstration’ reminiscent of the legendary 90s Saturday afternoon show ‘Mega Movie Magic’

"If you've ever looked at a Golf R and thought that's probably the car for me but it is just a little bit too sensible" Hah, quite honestly I almost bought one of these a couple months ago, and that was almost my exact train of thought. I wanted a Golf R, but I didn't want something that was EXACTLY a Golf R. Unfortunately I was unable to find one not totally ruined by the previous owner. Ended up with a Passat 206TSI instead in the end. Less of a conversation starter, but still a capable sleeper with the same punch. That Scirocco will always be the one that got away though. Best looking (attainable) car of the decade in my opinion.

You can get the Mk6 Golf R which has the same Engine but all wheel drive.

I’ve wanted one of these 3rd gen sciroccos forever

The Karman Gia, the Scirroco, Passat CC and the Arteon are the must interesting looking VW.

I still think this car looks better than 99% of cars on the road today. A future classic maybe?

I had the 1987 Original VW Scirocco GTX 16v… it was awesome…

R32 hands down mk4 to be specific However I personally feel like VW missed a massive opportunity to stick the vr6 lump in the scirocco I think the reason they didn’t is because the scirocco was a practice run for some features of the mk6 platform for example the interior is all like a mk6 and a few other bits and pieces. Given the mk6 golf R was a 2.0tsi engine putting the vr6 into the scirocco unfortunately wasn’t the direction they were going in.

Wish they had sold those in the USA... I had a MKI - probably my favorite car for its time/budget/place in life

I had 2 Scirroco R,s and they were excellent,it’s a shame VW didn’t update them

The front air intake always brakes so it's normal to find some extra screws to hold it in place lol

that car is sick

Another cool hatch we won't get in the US because it's not obscenely large.

I only remember this car thanks to Jeremy Clarkson. "Berlin to Warsaw in one tank" That alone would make the diesel version worth it

How about the Volvo c30 T5?

My neighbour just bought one of these ( with the gti engine ) and I am now considering buying one, I just got a mk5 gti around 12 months ago too lol

Pretty sure these were bassed moreso on the Mk6 Golf not the Mk5? I was under the impression the Scirocco R was basically a Mk6 Golf R underneath?

It might be time to start a catchphrase drinking game. “Exhaust well judged” and “where it does its best work” are two ;)

Am lucky to own one of the Wolfsbourg final editions... have to say, most likely wont sell it ever

V funny having the classic Scirocco music playing

Not started the vid yet but as a scirocco owner and advocate I’m hoping you’re impressed. Pretty unique chassis rather than just a squashed golf.

Maybe the question will be to have a Golf R32 or a Shcirocco R32 Swap, the options of platform that can be swap with a VR6 is really awsome, from the Golf Mk1, 2, 3, 4, 5 to Vw polo MK4 and others. I think having the looks of the Schirocco and the soundtrack of the VR6 is just a killer option.

Agree JM the Germans know how to add on extras. I bought an ex demo Golf R 7 series packed with extras and adding it all together lt cost almost £44,000 An a lot for a golf

Reminds me of the Volvo C30

would love to see a review of the mk6 golf r just to hear ur thoughts on my car!

You missed trying SPORT Suspension which stiffens up steering lots. You also missed SPORT Mode. I don't know how you missed these

They do look absolutely gorgeous.

It was based off the golf mk6 R and the Audi s3 8p. Same engine as both

Only the first version of this car was sold here in Canada. I'd buy this version if there was 1 here. Cheers mate.

Such a good looking car

I heard one of these getting cold started and and driven away every morning whilst waiting for my pick up from work and it sounded meaty like that so I think they sound like that from stock👍🏻