Volkswagen Scirocco 2008-2014

The jury's still out on the Scirocco's styling - some love the hyper-aggressive front and shooting brake rear end, others loath its fat, estate-like bottom. Personally, I think it's stunning, and I'm particularly taken with the quietly bulging bodywork.

The 2.0 TSI can zip the Scirocco to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds but the 1.4 TSI 160 is only 0.8 of a second behind at 8.0s. Its top speed is 17km/h down on the 2.0's, not that you care. Diesels feel quick and sporty but not as thrashable as the 1.4s. Base 1.4 feels much faster than the numbers.

While there's no doubt the Scirocco can hang with the best hot hatches out there, it's not as involving as the Golf GTI due to its over-stiff and, consequently, rather numb chassis. As with the engines, less is more. Smaller wheels and compliance and feel.

The Scirocco shares much of its cabin with the Golf so it's pretty much flawless ergonomically, with the exception of over-the-shoulder visibility which is horribly constricted by the rear side window's shape. The driving position can be tailored to every taste, too.

Sciroccos are built to the usual Golf standards so they're squeak and rattle free. The plastics could be nicer in spots but overall it feels solid inside there. The ride quality is a little stiff, however, which does impact on its overall refinement.

All get ESC, six airbags, ISOFIX, cruise control and daytime running lights, which is about right for the class and price point. Fanicer options, like blind-spot warning etc, aren't offered. Tyre pressure monitors are a €69 option. Why not standard? Parking aids cost €722.

By coupé standards the Scirocco is cavernous, with two full-size rear seats (although adults will find it snug back there) which fold to extend that large boot. There are plenty of in-cabin storage nooks too - only accessing the rear seats is the difficult bit.

Coupés usually cost more than hatchback siblings but the Scirocco is actually cheaper, which makes it great value. The basic 1.4 TSI 122 is a fine entry-point but the 160hp version offers near GTI performance for only 2k more. The diesel's only a grand more again and all are Band C cheap to run.

All have air conditioning, cruise control, 17-inch alloys, six airbags and ESC which is pretty much all you need, with the exception of Bluetooth which is optional. Other options include satnav, xenon lights, parking sensors, the adaptive chassis, leather, climate control and bigger wheels.

The 1.4 TSI 122hp (turbo only) is incredibly quiet and impressively punchy. The 1.4 twin-charger engine offers substantially more grunt but is no less efficient. GTi engine is faster again but not worth the extra. 2.0 TDI is a fine engine, too, though not blisteringly fast.