Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 TSI Road Test Review

“Volkswagen’s classy Scirocco
1.4 TSI is much more than a breath
of fresh air — it’s the best coupe
for the price with great handling
and a potent small engine that’s
surprisingly frugal on fuel...”

FOLLOWED BY PRAISE FROM VIRTUALLY ALL OF THE MOTORING MEDIA since its introduction in September 2008, the latest Scirocco is the third generation of this famous model range.

Currently the range offers the choice of three powerplants — with a fourth to follow later this year. First up is the 158bhp 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged and supercharged petrol unit; a real gem of an engine. Next in the line-up is the 197bhp 2.0-litre TSI, followed by the 2.0-litre TDI turbodiesel with 138bhp that accounts for 60% of registrations to date. A 168bhp 2.0-litre TDI engine becomes available in the summer.

The 1.4 TSI also has the Ł1,300 option of a quick-changing 7-speed DSG twin-clutch automatic gearbox, whilst the 2.0-litre 197bhp petrol and 138bhp TDI diesel have 6-speed DSG auto box options. All manual gearboxes are slick and precise six-speed units.

There are two levels of trim and equipment levels: Scirocco, the best-seller, and Scirocco GT. Prices range from Ł19,105 to Ł22,150.

All Sciroccos sold in the UK benefit from Adaptive Chassis Control which allows the driver to select between comfort, sport and normal modes to define the desired suspension, steering and accelerator response settings. Other standard equipment includes ABS, an electronic stabilisation programme, six airbags, alloy wheels and air conditioning. As usual there is a host of extra-cost options including SatNav, telephone connectivity and a panoramic sunroof.

The Scirocco three-door sports coupe uses a modified version of the latest Golf hatchback's floorpan — actually, at 4,256mm it is marginally longer although it has the same 2,578mm wheelbase. It is also lower than the Golf but only by 75mm (approximately three inches) and the headroom is still good for six-footers both front and rear. The Scirocco's width of 1,810mm (against the Golf's 1,786mm) is a main feature because this makes the coupe feel really very roomy, with loads of elbow space for all four occupants.

With the rear seats in place, the deep boot offers 292 litres but this increases to an impressive 755 litres with them folded. Visibility through the tailgate and rear quarter windows is not too brilliant — but it is a coupe after all. The driver just needs to be aware that other cars and two-wheeled transport can get lost in the rear blind spots.

However in all other respects the Scirocco coupe is a real stunner. The interior design is smart and the quality impeccable and it makes you really want to own one of these cars if you are in the market for a compact sporty coupe. I can see it appealing to all ages; young and older singles and couples. The new Scirocco really has broad appeal and will be a strong competitor for sales against the new Golf and, I suspect, even the latest GTi version.

“As for the ride and
handling? The brilliance
continues...”

Just to put further icing on the cake, the standard Scirocco comes with front, side and curtain airbags, whiplash-optimised head restraints, automatic hazard lights (activated by heavy braking), remote central locking, automatic wipers and lights, electrically-operated front windows and heated door mirrors, a steel space-saver spare wheel — none of these awful inflation kits! — multi-function computer, body-coloured bumpers and rear roof spoiler.

The design and positioning of the instruments and controls are first class; the sports seats are comfortable and supportive, and the overall quality and design of the interior can only be applauded.

And whatever choice of engine is made, the Scirocco also has the performance to match the looks. But for me there is only one choice: the brilliant 1.4-litre supercharged and turbocharged petrol unit. This engine offers the performance that a coupe needs but without paying an unreasonable purchase price, using more expensive fuel or incurring more taxes.

Downsizing of engines without losing performance is something the car industry is becoming increasingly skilful at — and because of punitive future CO2 emission regulations, they have to. The Scirocco's 1.4-litre, four-cylinder petrol unit uses, as already mentioned, both supercharging and turbocharging to produce an amazing 158bhp of power for outright performance along with excellent low-speed torque: 177lb ft from just 1,500rpm.

This gives this relatively small unit huge flexibility at low speeds — just like a larger diesel but without the noise. And it is frugal on fuel as well. Officially it will return an average 42.8mpg — my test car did 43mpg. CO2 emissions are 154g/km so it falls into the new VED Band G, which will cost owners Ł150 a year.

Top speed is a rapid 135mph and 0-62mph takes a sharp 8.0 seconds. I'll remind you again that this is a mere 1.4-litre unit! Why buy any other when in real-life driving conditions it excels by being responsive at low speeds and fast whenever you want.

As for the ride and handling? The brilliance continues. The ride is comfortable; exceptional for a sporty coupe providing the standard Scirocco specification is chosen. I think the GT versions will give a much firmer ride. The wide front and rear track and the low height means the coupe rides flat on the road with huge amounts of grip at the front-end.

When I tried the first 2.0-litre Scirocco model last year I was mightily impressed but now, following an extended period with the 1.4-litre TSI, I'm doubly impressed. For? Everything apart from the rear visibility and the fact that the options push up the cost considerably. Other than that you get the best coupe for the price with a classy image, great handling and a potent small engine that's frugal on fuel. It's also really comfortable and, if making the decision with your head rather than your heart, residual values are favourable.

If buying a new Scirocco is on your agenda and you're also in the market for some finance then Volkswagen Finance can offer a personal credit plan. For the 1.4 TSI model tested here it requires a deposit of Ł4,861, a first monthly repayment of Ł169 and then 35 months at Ł229 per month. After three years/30,000 miles the keys can then be handed back or the optional final payment of Ł9,415 can be made. — David Miles

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