Volkswagen Scirocco 1981–1992 car dimensions: 4050 mm long, 1625 mm wide and 1306 mm high. Unladen weight is 830 kg. Braked towing is 1,200 kg.
The cabin is a 2+2 layout with more headroom and usable width than the prior generation. Front seats include individual height adjustment as standard. Air conditioning is optional. Cruise control appears on some later or higher grades. No electronic driver aids are fitted.
The hatchback boot holds 415 litres with seats up. Folding the rear seats expands it to 1195 litres. Access is straightforward via the large rear opening.
Braked towing is rated at 1200 kg and unbraked at 460 kg on listed models. Payload sits at 370 kg. Performance grades received reinforced drive shafts, wishbones and stabilisers. The car handles light loads and occasional towing but remains a sports coupe first.
The cabin gives real 2+2 seating with more legroom and headroom than the prior model. Bolstered front bucket seats deliver solid side support in corners and come with individual height adjustments as standard. Upholstery runs to cloth, plaid or leatherette. A manual sunroof and air conditioning sit on the options list. The layout stays purposeful and free of excess gadgets.
Petrol engines only across the range.
US fuel economy rated 25 city / 40 highway mpg.
Oil and filter change every 15 000 km or once a year.
Power-assisted front discs and rear drums standard.
Three-point front seat belts and headrests standard.
All engines run on petrol. US models with the 1.7-litre unit posted 25 mpg city and 40 mpg highway under the period standards. European figures for the various 1.3- to 1.8-litre engines sat in the 7.5-11 l/100 km band depending on tune and gearbox. Fuel tank size started at roughly 40-42 litres and grew to 55 litres mid-cycle.
Factory oil and filter service is listed at 15 000 km or annually. Air-filter changes fall every 30 000 km. Brake fluid is due every two years. Timing-belt inspection is recommended though no fixed replacement interval is prescribed by the maker for most engines.
Safety kit centres on power-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes plus three-point automatic belts and headrests for the front seats. Rear belts were optional or added late. No airbags or ABS appear as standard. The structure uses a laminated windscreen. No official star-rated crash results are published for this generation.
Parts remain available through the Volkswagen network and specialist suppliers. Regular oil changes and attention to the fuel-injection or carburettor system keep the cars reliable for daily use. Rust protection and timely belt replacement are the main long-term ownership tasks.
Length 4050 mm, Width 1625 mm, Height 1306 mm, Wheelbase 2400 mm (Scirocco 1981–1992)
Sources: manufacturer data, Volkswagen historical document 'Der Volkswagen Scirocco 1974–1992', driversfound.com Scirocco specifications and auto-data.net.