
Recently overhauled to give it sharper looks, the Volkswagen Scirocco is a unique head turning coupe that packs a punch.
The Scirocco comes with a choice of one petrol and one diesel engine option with two different power variants. The petrol engine is the 1.4TSI with 125bhp mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The diesel option is the 2.0 TDI with 150 or 184bhp mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed DSG automatic transmission. If you are likely to be covering a lot of mileage and want the best combination of power and economy, the 184bhp option is probably the best for you. This is the same powerplant as you get in the Golf GTD and it packs a decent punch. There is also the high performance 280bhp Scirocco R available.
The Scirocco feels like a coupe on the road. It grips well, feels poised and provides an engaging drive. It does not however feel quite as planted as a high performance Golf does, but its good fun. Despite its coupe setup, the ride quality is not too harsh and it deals with regular road imperfections quite well. For optimum ride comfort, perhaps the 19 inch rims are best avoided. If you plan on taking its performance to the max, you can specify the optional Adpative Chassis Control system that allows you to switch between Normal, Comfort & Sport with Sport improving grip considerably.
The Scirocco is available in just two trim lines. These are Scirocco and Scirocco Sport. While both models get a generous level of specification that include LED daytime running lights, Rear LED light cluster, alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, auto dimming rear view mirror, and cruise control, the main feature that separates the two is larger alloy wheels, sports seats and some additional dials mounted at the top of the centre console. The Scirocco cabin is well insulated too with little wind or road noise evident.
Being a Volkswagen, build quality is to the highest standard. While the dashboard design has remained largely unchanged, the fast dating interior has gained some fresh touches to help lift the cabin. These are the leather 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel and improved 5.8 inch touch screen infotainment system. The cabin has an upmarket feel to it with a neat blend of soft-touch materials and solid switchgear. Interiors like that found in rivals like the new Opel Astra GTC feel far more modern.
The Volkswagen Scirocco scored the full five star rating in Euro NCAP crash testing meaning it’s a very safe coupe of choice, where competitors like the Renault Megane Coupe only scored three stars. Standard safety specification includes features like electronic stability control, ISO-FIX and a full set of airbags.
The Scirocco may be a coupe, but it is a more practical choice than you may think. Access to the rear may be restricted considering its two door setup, but once in, legroom is not bad but the sloping rooflzne will compromise those of height. General storage space in the cabin is ok with decent sized door pockets and a good sixed glovebox. Boot capacity is pretty good too sporting a 312 litre space. Although the boot lip is quite high for getting items in and out. The rear bench also fold forward meaning you can open up the rear cabin to 1006 litres of space for storage of larger luggage pieces.