Everyone in Paris is either in a mad rush or jammed in massive blockades of indescribable congestion. When a hole opens up, the thirteen nearest cars rush into it. Those with diesel-sourced torque usually win. I was in pole position nearly every time. As powerful as it may be, the 170-PS TDI is an example of refinement, quiet operation and of uncanny frugality. I averaged 8.0L per 100 km of mostly city thrashing. In better circumstances, 7 or less litres per 100 km is a real possibility.
Stop the press, it's a Scirocco
Although the Rocco went on sale during the summer of 2008,my colleagues and I noticed many onlookers keeping their eyes on the VW as it drove by. As is, the car has only one minor, easily rectifiable fault: I would have swapped the certainly good-looking 18" Interlagos wheels for the heart-stopping hot 19" Lugano alloys. Otherwise, the car is perfect.
Yes, with a short rear overhang, small greenhouse and snub but powerful front end, the Scirocco is hands-down one of the hottest hatches in the world. And this praise is not solely for the sheetmetal.
The Rocco's cabin is pure German delight with faultless fit and finish, top-notch materials and seats. Oh the seats! They make some high-end Audi seats blush. Not only do they look fantabulous but they push all the right buttons for comfort, adjustment and support. What I especially like are the rear "vintage" styled bench, which is nothing less than two buckets side-by-side.
Scirocco and GTI
In Europe, the Scirocco slots in below the GTI. With a starting price of 22,700 E, the Rocco is nearly 7,000 E cheaper. As tested, my stunning example retailed for an eye-watering 32,000 E, or roughly $45,000 with average current exchange rates. In North America, The car would surely fall in as a premium car, above the GTI, altogether making it unattainable for the Average Joe.
For 45 large, you could get your hands on an EVO or an STI, but both cars hover below the radar in the "looks" department whereas the Scirocco would be noticed by the dead. Worth the money? Tough to say, but if VW imported the 37,300 E Scirocco R, or more or less $52,000, it would only be $5,000 less than the Audi TTS.
You may have gathered that I very much like the Scirocco and I am convinced that many enthusiasts that have money (unlike me) would spring for one, but I think we are starting to see why VW has decided to leave the Rocco over there.
So this leaves me with the following reflexions:
If you own or are thinking about purchasing a GTI (but are wishing for a Scirocco), your new car will please you as much as the Rocco would; just don't look at it when walking up to it.
And, if you live in Europe, I'd get a Scirocco over a like-powered TT, take the extra 10,000 E and douse the car with some personal touches. Or jump at the R and do the same.
Stop the press, it's a Scirocco
Although the Rocco went on sale during the summer of 2008,my colleagues and I noticed many onlookers keeping their eyes on the VW as it drove by. As is, the car has only one minor, easily rectifiable fault: I would have swapped the certainly good-looking 18" Interlagos wheels for the heart-stopping hot 19" Lugano alloys. Otherwise, the car is perfect.
Yes, with a short rear overhang, small greenhouse and snub but powerful front end, the Scirocco is hands-down one of the hottest hatches in the world. And this praise is not solely for the sheetmetal.
The Rocco's cabin is pure German delight with faultless fit and finish, top-notch materials and seats. Oh the seats! They make some high-end Audi seats blush. Not only do they look fantabulous but they push all the right buttons for comfort, adjustment and support. What I especially like are the rear "vintage" styled bench, which is nothing less than two buckets side-by-side.
 |
| The Rocco's cabin is pure German delight with faultless fit and finish, top-notch materials and seats. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
Scirocco and GTI
In Europe, the Scirocco slots in below the GTI. With a starting price of 22,700 E, the Rocco is nearly 7,000 E cheaper. As tested, my stunning example retailed for an eye-watering 32,000 E, or roughly $45,000 with average current exchange rates. In North America, The car would surely fall in as a premium car, above the GTI, altogether making it unattainable for the Average Joe.
For 45 large, you could get your hands on an EVO or an STI, but both cars hover below the radar in the "looks" department whereas the Scirocco would be noticed by the dead. Worth the money? Tough to say, but if VW imported the 37,300 E Scirocco R, or more or less $52,000, it would only be $5,000 less than the Audi TTS.
You may have gathered that I very much like the Scirocco and I am convinced that many enthusiasts that have money (unlike me) would spring for one, but I think we are starting to see why VW has decided to leave the Rocco over there.
So this leaves me with the following reflexions:
If you own or are thinking about purchasing a GTI (but are wishing for a Scirocco), your new car will please you as much as the Rocco would; just don't look at it when walking up to it.
And, if you live in Europe, I'd get a Scirocco over a like-powered TT, take the extra 10,000 E and douse the car with some personal touches. Or jump at the R and do the same.
Article Gallery