Volkswagen Scirocco III facelift (137) (2014 – 2017)

Reliability score : 8.5/10

Volkswagen Scirocco III Facelift (Typ 137/138) Launched in 2008, the third-generation Scirocco received a major facelift in the summer of 2014. While the aesthetic changes remain subtle (new bumpers, LED taillights, integration of gauges on the dashboard in tribute to the original model), the real revolution is under the hood. Volkswagen took advantage of the transition to the Euro 6 standard to replace the entire engine range. The coupe finally abandons the notorious EA111 (chain-driven 1.4 TSI) and EA888 Gen 2 (2.0 TSI known for excessive oil consumption) engines in favor of the much more reliable EA211 (belt-driven) and EA888 Gen 3 blocks. Although it still relies on the older PQ35 platform (that of the Golf V/VI) and not the modern MQB of the Golf VII, this facelift makes the 2014-2017

✅ Strengths

Mechanical reliability transformed compared to phase 1 (2008-2013)
Timeless design that ages remarkably well
Dynamic road handling and lowered chassis
Excellent driving position and standard sport seats
Very high-performance and robust 2.0 TSI (180 and 220 hp) engines

⚠️ Weaknesses

Aging technical platform (PQ35) compared to contemporary compacts (MQB)
Almost non-existent rear visibility (parking sensors are essential)
Only 4 seats and difficult access to the rear seats
Very high trunk sill and narrow opening
DSG7 (DQ200) gearbox on the 1.4 TSI still prone to premature wear

🎯 Verdict

Expert's Verdict The Volkswagen Scirocco III Facelift (2014-2017) is the sensible choice for fans of this coupe. By abandoning the problematic engines of phase 1, Volkswagen has transformed a car with questionable reliability into a highly recommendable used purchase. The ideal choice: The 2.0 TSI 180 hp or 220 hp. These EA888 Gen 3 engines are extremely reliable, high-performing, and pair perfectly with the DSG6 gearbox (wet clutch, much more robust than the dry-sump DSG7 of the 1.4 TSI). If you opt for the 1.4 TSI 125 hp, favor a manual gearbox for total peace of mind. Avoid modified models (remapping) without a clear history, particularly on the R version.