The original 1974 Volkswagen Scirocco was a replacement for the Karmann Ghia and, setting the template for all future Sciroccos, was underpinned by Golf mechanicals – amazingly, some versions had as little as 60bhp.

A Mk2 Scirocco replaced it in 1982, later variants of which shared the Golf GTI’s 1.8 16v engine. The Scirocco was replaced by the Corrado in 1992, but the 2006 IROC concept previewed the Scirocco’s return, with production starting in 2008.

Again Golf based, but with the promise of far sleeker looks and a sporty driving experience, the latest Volkswagen Scirocco is intended to inject the VW range with some desirability. VW's have long been known as much for how little they do wrong, as much for how they do right - the Scirocco is set to shift that balance by offering a tempting package at a surprisingly affordable price tag.

In 2014, the Scirocco was facelifted with subtle changes made to the exterior and an improved fit and quality of materials on the inside, while the biggest news was the introduction of the GTS and a faster R.

The new Scirocco range features a broad choice of four-cylinder engines, ranging from one turbocharged versions of the VW group 1.4, three 2.0-litre petrols and a 2.0-litre TDI offered with 148 or 178bhp.

Design & styling

Although the Volkswagen Scirocco is closely based on the platform and running gear used by the Golf GTi, it would be both simplistic and inaccurate to describe the Scirocco as a Golf GTi in a cocktail dress.

It shares the same wheelbase but it’s 40mm longer, a significant 51mm wider and a massive 97mm lower. Most important, its track is wider by 35mm at the front and 59mm at the rear.

As a result, the Scirocco is not only lighter than the Golf on which it is based, with a lower centre of gravity, but it also has a broader stance, which accounts in no small part for the way it conducts itself on the road.

In addition, it comes with bespoke settings for its springs, dampers and anti-roll bars. In other respects, however, it follows both class convention and the Golf’s lead. Front suspension is a simple strut located by a lower wishbone, while that at the rear is a four-link arrangement.

For the R model, Volkswagen has made subtle changes to the Scirocco’s appearance, enhancing its muscularity without having to make alterations to the metalwork, a task presumably made easier by the fact that it must have known during development of the cooking model that it was later going to produce a hot variant. To our eyes it’s a successful look but one that will not be hard to replicate for owners of lesser Sciroccos.

Poor rear visibility is a bit of a Scirocco trait, but in dirty conditions the rear screen easily gets filthy. Without a fancy telescopic wiper, the cleaned area is restricted by the height of the screen and is therefore pretty small.

Continue to Interior

The Volkswagen Scirocco’s cabin is an inviting place to sit, although we would argue that it’s too indistinct from the cockpits of both the Golf and Passat, and too conservative for such an apparently sporting car.

The deeply sculpted seats cradle your body perfectly; you sit quite low (not always the case with coupés derived from hatchbacks), and with the thick-rimmed, leather-bound steering wheel, the scene is promisingly set.

The Scirocco's cabin is too indistinct from the cockpits of both the Golf and Passat

That high waistline and those slim windows make seeing out of the Scirocco harder than either your children or you will like. All-round visibility is further compromised by notably thick A-pillars.

As you’d expect of any VW, the minor controls have been set out with much thought for their position and clarity, a work ethic that extends to infotainment screen that’s a paragon of simplicity to understand and operate.

Evidence of further clear thinking can be found in the back, a place too often left as an afterthought in cars such as this. The boot is less than 20 percent smaller than a Golf’s and the seats still fold.

Of course, the rear cabin is nothing like as spacious as that of a BMW 4 Series coupé but these are still very usable seats, unlike those of, say, the Audi TT.

Highlights reserved for the R include aluminium inserts in the instruments – resplendent with an R logo – and a smattering of high-gloss black accents.

The R receives new Recaro seats: they’re even better than the excellent standard ones and don’t totally destroy room in the rear – so often an afterthought in these types of cars, but seemingly given somewhat higher priority in the Scirocco.

As mentioned earlier, there are seven trim levels to choose from - Scirocco, GT, GT Black Edition, R-Line, R-Line Black Edition, GTS and R. Entry-level models get 17in alloy wheels, a roof spoiler, brake discs all round, front electric windows, automatic lights and wipers, and electrically adjustable and heated wing mirrors on the outside as standard, while inside there is air conditioning, a cooled glovebox, and Volskwagen's Composition infotainment system complete with a 6.5in touchscreen display, DAB radio, Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

Upgrade to GT and the Scirocco gains 18in alloy wheels, front foglights, sat nav, speed limit display, climate control, parking sensors and VW's Car-Net online services, while opting for the GT Black Edition adds black alloys, wing mirrors, roof and rear spoiler.

The mid-range R-Line models include 19in alloy wheels, an R-Line bodykit, leather upholstery, and electrically adjustable and heated front seats, while the R-Line Black Edition adds numerous glossy black details to the exterior.

Topping the range is the GTS and R Sciroccos, with the former coming with 18in alloy wheels, a chrome twin exhaust system, a sporty bodykit, sports seats, a golf ball gearknob and numerous GTS badges dotted inside and outside the car, while the latter gets 19in alloys, adaptive sports suspension, bi-xenon headlights, LED day-running-lights, a rear diffuser and an electronic locking differential.

Engines & performance

In theory the 2.0 TSI four-pot Volkswagen Scirocco should hold a performance advantage over the higher and, officially at least, 30kg heavier Golf.

And it does indeed command a small advantage in claimed fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. But VW draws little distinction in straight-line terms, claiming with broadly similar performance figures for both.

The diesels aren’t especially swift, but possess impressive torque

The 123bhp 1.4 is more about style than speed, as a 0-62mph time of 9.7 secs proves. Given its relatively low asking price and decent economy, it is a sensible choice for someone who wants this car's looks more than performance.

The standard 2.0-litre model records a sub seven second 0-62mph time. This is an outstanding performance and fully competitive with selected rivals, like the BMW 225i coupé. Bear in mind, too, that if the Scirocco were rear rather than front-wheel drive, as are the Mercedes C-Class Coupé and BMW 2 Series coupé, it would be even faster.

As far as the R is concerned, don’t get hung up on the 0-60mph time. Admittedly our recorded time of 5.7sec doesn’t look hugely impressive, but there are a few things you need to understand before dismissing the Scirocco R. First, it faced the worst possible conditions for acceleration runs: not fully wet, but greasy. Second, the Scirocco R tags the limiter in second at 58mph.

It is fast, but also flexible. Compared with the regular 2.0-litre TSI Scirocco, which is remarkably linear for a turbocharged engine, there is more a pronounced power band.

The diesels aren’t especially swift, but they’re not slow either. Due to their immense torque (the flagship diesel offers 258lb ft) the Scirocco diesels are best approached as GT cars rather than sports models, as you don't have to chase every engine revolution to eke out excellent performance.

Should you wish to, however, the 178bhp 2.0 TDI can cover the benchmark sprint to 62mph in 8.1secs. For the 148bhp model, this time increases to 9.3secs. As you would expect both offer impressive in-gear performance. They’re pleasantly refined, too. Of course, the real benefit to opting for one of the diesels is the economy; all the diesels offer a combined mpg figure of 51 or more, whilst the Bluemotion ups that figure to a remarkable 62.8.

Ride & handling

Whether it’s down to the suspension settings, wider tracks, lower centre of gravity or, most likely, some combination of all three, one of the most gratifying things you will discover about the Volkswagen Scirocco is that despite its common platform and powertrain, it doesn’t feel like a Golf.

You sit there, guiding the car with your fingertips, appreciating the meaty feel of the steering and the chassis’ lovely throttle-sensitive balance.

Despite its common platform and powertrain, it doesn’t feel like a Golf

The Scirocco’s mastery of some of our most difficult roads means that more everyday, long-distance surfaces present it with no trouble at all. The Scirocco is always comfortable: reasonably firm, but never harsh, even around town.

It would be easy to describe the Scirocco R as a sharper version of the 2.0 GT TSI. But such a description would be to undersell what VW has achieved with the R, because it is also more polished.

In terms of sheer lateral grip and agility the regular Scirocco doesn’t exactly under-impress; what we wanted more of was involvement – a greater sense of interaction with the car, but without losing the suppleness and comfort that makes the Scirocco such a good long-distance proposition.

Although it isn’t, the R feels like a lighter car than the GT, and more analogue in the way it responds. Adaptive Chassis Control is standard on the R, meaning a choice of three modes (Comfort, Normal and Sport), each altering the dampers, steering map and throttle response.

In truth Normal is perfectly fine for most conditions and, unusually for such a system, the Sport setting is not so extreme that it can’t be used on the road. Obviously there is some degradation in ride quality, but not to the point that it is uncomfortable. And yet we didn’t linger in Sport, partly because Normal offers more than enough control and precision, but also because Sport beefs up the steering weight to beyond the point that feels natural.

Fortunately, the diesel models don't suffer for having a heavier engine in the nose. The composure and balance of the petrol models remain.

Fuel Consumption

We think living with a Volkswagen Scirocco may be even more satisfying than driving one. It’s excellent value and likely to prove extremely strong residually.

Those wanting ultimate fuel economy can opt for one of the impressive diesels – although you lose an element of the fun factor, you’ll be rewarded with economy more akin to a supermini than a coupé.

Living with a Volkswagen Scirocco may be even more satisfying than driving one

VW has reduced the Golf’s already small fuel tank, so you can now squeeze only 50 litres into the Scirocco, meaning those diesel models are even more tempting if you do a decent number of miles.

Although the entry-level 1.4 will get you the Scirocco look and all the essential kit is on board, we’d spend another couple of grand for the bigger of the 2.0-litres – you’ll not get any more kit, but you’ll have a great deal more fun.

The most powerful standard 2.0-litre petrol is more fun still, while the GTS ramps it up further without stepping into the R's territory.

There’s quite a leap within the Scirocco range to the R model but, like the rest of the range, it come very well equipped. We suspect that because other models in the Scirocco range border at times on being a veritable bargain, VW is asking a premium for the Scirocco R because it can.

 

Conclusion

You’ve got a great choice of engines (although you should avoid the entry-level 1.4 unless it’s more about the style than the go for you), while the diesels do a good job of blending okay performance with better than okay economy. They also make the most of an awkwardly-small fuel tank.

The standard 2.0-litre offers a great balance of performance and cost and comes nicely kitted out, too – the days of sparsly-equipped Volkswagens seems to be long gone. It’s a sensible place to put your money.

Then there’s the GTS and the R – offering more pace and poise, but crucially, they're as comfortable and easy to live with as any other Scirocco.

So if you’ve been toying with the idea of a three-door warm or hot Golf and don’t really need the extra space in the back, get one these instead.