The Volkswagen Scirocco III 2.0 TDI with 140 horsepower and a Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) was a popular coupe offered by Volkswagen between July 2008 and April 2014. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the Scirocco III lineup, it aimed to balance performance and fuel efficiency, appealing to buyers seeking a sporty yet economical vehicle. This generation Scirocco, built on the Volkswagen Group’s A5 (or PQ35) platform, represented a revival of the Scirocco nameplate after a 16-year hiatus, and sought to recapture the spirit of the original models while offering modern technology and design.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Scirocco |
| Generation | Scirocco III |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 TDI (140 Hp) DSG DPF |
| Start of production | July, 2008 |
| End of production | April, 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg, 39.8 UK mpg, 14.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.6 l/100 km (51.1 US mpg, 61.4 UK mpg, 21.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 205 km/h (127.38 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10 kg/Hp, 100.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.4 kg/Nm, 229.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 71.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1750 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CBDB, CJAA, CFHC |
| Engine displacement | 1968 cm3 (120.09 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 95.5 mm (3.76 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 18.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1395 kg (3075.45 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1770 kg (3902.18 lbs.) |
| Max load | 375 kg (826.73 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 292 l (10.31 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 755 l (26.66 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 4256 mm (167.56 in.) |
| Width | 1810 mm (71.26 in.) |
| Height | 1404 mm (55.28 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2578 mm (101.5 in.) |
| Front track | 1569 mm (61.77 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1575 mm (62.01 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11 m (36.09 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system), Electric Power Steering |
| Tires size | 225/45 R17 W |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Scirocco III 2.0 TDI was the Volkswagen Group’s common rail direct injection diesel engine. Engine codes for this variant included CBDB, CJAA, and CFHC, with minor variations depending on the specific year and market. This 1968cc inline-four cylinder engine featured a turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power and efficiency. The common rail system allowed for precise fuel delivery, contributing to improved combustion and reduced emissions. The engine produced 140 horsepower at 4000 rpm and a substantial 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque from as low as 1750 rpm. This torque output was a key characteristic of the engine, providing strong pulling power across a wide rev range. Paired with this engine was a six-speed DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox), a dual-clutch transmission known for its quick and smooth gear changes. The DSG offered both fully automatic operation and the ability for the driver to manually shift gears via the gear selector or steering wheel-mounted paddles (depending on the trim level).
Driving Characteristics
The 2.0 TDI with the DSG transmission delivered a balanced driving experience. While not as overtly sporty as the petrol-powered Scirocco variants, it offered brisk acceleration – 0 to 60 mph in around 8.8 seconds – and a comfortable cruising speed. The DSG transmission played a crucial role in maximizing the engine’s potential, providing seamless gear changes and keeping the engine within its optimal power band. Compared to the six-speed manual version, the DSG offered greater convenience, particularly in urban driving. However, some enthusiasts preferred the more direct feel and engagement of the manual gearbox. The relatively high torque output meant that the engine felt responsive even at lower speeds, making it well-suited for everyday driving. The gear ratios were tuned for a blend of acceleration and fuel economy, prioritizing usability over outright performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.0 TDI DSG typically came with a reasonable level of standard equipment. This included air conditioning, alloy wheels (usually 17-inch), a CD/MP3 stereo system, electric windows and mirrors, and ABS brakes. Higher trim levels, such as the ‘Sport’ trim, added features like sport seats, a multi-function steering wheel, automatic climate control, and parking sensors. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, navigation system, and upgraded audio systems. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with leather options available as an upgrade. The dashboard layout was modern and functional, with a clear instrument cluster and logically arranged controls.
Chassis & Braking
The Scirocco III featured independent suspension all around, with a McPherson strut setup at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. This provided a good balance of ride comfort and handling. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were also ventilated discs on most models, offering adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight and performance. Electric power steering was standard, providing a light and precise steering feel. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Scirocco III 2.0 TDI DSG was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and refined engine. However, some reviewers noted that it lacked the outright excitement of the more powerful petrol variants. Compared to the 1.4 TSI petrol engine, the 2.0 TDI offered more torque and better fuel economy, but less peak horsepower. Against the higher-performance 2.0 TSI models, the TDI was positioned as a more sensible and economical choice. Reliability was generally good, although the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) could be a potential source of issues if the vehicle was primarily used for short journeys.
Legacy
The Volkswagen Scirocco III 2.0 TDI DSG DPF remains a popular choice in the used car market. Its combination of style, fuel efficiency, and practicality continues to appeal to buyers. The 2.0 TDI engine, when properly maintained, is known for its durability and longevity. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for DPF issues and ensure that the vehicle has been regularly serviced. The Scirocco III, and particularly this 2.0 TDI variant, helped to re-establish the Scirocco as a desirable and sporty coupe, paving the way for future generations of the model.
