Volkswagen Scirocco Coupe full 9 point review
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Performance
The entry-level 158bhp 1.4 petrol engine may be diminutive, but its combination of supercharging, turbocharging, and light weight gives the Scirocco real spice. The 197bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine is quicker still and although the 2.0-litre diesel isn't as smooth as either, it can't be faulted for outright pace.
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Ride & Handling
The Scirocco's handling is safe, grippy and predictable, complemented by plenty of steering feel and an electronic stability system that allows just enough playfulness before it applies its steadying hand. Adaptive chassis control comes as standard, which allows the driver to choose the stiffness of the suspension, the weighting of the steering and the speed of the throttle responses.
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Refinement
Flat-out blasts only serve to confirm the Scirocco's excellent high-speed stability and negligible wind noise. The DSG semi-auto and the six-speed manual gearboxes have a positive, precise action. The petrol engines are silky-smooth, but the diesel is rougher and noisier.
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Buying & Owning
The Scirocco is well-priced, and it’s set to hold its value very well. Fuel consumption will suffer if you use its performance to the maximum, but take it easy and the 1.4 TSI’s 42.8mpg looks reasonable. Even the 2.0 TSI will return 37.2mpg, though the 2.0 TDI 140’s gives the best economy, giving 55.4mpg.
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Quality & Reliability
Plip the remote central-locking and the frameless windows drop a couple of centimetres to prevent them snagging when you open the doors. The dash and door cappings owe more to the Eos than to the Golf, but the same solid fixtures, fittings and exquisite attention to detail dominate the interior. Proven mechanicals should guarantee longevity.
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Safety & Security
The Scirocco certainly doesn't skimp on safety equipment. Front, side and curtain airbags, large-diameter brakes and electronic stability control are standard. There are also active front head restraints to minimise whiplash injuries. Deadlocks and an alarm are fitted to deter thieves.
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Behind The Wheel
Triangular door handles are a neat stylistic touch, and a touch-screen control panel for the stereo is complemented by silkily damped switches and rotary dials for the heating and ventilation systems. The door panel inserts and sports seats are finished in a classy, meshed weave, and there's a generous range of adjustment for the chunky, leather-covered, flat-bottomed steering wheel.
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Space & Practicality
Up front, there's plenty of space, but getting into the back requires a degree of flexibility and caution to avoid banging your head. Once seated, there's a good kneeroom and plenty of space under the front seats to slide your feet. That plunging roofline, though, means headroom is tight. At 292 litres, there's just about enough room in the boot for half-a-dozen carrier bags, so you'll need to flip down at least one of the 50-50 split/fold rear seats if you want to fit in your golf bag.
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Equipment
Along with electric windows and mirrors, a CD player and remote central locking, the Scirocco also has dual-zone climate control, a leather steering wheel and sports suspension. Six airbags, climate control and 18-inch alloy wheels are also standard, and options include a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch alloy wheels, leather trim and touch-screen satellite-navigation.
Scirocco rivals
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Volkswagen Scirocco Coupe 1.4 TSI 160 3dr
This is almost the cheapest Scirocco, but it's a great option – well specced and still offering the engaging dynamics that makes the car so good to drive. All it lacks is the outright pace and residuals of the bigger models.
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