Volkswagen opens order books for Scirocco R and Golf R

Volkswagen has today confirmed pricing and specification for their latest hot Scirocco and Golf models. Developed by Volkswagen’s special projects team – Volkswagen Individual – prices for the Scirocco R start at £26,945 on-the-road with the Golf R retailing at £28,930. Why the price difference? Well the Scirocco R is two-wheel drive compared to the Golf’s 4MOTION four wheel drive system.

Fitted with a 2.0-litre TSI four-cylinder engine and a six speed manual gearbox as standard, the Scirocco R develops 261 bhp and 258 lbs ft of torque while the Golf R produces 266 bhp and 258 lbs ft of torque. A six-speed DSG gearbox is available as an option on both models from £1,300.

VW’S ADVERT FOR THE GOLF R AND SCIROCCO R

The Scirocco R channels power though its XDS electronic cross-axle traction control system to improved grip – not exactly an electronic differential, but necessary given the 258 lbs ft of torque being sent through the front wheels. The Golf R, available in both three- and five-door bodystyles, uses a pre-charged hydraulic version of Volkswagen’s 4MOTION four wheel drive system which can react quicker than previous 4MOTION systems while also limiting torque to maximise traction and minimise wheelspin.

The range-topping Scirocco accelerates from a standstill to 62 mph in 6.0 seconds, falling to 5.8 seconds when equipped with the DSG gearbox, while achieving a combined figure of 34.9 mpg (35.3 for DSG) and 189 g/km of CO2 (187 for DSG).

The Golf R accelerates from a standstill even more quickly, thanks to its 4-wheel drive traction Volkswagen ever produced, with a 0 to 62mph sprint taking just 5.7 seconds. As with the Scirocco, the DSG gearbox shaves a further two tenths of a second from this time bringing this down to 5.5 seconds. Despite its performance, the Golf R returns 33.2 mpg on the combined cycle (DSG 33.6 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 199 g/km (195g DSG). Both the Scirocco R and Golf R models have a limited top speed of 155 mph.

To set the ‘R’ models apart from a conventional Scirocco or Golf, both feature unique styling features. New front bumpers complete with LED running lights and a trio of deep airdams, Xenon lights which frame gloss black grille elements, gloss black wing mirrors, sill extensions and 18-inch five-spoke ‘Talladega’ alloy wheels housing gloss black ‘R’ callipers give the new models a purposeful look. Optional 19-inch alloy wheels in the same design are also available and, on the Golf R, these can be specified with a gloss black finish.

At the back, both models feature roof mounted spoilers and are fitted with twin exit exhausts; the Golf R’s positioned in the centre of a gloss black diffuser and the Scirocco R’s mounted on either side. Smoked rear light units, which on the Golf house high-intensity LED bulbs, further differentiate the R models.

Styling changes continue inside the cabins of both new models with new sports seats complete with ’R‘ logos, piano black and silver highlights, a new three-spoke black leather sports steering wheel with contrasting stitching and revised white backlit dials with subtle electric blue needles unique to the ‘R’ range. Vienna leather sports seats are available on both models and Recaro bucket seats can also be specified as an option on both the three- and five-door Golf R models.

To accompany these new models the power output of the ‘standard’ 2.0-litre TSI Scirocco GT has now been increased by 10 bhp to 207 bhp. This extra power reduces the sprint to 62 mph to 6.9 seconds for both the manual and DSG gearboxes, and top speed increases to 149 mph (147 DSG). Fitted with revised oil and cooling systems, the 210 PS unit also boasts improved fuel consumption of 38.2 mpg (was 37.2) and emissions of 172 g/km of CO2 (was 179) over the engine it replaces.

The first examples of Volkswagen’s most powerful hatchback and coupe are expected to arrive in showrooms from February 2010.

Golf R and Scirocco R with those obligatory daytime running lights

Inside the Golf R’s cabin

Inside the Scirocco R’s cabin