When Volkswagen resurrected the Scirocco badge in the late 2000s it brought with it a more modern, more stylish take on the sporty runabout of the ‘70s. Ever since then, it’s had a nip and tuck to keep it in line with more modern competition.
Styling-wise it maintains its sporty characteristics with a sloping roof, aggressive front end and muscular wheel arches.
The Scirocco may be fun to drive but its competition is starting to show it up a little. Cars like the Audi TT and BMW 2 Series are far more engaging to drive. That’s not to say it’s bad, it’s just that there are better alternatives out there, albeit more expensive ones.
Keep the car in standard comfort setting and it wafts over bumps in the road without too much issue, but in sport mode with the optional larger alloy wheels, you will know every time you hit a pothole. Unfortunately, it just feels a bit dated, especially alongside more modern Golfs.
But if performance isn’t your thing, then there are some more eco-friendly versions; either the two litre TSI or the two litre TDI, with either 148 or 182 bhp. The top of the range R version gets a 267bhp turbocharged engine which is good for 0-60 in under six seconds, and a top speed in excess of 150mph. The latter is the pick of the range for fuel economy, returning an average 74.3mpg and emissions of just 109 grams per kilometre of C02.
While the exterior styling has been freshened up, the interior is starting to show its age – especially when you put it alongside the Audi TT and the new Volkswagen Golf. The dash is based on the now dead Volkswagen Eos Coupe convertible, and it really is a case of function over form. It’s well laid out and easy to use, it’s just lacking a little spice. Also, some of the safety tech and toys that you find in the latest VWs are either missing or an optional extra.
The driving position is good, though – the seat adjusts for height and the steering wheel moves both in and out, as well as up and down. There’s also lots of practicality, with cubby holes dotted around the cabin and a good sized glove box. The Volkswagen Scirocco may be a sporty coupe, but that doesn’t mean it’s compromised when it comes to space: It really is a genuine 2+2, and rear occupants won’t be complaining too much about lack of leg or head room on longer journeys. However, the small windows may make sitting in the back a little claustrophobic.
The boot is a good size and can be expanded from 312 litres with the rear seats up, to just over 1,000 litres when you fold them down. The high load lip, though, may cause a slight issue for loading bulky items.
