Used Volkswagen Scirocco Review (2008-2017) MK3
Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force
4-minute read
Overview
- Unique styling
- VW refinement and sophistication
- Good to drive
- Coupé nature reduces practicality
- Boot is small
- Is it really a coupé?
What's the VW Scirocco like?
Volkswagen somehow managed to distill even more of what makes the Golf GTI great when it produced the Scirocco and it created something which is truly extraordinary. This is a car that drives like a dream and is one of the best driver’s cars on the market.
The Scirocco has been around now since 2008. It’s immensely agile and composed, superbly surefooted even on twisting roads with poor surfaces, and later models can be fitted with an adaptive suspension system that brings improved comfort over long journeys. This is one seriously superb and magical driving car, right up there with similar offerings from BMW.
From summer 2014, a facelift brought a more distinctive and aggressive look and a revised range of petrol and diesel engines offering more power. The makeover was completed with new alloys and a refreshed interior with extra dials.
Engines
Petrol engines start with a 1.4-litre TSI turbo that has between 125bhp and 160bhp. The 125bhp covers 0 to 60mph in 9 seconds and has an economy figure of 52mpg, while the more powerful unit does the 0 to 60mph sprint in 7.7 seconds and will do 42mpg.
Then comes a 2.0-litre TSI with between 177bhp and 216bhp. These are real flyers, covering the sprint in between 7.2 and 6.3 seconds, while managing around 46mpg.
Diesels are all 2.0-litre TDI units with between 138bhp and 184bhp. The 138bhp sprints to 60mph in 9 seconds and can do 67mpg, while the 184bhp takes 7.3 seconds and can do 64mpg.
Even the cheapest 1.4-litre turbo is not slow and gives plenty of fun, but the smooth 2.0-litre petrol is a gem, with huge acceleration from almost any speed, and the diesel’s economy and performance combination will make it the best for regular long journeys.
Driving Experience
The handling is exquisite, with great steering feel bettered by no other mainstream car on the market. And tremendous grip brings almost unbelievable roadholding, with brakes more than a match to tame all the horses when required.
It even rides beautifully without the adaptive suspension, and has a suppleness that belies the marvellous cornering verve.
Peter Hayward
Equipment and Practicality
Despite a fairly high roofline, the Scirocco’s not the practical hatchback/coupé it initially looks, with a small boot and rear seats for two that are not easy to get into. If you need extra practicality then opt for the Golf GTI or GTD with 5 doors.
There is plenty of legroom front and rear, but equipment in standard trims is only fair so make sure any that you are interested in have all the bells and whistles you want.
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Find your VW Scirocco your way with CarStore
If you like the idea of a VW Golf but want something that stands out a bit more when it comes to styling, then the VW Scirocco may just be ideal for you. If you don't need the dependable practicality and enjoy a car that is decent to drive, as well as having all the refinement and sophistication a Volkswagen offers, then the Scirocco if definitely worth a look.
