Volkswagen Scirocco Reviews

Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI - SCHOOL OF 'ROC

Design and Build
Inside the Scirocco, there's a lot to grab the interest. A contoured, flat-bottomed sports steering wheel frames dials that glow white at night. The interior is airy and light, and the option of an electrically-operated panoramic sunroof further emphasises the feeling of spaciousness. There's a reasonably wide boot aperture which opens up 292 litres of luggage space. Fold the split rear seats down and you've got 755 litres. The Scirocco features four, individual sculpted seats finished in a choice of either cloth or leather. The sports seats aren't just restricted to those up front - the contoured rear seats feature integrated headrests to offer plenty of support. The proportions of this car are classically short, low and wide although the dimensions betray its reliance on Golf mechanicals. The vehicle measures 4,256mm long, 1,404mm high and 1,810mm wide. Many people expected this model to emerge as a classically lean and low sports coupe but the visual effect is closer to what you imagine the three-door Golf might have looked like if Volkswagen had given its designers carte blanche. Despite its somewhat stocky lines, the Scirocco is a great looking car that manages to purvey a futuristic feel. Volkswagen isn't known for its stylistic innovation but this is one model where the marque has hit the nail on the head.

Market and Model
Scirocco customers are presented with the simple choice of standard or GT trim and, while the 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine is only offered in standard models and the 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine comes only with the GT specification, the 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine is available with both if you opt for the 140PS variant but only in GT spec if you go for the TDI 170. The price differential is just under £1,000 and it gets GT customers larger alloy wheels, tinted windows, fog lights, a multi-function steering wheel, a trip computer and climate control. The 2.0-litre TDI models could be deemed rather expensive because they're only £500 less than the significantly more satisfying 2.0-litre TSI versions. In a wider context, however, the Scirocco looks attractively priced as it's positioned at less than £2,000 above an equivalent three-door Golf. These diesel models will sell to buyers looking for the Scirocco style but with half an eye on what it's going to cost them.