The Volkswagen Scirocco R is here, the third R car introduced by Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia after last month’s debut of the Golf R and Passat CC R-Line. The R will be the range topping Scirocco, sitting on top of the existing 210 PS and 160 PS versions.

Like the Golf R, the Scirocco R is powered by a 2.0 TSI engine making 255 PS and 330 Nm of torque, the latter is constant from 2,400 to 5,200 rpm.

The direct injection unit is paired to a six-speed DSG gearbox, and the combo delivers 0-100 km/h acceleration in six seconds flat. That’s 0.3 seconds slower than the Golf R, and it’s because of the Golf’s AWD traction advantage. The Scirocco R remains front-wheel driven.

The ‘Roc R comes with a “specially tuned sport chassis” and XDS electronic transverse differential lock on the front axle as standard. The latter refers to a functional extension of the electronic differential lock (EDS) that is integrated in the ESP system and “effectively eliminates any type of traction loss”.

Also included is Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC) and R-specific 19-inch “Talladega” alloys with 235/35 tyres. Like the Golf R, the brakes have been upgraded to handle the extra power. Other standard kit include bi-xenons, a larger rear spoiler and glossy black finish on the diffuser and wing mirrors. The rear lights are “smoked” to match.

Inside, you’ll find leather sports seats, dual-zone Climatronic, RNS 510 navigation system (CD, MP3, USB, AUX-in), a panoramic tilting glass roof, Dynaudio ‘Excite’ 300W eight-speaker sound system and keyless entry/start.

Available in six colours – Candy White, Viper Green, Rising Blue, Reflex Silver, Iridium Grey, Deep Black – the Scirocco R is priced at RM281,060 on the road, excluding insurance.