Scirocco R: Volkswagen's Sportiest Euro Coupe May Be Headed for U.S. Sales
Maybe it's because I can't have it that I like it so much. Volkswagen delivered a Euro-spec Scirocco R coupe for a few days. It's just to test reaction from influencers "and there are no plans to import the model to North America," says Volkswagen. Blah, blah, blah.
I got the same disclaimer when VW provided a Euro-spec Golf GTD, which is sort of a diesel-version of the GTI, which is well-loved in the U.S. The diesel model was OK, but it needed sharper performance, I reported. Now, a year later, the Golf GTD is expected to go on sale in the U.S. with the new Golf TDI (diesel) in 2014.
The Scirocco is different. Clearly, VW entrusts its European enthusiasts with a higher level of performance than U.S. hot-shoes are allowed. The Scirocco R leaves the GTI waaay behind. And most other sporty, four-seat coupes available in the U.S.
The turbocharged and direct-injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder puts out 265 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and a hearty 258 foot-pounds of torque from 2,500 rpm to redline. Its maximum turbo boost is 17.4 psi. The same 2.0-liter used here in the GTI has 200 hp and 207 foot-pounds of torque and turbo boost of 14 psi.
Power goes to the Scirocco's front wheels by a six-speed, direct-shift gearbox with a sport mode and paddle shifters. Performance is crisp in standard mode, but pulling the shifter into Sport modes signals "move outta my way."
The turbocharging is not overwhelming and the handling is empowering. It's like playing with a laser pointer, slicing up the road and slashing apexes for the fun of it. This subcompact is low, wide and sniffs the road like a horny hound. VW claims 0-62 mph in 5.8 seconds, it just feels more ravenous.
There are no stupid design gimmicks to make the Scirocco seem cooler than it is. It is cool.
The turning circle is tiny, the doors aren't so huge that they prevent easy exit in tight parking and the chin isn't so low as to get beat up on driveways and speed bumps. The side bolstering of the fabric sport seats is just enough to support without being restrictive.
Headroom will be an issue for the big and tall, back seat legroom is minimal but the seat folds to expand the deep and modest trunk space.
The big question is why doesn't VW trust Americans with this level of performance?
Pricing is one argument. In Germany, the Scirocco is almost $40,000. But so are other halo models here, including the Camaro SS, Mustang Boss 302, Dodge Challenger SRT8, Nissan 370Z.
The Scirocco is on that level of exclusivity. So keep it pricey, keep it exclusive, but bring it.
Pathfinder Hybrid: 26 MPG Combined
For 2014, Nissan adds the seven-passenger Pathfinder Hybrid with a supercharged, 250-horsepower, 2.5-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor and lithium-ion battery. On sale now, pricing starts at $35,979, including the $860 freight charge. The Pathfinder Hybrid joins the Pathfinder 3.5-liter V6 model, bringing the available model configurations to 14, in front- or four-wheel drive.
The 250-horsepower Hybrid has fuel economy ratings of 25 mpg city, 28 highway and 26 combined. The battery fits under the third row seat so there is no compromise of passenger seating capacity or cargo space.
2015 Audi A3 Debuts in Spring
Audi's new compact-class sedan will have a starting price of $30,795, including the $895 freight charge, when it goes on sale next spring. Standard features include a turbocharged, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, six-speed automatic transmission, panoramic glass sunroof, leather upholstery and bi-xenon headlights.
The sedan is the first of the A3family, which will be joined later next year by a convertible, TDI clean diesel, high-performance S3 sedan and in early 2015, the A3 Sportback e-tron gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid. Audi says the A3 and has been "tailored to meet the sedan preferences of the American market."
Watch the video: youtube.com/watch?v=NWVApuVeViM
Acura ILX Hybrid Rated 39 MPG City
The 2014 ILX Hybrid compact sedan is on sale in two trim levels with starting prices of $29,795 and $35,495, including the $895 freight charge. The ILX uses a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with electric motor assist and continuously variable automatic transmission to get 39 mpg city, 38 highway and 38 mpg combined.
Standard features include keyless locking with push-button ignition, Pandora radio interface and SMS text message function, Bluetooth phone hook-up, power moonroof and aluminum wheels. The Technology Package adds the ELS Surround audio system, navigation with voice recognition, real-time traffic and weather updates.
2014 Volvo XC90 Top Safety Pick
The 2014 Volvo XC90 SUV has earned a Top Safety Pick-Plus from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Institute's top safety award. The testing includes the added standard for "small overlap front" crash, which the institute says is a real-life scenario that replicates what happens when the front corner of a vehicle strikes another vehicle or an object.
"For decades, Volvo's research testing has addressed these crash scenarios because our commitment to safety is at the core of our values," said Adam Kopstein, Volvo Cars of North America. XC90 starting prices range from $40,615 to $44,815.
In its evaluation of the XC90's performance, IIHS noted:
—Good structural performance in the small overlap front test
—Low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of high severity
—Side torso and side curtain air bags both deployed
"The XC90's structural performance was good in the small overlap front test, and the driver's space was maintained well," said IIHS in a released statement. "While many vehicles have had to undergo significant structural changes to earn good ratings in the small overlap test, the XC90 has had the same basic platform since 2003."
Mark Maynard is online at [email protected]. Find photo galleries and more news at Facebook.com/MaynardsGarage. To find out more about Mark Maynard and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
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