Volkswagen Scirocco

The original Scirocco was first seen 34 years ago, and over two generations and 19 years a total of 77,460 Sciroccos were sold in the UK.  Now the new model blows in, with equally distinctive coupé styling, a practical hatchback boot, four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive – yet this is the most technically advanced production coupé that Volkswagen has produced.

All UK models benefit from Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) which operates via a set of four electrically adjustable dampers to alter the car’s suspension, steering and throttle response set-up, and allows the driver to choose the most appropriate setting for the journey.  Normal is the default; Sport adds firmer suspension and sharper responses for twisty roads or track driving; while Comfort offers a smooth and controlled ride best suited to motorway trips.

In 2008 all Sciroccos were powered by a 2.0-litre TSI 200 PS engine with either a six-speed manual or automatic DSG gearbox.  Versions with a DSG ’box will command a £1,330 premium over their manual counterparts.  The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine – already popular in the Golf GTI – produces 207 lbs ft of torque from 1,700 rpm and allows the Scirocco to achieve a 0 to 62 mph time of 7.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 146 mph.  The combined economy figure for the vehicle is 37.2 mpg, with CO2 emissions of 179 g/km.

This year a further two engines joined the Scirocco line-up: a 1.4-litre TSI 160 PS petrol and a 2.0-litre TDI common rail diesel unit with 140 PS and a combined economy of around 52 mpg.  Both come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the 1.4-litre TSI also offers Volkswagen’s new seven-speed DSG ’box.

Two trim levels are available – standard Scirocco and Scirocco GT.  The launch engine is only available in combination with GT trim, giving customers a high level of standard specification which includes ABS with ESP, six airbags, touchscreen CD autochanger, climate control, 18-inch ‘Interlagos’ alloy wheels, front foglights and a multifunction steering wheel among a host of other items.  Options include a panoramic tilt sunroof, leather trim and touchscreen satellite navigation.