Have This For The Weekend

"Travis Okulski" (travis)
12/27/2013 at 10:41 • Filed to: Test Drive, Jalopnik Reviews

VW brings over a few Euro-spec cars each year to taunt us. Last year it was the GTD and up!. This year, it's the Scirocco R. I have it all weekend. Drop in what you need to know and I'll answer as I can!

DISCUSSION (100)

Alex87f > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 10:43

Do you miss the Golf R's AWD transmission? Or does the Scirocco's FWD do an OK job?

Brian Silvestro > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 10:44

Don't give it back.

Matt Hardigree > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 10:46

Kinja'd!!!

But I have it now!

liquid_popcorn > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 10:47

Road trip it to Katie's cars and coffee in VA tomorrow morning plz.

Travis Okulski > Matt Hardigree
12/27/2013 at 10:47

This is a truth fact.

505Turbeaux > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 10:47

I have so many questions, but my main one would be, would it still be fun with a more pedestrian engine and suspension package? Like an 8v second gen Scirocco is still fun in light of a 16v

liquid_popcorn > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 10:47

Also, many many photos! Perhaps some side by side with a Golf R? I want to see the differences.

Travis Okulski > Alex87f
12/27/2013 at 10:48

There is noticeable wheel spin in first at full tilt, but it's also freaking freezing here. I'll have it on some twisties tomorrow and then we'll really see.

505Turbeaux > Matt Hardigree
12/27/2013 at 10:48

doesn't look like you are going to get much flat pack furniture in there though Matt...

Shady Balkan Subject, Drives an Alfa > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 10:48

I think the Scirocco is one of the most useless cars in the VW brand. It doen's do anything better then the other cars in that segment and it is only just a tad superior car to the Golf GTI. With this car VW didn't capute any of the second generation's spirit.

Still it is the best looking VW currently on sale.

Travis Okulski > liquid_popcorn
12/27/2013 at 10:53

I'll see if I can find one. Good idea.

anothermiatafanboy > Shady Balkan Subject, Drives an Alfa
12/27/2013 at 10:53

Being the nest looking car they currently sell is what it "does". It is also what the A7 does that the A6 doesn't, same with CLS vs. E-class, etc. People are willing to pay more or sacrifice utility for style. I am a practical man who would just get a golf for the record..

Travis Okulski > 505Turbeaux
12/27/2013 at 10:54

Not sure. I imagine it'd be very Golf-y, so it depends on personal preference.

If you want a less useful Golf, this is ideal. If not, get a Golf.

Alex87f > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 10:55

Is it the DSG or the manual unit by the way? Let us know how the FWD fared on windy roads ;)

Jayhawk Jake > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 10:58

Maximum cargo picture? As in what's the cargo area look like with the seats down?

How does the back seat compare to a 2 door GTI in terms of access, headroom, legroom.

At the end of the day, would you have a GTi, Scirroco R, or insert other similarly priced hatchback here ?

liquid_popcorn > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 10:58

You could always pop down to Lindsay VW in Sterling, VA - we just had someone trade in a '12 R in this same blue, 22k miles, like new. Gorgeous car.

F50F60 > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:01

Can it be used to make babies in the back? And then do the "will it baby test"...

wizkashifa > 505Turbeaux
12/27/2013 at 11:02

He went for the meatballs.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:03

Does this have Unpimping abilities?

teampenske3 > wizkashifa
12/27/2013 at 11:04

Doesn't everyone though?

pfftballer > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:04

That's a Dodge Dart.

Kinja'd!!!

Pretty much amirite?

505Turbeaux > wizkashifa
12/27/2013 at 11:04

lol good call

Corey CC97, MAZDA DPI IS STILL BAE JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV VISIT FLORIDA RACING LIVES FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:04

Kinja'd!!!

Is it explosive?

stoke > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:05

Based on your driving experience and given the utility compromise and the (assumed, if it were available here) additional cost versus a comparable GTI, which would you buy? I'd take the 'roc, but I'd love to hear your professional opinion.

wizkashifa > pfftballer
12/27/2013 at 11:05

Do share.

I love you but I've chosen hooning! > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:05

I hear those things are awfully loud!

teampenske3 > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:06

Any major dynamic/handling differences between this and the Golf R? Especially given the lack of AWD.

joemcm > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:06

Why are these are so sexy?

PNW20v > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:07

Always love that look..

ddavidn > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:07

I am extremely jealous of you right now. How does it compare to the Golf R? I realize this isn't a fair comparison, but a couple key things might be nice. Does it feel lighter, nimbler? Less stable? More stable?

pfftballer > wizkashifa
12/27/2013 at 11:07

Ok maybe not exactly, but that's what I think of when look upon it.

Chris Zimmer > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:07

pictures. lots and lots and lots of pictures please. Inside shots. outside shots. document it from every angle, then do a full write up on its strengths and weaknesses...hell maybe even a formal Jalopnik review.

Only VW I'd even think of buying...

NicoZura > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:08

(Aware this is not the TDI)

I love you but I've chosen hooning! > anothermiatafanboy
12/27/2013 at 11:09

Being the nest looking car they currently sell is what it "does". It is also what the A7 does that the A6 doesn't, same with CLS vs. E-class, etc.

Nailed it! I have a neighbor in his late 40's who drives a CLS Wagon! He said he'd never be caught in a C Class Wagon, nor in an E Class wagon but the CLS Wagon? Totes a different thing!

Just wait for the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe... a 4 Series with four doors. Yes. I spoke with my dealer the other day, it's been confirmed. Press packages are out.

wizkashifa > pfftballer
12/27/2013 at 11:11

Picture didn't load when I first commented. But ya know, an SRT Dart would be pretty close to a Scirocco R.

You have also made me want an AWD Dart hatch. Jerk.

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:12

Steal it, clone it, proliferate!

mcseanerson > Matt Hardigree
12/27/2013 at 11:12

Hey Matt, slap a Porsche Crest over the VW badge so we can get an idea what it would look like if Porsche brought it over for us since VW wont.

jalop1991 > Matt Hardigree
12/27/2013 at 11:12

Son?

Kinja'd!!!

Der Sportwagoner > Matt Hardigree
12/27/2013 at 11:12

How fitting because looking at that Scirocco makes me utter nonsense words in lust, like "HNNNGAH".

bimmerismyname > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:13

Please tell VW that we want this over here. Thing is damn sexy

Der Sportwagoner > pfftballer
12/27/2013 at 11:14

Given the order in which they were released, I'd say that the car you posted is a Scirocco. Except I don't think they look all that similar.

mcseanerson > anothermiatafanboy
12/27/2013 at 11:15

I like the golf just fine and all and I do love some utility in my car but this just looks so much better I'd have to go with the Scirocco.

Kookanoodles > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:16

Kind of weird of them to bring it stateside just when they stop making it in Europe.

Return of Ze Fookus > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:18

Are its driving dynamics just as beautiful as it is?

wizkashifa > I love you but I've chosen hooning!
12/27/2013 at 11:19

There's an FP post about the 4 series GC.

http://jalopnik.com/the-bmw-4-seri…

TheTick247 > Jayhawk Jake
12/27/2013 at 11:20

specifically, what's the "dead-hooker" capacity?

Carwood > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:22

Its a beautiful car and I would very much like to see them darting around our roads but I seriously wonder if the case for VW to bring over another small vehicle has been made yet. We (Americans) have begun to embrace smaller vehicles (which is great) more so than ever before..but since VW hasnt brought this over...a vehicle that will probably poach GTI sales, I think its safe to say we're not there yet (I know they're different TO US but not to the masses). One day we'll see it, I am curious as to how soon though.

Travis Okulski > liquid_popcorn
12/27/2013 at 11:23

I mean, I'm in New York. That's more than a pop down.

Long Live the Longdoor > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:24

Let's see some interior and hatch shots! How capable is this hatch?

Lonestarsharker > anothermiatafanboy
12/27/2013 at 11:24

I agree what you say on the looks part, but there is no reason VW cant make a good looking practical car, scirocco is proof they can do "looks". I personally dont find any of VWs US offerings attractive at all, and since they seem to follow Audi's model, almost all of their cars look very similar. Difference is Audi's initial design which all of their cars are based looks dead sexy and sinister. Only cars i would give exception to in VW's US lineup, is the Golf (looks best in GTI flavor), the CC (looks best in black in R-line trim), and the Eos (good looking little car). As for Europe, i would add the Scirocco, and the Amarok pickup. To use a TG quote, VWs look like "some car, or, a lump of car". This is of course just my opinion, and i also dont think any of the BMW lineup looks all that great either, save for the 1 series and the Z4, so maybe my opinion is null and void.

regularconsuelo > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:25

I WANT TO SEE IT IN PERSON. WHERE SHOULD I GO THIS WEEKEND???

Vin > Shady Balkan Subject, Drives an Alfa
12/27/2013 at 11:28

LOLFOREVER.

Aja1732 > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:29

I think the question on everybody's mind is: Does it baby?

Brian Stieh > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:29

If you lick it what does it taste like?

Vin > pfftballer
12/27/2013 at 11:29

No.

ZweiDeutschesAutos > Jayhawk Jake
12/27/2013 at 11:30

I have a '13 GTI and would trade it tomorrow for this.

supersonicatx > Alex87f
12/27/2013 at 11:30

oh wow, I thought it was also 4WD.. hmm, not that I have the choice to begin with, but I'd kinda want the Golf R instead just because of that. the Scirocco is a beautiful car, no doubt, but FWD wheelspin drives me nuts. that's the only problem I have with my Sportwagen TDI.. but it's a fairly noticeable/irritating problem.

Louros > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:31

Will you bring it to the C&C in Chester, NJ tomorrow morning?

carphanatik > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:31

Does it cause spontaneous orgasms?

ZweiDeutschesAutos > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:31

Post some interior pics. Is there a big real-life size difference between this and the GTI?

vr6geek > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:34

A luggage test is definitely in order. Obviously the hatch is smaller, but I'd like to know if it's actually that much less practical. In other words, is any actual useable space lost? I know I was pissed when I tried to shut my mk6 Golf's hatch on 2 lengthwise rubbermaid tubs. The trunk is about 3 inches too shallow. My mk4, on the other hand, fits them perfectly.

MAKE2 Mifune > Matt Hardigree
12/27/2013 at 11:35

It sits in front of IKEA, pondering its own mortality; other premium 3-door hatchbacks have not been long for the world, like it's Swedish 3rd cousin, the Volvo C30.

ZweiDeutschesAutos > 505Turbeaux
12/27/2013 at 11:36

Not sure of interior dimensions differences, but the lovely girlfriend and I are always amazed at how much my GTI fits. People with "cute utes" (i.e. CRV etc) are doing it wrong.

Andypot > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:38

Where are you? Take me for a ride? lol

Jayhawk Jake > ZweiDeutschesAutos
12/27/2013 at 11:43

Yeah but you haven't driven one.

It wouldn't necessarily change your mind, but it might. I drove a 500 Abarth yesterday, and while I liked it I realized I would never buy one, especially not over my sonic

Ilike_cougars > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:44

I want to drive it! Im serious..

Jayhawk Jake > pfftballer
12/27/2013 at 11:45

Kinja'd!!!

For the love of god, stop comparing cars for no reason. These both are blue and have 4 wheels. That's pretty much where the similarity ends. Just...no

HideyoshiJP > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:46

I only have one question:

Why does Volkswagen of America hate us? What did we do wrong?

Jayhawk Jake > Carwood
12/27/2013 at 11:47

Smaller vehicle yes, I think the Up would do well here. Scirocco? I don't think they'd sell more than a few thousand.

NuttyMacGregor > Jayhawk Jake
12/27/2013 at 11:49

Just got a Sonic myself, after looking over the competition. Do you have a Turbo , and do you plan on getting the engine tuned?

Eswin17 > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:50

I would trade in my GTI in a heartbeat for a Scirocco R.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 11:59

I'm guesstimating that car is worth low 31-32k. Your mission for the weekend is to determine if you'd have one over similarly priced entry level performance cars. Aka the likes of the Genesis Coupe and American Muscle cars.

Jartosz > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 12:00

I find the placement of the VW logo a bit strange. Is this an all around lineup throwback to the earlier models or just something they did for this one?

LTIROCKS > Shady Balkan Subject, Drives an Alfa
12/27/2013 at 12:00

Makes me wonder if you've ever driven a MK VI GTI. I'm guessing you haven't.

I'm on my second; this one is a fully loaded Autobahn model.

Prior to my GTI I owned/drove a then new '09 Z51 Corvette (junk), and before that a then new Acura TL Type S.

In fact, I've owned lots of "fast, nice, new cars" since the spring of 1986. You are SERIOUSLY under-estimating how good the newer GTIs are. And the Scirocco R drives even better.

TheCroatianGuy > liquid_popcorn
12/27/2013 at 12:01

Kinja'd!!!

There you go.

Somethingwittyer likes noisy > pfftballer
12/27/2013 at 12:02

HUR DUR EVERY CAR LOOKS THE SAME.

Mav Wreck > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 12:02

All I need to know is when is it available in the States?

DoctorNine > liquid_popcorn
12/27/2013 at 12:04

Here is the Golf R:

Kinja'd!!!

wizkashifa > wizkashifa
12/27/2013 at 12:08

Kinja'd!!!

Update: he definitely went for the meatballs. Also go follow him.

DoctorNine > liquid_popcorn
12/27/2013 at 12:08

Here's the Scirocco R:

Kinja'd!!!

liquid_popcorn > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 12:09

You're driving someone else's Scirocco R, though; I can't imagine it'd take you that long to get here. Hah.

ZweiDeutschesAutos > Jayhawk Jake
12/27/2013 at 12:10

Fair enough. I usually don't make such sweeping statements, but I hear the drive is pretty similar with better looks!

Am I wrong?

liquid_popcorn > Jayhawk Jake
12/27/2013 at 12:10

One of them would definitely be mine.

Jonathan Harper > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 12:15

BASTARD!

nermal > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 12:19

How much attention are you getting when stopped? Are bystanders even noticing it?

Let's be honest, the target market for this car is people that want something that drives like a GTI or GLI but looks different. From the driver's seat, you'd probably be hard pressed to tell the difference between the three, since they're all built on the same platform with the same drivetrains, and same interiors.

Carwood > Jayhawk Jake
12/27/2013 at 12:20

Yeah I think the Up would be a fine addition and would probably do quite well.

Shady Balkan Subject, Drives an Alfa > LTIROCKS
12/27/2013 at 12:21

I have driven a Scirocco R, have not driven a MK VI GTI, but have driven MK V(they are all based on the same platform). And from this experience I am saying that the Scirocco is just a little bit better then a GTI. Myabe the MK VI GTI is even better. The Scirocco is a nice car, but in that currently very competative segment in Europe and you must take that into account because it is sold mainly in Europe, it is not good enough to justify haveing both the GTI and Scirocco. As some other commenter suggested, its exsitence can be attributed to that it looks very nice, so there are people which will pay just for looks.

kenhitch > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 12:22

How does it compare to the current Golf GTI and Golf R? Because frankly I found the Mk6 to be a very boring car to drive, and I secretly hope the Scirocco is the same so I don't have to mourn not having it in the States.

Burt > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 12:44

How's the torque steer (or lack thereof)?

BJ > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 12:49

Real-life top speed?

Piotr G. > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 12:51

Yea, can I come see it!!

Travis Okulski > Louros
12/27/2013 at 12:55

What are the deets? Address and time?

LIGHTONFUEL > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 12:56

Where do you park? I..um...uh...want to take a photo of my GTI next to it. Yeah, that's all.

LIGHTONFUEL > pfftballer
12/27/2013 at 12:58

Er, um, they both have a windshield, made of glass would'nt cha know.

MK6GTI-now with added Miata > Carwood
12/27/2013 at 12:58

As a GTI owner, I can confirm the poaching. I'd have bought a Scirocco if it was available.

I love you but I've chosen hooning! > wizkashifa
12/27/2013 at 13:07

Either BMW or Jalopnik are trolling us here! That car loos exactly the same as the 3 Series what the fuggedy fuck??

LIGHTONFUEL > Travis Okulski
12/27/2013 at 13:09

I also have a million questions. So I'll ask just these few:

Aside from the body differences when compared to the GTI, what would you say the impression is that you get from the driver's seat of this car that distinguishes it from a GTI? Is this something that would have a GTI loyalist (such as myself) lining up to by one of these over a GTI? I do a lot of autox'ing in my car and know that even at 3k lbs., it feels heavier than it is, does this car give you that same feeling? I know you can't autoX because the season's over, but would you be able to project if you'd get that sensation from this car. Thanks. Going to follow this closely.

Jayhawk Jake > ZweiDeutschesAutos
12/27/2013 at 13:15

I'm just saying, while I'm glad you'd buy one Id like an opinion from someone who's driven both

Jayhawk Jake > ZweiDeutschesAutos
12/27/2013 at 13:15

I'm just saying, while I'm glad you'd buy one Id like an opinion from someone who's driven both

Jayhawk Jake > NuttyMacGregor
12/27/2013 at 13:17

I have an RS turbo and it's tuned