Going for a test drive early next week

[mrbojangles]

2.0 (140PS) GT Manual is all my local dealer has, but I’m interested in the 1.4 manual so close enough I thought

Quite excited, but just preparing for the hard sell I’m bound to get I have no plans to buy on the day as I'd like a reflection period first!

Any recommendations for making the best of a scirocco test drive?

[trix]

if you are interested in the 1.4 see if they can get a golf in with the same engine, at least you can then you can drive the right engine

do you have any other dealers in the area that may have a 1.4 roc in? or be part of a group where they may be able to source one from another location?

S

[bleedsoff]

Another member showed me this found it very useful, it shows some dealers what specific model they have to test drive just put your post code in. Otherwise as Trix says try and test drive the Golf with the engine in.

https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/book-a-tes ... ution=e1s1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[maisbitt]

140TDI behaves very differently to the 1.4TSI. You'll find the TSI is a bit more linear in it's power delivery. It'll feel a little quicker from a standstill, but you'll feel a bigger shove from the TDI when the turbo kicks in.

To get the best from the TDI you really have to be in the right gear - you put your foot down in 4th/5th/6th at less than 1500rpm and not a lot will happen, you need change down to accelerate so that you're doing at least 1800rpm, and the turbo is doing it's job. I prefer the TDI, but there is more of a a technique to driving the TDI, you need to be much more aware of what the engine is doing to get good acceleration out of it when you want it.

You'll get around 50mpg in the TDI - you'll be lucky to average 38mpg in teh TSI, unless you drive it like a nun - that may or may not be an issue to you. The fact you can get the TDI in GT spec may be a factor also.

[bleedsoff]

140TDI behaves very differently to the 1.4TSI. You'll find the TSI is a bit more linear in it's power delivery. It'll feel a little quicker from a standstill, but you'll feel a bigger shove from the TDI when the turbo kicks in.

To get the best from the TDI you really have to be in the right gear - you put your foot down in 4th/5th/6th at less than 1500rpm and not a lot will happen, you need change down to accelerate so that you're doing at least 1800rpm, and the turbo is doing it's job. I prefer the TDI, but there is more of a a technique to driving the TDI, you need to be much more aware of what the engine is doing to get good acceleration out of it when you want it.

You'll get around 50mpg in the TDI - you'll be lucky to average 38mpg in teh TSI, unless you drive it like a nun - that may or may not be an issue to you. The fact you can get the TDI in GT spec may be a factor also.

This will be my first diesel car I will have owned and looking forward to the MPG, but I always thought that you tend to change gear less in a diesel than in a petrol. From what you suggest seems to be the opposite. Shows how far diesel has come I guess

[maisbitt]

TDIs have a far narrower power band than petrol (1800 - 4000rpm is when the turbo is working the hardest). For moderate acceleration there is no need to change down as there's plenty of torque, but if you want to accelerate quickly then you need to change down to stay in the power band. The old unturboed 2.0 SDI has 75PS, so it's safe to assume that a TDI has as little as 55% of it's full output when the turbo isn't working optimally.

[mrbojangles]

Thanks all, that is good food for thought

While I was originally focusing on just testing out visibility and comfort of the Scirocco, I think you are right, I should get a feel for engine performance (trying the Golf seems a practical approach here) as well.
Having been driving a humble Ford Focus for the past several years, I was just taking it as given that I would enjoy the performance increase of a Scirocco. Would be good to see how much of a difference there is before buying thou.

[trix]

certainly go drive the TDI bojangles but take it as a 'can I drive around in this interior' type trip, then go drive the engine

S

[RW1]

If comfort is one of your considerations, then the tyres 45% profile on 17" and 40% on 18" will be noticeable. So make a note of what you are driving on the day.

C.

[Deagol]

Hi Mr Bojangles,

Not sure where you are in the country as regards the sort of roads in your area - all urban or a mixture - but you might want to make the test drive a two-stage affair, particularly if you are not in a hurry to buy. Any pressure from the dealer can be turned to your advantage.

As well as going out in a Golf with the right engine, take the Scirocco out to ensure you are happy with the view to the front, the sides and the rear. Several posts are on this site about the apperent width of the 'Roc, door opening spaces etc. Where do you park for work - office carpark, multi storey or street level?

I would also ask the dealer, if he does not volunteer, that you have the car for a good couple of hours on another occasion so you can get out of town and get a better feel for the car on a longer distance run. Provided you leave him your driving licence details and your current car, he ought to let you go alone (mine did, and got the sale). If you have a regular commuting run, retrace that route too, cos if the car isn't to your liking over that then you might not enjoy it every day of ownership.

A longer run will also give you the chance to experience the performance of the car (and the economy) once it is fully warmed up and without the load of the salesman in the passenger seat.

Good luck!

[mrbojangles]

More excellent ideas, thanks

RW1 - I'd be going for the 18" wheels on the 1.4, so should be a fair comparison on the test drive
Deagol - yes, thanks good point on width and parking etc. I've read other forum posts on this previoulsy but you've reminded me to consider it on either this test, or an extended one (I had not even thought to ask about a longer solo drive!)

[mrbojangles]

Well I went for my test earlier today
I was expecting the 140PS TDI, what the dealer presented was the 210PS TSI
Nice 45min drive

Fortunately, they had a 1.4 160PS Golf in stock, so I also went for a quick drive to get an idea of engine performance. Obviously there was less oomph than the 210PS Roc, but it could still certainly shift!!!

Unsurprisingly, I am incredibly impressed with the Roc. The comfort and smoothness of the ride was far beyond what I was expecting for a nippy coupe.
Coupled with the stunning looks (both interior and exterior), it was tremendous fun. I obviously played it cool with the dealer thou.

The only downsides that stuck in my mind were the average rear visibility (but I was expecting that anyway) and I don’t like the driver side mirror! Mirrors that are split with dashed lines and differing focus have always annoyed me for some reason. Not a showstopper thou obviously!

So, looks like I’ll be making an order soon. I’ve got a comprehensive idea on prices (having looked at several brokers), so will be seeing if one of my four local dealers can match, or come close to that (as ideally I’d like to part ex locally for convenience as well).

Feeling pretty comfortable currently as I know what I’m prepared to pay and will happily go the broker route (and private sale of old car) if doesn’t work out locally

[RW1]

Test drove the Golf 1.4TSI as dealer had not got a Scirocco 1.4 160PS at the time. Its the same as a comparison for the Scirocco's performance.

C.

[trix]

great to hear you got to drive the right car/engine/fuel bojangles successful day then.

clearly you've got your head screwed on in terms of what deal you are willing to settle for but if there is anything we can help with you know where we are.

now for the important question so what goodies are you going for on it?

S

[mrbojangles]

Cheers Trix and RW1
As for options, it's looking like

18” Interlagos wheels
Rising Blue paint
Rear parking sensors
Multi function steering wheel
Electric folding mirrors
Mats!

Luckily the flat tyre indicator and hill hold that I wanted should be standard now

I decided not to bother with the tinted windows which I originally considered.
I’m a bit indifferent about fog lights, but suspect I won’t bother (I see VW are offering the 3yr servicing for £250, so may go for that instead)

Quite a humble selection in comparison to other people I expect, but it’s all I really want!

[trix]

Quite a humble selection in comparison to other people I expect, but it’s all I really want!

thats the main thing

[mrbojangles]

Well the deal is done for a new factory order Scirocco. Forum signature updated to reflect it

Got the price I wanted with a local dealer, so the research/planning paid off and I'm very pleased it is all taken care of, with no more effort required. Just the agonising wait for delivery now

Props to the forum members, as the content here has been invaluable

[trix]

glad we could help bojangles

S