The Volkswagen Scirocco has a long history in the motoring world. First introduced in 1974, the physical appearance of the most recent Scirocco isn’t, in my opinion, a million miles from the first look designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro all of those decades ago. Think about it, had the Scirocco not been disappeared in 1992 we would have probably seen subtle changes come through in the manner in which we did with the Golf. It’s one of those things I really admire about Volkswagen, they’re subtle – they don’t do drastic appearance changes.
To drive
This week I drove the Scirocco GTS 2.0litre TDi engine offering 177hp at 4,200 rpm. On paper this machine should give you 0-100kmph in just under 8 seconds and it should potentially reach a top speed of 222 kmph – all of this comes from the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine within. The car is also available in Ireland with a TSi engine (2.0litre - 210hp) and if you’re willing to pay for the pleasure it can come with or without a DSG automatic gearbox.
I was driving their TDi model with a manual gearbox. In terms of power this car offers plenty of it and after a short period on the road you will be left unsure as to whether you are driving a petrol or diesel. This is especially the case when cruising in higher gears. The advances in diesel technology in general are amazing and in some cases you will find that a diesel engine will perform right-up there with petrol engines, especially in higher gears.
Steering of the Scirocco GTS is as precise as you would expect and it deals well with the roads in front of it. The ride on this particular car is firm, but on occasion it can be bumpy – this is the nature of this type of beast.
Interior
I really like the interior of this car. Everything is nicely laid out and in its right place. There are really only two seats in the back and it can be cramped in there, but this should be blatantly obvious to potential purchasers. To give out about space in the back seats of this vehicle would be futile – and do you know what? I wouldn’t give out about it either – I managed to get two baby seats in the back! The front seating area is very spacious and this area is made extra special by the GTS-specific sports seats.
Exterior
In terms of design this is a very attractive car on the outside. The front and rear bumpers are in R-styling and you should expect to get very sporty looking 18” Thunder alloy wheels with it. The vehicle I tested had two-toned sports stripes going over the centre of the bonnet and roof – I’m not a fan of this, I like subtleness.
The GTS I was driving was “Candy White” in colour, but given a choice I would opt for their “Deep Black Pearl” effect. The GTS is also available in “Salsa Red” or “Indium Grey”.
Price, tax, fuel economy, etc.
In terms of price the GTS does not come cheap with prices ranging between €32,405 and €42,145. In terms of road tax you should be paying €280 at today’s motor tax rate.
Volkswagen tell us that the Scirocco GTS is capable of achieving city consumption of 6.5l/100km (43.5mpg), highway consumption of 4.3l/100km (65.7mpg) and combined consumption of 5.1l/100km (55.4mpg), these are figures I cannot argue with but I’d nearly be willing to bet that these figures will be seldom met in this car, I cannot imagine that potential Scirocco GTS owners will be overly concerned about fuel economy!
The CBG.ie verdict
This is a fun car to drive. It’s stylish, comfortable, and spacious enough for the person who wants a car like this. The cost is high, but if you’re more into the style of this vehicle I would go for the Scirocco Sport which starts from €27,895.
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