Volkswagen Scirocco (08 on) - Review

Five turbocharged engines are available in the Scirocco - three petrol units and two diesels. The 2.0 TDI is the latest common-rail unit and so far smoother and quieter than previous Volkswagen diesels. It's available with either 140bhp or 170bhp (in GT trim) and both offer plenty of pulling power as you'd expect. 0-62mph takes 9.3 seconds in the 140bhp while economy is an impressive 55mpg. The more powerful manages the same 0-62mph sprint in 8.1 seconds and has large reserves of grunt, making overtaking simple. The two petrol engines are both TSI units starting with the excellent 1.4-litre which uses both a turbocharger and supercharger to produce an impressive 160bhp. Considering its small size this engine is a real gem and offers great performance, sprinting from 0-62mph in just 8.0 seconds while averaging 44mpg. An entry-level 1.4 TSI with 122bhp is also available (introduced in early 2010) which covers the 0-62mph sprint in 9.7 seconds and returns 44mpg. However, for extra performance look to the 2.0-litre TSI. This is the same engine that's used in the 2005 Golf GTI and with 200bhp it provides strong pace with a 0-62mph time of 7.2 seconds. In October 2009 this engine was replaced by a newer 2.0 TSI engine that's borrowed from the 2009 Golf GTI. This has 211bhp and is even more impressive than the previous engine. It also brings the 0-62mph time down to 6.9 seconds yet economy is a useful 38mpg. All the TSI units deliver a lovely engine note while there's a sporty rasp from the twin exhaust pipes, adding to the enjoyable driving experience. A slick-six speed gearbox is standard while there's the option of an excellent semi-automatic system called DSG with six ratios (or seven on the 1.4 TSI).

As it's based on the Golf it's no surprise that the Scirocco handles superbly. Thanks to minimal overhangs and a low centre of gravity there's barely any body roll in bends while traction is excellent. All the controls such as the clutch and gearbox work with real precision making the Scirocco an incredibly enjoyable and rewarding car to drive. Precise steering with strong feedback plus almost endless levels of grip make the coupe better to drive and even more agile than the superb Golf GTI.