Volkswagen Scirocco

Styling/Image

The Scirocco is based on VW Golf underpinnings but its striking looks set it apart from the popular hatchback. It certainly stands out from the crowd, with a distinctive front end and wide rear that provides a purposeful and sporty stance. Technically it’s a three-door hatchback rather than a coupe, but from the outside at least, it justifies the sporty nametag.

Interior/Practicality

Sadly, the VW’s cabin fails to live up to the stylish standards set by the rakish exterior The Eos-inspired dashboard is smart and well built but we would like a few more unique touches to set the newcomer apart from its stablemates. And while it bears a close relationship to the Golf underneath, you don’t get as much rear space. The rear bench of the family car has given way to a pair of less flexible individual rear seats and the 292-litre boot has a restricted opening compared to the Golf.

Engine/Performance

You’ll struggle to pick a bad engine from the three available in the Scirocco. The firm’s clever 158bhp 1.4 TSI petrol is the entry-level unit but if you want more power the excellent 2.0-litre TSI from the Golf GTI is also available. It delivers strong torque and powers the coupe from 0-62mph in 7.2seconds, yet provides combined fuel consumption of 37.2mpg. If economy is the main priority there’s always VW’s direct injection 2.0TDI. Its available in 138bhp guise and can return 55.4mpg at the pumps.

Driving experience

With a selection of strong engines straightline performance is impressive across the board, but the Scirocco feels more like a hot hatch than a scalpel sharp coupe. It’s refined at motorway speeds and swift across country, but it doesn’t excite or involve as much as a coupe should. The trade off is excellent comfort thanks largely the firm’s clever Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC). It provides incredible poise and grip without harming ride comfort. Selecting the ‘Sport’ setting stiffens the dampers, and sharpens throttle and steering responses.

Ownership Costs

Look at the list price and the Scirocco holds serious appeal – the 2.0TSI undercuts its Golf GTI stablemate on price. With a range of economical engines and the promise of strong residual values the Scirocco appeals to the head as well as the heart. However, the sporty 2.0TSI is in band E, putting the cost of an annual tax disc at £170. The diesel resides in band C, so costs just £120. Top spec GT trim costs an extra £925 and adds front fog lights, a multifunction leather steering wheel, sports seats in the back, tinted rear windows, bigger alloys and 2Zone climate control.

Safety/Environment

With six airbags and ESP fitted as standard the, Scirocco has strong safety credentials. For such a sporty model it fares well in the eco-friendly stakes too. The 1.4-litre petrol produces CO2 emissions of 154g/km while the flagship 2.0 TSI emits 179g/km. The diesel is the greenest choice, producing 134g/km and hitting 55mpg.

Our Choice: Scirocco GT 1.4-litre TSI.