VOLKSWAGEN SCIROCCO
OUR PICK 2011 (11) 2.0 TSI GT, 29,000 miles, £12,190
FEW coupés are quite as versatile as the Volkswagen Scirocco. Like its eighties predecessor, the Scirocco is based on the same platform as the VW Golf, but while the original Scirocco had a radically different look to the hatch, the model launched in 2008 is more like a sporty compact variant of the Golf Mk5 on which it’s based.
There’s space for four inside, although access to the back seats is tricky, so it’s better to think of the Scirocco as a two-seater with extra back seats for occasional use. Power comes from 1.4 and 2.0-litre petrol engines and a 2.0-litre diesel, but while the latter is an efficient choice, its extra weight blunts the Scirocco’s handling.
If you want to keep costs down, the 1.4 TSI has modest performance and decent efficiency, but the 2.0 TSI isn’t far behind for fuel economy and delivers greater thrills. At the top of the range, the Scirocco R has a 264bhp version of the 2.0 TSI petrol. Owners praise the Scirocco’s performance and handling in our Driver Power survey, yet they say it’s easy to drive, too.
The basic Scirocco is a little under equipped, so we’d choose the GT model every time. There’s also a GTS version, which adds extra kit and racing stripes, but its looks are bit of an acquired taste. There was a subtle facelift in 2014, which brought a new infotainment system and slightly different lights and bumpers, while R-line trim also joined the range.
Prices have dropped to £5,500 for the earliest Sciroccos, while GT versions don’t command much of a premium over standard models, as condition is more important than spec. The Scirocco R can be had from £11,000, although spend a couple of thousand more and you should get a cared for low-mileage example.
“IF you’re looking to buy a Scirocco R, check the tyres closely. If there’s not much tread left on the fronts, you should haggle some money off to pay for a new set. Walk away if budget rubber is fitted – if the seller has cut costs here, then it probably means they’ve done the same with the rest of the car’s maintenance.”