Volkswagen Scirocco GT review

Britain has something of a love affair with the Volkswagen Scirocco. Apparently we’re the second biggest market for the car after China.

It’s even harder to believe the VW Scirocco is more than 40 years old, though the current generation has been with us since 2008.

Still popular, this pretty sports coupe was treated to a minor facelift – inside and out – in 2014.

Externally the changes are subtle with new headlights, tail lights, revised bumper and cool 18-inch alloy wheels.

And like its brother, the Golf, the Volkswagen badge at the rear isn’t just for show, it’s used to open the hatchback.

Inside the dashboard has been updated with new-look dials, plus there’s an auxiliary “retro” instrument cluster above the centre console – a nod to the 1974 original Scirocco.

Elsewhere, there are supportive sports seats, a decent amount of kit, including a touchscreen multimedia unit with sat nav, DAB radio and connectivity, plus safety features such as anti-lock brakes.

Fire up the 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine (diesels are also available) and you’re greeted with an old school throaty exhaust note.

My test car came with a slick six-speed DSG automatic gearbox with paddle shift behind the steering wheel if you feel so inclined, though a manual box is also available.

The Scirocco GT is swift enough for most in ‘normal’ and ‘comfort’ driving modes – switch to ‘sport’ and it gets far more aggressive.

That said, the power is manageable and the car rarely loses its poise, though the ride maybe a little firm for some.

Whether you’re driving on the motorway, challenging country roads or tiddling around town, the GT is relaxed and assured – and still turns heads.

In theory it’s capable of 47.1mpg. However, probably due to my spirited driving, I averaged nearer 30mpg. So if you travel long distances the diesel version might be the better option, with a claimed 74.3mpg.

The only areas where the Scirocco loses points are visibility and rear space. The sloping roofline and small rear windows means that some manoeuvres can be challenging, while the rear leg and headroom is at best limited.

Overall, the Scirocco is ageing well and its enduring popularity is no surprise. If you’re in the market for a good looking, classy, fun, well equipped coupe, endowed with VW’s excellent build quality, the GT is definitely worth considering.

Prices for the Scirocco range start at £20,455. The GT I tested costs £25,370, which was bumped up to £29,335 with optional extras.