Scirocco Central

First post dudes, so hello!

I'm looking to order a Scirocco GT TDi in the next few weeks, but i'm stewing over the options list and really am stuck. I don't want the car to be hugely expensive, but as with any new car, I want to get the right options.

These are the options i'm thinking of so far! Can i have some opinions
Xenons Is £750 really worth it?
Panoramic Sunroof I've been told it lightens up the interior, worth £550?
Rear Parking Sensors Think these are a given really, with poor rear visibility
19" Alloys I like the look of these, but do they tram line badly?

I've also read that some TDi GT's aren't coming with black roof linings, is this true? Has anyone bought a TDI 170? I was tempted with the upgrade but am probably looking to chip the 140 engine to 170, and save myself the best part of a grand!

Finally, i'm probably going to rip out all the speakers and replace them with decent gear, but the RNS 510, what's the ipod integration like, any good?

Andy,

I just got a GT TDI, and the only way you'll get dark headlining it seems, is if you have black leather as an option. It may be compulsory fit on the 170 as it seems to be the case on the 2.0TSI.

I went through the same dilemmas when I was looking to get a Scirocco, but my mind was made up for me when the local dealer informed me of a dealer swap and they were getting one in with parking sensors and no other options, in the colour I wanted.

Xenons seem to be a waste of money unless your night-time driving involves unlit country roads - yes, i'd like to have them, they look great, but at £750, I don't consider them value for money. There are plenty of car manufacturers out there that have these as standard equipment, and i'm not talking the high up models of the prestige makes either. Xenons are generally a big supply issue for VW, these have caused a lot of delays in the past.

Parking sensor is £330, but given the size of the rear window and it's lack of visibility. If you reversed into something with the car just once, it would cost more than the sensors cost to put right, the visual representation on the 510 screen is good too - so don't let the dealer do a retrofit or you'll lose that functionality, it needs to be factory fitted.

The 510 unit is great, best factory fitted standard audio unit have come across, and it integrates the Ipod every bit as well as 3rd party stuff from Dension etc.

Haven't tried 19" wheels, but the 18" interlagos give out enough road noise for me, you'll definitely get more with the 19" ones. Interlagos look great anyway.

Never been bothered about a sunroof, I look through the windscreen, I don't need to look up. These again have been a big cause of VW build time delays (supply issues presumably). It will make the interior a little less claustrophobic for the back seat passengers, but if you'd given that too much thought, you'd have bought a 5 door Golf and not a Scirocco, wouldn't you? So for me, not worth £550.

Totally agree with you on the 170TDI pricepoint, £950 over the 140 is too much. I had a Golf with 170TDIPD, and the price difference was made up with physical equipment differences between the 140 and 170 (DPF, Chrome tailpipes, different injectors for the 170) on the Golf. The 140 and 170CR units are identical in all but mapping, so VW are charging £950 for a £300 remap. The price of the 170CR Scirocco puts it £400 dearer than the 2.0TSI, that's just stupid.

Imagine the Golf GTD being more expensive that the GTI? I don't think so!

The voice of reasoning, thanks mate! You're right about the Golf though.

Did you go for the black leather option?

I haven't yet used the RNS 510, but have a demo on Monday so will play about with it then. I currently have an Alpine system that has excellent control of the Ipod, and charges it. If the navigation is as easy as i'm hoping, then it's just a case of buying an external processor so i can amp some aftermarket speakers and a sub.

You've pretty much confirmed what I've been thinking anyway, no point in spending more money that need be, the GT package really is enough. Though i'm not sold on the leather interior with it being hot in the summer and cold in the winter, and too slidy when driving aggressively.

Didn't get the leather, and so I have the light headliner.

Have heard reports about VW leather wearing quickly in certain places, my mate has an R32 and all the leather bits have torn and been replaced under warranty (part leather seats).

When I think about car leather, I think about a 30 year old jag with leather as good as the day it was fitted, I don't think VW use leather of that calibre in their cars. £1560 for leather seems a little much for me. I want to buy a £21000 car for £21000, not spend another 3 or 4 grand getting it to a reasonable spec, the GT has enough for me with the parking sensors. Unless you plan on keeping the Scirocco for 10 years, the cloth won't look shabby by the time you part ex it.

I'm going to get my leather retrofitted - I've got it in my current car and they did a really good job, much better quality that the VW leather and about two thirds the price.

Glad I joined this forum now!

Leather was never really something I wanted anyway, but a black roof lining was. I'm pretty sweet with the girl at the dealership so i'll have a word!

Folding mirrors and parking sensors it is!