Again Golf centered, but with a sporty driving experience, the newest and the assurance of much sleeker looks VW Scirocco is meant to inject the VW range with some oomph.

The new Scirocco range includes a comprehensive selection of fourcylinder engines, including two turbo-charged variants of the VW group 1.4, two 2.0litre petrols and 2.0litre TDI. There's a base trim level (although is nicely equipped), GT it versions and, just like the Golfing, a rangetopping R version.

Layout

It will be both erroneous and simplistic as a Golf GTi in a cocktail dress to spell out the Scirocco, even though the Volkswagen Scirocco is closely grounded on the platform and working equipment utilized by the Golf GTi.

Most significant, its course is wider by 35mm in the front and 59mm in the backside.

Additionally, it includes bespoke configurations for antiroll bars and the springs, dampers. In other respects, nevertheless, it follows both category tradition and also the Golf's direct. Front suspension is really a basic strut located with a wishbone, while that in the back is really a fourlink arrangement.

For the R model, Volkswagen has made subtle modifications to the Scirocco's look, improving its muscularity and never have to make changes to the metalwork, a job presumably made easier by the truth that it should have recognized during growth of the cooking design that it was after going to create a popular form. To our eyes it is really a look but one that'll not be difficult to duplicate for owners of lesser Sciroccos.

Poor rear visibility can be a little a Scirocco characteristic, in filthy conditions the rear screen easily gets foul. With no fancy telescopic wiper, the area is limited by the height of the display and is thus fairly little.

Inside

The Volkswagen Scirocco's cottage is an inviting spot to sit, although we'd claim it is too indistinct in the cockpits of both Golf and Passat, and too conservative for this apparently sport auto.

Your body is cradled by the deeply sculpted seats perfectly; you sit fairly low (not usually true with coup?s based on hatchbacks), and with the thickrimmed, leatherbound steering-wheel, the scene is promisingly established.

These slender windows and that large waistline make seeing from the Scirocco tougher than both your kids or you also will enjoy. Allround visibility is further compromised by somewhat thick A-pillars.

The controls are put down with much thought for their clarity and placement, a work-ethic that extends to the info display and optional navigation that is a paragon of simplicity to comprehend and function, as you had anticipate of any VW.

Evidence of additional clear thinking is found within the rear, a spot as an after-thought in automobiles like this too frequently left.

Obviously, the back cabin isn't anything like as ample as that of the BMW 3-series coup?

The R receives new Recaro seats: they are still much better than the exceptional regular ones , nor absolutely ruin room within the back - so frequently an after-thought in these kinds of cars, but apparently given somewhat higher precedence within the Scirocco.

Functionality

Theoretically the 2.0 TSI fourpot Scirocco should maintain a performance edge in the larger and, formally at least, 30kg heavier Golf.

And it does indeed command a little edge in maintained fuel consumption and Carbon dioxide emissions. But Volkswagen draws little differentiation in terms, declaring with broadly comparable performance figures for both.

Given its comparatively low selling price and good market, it's really a practical option for somebody who wants this auto's appears with a modicom of functionality.

The typical 2.0litre version records a sub seven second 0-62miles per hour time. That is an excellent performance and fully competitive with chosen competitors, such as the BMW 125i coup? and Volvo's C30 T5. Remember, also, when the Scirocco were back instead of frontwheel drive, as are the Mercedes C-Class coup? and BMW 1-series coup?, it will be even quicker.

So far as the R is involved, do not get hung up in the 0-60mph time.

It's quick, but also flexible. In contrast to the standard 2.0litre TSI Scirocco, that's remarkably linear for a turbocharged engine, there's more a distinct power group.

The diesels are not notably fleet, but they are not slow either. The stronger of both claims a 0-62miles per hour time of just over 8secs, but with notable ingear performance. They are cheerfully refined, also. The advantage is economy - a average of more than 50mpg.

Ride and handling

You sit there, directing the vehicle to your finger-tips, appreciating the meaty feel of the steering as well as the chassis' wonderful accelerator-sensitive balance.

The Scirocco's command of several of our most challenging streets indicates that more regular, longdistance surfaces show it without any difficulty whatsoever. The Scirocco is definitely comfortable: fairly strong, but never cruel, even around town.

But such a description is always to undersell what VW has attained with the R, since it's also more polished.

With regard to absolute lateral grip and agility the standard Scirocco does not just under-impress; what we needed more of was engagement - a greater awareness of interaction together with the automobile, only without losing the suppleness and relaxation which makes the Scirocco such a great longdistance proposal.

The Ep feels like much more analogue in how, and car than the GT it reacts, although it's not.

In reality Ordinary is absolutely good for most problems and, unusually for this type of program, the Activity setting isn't so extreme that it cannot be utilized on your way.

MPG and operating costs

We believe with a Volkswagen Scirocco might be all the more pleasing than driving one living. It really is exceptional value and likely to show exceptionally powerful residually.

Those seeking best fuel-economy can choose for one of many diesels -

Volkswagen has decreased the Golf's currently little fuel tank, in order to now wedge just 50 litres to the Scirocco, meaning these diesel versions are still more tempting in case you perform a decent amount of miles.

Even though the entrylevel 1.4 will allow you to get the Scirocco appear and all the primary package is up to speed (alloys, air-con, good stereo), we had spend another few grand for the larger of the 1.4s - you'll not find any more kit, but you'll get a whole lot more enjoyable.

The 2.0litre petrol is more enjoyable however, and as it just comes in GT cut it comes with larger alloys, front fogs, a leather multifunction steering-wheel and chrome exhaust pipes.

There's quite a jump inside the Scirocco range for the R version but, like the remainder of the range, it come well equipped.

Be careful for fixed-price servicing offerings from Volkswagen - they are a rewarding option.

Verdict

Frequently producers find out names in yesteryear to add support to an underachieving new merchandise. Not this time. It does not only do very few things terribly - it will a large amount of things well.

Actually, it's among the most infuriatingly hard cars to criticise we have encountered in years. It's astonishingly complete in nearly every area and, to cap it all, very exceptional value for money. It may not be just as sharp-as a BMW 1-series Coup? As well as an Audi TT, however it's a far greater allrounder than both and a site easier to stay with.

You have really got a fantastic selection of engines (although you ought to prevent the entrylevel 1.4 unless it is more about the fashion compared to the choose you), whilst the diesels perform an excellent job of mixing okay performance with better-than okay economy. Additionally they take advantage of an awkwardly-small gas tank.

The typical 2.0litre provides an excellent balance of performance and price and comes nicely kitted-out, also - the times of sparsly-equipped Volkswagens appears to be gone. It's really a place to place your cash.

Then there is the R - poise and providing more rate, but crucially, it's as comfortable and simple to live with as another Scirocco.

When you have been toying with the notion of the threedoor warm or hot Golfing and do not actually want the additional space within the rear, get one these rather.