The hottest-ever Volkswagen Scirocco R has arrived in time for summer.Its beating heart is a stronger, lighter and higher boosted turbo-charged 265ps 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, some 55ps more than the standard car, and mated to a choice of manual or six-speed DSG gearbox with front wheel drive only.An uprated differential, suspension, brakes and steering ensure it is a sports focussed machine but the driver can select chassis settings for comfort, normal or sport modes and really hone the handling to suit themselves.Externally, the Scirocco R has new front and rear bumpers, grille, side skirts, mirrors, rear diffuser, wing and exhaust system and the in-house Volkswagen R design team has created distinctive wheels to set it off, while inside there are more sporting seats, a new wheel and trim details to set it apart. White backlit dials have electric blue needles.The new VW Scirocco R costs £28,505 in manual form or £1,300 more with DSG twin clutch auto transmission.My test model was equipped with the optional 8Jx19 Talladega wheels and 235/35 R19 tyres at £540 as well as £355 for rear parking sensors and a £1,300 voice activated navigation and entertainment system with auxiliary integration.The engine modifications have made the Scirocco extremely responsive without it becoming edgy or temperamental and its DSG box operates very smoothly going up or down and I was never left hunting for a gear to accelerate when necessary.The engine note is slightly more obvious but it's a pleasant one and the character markedly changes as you depress the throttle to overtake. Changes come quickly and cleanly and there is no interruption to the acceleration.Turning and slowing the Scirocco R also brings about rapid responses to wheel and pedal inputs but you never feel it is getting out of hand and it always performed within its limits and suggested there was still a lot in reserve.The improved seats provide greater support and hold occupants very securely during harder driving but despite the revised suspension and the firmer settings it is a very comfortable car to be in.Access to the front seats is very good but it's more difficult getting into the back pair and the bootspace is modest but easy to load.My only concern is that the rearward visibility and over the shoulder is very bad and the optional parking sensors really should be standard.Coming in as the flagship of the Scirocco line the R version is undoubtedly the best. The range begins at just under £19,000 for the 1.4 122ps petrol but it also includes a 210ps GT and even has diesel derivatives from £21,355 in its seven-strong line up. Volkswagen Scirocco R MILESTONES Volkswagen Scirocco R TSI £29,805 (With options as tested £32,425)Engine: 4cyl 2.0 265ps, 6sp DSG automaticTop speed: 155mph,0-62mph: 5.8secFuel consumption: 24.8mpgCO2: 187gkmInsurance: 34EWarranty: 3yrs/ 60k, 3yrs paint and 12yrs anti-rustFor: Looks, performance, comfort, handlingAgainst: Visibility, rear legroom, boot space
