Volkswagen Scirocco GT 2.0 TSI

“Volkswagen’s all-new Scirocco
two-door, four-seater serves up
a scintillating mix of coupé styling
and genuine ready-to-rumble GTi
performance...”

BASED ON THE CURRENT GOLF GTI HATCHBACKS, the new Scirocco is a sporting two-door coupé that makes excellent use of a modified version of the Golf's platform and underpinnings. The sixth generation new Golf (due in January 2009) uses a further modified version of the same platform but it will not have the low muscular stance of the Scirocco and likely a toned down version of the Scirocco's new style nose and grille — said to be the new 'face' of Volkswagen.

Initially, the Scirocco is powered by a 198bhp 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged and intercooled, direct injection petrol engine with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed DSG twin-clutch auto gearboxes. The engine has been revised from the current Golf 2.0-litre TSI unit — now re-engineered for more torque, improved fuel economy, lower CO2 emissions and faster and easier servicing.

The manual model costs Ł20.940 with a premium of Ł1,330 for the DSG gearbox. There will be two trim levels: Scirocco and Scirocco GT, but only the latter is available from launch.

Future engine options include a 1.4-litre TSI turbo/supercharger petrol engine developing 158bhp due in January, with a range starter price of around Ł18,000 to Ł18,500. Transmission options will be six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG. By Spring 2009 a 138bhp/236lb ft 2.0-litre turbodiesel unit (capable of achieving around 52mpg on the combined cycle) will also be added to the range. In addition, a high-performance 'R' version is expected but VW has said that it will not use the current R32 model's 6-cylinder petrol engine and there is no discussion within the company on this 'hot' variant having 4Motion all-wheel drive.

The aggressively-styled Scirocco 2.0-litre TSI 198bhp petrol two-door coupé, with its four sculptured passenger seats, looks very good value in its sales sector at Ł20,940 for the six-speed manual transmission model in GT trim, the likely most popular model — for the moment. However, at around, or just over Ł18,000, future additional models with the highly-rated 158bhp 1.4-litre supercharged and turbocharged petrol unit look even better when it comes to comparing price with performance.

The stunning looks of the Scirocco coupé will certainly steal sales away from the new VW Golf GTi, due early next year, and it will also appeal to BMW 1 Series coupé and Volvo C30 owners as well.

The Scirocco is 40mm longer than the current Golf GTi, 51mm wider and 97mm lower in overall height. Wide wheelarches enhance the muscular looks but aren't just cosmetic: there's a 35mm increase in the front track and 59mm at the rear. The curved styling lines, low stance and wide haunches give it a unmistakably high-performance look for a car just 4,256mm in overall length.

Space inside is roomy at the front and the extra width is very noticeable. In the rear, the sports seats look snug but can just about accommodate two adult passengers. If the sunroof option is specified both front and rear passengers will notice the reduction in headroom. The rear seats are split so they can be folded down to increase the boot size from 292 to 755 litres. The boot itself is smallish but deep, and the aperture for loading is also relatively narrow front to rear. The rear side windows and tailgate window are also small, and with the rear head restraints in position rearward visibility is not great.

However in all other respects the coupé is a 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 car. I can see it appealing to all ages, young and older singles and couples — the new Scirocco really has broad appeal.

Satisfyingly, it also has the performance to match the looks. The revised 2.0-litre 198bhp turbocharged direct injection petrol engine develops 207lb ft of torque from just 1,700rpm so the out-and-out acceleration is first class but most of all it is the flexibility and acceleration response at low engine speeds that impresses most. The progress of petrol engine development from Volkswagen is outstanding, and with petrol now considerably cheaper than diesel and petrol models also less costly, for many people petrol models now make more sense.

For the record, this engine propels the Scirocco from 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 146mph. Average fuel economy is officially 37.2mpg and during my brief test drives this week the manual transmission model returned 30.7mpg and the six-speed DSG version 30.2mpg over the same test route. With CO2 emissions of 179g/km the vehicle excise duty is Band E, costing Ł170 a year.

In the handling department the Scirocco excels; as does the Golf GTi in its class. With its relatively long wheelbase, the fore to aft stability is first rate and the low stance and wider front and rear tracks provides a roll-free, flat ride during fast cornering. The steering is needle sharp and the coupé has huge amounts of grip despite the fact it is driving — and steering — through the front wheels.

Also reassuring is that all Scirocco models have six airbags, electronic stabilization control and anti-lock braking as standard. GT specification models, additionally, have 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive chassis control and 2Zone electronic climate control.

The Scirocco has been a long-awaited new model and now it has arrived it doesn't disappoint. In fact, it is one of the best new cars to be introduced this year — it will sell like hot cakes even in our depressed new car market.

The only two complaints one could make is that the optional sunroof restricts headroom and rear and rear-quarter visibility is limited. Numerous reasons to buy a new Scirocco include the smart sports styling (spot-on both inside and out), great build quality, desirability, it's well priced with expected high residual values and there's a wide choice of modern engine options from next year. But if you only need a single good reason to get behind the wheel of the Scirocco, here it is: it's brilliant fun to drive. — David Miles

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