In 2017, Volkswagen posted a rather brief message on their website, stating that the Scirocco could no longer be ordered with individual specifications. This cryptic message marked the end of Scirocco after a run that saw over a million units roll off the production line, across 3 generations. The Scirocco was never as successful as its much more prominent sibling - the Volkswagen Golf.
This is because the Scirocco, especially the third-generation model, excelled as a nimble sports car; one that could be taken to the racing circuit for some driving excitement and then driven at a much more sedate speed back home. It was such a big shame then that the car was never available in the United States after its 2008 relaunch. This article highlights some of the really cool facts about this cool hatchback that bowed out in 2017 - or is really gone? Read on to find out.
10 It Was Launched Before The Golf
The Volkswagen Golf is undoubtedly a much more popular hatchback than the Scirocco; one that's won several awards and continues to be a best-seller for the carmaker. However, the Scirocco was actually launched before the Golf was unveiled.
Both models entered production in 1974 but there was a gap of about 6 months between them. This was a deliberate strategy by Volkswagen so that any niggling problems with the Scirocco could be resolved and not repeated with the Golf.
9 It Stuck Around For Longer Than You Think
Many people only remember the Scirocco that debuted in 2008 and remained in production for almost a decade before Volkswagen pulled the plug in 2017. What you may not realize is that the nameplate actually existed several years prior to 2008.
It was used in 1974 as the nameplate for a first-generation model that replaced the Karmann Ghia coupe. This early Scirocco was unveiled at the 1973 Geneva Auto Show and then in 1976, a GTI model was launched to capitalize on the car's success in the market. Over 500,000 units of the car ended up being produced from 1974 to 1981.
8 The American Angle
Volkswagen sold quite a few first- and second-generation Sciroccos in the North American market; shipping as much as 230,000 units. However, all that changed with the release of the third-generation model. That car, produced from 2008 to 2017, was never offered to the American market; not even when enthusiasts cried out for the highly desirable variants like the Scirocco R.
There was no sentiment behind the decision to keep the car away from the American market; the company executives believed that the Scirocco could negatively impact Volkswagen Golf sales and were unwilling to take the risk.
7 Relationship With The Golf
Unsurprisingly, the Scirocco shares a stronger connection to the Golf than just the same debut year. The MK1 and MK2 Scirocco models were based on the same A1 platform used for the Golf. That practice continued with the A5 platform which marked the first time Volkswagen used front and rear fully independent suspension for both cars.
Apart from the chassis framework, there are other parts shared by the Scirocco and the Golf. The cool thing about this is that though the Scirocco is out of production, finding the parts for most repairs or restoration projects is still relatively easy.
6 The Origin Of The Name
Volkswagen was very clear with the intent behind the naming of their sporty hatchback coupe. The name 'Scirocco' is derived from a hot, dry wind that originates in the Sahara and then blows Northeast across the Mediterranean Sea, often increasing in intensity.
It is quite the apt description for the car that, in its most potent form, can rocket to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Even the first-generation models were capable of an 8.8 second run to 60 mph and a top speed in excess of 110 mph.
5 Motorsports Involvement
The Scirocco, marketed as a sporty hatchback, has had its fair share of competitive racing. In the 2008 edition of the 24 Hours Nurburgring race, a total of 3 Sciroccos participated. They needed up finishing 11th and 15th in a competitive field of more than 200 cars.
The Scirocco, driven by Swedish racecar driver Johan Kristoffersson, also emerged at the top of the pack; winning the 2012 Scandanavian Touring Car Championship. Then in 2015, French auto manufacturer constructed a purpose-built Scirocco racer and stuck a Nissan V6 engine under the hood.
4 The First Scirocco R
The 'R' designation according to Volkswagen, predictably stands for 'Racing' and is usually reserved for the most powerful model versions. The Scirocco R was no exception and came in heavy when it was introduced for the 2009 model year.
It was the first time the Scirocco would wear the prestigious badge and Volkswagen kept the model variant until the car was discontinued in 2017. That first model was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that churned up 261 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque.
3 The Scirocco And The Infamous Emissions Scandal
Interestingly, Volkswagen was said to be seriously considering launching the third-gen Scirocco in the United States. That was until the emissions scandal broke and put paid to any such plans. The Scirocco was among the estimated 11 million vehicles installed with a cheat software programmed to defeat tests that determined emission levels.
The scandal rocked the mega corporation to its roots, initially wiping off almost a quarter of the company's value and forcing the CEO to relinquish his position.
2 The Special Edition Farewell
The Scirocco might have had some troubled final years but it did not go out without a bang. That bang was in the form of a special Scirocco R Wolfsburg Edition, offered by Volkswagen Australia and limited to a run of just 150 units to preserve its exclusivity.
The car was available with a choice of two colors: a Rising Blue metallic coat or Oryx White Pearl Effect hue. Of the 150, 30 Sciroccos were fitted with a 6-speed manual gearbox while the balance got the dual-clutch, 6-speed automatic transmission. The car was powered by a 253 hp turbocharged unit that could propel the car to 60 mph in about 6 seconds.
1 The Scirocco May Yet Come Back
Volkswagen pulled the plug on the Scirocco in 2017, putting an end to another decade-long stint of the sporty hatchback after an initial hiatus that lasted from 1992 to 2008. Incredibly though, it looks like the Scirocco is not done yet and is set to make another appearance, most likely in 2022.
However, as part of Volkswagen's EV thrust, the new Scirocco will be ditching the traditional internal combustion setup for an electric powertrain and according to initial reports, that powertrain will produce as much as 300 bhp.