Published:
4 May 2012If we had to criticise the regular Scirocco’s interior, we’d say that, while it is an inviting place to sit, it looks a little to indistinct and conservative for such an apparently sporting car.
While it would be unfair to expect VW to make substantial changes to the interior of the R model, in a way the same largely still holds true. Perhaps the Scirocco is a victim of being a stand-alone model; we wouldn’t necessarily say the same of the Focus RS or now defunct Renaultsport Mégane as they are in a hatchback line-up. It’s just that when the outside looks so splendid, we’d like the interior to match.
Other highlights reserved for the R include aluminium inserts in the instruments – resplendent with an R logo – and a smattering of high-gloss black accents.
Volkswagen has taken nothing away from the functionality of the cabin, though; it is laid out with all the thought and clarity you’d expect of Volkswagen. The R receives new Recaro seats: they’re even better than the excellent standard ones and don’t totally destroy room in the rear – so often an afterthought in these types of cars, but seemingly given somewhat higher priority in the Scirocco.
The rear seats split and fold and, coupled to a decent boot (albeit with a small opening), make the Scirocco R a surprisingly practical car.
Standard equipment levels are good too, as you'd hope given the price, with 19in alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, leather upholstery, heated front sports seats, adaptive sports suspension, dual-zone climate control and Volkswagen Discover Navigation infotainment system including sat nav, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, DAB radio and numerous online apps.
