Hi matey,
Yes I agree that the cabin in darker as you would expect.
I had the tensioner changed on mine also. Does that engine also require the same maintenance parts, eg PCV valve, DV valve, pick up pipe, etc ?
I found the Scirocco cabin very claustrophobic. If I was in the market for a VAG that cramped inside, I'd go TT personally. Much better looking car and built better also.
Yeah the EA888 still suffers from blown PCV valves, but unlike the EA113, that can blow out the rear crank seal, which is an utter ball ache. The same general maintenance rules apply, although arguably the EA888 is worse as it has an extra rubber belt running the water pump, and no cambelt.....so at some point there's going to be a big chain replacement bill.
The EA113 Scirocco R is therefore the best buy imo. It's got the CDL in it, which is well known to be the strongest TFSI unit.