Press Release
SAFETY
The new Scirocco is characterized by passive safety that is on the same recognized excellent level as the Golf and Passat. It is based on an extremely rigid body structure, energy absorbing deformation zones all around, and restraint systems specifically tuned to the sports car.
The combination of a highly rigid occupant cell and deformation zones laid out according to computations is a prerequisite for good crash performance. The concept applied to the Scirocco is profile-intensive lightweight construction with cold-worked, high-strength sheet metal. All real tests and computer simulations confirm that the steel body designed in shell construction offers optimal protection even under the most difficult crash conditions.
A key aspect of the development of the Scirocco was pedestrian safety. All relevant components at the front of the vehicle were adapted to this objective. Engineers paid special attention to the engine hood, e.g. to optimize the hinge area for pedestrian protection. Also contributing here is a newly designed foam piece mounted behind the bumper fascia, whose soft consistency reduces the severity of leg injuries.
Six airbags and optimal safety for children
Besides its highly safe body structure, the car’s standard front, side and window airbags also make the new Scirocco one of the safest cars in its class. As is usual at Volkswagen, the front passenger airbag can be deactivated by a “key switch” in the glove box, and if a small child is traveling in a rear-facing seat. Moreover, child safety is further supplemented by standard Isofix mounting fixtures at the rear seat positions.
An important aspect aside: not only are the airbags and belt tensioners triggered at a specific load via a central ECU, but in parallel the hazard flashers are activated, the doors unlocked, the interior lights are turned on and the fuel pump is shut off.
Electro-mechanical power steering perfected
The Scirocco – like all Golf, Jetta, Eos, Tiguan, Touran and Passat Volkswagen models – is delivered with electromechanical power steering as standard equipment. Its characteristic can be tuned to the specific car model. In this case, a newly programmed Scirocco characteristic map is used; among other things it offers stronger self-aligning torques and somewhat higher steering forces. And precisely these aspects give the driver more direct steering contact to the road.
Also new is the electro-mechanical steering gear: the steering angle sensor, utilized by both the electro-mechanical steering system and ESP, has now been integrated in the pinion gear housing for the first time. That means that it no longer needs to be housed in the steering column switch module. Sensor quality is improved substantially. Another new development is the Scirocco’s steering column. Volkswagen engineers improved both its crash behavior and stiffness. Furthermore, the Scirocco’s electro-mechanical power steering saves on fuel: compared to a conventional power steering system it offers a savings advantage of 0.2 liters per 100 kilometers.
Impressive braking system
The new Scirocco is equipped with high-performance sliding caliper disk brakes, large brake disks (internally air-cooled in front) and a master brake cylinder specially designed for the sports car. The new brake cylinder enables very quick braking response as well as short pedal travel. The disks for engine versions up to 160 PS have a diameter of 288 millimeters in front, and 255 millimeters in the rear. The powerful 200 PS Scirocco TSI is braked by 312 millimeter disks in front; at the rear axle the brake calipers grip 286 millimeter disks.
An advanced generation of ESP is also included as a standard feature. New here: the sensors for acquiring yaw rate and transverse acceleration are integrated in the ESP control module; this made it possible to omit the typical sensor cluster in the car’s interior that was previously used.
