By: IOL Motoring Staff
Volkswagen didn't expend too many surgical tools when giving the aging Scirocco its mid-life nip and tuck, but there is still good reason to call it new - it's fair to say that engineers spent some good time tinkering under the bonnet.
NEW ENGINES
A new range of turbocharged, direct injection engines not only make the Scirocco models more powerful, but also up to 19 percent more efficient - according to the standard Euro lab tests.
As before, the most enticing option is the 2-litre Scirocco R, which has been boosted from 195kW to 206kW.
Making up the midrange is a pair of tamer 2-litre units, offering outputs of 132kW and 162kW, while your entry into the Scirocco club if you're penny-pinching is a new 92kW version of VW's familiar 1.4-litre TSI.
For the truly eco-focused, there's a pair of 2-litre TDI motors on offer, with outputs of 110kW and 135kW. Yet all versions (barring the 'R') deliver improved consumption via systems like idle-stop and a battery regeneration mode.
LOOK CLOSELY
It's another one of those "look closely" facelifts, but sharp-eyed Scirocco fans will notice some subtle changes at both ends. Up front there's a new set of headlights on all models, although bi-xenons with convex LED contours standard on the Scirocco R and optional on other models.
The lights are connected by a honeycomb grille, which sits above a redesigned bumper with more colour coding than before and GTI-style 'aerodynamic blades'.
Moving to the side, the Scirocco gains a new range of 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels while the back end is set apart by new LED taillights, a redesigned boot lid and a new black diffuser.
CABIN REFRESH
Inside, many parts of the Scirocco's dashboard have been redesigned and the model also gains a tubular-look instrument cluster and GTI-inspired steering wheel. Furthermore, redesigned seats offer new colour choices and clients can opt for new features like the Dynaudio Excite sound system and the park steering assistant system.
The new Scirocco is set to go on sale in South Africa during the third-quarter of 2014.