Launched in 2008, the Scirocco has stood the test of time against plenty of newer rivals, thanks to its good looks and equally satisfying driving dynamics. Nonetheless, its latest facelift was important for the model to remain relevant versus foes such as the SEAT Leon SC and BMW 2-Series, offering new turbocharged engines, some exterior design tweaks and an updated dashboard inside.

That exterior re-styling is subtle with new head and tail lights and revised bumper styling, including the front aerodynamic blades seen on the latest Golf GTI, with integrated indicator lights, daytime running lights and fog lights.

Prices start from £20,455, rising to £33,795 for the range-topping Scirocco R, and with the UK being the largest market for the model in Europe, and second only to China worldwide, VW will be hoping to build even further on the car’s success with this refresh.

Performance

There are four petrol engines to choose from: the entry-level 1.4-litre with 123bhp and a new 2.0-litre 178bhp unit which is more economical than the 1.4-litre 158bhp it replaces. Meanwhile, the previous 2.0-litre TSI 207bhp has been replaced with a 217bhp that is also 19 per cent more fuel efficient. And then there’s the power in the R, which uses a 2.0-litre powertrain producing 276bhp, 14bhp more than before.

Two 2.0-litre diesels are also available, with 148 or 182bhp; the lower-powered iteration will be the best seller in the UK. The 1.4-litre TSI is available with a six-speed manual only, while all other engines also have the option of a six-speed DSG gearbox.

We tested the 2.0-lire 182bhp diesel in six-speed manual guise which hits 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds, which proved more than enough on German autobahns and twisty mountain roads, although we suspect the 148bhp iteration, which does the sprint in 8.6 seconds will also be more than sufficient for most Scirocco owners, and with better running costs to boot.

Still, it’s impossible to ignore the Scirocco R, which is the fastest and most fun in the range. We tried the manual ‘box which achieves the benchmark run in 5.7 seconds – the DSG version takes 0.2 seconds off this time, while top speed on both is electronically limited to 155mph.

Ride and Handling

Its well-weighted steering is on the heavy side, but reacts quickly, even if it can't quite match the BMW 2-Series' precision.

The Scirocco has long been considered a fine-handling car, with excellent front-end cornering grip , and this is largely unchanged by this facelift. Its well-weighted steering is on the heavy side, but reacts quickly, even if it can't quite match the BMW 2-Series' precision. The ride is firm and can thump over rough surfaces, but for the most part is comfortable. There are a few modes to choose from – Sport naturally tightens the suspension up, while Comfort is best for long motorway journeys. The Scirocco R is fitted with some special kit including a front-axle differential lock which acts to help eliminate traction loss, while the braking system is also modified over the standard model to keep the car’s higher performance in check. We didn’t get to test the full extent of this car’s lairy-ness, but based on its wide low-set stance and the brilliance of the Golf R, we’d expect it to entertain at a track day.

Interior and Equipment

This is its third-generation, its successors being sold from 1974-1981 and 1981-1992. The original was penned by the famous designer Giorgetto Giugiaro.

It’s hard to fault a Volkswagen interior, which is always top-quality and sturdy. Probably its biggest crime is being a bit too, well, dull. Still, it’s a comfortable, functional cabin, offering decent space for a driver and three passengers. Legroom in the rear is surprisingly good, but that coupe roofline means poor headroom, while small windows creating a dark space leave back passengers feeling claustrophobic. The only real change here is some new materials for the switchgear and an updated dashboard, which has new-look dials and an auxiliary instrument cluster above the centre console, featuring a chronometer, charge pressure and oil temperature gauges, designed in tribute to the 1974 Scirocco model. There’s four trims: Scirocco, GT, R-Line and R, with all models receiving DAB digital radio, iPod and USB audio connectors and Bluetooth, air conditioning and automatic headlights and wipers. The list continues with 17-inch alloys, sports seats and a leather-covered steering wheel. The GT model, expected to take over half of sales, adds touch-screen navigation, two-zone climate control, dark-tinted rear windows, 18-inch alloys, front fog lights, front and rear parking sensors, and some interior styling flairs. Going up to the R-Line variant adds mostly styling features including R-Line-specific bumpers and side skirts, 19-inch alloys, carbon-look dash inserts and heated seats.

Cost

Being a Volkswagen, the Scirocco has a great brand reputation and this pays dividends come resale time, thanks to impressive residual values.

The best-selling model for the UK, the 2.0-litre 148bhp diesel with a six-speed manual, is also the most cost-effective, with emissions of 109g/km and combined fuel economy of 67.3mpg. The petrol 1.4-litre TSI with 123bhp returns 52.3mpg and emits 125g/km, which could make it an attractive choice for private buyers when its lower price is taken into account. If running costs aren’t a consideration, the fast Scirocco R emits 187g/km and returns 35.3mpg fitted with a manual gearbox, so finds itself in a pricey tax band. Being a Volkswagen, the Scirocco also has a great brand reputation and this pays dividends come resale time, thanks to impressive residual values.

Our Verdict

When you consider how old this car is versus newer rivals, it’s still an excellent piece of kit with great driving dynamics and stylish looks. It’s certainly in a more competitive segment than when it launched in 2008, which will chip away at sales, but the Scirocco remains an appealing, practical and affordable coupe. If you don’t mind the small boot and claustrophobic rear seats, the Scirocco is a more characterful and fun package than the Golf, which is sure to reward you on any twisting road.