There’s a lot to like in the Scirocco

Oh, my word, this is the car for me! If I were looking for a car in this sector then I would be hunting down the best price for the VW Scirocco GT, writes motoring editor Sharon Walters.

I couldn’t find a single thing I didn’t like about this beautiful little number.

When it arrived to test I liked the looks, I got in and immediately felt at home behind the wheel and I drove down to Kent and back with a smile on my face - not bad for a journey that included the infamous M25 at peak time and a diversion through south east London because of an accident.

This is a truly accessible sporty coupe at a shade under £21,000 and one to stir the emotions in these often depressing times.

It really does lift the spirits.

Enough of the superlatives or you will think I am in the pay of VW!

The first Scirocco was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show 34 years ago in 1974 and a second generation came out in 1985 and was in production until 1993.

Now 15 years on we have a new one based on the Iroc Concept car.

The Scirocco is the first Volkswagen to bear the new ‘face’ of the brand and marks a new era of design. It has deep front airdams and a razor-thin grille element with gloss black insert which is framed with distinctive chrome-backed headlight units.

And the biggest change is the move of the Volkswagen roundel from its traditional position in the grille to the bonnet.

What a drive!

Let’s start with the drive (I can feel myself smiling again) from this quick number.

It can get from 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds and go on to a top speed, where permissible, of 146mph. You get around 37mpg in a combined driving cycle and CO2 emissions are 179 g/km.

Nimble around the bends it is comfortable on motorway runs and has the added benefit of Adaptive Chassis Control.

The VW system allows you to set the suspension, steering and accelerator response settings for particular journeys.

You can opt for comfort, sport and normal. Very useful.

Safety on board includes electronic stability control, traction control, electronic differential lock, anti-lock assisted braking, front and curtain airbags.

Great gadgets

This GT trim is very good quality and the specification is high including: 2Zone electronic climate control, rain sensor and automatic dimminginterior rear-view mirror, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors, multifunction computer, USB and iPod connection, touchscreen radio - dashboard mounted MP3 compatible six-disc CD autochanger with eight speakers, chrome exhaust pipes and so the list goes on!

On the practicality side it is perfect for two. Yes you can use the rear two seats but not for anyone very ’substantial’ and certainly not for long journeys.

But then, this isn’t a family car and more space is really not needed.

Those rear seats split/fold to give extra boot space and there was a very nice surprise for this driver.

I drove down to Kent to pick another car for a little jaunt across the Channel and had the chance to do some shopping.

I happily browsed the streets of Bruges and collected several bags and then hit a hypermarket on the way back.

It was only when sitting on the ferry that the thought hit me - the car is a sports, smallish coupe, where would I manage to stow all this shopping?

Oops!

But I needn’t have worried. I opened the boot for the first time when I got back to Ashford and a large space appeared before me; 292 litres of space to be precise.

I didn’t need to use those split rear seats but if I had that space would have gone up to 755 litres.

So it is practical - for a couple who want to shop or take a lot of luggage on holiday.

Also in the line-up are a 1.4 TSI unit and a 2.0 litre TDI and a GT 2.0 TDI with prices starting at £18,790.

Bumber to bumper:

Volkswagen: Scirocco 2.0 GT £20,940. Scirocco automatic, £22,270.

Bodyshell/drivetrain: 4.25m by 1.81m, three-door coupe; 1984cc, 197bhp four-cylinder engine, driving front wheels through six-speed manual gearbox.

Company car tax liability: 179g per km C02 emissions (23 per cent of cost of car when new, taxed).

Performance/economy: top speed 146mph, 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds. Official fuel figures: city 26.6mpg, country 47.9mpg, combined 37.2mpg.

Fuel tank: 50 litres.

Insurance group: 16.

Warranty: three years/60,000/unlimited miles.

Website: www.volkswagen.co.uk

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