Volkswagen Scirocco

What is the Volkswagen Scirocco?

The Scirocco is a compact sports coupe with a rear hatch, combining a low-slung shape with useful access to the luggage area. The first generation appeared in 1974 as the successor to the Karmann Ghia coupe. Volkswagen brought the name back with a third generation in 2008.

The third-generation Scirocco had a sharply styled body and a practical hatchback layout. A major update followed in 2014, bringing an R version to the range. Its compact coupe character carried through each generation, though the model took a long break between the second and third.

Scirocco generations

The Scirocco had three generations: the first ran from 1974 to 1980, the second from 1981 to 1992, and the third from 2008 to 2017. Generation II, code 53B, appears in US listings from 1984 to 1988. Generation III, code 13, appears in European, UK and French listings from 2008 onward.

The second generation evolved the original’s shape with a longer, more wedge-like profile. The third generation revived the name after the gap, bringing a modern coupe body with a rear hatch.

Engines, power and fuel consumption

For the third-generation European listings, engines range from 1.4 to 2.0 litres and power from 90 kW (122 PS) to 206 kW (280 PS). EU figures include petrol, diesel and other fuel categories; UK and French listings include petrol and diesel. The US listing covers a 1.8-litre petrol engine.

The lowest listed UK and French consumption is 4.2 L/100 km on the NEDC test. The US EPA listing gives a lowest figure of 10.2 L/100 km and a best combined rating of 23 MPG. These results use different test procedures, so they are not directly comparable.

Where was the Scirocco sold?

The Scirocco appears in EU, UK, French and US figures. EU registrations cover 2010–2018 and total 248,181. The UK listing spans 2009–2018, France 2012–2015, and the US EPA listing 1984–1988. The US years correspond to the earlier Scirocco era, while the European figures cover the third generation.