Volkswagen Scirocco (2009)

Environment

Ecological considerations and the responsible handling of natural resources are central to the Volkswagen corporate philosophy. Long before the European Used Car Directive and the resulting national legislation came into force, Volkswagen had set itself a number of environmental objectives, including the reduction of CO2 emissions and effective recycling methods.

As well as optimising its vehicle assembly technology, Volkswagen continues to lead in the introduction of new methods to streamline the recycling of plastics, and is developing ever-more stringent processes for the efficient handling of resources such as water, energy and materials.

Autoeuropa is one of the few plants in Portugal already to have received its ISO 14001 environmental certification, and has supported its main suppliers in obtaining their environmental accreditations.

In planning the plant, special attention was paid to protection of soil and groundwater. All pipelines through which potentially dangerous substances are transported are installed above ground level. Tanks which are set into the soil are fitted with double-skinned walls and leak detection devices.

In the case of waste handling, choice of processes and packaging, great emphasis has been placed on factors such as recycling and volume minimisation. Waste reduction targets have also been set. The plant uses recyclable packaging for most vehicle parts, while the remaining packaging waste and other materials such as paper, cardboard, plastics, wood or metals are separated then sold to specialist recycling companies. All areas used for temporary storage of waste are sealed, insulated and connected to a waste water treatment plant.

Exterior

The Scirocco was the first Volkswagen to exhibit the new 'face' of the brand and marked a new era of design. The car was designed by a team led by Klaus Bischoff, Head of Volkswagen Design, plus Marc Lichte, and overseen by Walter de Silva, Group Head of Design, and draws inspiration from the original Iroc Concept which was shown at the Paris Motor Show in September 2006.

Deep front airdams and a razor-thin grille element with gloss black insert are framed by distinctive chrome-backed headlight units. Also of note, the Volkswagen roundel has moved from its traditional position in the grille to the bonnet.

Further back, pronounced haunches that sweep over the rear wheel arches are accentuated by a tapered sill line that pinches around the middle of the vehicle. These haunches flow into the slim high intensity rear light units and a wide hatchback boot, on top of which is a subtle aerodynamic wing. The VW Scirocco has frameless doors, a feature that further accentuates the car's sporting credentials.

Although configured to appear low and wide, the Scirocco's designers moved away from using a traditional coupé's sloping roof. Instead the Scirocco has a steep hatch with a long roof and vertical tailgate, which brings two key advantages. The first is in design where the car's unusual proportions give it a squat but purposeful appearance; the second and arguably more important, is that the upright rear and short overhangs give the Volkswagen Scirocco substantial space in the rear for two adults plus luggage. This means the car is not only stylish but is also practical, and capable of seating four adults of above average height in comfort.

Interior

The VW Scirocco's aggressive yet cohesive exterior design runs into the car's interior. Four sculpted sports seats offer comfort and support for all four passengers, while non-detachable headrests ensure safety at all time for rear seat occupants. A generous amount of interior space is also afforded by these seats. As they are positioned low in the car in true sports coupé style, they allow interior heights of 948 mm in the front and 924 mm rear meaning ample headroom is available.

The rear seats can also be split (50:50) and folded to increase cargo space when necessary. A maximum 755 litres is available in the Scirocco.

For added convenience, the front seats offer rear passengers easy entry and exit to the back seats. When unlatched, they not only tip but also slide forward to maximise entry room. However, when they are put back, they automatically return to their previously set positions, meaning driver and passenger do not have to readjust their seats. Naturally the two front seats are adjustable for height and reach, as is the steering wheel, while a 12-way electrically adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support is offered as an option with leather upholstery.

In the cabin, the driver is treated to clear, easy-to-read displays with chrome-ringed and white backlit dials, plus ergonomically-designed switchgear. Volkswagen's dash-mounted RCD 510 system with touchscreen gives easy access to all stereo functions, and includes a six CD autochanger, SD card reader and connection for external multimedia sources, for example an iPod or MP3 player. Should a customer choose to upgrade their car with satellite navigation they will benefit from the RNS 510 unit with hard disc supported navigation system. The system's hard disc drive allows routes to be recorded while driving and re-traced, even over terrain where there are no roads, and songs to be stored and re-played.

Other design features include a contoured, flat-bottomed multifunction sports steering wheel and distinctive triangular grab handles on the doors. The interior is light, airy and surprisingly roomy, while the option of an electrically-operated tilting panoramic sunroof emphasises the feeling of spaciousness.

Engines

The Volkswagen Scirocco is available with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines. These comprise a 1.4-litre twin-charged petrol unit producing 160 PS; a 2.0-litre turbocharged 200 PS engine; and two versions of a 2.0-litre common rail TDI unit with 140 or 170 PS.

TSI petrol engine technology

The TSI name represents all of Volkswagen's pioneering forced-induction petrol engines which are available in the Scirocco. These engines produce high levels of power with low emissions from a relatively small capacity. Where FSI uses the direct injection of petrol into the combustion chamber to improve efficiency and hence reduce fuel consumption and emissions, linked to the 1.4-litre engine TSI takes this a step further and uses an FSI engine which is then dual-charged through a combination of an engine driven supercharger and an exhaust gas turbocharger arranged in series.

The driving characteristics of the new TSI engines are improved over those of an FSI unit. The belt-driven supercharger operates at the lower engine speeds, with the turbocharger coming in as engine speed increases. The result of this is excellent driveability and performance throughout the range with no turbo lag and high maximum torque.

Key to the TSI's success is that direct injection allows an abnormally high compression ratio of 10:1 to be used in conjunction with high maximum boost pressure of up to 2.5 bar absolute. This enables the relatively small engine to use very long gearing to provide exceptional fuel efficiency for a petrol engine, particularly at motorway cruising speeds. As an additional bonus, the TSI engine provides driver enjoyment, producing high power and torque across a rev range from 1,000 to 6,500 rpm.

TSI technology has received international acclaim. After being recognised in the International Engine of the Year Awards since 2006 when it was named Best New Engine, in 2009 TSI technology won a trio of awards: the overall accolade of Best International Engine of the Year, Best Green Engine and Best Engine in the 1.0- to 1.4-litre category.

1.4-litre 1390 cc TSI, 16-valve 4-cyl, 160 PS

The 1.4-litre TSI unit available in the Scirocco uses supercharging and turbocharging to produce an impressive 160 PS at 5,800 rpm and 177 lbs ft (240 Nm) of torque from 1,500 to 4,500. Linked to a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox, the 1,390 cc engine accelerates from a standstill to 62 mph in 8.0 seconds and has a top speed of 135 mph. Combined economy is 42.8 mpg (44.8 DSG) while CO2 emissions are 154 g/km (147 DSG).

2.0-litre 1984 cc TSI, 16-valve 4-cyl, 200 PS

The Volkswagen Scirocco was launched in the UK equipped with a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine linked to a choice of six-speed manual or DSG gearboxes. Developing 200 PS from 5,100 to 6,000 rpm and 207 lbs ft (280 Nm) of torque from 1,700 to 5,000 rpm, the 1,984 cc engine allows the Scirocco to achieve a 0 to 62 mph time of 7.2 seconds (7.1 DSG) before reaching a top speed of 146 mph (145 DSG). The combined fuel consumption figure for the vehicle is 37.2 mpg with CO2 emissions of 179 g/km.

2.0-litre 1968 cc TDI, 16-valve 4-cyl, 140 PS

This engine - now a popular choice in many of Volkswagen's car ranges - uses common rail technology and Piezo injectors for maximum efficiency in the combustion process.

The 2.0-litre TDI engine produces 140 PS at 4,00 rpm and 236 lbs ft (320 Nm) of torque from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm; it is available with a six-speed manual or DSG gearbox. Capable of achieving 55.4 mpg (51.4 DSG) on the combined cycle, the common rail engine has a 0 to 62 mph time of 9.3 seconds. A Diesel Particulate Filter is fitted as standard. Carbon dioxide emissions are also low at 134 g/km (145 DSG).

2.0-litre 1968 cc TDI, 16-valve 4-cyl, 170 PS

The second 2.0-litre TDI offers an attractive alternative for those wanting a little more performance from their Scirocco but with similar economy and emissions credentials. This unit is also offered with six-speed manual and DSG gearbox options.

Producing 170 PS at 4,200 rpm and maximum torque of 258 lbs ft (350 Nm) at 1,750 this engine endows the Scirocco with lively and flexible performance. Zero to 62 mph takes 8.1 seconds while top speed is 138 mph (137 DSG). Fuel economy is impressive with 53.3 mpg (50.4 DSG) on the combined cycle and carbon dioxide emissions of 139 g/km (147 DSG).

DSG - Direct Shift Gearbox

Volkswagen's Direct Shift Gearbox was a true innovation, combining the comfort of an automatic gearbox with the performance and economy of a manual unit.

The six-speed, transversely mounted DSG unit has two wet clutches with hydraulic pressure regulation. One clutch controls the 'odd' gears plus reverse, while the other operates the 'even' gears. Essentially it is two gearboxes in one.

With this new clutch management system, the interruptions in power that are typical of even an automatic-shift manual gearbox no longer occur. This is achieved by an intelligent hydraulic and electronic (mechatronic) gearbox control system, the two wet-type clutches and the two input and output shafts in each half of the gearbox. The materials used for the friction surfaces are similar to those used in conventional automatic transmissions and are designed to last the life of the vehicle.

This combination enables the next-higher gear ratio to remain engaged but on standby until it is actually selected. In other words, if the car is being driven in third gear, fourth is selected but not yet activated. As soon as the ideal shift point is reached, the clutch on the third-gear side opens, the other clutch closes and fourth gear engages under accurate electronic supervision.

Since the opening and closing actions of the two clutches overlap, a smooth gearshift results and the entire shift process is completed in less than four-hundredths of a second. In addition to its fully automatic shift mode, DSG has a tiptronic function to permit manual gear selection.

Seven-speed DSG

The launch of the 1.4-litre TSI 160 PS unit in January 2009 marked the introduction to the range of a seven-speed DSG gearbox. This, another world-first for Volkswagen, uses a pair of dry clutches (as opposed to the wet ones in the six-speed version) to improve fuel efficiency and performance. The pair of dry, organic bonded friction linings do not require cooling, making the drivetrain more efficient through the extra gear ratio and the fact that less power is required for the gear selection and clutch servo system. Measuring only 369 mm in length and weighing only 79 kg including the dual-mass flywheel the gearbox is remarkably compact.

In adopting seven-speeds, Volkswagen engineers were able to lower first gear to improve acceleration from a standstill. By contrast seventh gear has been raised to act as an overdrive function making it ideal for motorway driving with the additional effect of raising economy and comfort levels.

The volume of oil contained within the gearbox has also been reduced by 75 per cent. The oil circuits are split into two in an effort to protect the lubrication's purity. As with a conventional manual gearbox, one of the circuits is used for cooling and lubrication of the gear teeth, the second feeds oil to the gear actuators. Since the clutch does not require cooling the quantity of oil was reduced from seven litres in the six-speed DSG gearbox to only 1.7-litres in the new seven-speed system.

All gearboxes in the Volkswagen Scirocco are filled with lifetime oil and need no routine maintenance.

Servicing

Volkswagen offers customers a choice of servicing regime for their Scirocco. They can choose between Time and Distance and LongLife Servicing and the appropriate selection is entirely dependent on how the car is likely to be driven and its general use.

The Time and Distance Service is recommended for vehicles that will cover less than 10,000 (approx) miles in 12 months and if the vehicle is likely to be used in the following way:

• Predominantly city centre driving, short journeys with frequent cold starts
• Activities regularly producing high engine loading, for example frequent hill climbs, driving with vehicle fully loaded and towing
• Driving with high rpm, heavy acceleration and heavy braking

In this case, the vehicle will be serviced at regular intervals, at every 10,000 miles or every 12 months.

The LongLife Service is recommended for vehicles with a daily mileage of more than 25 miles, where the vehicle is driven regularly and on mainly longer distance journeys. The vehicle should be mainly driven at a constant speed with minimum vehicle and engine loading, minimal towing and driven in an economical manner. In this case, the on-board computer informs the driver via a dashboard display, when the vehicle needs a service. A range of engine sensors electronically monitors the vehicle's oil temperature, oil pressure, oil level and brake pad wear to establish when a service is needed. With the LongLife system, it can be possible to drive for up to 18,000 miles or 24 months without a major service.

Customers can choose between Time and Distance or LongLife Servicing at PDI (pre-delivery inspection) and though it is possible to change from one to another during the vehicle's life, it can only be done when a full inspection service is due.

Running gear

All Sciroccos sold in the UK feature as standard Volkswagen's Adaptive Chassis Control system - or ACC - which allows the driver to select from normal, comfort and sport settings to achieve the desired suspension, steering and accelerator response characteristics for their particular driving style. This system was pioneered on the Passat CC where it is standard with GT trim.

The basic layout of the Scirocco's suspension system was taken from the chassis of the Golf Mk V - which in turn was carried over in large part to the Golf Mk VI. This means strut-type suspension at the front and a multi-link layout at the rear. However the tuning of the springs, dampers and anti-roll bars was modified to suit the lower seating positions and the weight distribution of the Scirocco.

The VW Scirocco has a very low centre of gravity which presents some challenges. One of these is to retain adequate headroom for the occupants within the low overall vehicle height. Part of the solution is the incorporation of the tailgate hinges inside blisters in the roof, thereby allowing the roofline to be lowered and enhancing the dynamic appearance of the Scirocco without compromising practicality. The Scirocco has a significantly wider track than the Golf Mk VI. In front, it measures 1,569 mm (gain of 29 mm compared to Golf Mk VI), and at the rear, 1,575 mm (gain of 62 mm).

To increase track width and reduce unsprung mass, light alloy components are used in the rear. In line with its sporting aspirations the Scirocco is also tuned to offer the highest degree of stability for driving safety.

Adaptive Chassis Control - ACC

Engineers have in the past been constrained to design a suspension system which is biased either towards comfort or sportiness, always resulting in some form of compromise. The ideal, it was decided, would be to produce a chassis that could continually adapt to road conditions and the particular wishes of the driver or passengers. This has been achieved for the VW Scirocco, which features an Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) system as standard on all models. Here not only can the suspension's damping characteristics be controlled at the touch of a button, but the electro-mechanical power steering and accelerator response are also modified at the same time.

ACC operates via a set of four electrically adjustable dampers. Each damper is fitted with characteristic map control, a gateway control module that serves as an interface with the CAN data networks in the Volkswagen Scirocco - these comprise three sensors for measuring wheel displacement, three sensors for measuring movements of the body structure and a control module for the damping.

These sensors constantly measure the vehicle's behaviour - be it under braking, acceleration or cornering - and react almost instantaneously to assure the optimum mix of chassis agility and comfort at all times. The vehicle defaults to 'Normal' mode in which the system strikes a balance for general use. Should the driver select 'Sport' mode the steering assistance is reduced, the damping is hardened and the throttle responses are sharpened as the mapping changes. This is intended for either twisty roads or track driving. In 'Comfort' the damping is softened and the steering assistance is increased to provide a smooth and controlled ride best suited to motorway driving.

Electro-mechanical power steering

An electro-mechanical power steering system is employed on the Scirocco. Unlike some systems, it is able to vary the feel of the steering wheel to suit the speed and driving situation: firm and direct when driving hard, effortless at parking speeds. Other advantages of the system include its mild self-centring action, its ability to compensate for different driving hazards, like crosswinds and steep road cambers, and a beneficial effect on fuel economy, as it dispenses with the usual engine driven pump. Specifically for the Scirocco, a newly programmed map is used which offers stronger self-aligning torques and somewhat higher steering forces to give the driver more 'feel'.

Also new is the electro-mechanical steering gear: the steering angle sensor, utilised by both the electro-mechanical steering system and ESP, has been integrated in the pinion gear housing for the first time. That means that it no longer needs to be housed in the steering column switch module, thereby improving sensor quality.

Braking system

The Volkswagen Scirocco features a sophisticated braking system, with ABS and ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) standard across the range. Ventilated discs are fitted at the front (diameter 312 mm) with solid discs at the rear (253 mm).

Electronic Stabilisation Programme - ESP

Essentially, ESP is a sophisticated system that automatically senses any tendency for the car to slide. Should this situation occur, ESP reacts by applying the brakes to one, two, three or all four wheels and adjusts the engine's power. In this way, it is possible that a skid is corrected even before the driver is aware that one has started. This can be useful if a tendency to understeer or oversteer develops in a bend. In such circumstances ESP can help prevent the car skidding or spinning off the road and is particularly helpful in wet or icy conditions.

Hydraulic Brake Assist - HBA

Working in conjunction with the other elements of the braking system, HBA recognises from the speed at which the brake pedal is depressed whether it is a 'normal' braking situation or an emergency stop. In the event of an emergency stop, HBA automatically increases braking pressure, activating ABS and ensuring the level of braking meets the needs of the conditions. The application of brake assist makes it possible even for unskilled drivers to reduce braking distances by around 25 per cent.

Auto hold function

All Scirocco models with a DSG gearbox feature an auto hold function as standard, and this can be specified on manual models for a small premium. The system is activated by a button next to the gear lever, and is used when the car stops for short periods (such as in heavy town traffic). The parking brake now comes on automatically whenever the vehicle is brought to rest on the footbrake preventing the car from rolling forwards or backwards. The brake is released as soon as the accelerator is pressed. This function really comes into its own when crawling along in heavy traffic on long inclines.

Factory-fit options

A number of factory - and retailer-fit options are available on the Volkswagen Scirocco allowing buyers to customise further their vehicles. Highlights include an electric tilting panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, alternative alloy wheels, parking sensors, exterior badge deletion, a DAB digital radio and various satellite navigation options.

Panoramic tilt sunroof

Enhancing the cabin's spacious and airy feel is the option of a panoramic sunroof. This electrically powered and transparent roof extends from the A to the B pillars and can tilt open up to 39 mm at the press of a button. It also includes a sunshade to reduce glare. However the sunroof is made of specially designed safety glass which only transmits 8.2 per cent of the UV radiation, 2.8 percent of the infrared radiation (heat) and 6.9 per cent of the visible light.

It should also be noted that the low-profile design of the panoramic sunroof does not reduce headroom; in fact the lack of a roof liner in the area of the glass section frees up more space than would normally be available.

Gas discharge bi-Xenon headlights

Offered in conjunction with a 'Winter pack' (which includes headlight washers, heated windscreen washer jets, heated front seats and a low washer fluid warning light), or as a standalone option, are ultra-efficient gas discharge (bi-Xenon) headlights. These provide a well focused, blue-white light approximately two and a half times more powerful than standard lights, and come with a self-levelling mechanism. This option also incorporates static curve lighting to provide better visibility around bends.

Parking sensors

Also available on the Scirocco is a parking distance control system which simplifies tight parking manoeuvres. The system uses four ultrasonic sensors, integrated in the rear bumper to pinpoint parked vehicles, or other objects behind the car. Automatically activated when reverse gear is selected, the system produces an audible warning signal as well as a visual guide on the RCD or RNS 510 screen to guide the driver up to a safe distance to any objects behind. Not only does this help to avoid car park knocks, it could also prevent accidents, for example, if a child runs out who may not have been seen.

RNS 510: touchscreen navigation/radio system

Volkswagen's latest touchscreen DVD navigation and entertainment system is offered with the VW Scirocco. Designated the RNS 510 the installation uses the standard touchscreen for fast, intuitive operation of the entertainment and navigation menus and displaying of information.

With the RNS 510, as well as playing CDs in the usual manner, favourite tracks can also be stored onto the internal, 30 GB hard-drive via an SD card slot in the front of the unit. The system can also be used to play DVDs when the car is stationary. The hard-drive can also be used to store navigation mapping. In addition routes can be recorded while driving and then re-traced by following guidance provided by the stored waypoints. This can be particularly useful in off-road situations and regions for which digital mapping does not exist.

For the navigation to function, rear ABS wheel sensors are used to determine the distance the car has covered and to provide information when the car is turning. Further system components include a solid state magnetic compass concealed under the roof and a three-way roof aerial for radio and GPS (Global Positioning System). The aerial receives signals from the satellites in orbit from which the system is able to calculate the position of the car on the surface of the earth.

Dynaudio sound system

A 300 watt premium entertainment system from Danish hi-fi specialist Dynaudio provides exceptional sound quality especially compared with other systems in the Scirocco's market sector. The eight-channel system delivers up to a true 300 watts RMS without generating unwanted vibrations in the vehicle structure.

Safety and security

The Volkswagen Scirocco bears all the same characteristics of passive safety as the Golf and Passat. It too has an extremely rigid body structure, energy absorbing deformation zones all around, and restraint systems devised to suit its performance.

The combination of a highly rigid occupant cell and deformation zones is a prerequisite for good crash performance. The concept applied to the Scirocco is profile-intensive lightweight construction with cold-worked, high-strength sheet metal. All real tests and computer simulations confirm that the steel body designed in shell construction offers optimal protection even under the most difficult crash conditions.

As a further safety feature, when the airbags and belt tensioners are triggered at a specific load via a central ECU, the hazard lights are activated, the doors are unlocked, the interior lights are turned on and the fuel pump is shut off.

Pedestrian protection

A key aim in the development of the Scirocco was to achieve maximum pedestrian protection. All relevant components at the front of the vehicle were adapted to achieve this objective. Engineers paid particular attention to the bonnet, for example to optimise the hinge area for pedestrian protection. Also contributing here is a newly designed foam piece mounted behind the bumper facia, whose soft consistency reduces the severity of leg injuries.

Six airbags and optimal safety for children

Besides its highly safe body structure, the car's standard front, side and curtain airbags also make the Scirocco one of the safest cars in its class. As is usual at Volkswagen, the front passenger airbag can be deactivated using the ignition key in the glovebox, enabling a child to be transported safely in a rear-facing seat. Child safety is further supplemented by standard Isofix mounting fixtures on both rear seats.

Belt-up request

As with all new Volkswagen models, the Scirocco is fitted with a control system which requests driver and front passenger to fasten their seatbelts by means of visual and acoustic warnings. The 'seatbelt reminder system' is activated from speeds exceeding around 6 mph.

Whiplash-optimised head restraints

Driver and passenger seats are also fitted with whiplash-optimised head restraints, which move towards the head in the event of a rear collision, thus reducing the risk of neck injury. Additionally, seatbelt pre-tensioners in the front ensure that they are in the best possible position immediately after impact but before the occupants begin to move forwards.

Insurance group rating

Thanks to its extensive security and safety features as well as competitive parts and repair costs, the Volkswagen Scirocco has secured the following insurance group ratings from the ABI (Association of British Insurers):

• Scirocco 1.4-litre TSI 160 PS - 14
• Scirocco 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS - 12
• Scirocco GT 2.0-litre TSI 200 PS - 16
• Scirocco GT 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS - 12
• Scirocco GT 2.0-litre TDI 170 PS - 14