Volkswagen Scirocco (08 on) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 06 June 2011
The Scirocco badge hasn't been seen on a new car since 1992 when production of the two-door model ceased. But Volkswagen has resurrected the name for this coupe and with striking looks, sporty handling and strong performance it follows in the footsteps of the original. It certainly stands out thanks to the distinctive profile and aggressive front end but it's the handling which really impresses. Agile and surefooted it's great fun on twisting roads while a new adaptive suspension system means it's comfortable and smooth on the motorway too. Add in a choice of excellent engines - including the same 2.0 TSI that's used in the Golf GTI - and the Scirocco is a sure-fire hit. The VW Scirocco 1.4 TSI 122 came up trumps and won the 2011 Parkers cost of motoring award tool in the competitive sports car sector. The popular coupe with this engine is frugal and efficient, coupled with the excellent build quality and an impressive range of safety features, the Scirocco is a brilliant purchase if you're after substance as well as style.
4.5 out of 5

Other Volkswagen reviews

3 out of 5

Running costs

It may be a sports coupe but the Scirocco doesn't have to be expensive to run. All the engines in the line-up return decent economy but the diesel is the best with an average of 52mpg. Insurance could be quite pricey and Volkswagen servicing rates tend to be on the high side - however long service intervals of 20,000 miles or two years (whichever comes soonest) should help keep costs down. As a desirable and sporty coupe the Scirocco will hold its value well too.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,395 - £1,659 *

Diesel

£1,034 - £1,257 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

Variable servicing (up to approximately 18,000 miles or two years) or fixed servicing (at every 10,000 miles or 12 months) can be chosen when new. It is possible to change from one to another during the vehicle’s life, but it can only be done when a full inspection service is due.

Warranty

Three years/60,000 miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£30.00 - £215.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

3.5 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
    118
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
    179
  • J
  • K
  • L
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

When you consider that the Scirocco is designed as a performance coupe, it's emissions and fuel economy figures are fairly good. The 1.4 TSI engine emits 154g/km and averages 44mpg while the 2.0 TSI emits 179g/km and should return around 37mpg. The 140bhp diesel is the greenest choice though - it will do 55mpg.

Find the exact engine and CO2