VW Prolongs Scirocco's Life with a Cosmetic and Powertrain Facelift [30 Photos]

A good number of models don’t even reach the age of six before being replaced, while even conservative German carmakers, don’t usually extend their vehicle lives above seven years. Yet, the VW Scirocco, which turned six this year, is expected to soldier on for another three to four years before a replacement takes over. To do so in a fitting manner, VW has gifted the Scirocco with a late-life facelift.

We’ll see the refreshed (both cosmetically and mechanically) Scirocco in the flesh at the Geneva Motor Show in early March, but for now, we have all the details and a good amount of photos that we can share with you.

In regards to its exterior appearance, the 2014 Scirocco hasn’t really changed much, with VW concentrating its styling efforts on the two ends. More specifically, the front gains new and more modern looking bi-xenon headlamps with LED accents, a re-profiled bumper and tweaked grille, while the rear is updated with newly designed LED tail lamps, boot lid and bumper. Similar changes are also found on the high-performance “R” model.

Five fresh colors, including the “Pure White”, “Flash Red”, “Urano Grey”, “Ultra Violet” and “Pyramid Gold”, along with a new selection of alloy wheel designs, round out the updates for the outside.

Inside, the devil is in the details, with VW affording the 2014 Scirocco better quality materials and trims, a new set of additional gauges for turbocharger pressure, oil temperature and chronometer (as a tribute to the original model), new center console vents, plus a Golf GTI-like instrument binnacle and gauges, and flat bottom leather steering wheel.

There’s also a new covered storage compartment close to the handbrake lever, while new technical features include the ‘Dynaudio Excite’ sound system and park steering assistant (ParkAssist).

VW didn’t stop there, as beneath the hood, all available four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline and diesel mills are either new or upgraded, providing improved power and fuel economy figures (up to 19 percent) over the previous engines, while fulfilling the EU6 emissions standard.

The petrol lineup includes four units, starting with the 1.4-liter TSI that produces 125PS / 123bhp (+3hp), and continuing with three 2.0-liter TSIs delivering 180PS / 178bhp (+20hp), 220PS / 217bhp (+10hp) and the range-topping 280PS / 276hp (+15hp) for the Scirocco R.

Those preferring diesel fuel can choose from a pair of 2.0-liter TDIs rated for 150PS / 148bhp (+10hp) and 184PS / 181hp (+7hp).

With the exception of the Scirocco R’s 280PS unit, all the other engines come with a standard Stop/Start system and battery regeneration mode. A six-speed manual is standard equipment, while an optional dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) is available on all models sans the base 1.4 TSI. And if you must ask, as before, the Scirocco is exclusively front-wheel drive.

The 2014 Scirocco’s launch will start in Europe from mid-August, and continue shortly afterwards in other markets such as China, Argentina, Turkey, Australia, Russia and South Korea.

By John Halas

A shout out to Carson T. for the heads up!