Used Volkswagen Scirocco for sale: everything you need to know
The Volkswagen Scirocco was originally launched in the 1970s as a stylish, low-slung coupe alternative to the Volkswagen Golf.
It was reborn in the 2000s, again as a sporting three-door answer to the Golf, then remained on sale for a decade until changing tastes saw it replaced by the Volkswagen T-Roc – a coupe-look SUV with five doors.
The Volkswagen Scirocco has a variety of rivals such as the highly desirable Audi TT, the practical BMW 1 Series and the great Peugeot RCZ.
Should you buy a Volkswagen Scirocco?
Using the Volkswagen Golf Mk6 underpinnings means the Volkswagen Scirocco certainly drives in an accomplished manner. It’s capable and fun, with the sportiness dialled up just enough to add a bit of spirit to each drive, but without becoming wearing.
The association with the Golf also enables it to borrow many of the engines used in the top-selling hatchback, from a smooth range of turbocharged petrol motors to fuel-efficient diesels. Not forgetting the thrilling Volkswagen Scirocco R range-topper.
A three-door coupe with a practical rear hatchback, the Volkswagen Scirocco is a strict four-seater. The rear bench is individually shaped to resemble bucket seats, just like in the original model (and the later Corrado coupe). Getting in and out is tricky, but space back there isn’t as tight as you might think.
The boot is reasonable, too. A 310-litre capacity means it’s comparable to a roomy supermini-sized car. And the rear seats are split 50:50, so you can easily stretch it further if need be.
The stylish Volkswagen Scirocco is a feelgood car to sit in, with plenty of sporty vibes. But it’s also a well-built model, with Volkswagen integrity and the promise of affordable servicing thanks to its Golf-derived oily bits.
As is so often the case with enthusiast-pleasing Volkswagens, the Volkswagen Scirocco may emerge as a bit of a future collectible, particularly the GTS and R models. If you like the idea of a Volkswagen Golf, but want something a bit more spirited, it’s a good used car to check out.
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What's the best used Volkswagen Scirocco model to buy?
The entry-level 1.4 petrol engine is flexible enough, but we reckon most buyers will want to upgrade to the more powerful 160PS version of the same engine because it gives considerably stronger performance but keeps costs reasonable. That said, we wouldn’t blame you for upgrading to the 2.0-litre petrol, which had 200PS, 210PS or 220PS depending on when it was built. This has some proper fizz and gives genuine hot hatch performance. For the ultimate thrill, the R model started with 265PS and ended life with 280PS.
Trim-wise, the entry-level trim provided you with most of what you want, but the upgrade to GT trim was worth it just for the all-round parking sensors, two-zone climate control and swankier upholstery. Particularly style-conscious buyers, meanwhile, might well want the R-Line for its racier looks, not to mention its powered leather seats.
Used Volkswagen Scirocco fuel economy and performance
The Volkswagen Scirocco has a surprisingly broad range of engines including two fuel-efficient diesels. Most are available with both six-speed manual and six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmissions, although all Volkswagen Sciroccos are strictly front-wheel-drive only.
Here are the engine options available with the Volkswagen Scirocco. All versions apart from the sporty Volkswagen Scirocco R feature standard engine stop-start.
- Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 TSI 125 petrol: The most affordable Volkswagen Scirocco when new, the 1.4 TSI is a four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 125PS. Zero to 62mph takes 9.3 seconds and combined fuel economy is 52.3mpg. However, as with all Volkswagen Scirocco efficiency figures, this is based on the older and more lenient NEDC test. A 160PS version of this engine was more popular and more fun to drive thanks to 0-62mph in 8.0 seconds with a top speed of 135mph. It can also deliver 42.8mpg and 154g/km.
- Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TSI 180 petrol: Power jumps up to 180PS with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder TSI turbo engine, cutting the 0-62mph time to 7.4 seconds. Unlike the 1.4-litre, it’s available with an optional DSG automatic gearbox, which has similarly swift acceleration.
- Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TSI 220 petrol: A more powerful 220PS version of the 2.0-litre engine features in the special GTS. Zero to 62mph acceleration falls further, to just 6.5 seconds. Economy still holds up though, matching the 180PS motor’s 46.3mpg in manual guise, or 44.1mpg as a DSG automatic. CO2 emissions start from 142g/km.
- Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TSI 280 petrol: The high-performance Volkswagen Scirocco R features a heavily-tuned version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine, which produces a whopping 280PS. Acceleration from rest to 62mph takes a scant 5.7 seconds, or 5.5 seconds with the DSG auto. But official fuel economy also falls, to around 35mpg, while CO2 spikes up to 185g/km.
- Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI 150 diesel: The 150PS 2.0-litre turbodiesel is a good option for Volkswagen Scirocco drivers seeking to save fuel. It averages 67.3mpg in manual guise, while 0-62mph acceleration in 8.6 seconds isn’t bad either. CO2 emissions start from 110g/km.
- Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI 184 diesel: The more powerful diesel actually has a higher output than the entry-level 2.0-litre TSI petrol. Its 184PS helps it accelerate to 62mph in 7.5 seconds, also returning up to 60.1mpg.
What used Volkswagen Scirocco trim levels are available?
The Volkswagen Scirocco line-up was focused on standard and GT models in its early days, with the high-performance R arriving a few years later. Since then, VW extended the sporty theme to a more mainstream audience with the R-Line trim level, while GTS arrived in its later years as a sought-after special.
- The Volkswagen Scirocco is the entry-level model, setting off the coupe bodystyle with sporty 17-inch alloy wheels – and not missing out on must-have features such as air-con, either.
- The Volkswagen Scirocco GT has larger alloys, a sportier appearance outside and in, plus climate control air-con and useful extras such as front and rear parking sensors.
- The Volkswagen Scirocco R-Line is more distinctive, boasting a special R-Line styling pack. It carries plenty of R-Line logos just to remind you that you’re driving something a bit more special.
- The Volkswagen Scirocco GTS is even more overt, with standard stripes for the bonnet, roof and tailgate (although they could be deleted at no cost for those who didn't want something quite so eye-catching). As with the R-Line, there’s a GTS makeover inside as well.
- The Volkswagen Scirocco R is the ultimate Volkswagen Scirocco and has a bespoke R-Line look. Special 19-inch alloys, bright bi-xenon headlights and the chrome door mirror caps mark it out from the rest of the range.
Used Volkswagen Scirocco dimensions and boot size
The Volkswagen Scirocco’s exterior dimensions are:
- Length: 4,256mm
- Width: 1,810mm
- Height: 1,406mm
- Ground clearance: 130mm
The Volkswagen Scirocco’s boot space is:
- 312 litres
- 1,006 litres with rear seats folded
Used Volkswagen Scirocco road tax
Given it sporting nature, the Volkswagen Scirocco is not an especially expensive car when it comes to road tax. Earlier models won't pay more than £290 per year, and that's for the potent R version. The last of the line models will also pay the standard rate of £180 per year for those registered after 1 April 2017.
How much is it to insure a Volkswagen Scirocco?
The Volkswagen Scirocco is affordable to insure if you stick to entry-level grades with the 1.4-litre TSI engine. An early standard car starts from group 18 (out of 50 groups in total – later cars start from group 21) and the 2.0-litre TDI is from group 24. However, things quickly start to rise as you move up the range, with the 2.0-litre TDI 184 from group 32, the same as the 2.0 TSI 210 GT. Volkswagen Scirocco GTS models open at group 28 for the diesel and group 34 for the petrol. As for the Volkswagen Scirocco R, it ranges up to a heady group 39 for the latest, top-spec models.
Read our full Volkswagen Scirocco review
