Volkswagen Scirocco GT 2.0 TSI

Nov 28 2008 John Scantlebury

THE new Scirocco, the third model to bear the name, is, according to Volkswagen, the most dynamic and technically-advanced production coupe it has ever built. That seems to be a fair claim for a car that, simply is a little darling.

Using a Golf as its basis, the Scirocco is virtually several, cars in one. Adaptive Chassis Control, a system first seen in the Passat and now spreading through the VW group, allows the driver to choose between Comfort, Normal and Sport settings to suit their mood and style, button-push altering the nature of the suspension and the accelerator and steering responses. Thus, you can grade from motorway-style cruising mode through to something much more smile-inducing on twisting roads.

For now there is just one engine available, a 200hp 2.0-litre petrol turbo unit which is an enhanced version from the one in the Golf GTi (a 1.4 TSi and a diesel will arrive early next year) capable of taking the Scirocco from standstill to 62mph in a fraction over seven seconds and, theoretically, on to 146mph. Oh, yes, zippy.

The car is planted on the ground as though even an earthquake wouldn't shake its grip, while still looking prepared to pounce, courtesy of the huge rear haunches, a key element in the car's very-distinctive presence.

The Scirocco is the first Volkswagen to exhibit the new face of the brand, the slit-eyed front lights and razor-thin grille element are impressive and the frameless doors and rapidly tapering windows over a high, high rising waistline give a pace to the flanks. But those haunches over the 18in wheels are the real attention-grabber, emphasised by the wrap-around rear lights, divided by a near-upright tailgate under a small spoiler.

The exterior design is exciting but it is also integral to the car's poise, in particular the wide tracking and the very low centre of gravity. So sure is the Scirocco that the electronic stability programme, incorporating such things as traction control and electronic differential lock, seems almost superfluous.

What is a bonus is that even with the Sport programme tightening up dampers and springs to add to the control, ride comfort is never firmed up so much that it is jarring and the car tackles even traffic calmers without turning them into cliff faces and normally you would be employing the Comfort or Normal settings for in-town driving anyway.

The variable electro-mechanical power steering is nicely weighted in all circumstances, with a sure feel and delivery that furthers the pleasure of back-roads driving.

Thinking more about that exterior design creativity makes you wish that maybe more ambition could have been shown with the cabin, but VW have stuck with what they do well, a no-tricks, classy, understated look. No red needles, white-faced dials and metal pedals, just quality black plastics and brushed aluminium facings and strips, with some matt chrome highlights.

Four gripping but comfortable low-down sports seats are fitted, with height adjustment in the driver's seat to go with reach and rake variation of the multifunction, leather-trimmed sports steering wheel. I liked its flat-bottomed styling and, incidentally, the triangular door grab handles.

Everything is efficiently sited and displayed in true VW fashion, with a touch-screen for some of the functions, but the driver will struggle with rear visibility, either direct or via the mirror, because of the fixed headrests and the minimal glass towards the rear.

Those at the back are going to feel hemmed in by this high waist and, if adult-sized, are going to find headroom and kneeroom fairly tight; because of the very low roof, getting in and out of the car is something of a challenge, too, despite the big front doors and sliding seats. But they do get some useful storage facilities in side bins and a container behind the front armrest

In terms of other equipment, GT will be the only trim available until a base model is introduced early next year, so the standard list is quite lengthy. In addition to items already mentioned, it includes things like dual-zone climate control with a cooled glovebox, six airbags, automatic wipers and headlights, eight-speaker audio system with six CD autochanger and multimedia links, and foglights.

Because of that near-vertical rear end, the boot, although of the drop-in kind, is quite good for this type of car at 292 litres and the two rear seats split and fold, not flat, agreed, but nevertheless lifting the capacity to a more-than-useful 755 litres.

The Scirocco, named after the hot wind that blows up from the Sahara, already had queues forming before it was launched in September and, although it could hardly be a worse time to bring out a new car, VW remains confident the sexy-looking newcomer will do well - initial projections were for 9,000 annual sales, most of them to private buyers. Reluctant to hand the test car back, I can well believe it.

FAST FACTS

Volkswagen Scirocco GT 2.0 TSI

Price : £20,940

Mechanical : 200ps, 1,984cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 146mph

0-62mph : 7.2 secs

Combined mpg : 37.2

Insurance group : 16

CO2 emissions : 179g/km

BiK rating : 22%

Warranty : 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust