Volkswagen Has Killed The Scirocco And We're A Bit Sad About It

Despite being one of Volkswagen's more characterful cars, the Scirocco just isn't making the company enough dollar, so production has stopped for good

Matt Kimberley

13 Oct 2017

Volkswagen Has Killed The Scirocco And We're A Bit Sad About It

Volkswagen has confirmed that the Scirocco is dead. The nimble compact coupe, which we really liked, has already ceased production even as you read this.

As the company restructures in the wake of its diesel-related naughtiness, less profitable models are being killed off. The Scirocco’s place in the range has been undermined by the success of the latest fast Golfs, which feel a lot more modern.

It’s a shame. I liked the Scirocco from the first time I drove it in 2008. A punchy, eager petrol engine, pointy handling and loads of grip meant it was genuinely entertaining; much more so than the slightly flat Golfs of the era.

A Passat-derived rear axle was part of the reason the Scirocco felt different, along with its lower driving position and more purposeful cabin, but it hasn’t been developed at the same pace as other VWs in the stable. Now it’s surplus to requirements.

It may resurface at a later point, if Volkswagen wants its small, sharp-looking three-door model back. But if it ever does, you can bet it won’t have the turbocharged petrol engine any more. Rest in peace, Scirocco, and may you find many caring owners in the classifieds.

Comments

To be honest, this was always on the horizon. I’ve liked all the scirocco’s, but the MK3 R remains my favourite. With FWD and an XDS e-diff it always seemed more playful than the Golf R at the time.

NOOOOO

JonasBringslimark :(

Just read it myself. Sad :(

my favourite vw of all time
dead
thanks vw

Well, VW never pushed the Scirocco away from the Golf line. There wasn’t a reason to buy the Scirocco over the Golf, other than the looks. And that means you’re betting to a niche audience, unlike the Golf which is a little bit of everything. If VW made the Scirocco some kind of evolution of the Golf, instead of some other version, closer to a Passat CC maybe, it would have a purpose

Sooooo time for a new Corrado??

Better not. As a Rado owner i am happy they only dragged the name of the Scirocco into dirt.

I would be less okay with it if they brought it to the us

Not sad in the slightest. They’re a bit bland and are just a Golf under the skin anyway. You can take the front-end from a Scirocco and fit it to a Golf Cabrio/Eos and it’ll line up perfectly.