Volkswagen reignited the passion for coupes with the 2008 Scirocco, a vehicle that has captured the hearts of enthusiasts for over a decade. It begs the question: why did it take VW so long to bring back this iconic nameplate? Perhaps the brand was focused on diversifying into every conceivable market niche. Thankfully, a shift in leadership brought a renewed focus on vehicles like the Scirocco, understanding its appeal as a more accessible and desirable option compared to luxury experiments.
Scirocco: A Nod to Volkswagen’s Coupe Heritage
It’s been over three decades since Giorgetto Giugiaro’s striking Mk1 Scirocco debuted, and more than fifteen years since the more conservatively styled Mk2 bowed out. While opinions on the Mk2’s aesthetics might be divided, the original Scirocco’s sporty spirit lived on in the Corrado. The 2008 Scirocco enters a somewhat undefined vehicle category, but it comfortably sits as a stylish and attainable coupe. Interestingly, the Scirocco debuted VW’s new corporate grille design just ahead of the Golf Mk6, echoing the original Scirocco’s launch before the first Golf.
Golf Underpinnings with a Unique Twist
Beneath its sleek exterior, the 2008 Scirocco shares components with other VW models, but perhaps surprisingly, it leans more towards the Eos than the Golf in its architecture. The Scirocco’s design closely mirrors the Iroc concept car, and inside, the dashboard shares similarities with the Eos, including the white instrument backlighting. While functional, some might argue that a car with such a distinctive exterior deserved a more unique interior design. This shared component approach might be a result of cost considerations, but it’s a detail that some drivers might notice.
The front seats offer immediate comfort, and the driver ergonomics are typically Volkswagen – excellent. However, drivers who prefer a very low driving position might find that the steering wheel, despite its extensive adjustability, doesn’t quite lower enough for perfect comfort.
Rear Passenger Space and Practicality
Despite its sloping roofline, the 2008 Scirocco manages to offer reasonable rear passenger space. The sculpted rear bench is designed for two occupants, and headroom is adequate for passengers up to six feet tall. To achieve this rear space, VW designed prominent tailgate hinges, which are cleverly integrated into the roofline design. Boot space is slightly less than the Golf, at a still respectable 292 litres, but folding the rear seats flat expands this to 755 litres. While practicality figures may not be the primary concern for Scirocco buyers, the absence of an exterior boot release button is a notable omission in terms of usability.
Driving Dynamics: Golf Foundation, Coupe Feel
The 2008 Scirocco’s driving experience distinguishes itself from the Golf, especially when driven with enthusiasm. Sharing the Golf’s wheelbase, the Scirocco is longer, wider, and significantly lower, enhancing its coupe proportions. Wider front and rear tracks, coupled with MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, and a slight weight reduction contribute to improved agility.
The initial Scirocco GT models in the UK featured a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox or the optional DSG dual-clutch transmission.
Performance and Engine Prowess
The 2.0-litre TSI engine delivers a robust 197bhp and 206lb ft of torque, resulting in a 0-62mph time of around 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 146mph. Beyond the numbers, the engine provides a rewarding driving experience, with a pleasing engine note and strong performance throughout the rev range. An unofficial 30-70mph acceleration time of just 6.0 seconds highlights its in-gear responsiveness.
The DSG gearbox continues to impress with its rapid and smooth gear changes, both up and down. However, the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are considered too small and lack tactile feel, representing a missed opportunity to further differentiate the Scirocco’s interior from more mainstream VW models with more bespoke paddle design.
Adaptive Suspension and Handling
The 2008 Scirocco features an adaptive suspension system, DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control), similar to the ACC system in the Passat CC. It offers Comfort, Normal, and Sport modes, but the system’s automatic adjustments in Normal mode somewhat diminish the need for selectable modes. Sport mode stiffens the ride considerably, potentially too much for poor road surfaces. The primary difference felt through DCC is an increase in steering weight in Sport mode. The standard suspension setup is well-regarded, making the standard DCC in the UK market seem like an unnecessary addition, likely driven by marketing and pricing strategies.
Cornering and Agility
On the road, the Scirocco exhibits a stiff chassis and predictable front-wheel-drive handling characteristics. Driven assertively, the Scirocco remains composed. Pushing too hard in corners results in predictable understeer, typical of front-wheel-drive cars. Lifting off the throttle can tighten the cornering line, but even more aggressive inputs are unlikely to induce significant lift-off oversteer. While capable and secure, the Scirocco prioritizes stability over tail-out driving thrills. For those seeking rear-wheel-drive dynamics in a stylish coupe, the Scirocco might not fully satisfy, but it delivers competent and enjoyable handling within its front-wheel-drive framework.
Engine Alternatives: The 1.4 TSI
Beyond the 2.0 TSI, the 2008 Scirocco also offered a 1.4-litre TSI engine, utilizing both supercharging and turbocharging for impressive performance from a smaller displacement. This engine option provides surprisingly comparable straight-line performance to the 2.0-litre GTI engine, and subjectively enhances the car’s agility due to reduced front-end weight. The 1.4 TSI contributes to a slightly sharper turn-in and allows the car to maintain its line effectively before reaching the limits of front-end grip.
Verdict: A Resounding Yes
The 2008 Vw Scirocco is a highly appealing coupe. Its striking design and well-rounded performance make it a compelling package, especially considering its price point. The Scirocco offers considerable value, particularly the 1.4 TSI variant. The ideal Scirocco configuration, combining the 2.0-litre engine with standard suspension and the DSG gearbox, would be a highly desirable option. For those considering a stylish and capable coupe, the 2008 VW Scirocco earns a strong recommendation.
