VW Scirocco
ENGINE 1781cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 112bhp@5800rpm TORQUE 112lb ft@3500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 122mph 0-60MPH 11sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 22-26mpg TRANSMISSION FWD, five-speed manual MoT May 2018 ODOMETER 86,961 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Fuel is fed by a carburettor, rather than fuel injection, so while the engine sounds fantastic as the revs build, it doesn’t feel overly quick. The auto-choke takes some time to settle down, but the engine does eventually idle at around 1000rpm once up to temperature and delivers what power it has smoothly and without any hesitations. There are no clunks from the drivetrain and the suspension is spot-on, the car feeling really planted when negotiating corners. The unassisted steering remains heavy even at speed, though it centres nicely. A sogginess to the gearchange impedes progress between ratios; we suspect that the linkages require some attention. The brakes were overhauled a couple of months ago, but further fettling is required because the pedal’s travel is too great; maybe the system hasn’t been bled properly.
BODYWORK CHECK
Finished in Helios Blue Metallic, this Scirocco certainly impresses with its condition, even under close scrutiny. In fact, having checked the metal around the sills that isn’t obscured by plastic trim, plus the door bottoms and the lip of the tailgate, we can confidently say that it’s a solid and rot-free example with good panel fit. The nose and vulnerable front splitter are free from stonechips and the colour-coded body kit is part of the Scala spec, as are the 14-inch Avus alloy wheels, though the offside front has been kerbed. The bottom-right corner of the windscreen is beginning to delaminate, too.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The sports seats are taut and free from wear. Repairs have been made to the driver’s seat base, but it’s been done professionally. The carpets and headlining appear to be in great condition and there are no scuffs or scratches to the dashboard top. The only grumbles concern a missing fusebox cover and piece of trim around the nearside door release, plus slightly tired door handle leather trim.
UNDER THE BONNET
The inner wings and front suspension turrets are free from corrosion and haven’t seen any repair work. Checking the fluid levels reveals fresh oil and coolant, all of which are up to the correct levels. The battery appears to be a new, recently fitted item.
THE CCW VIEW
It seems odd that a car that’s so much more attractive than its Golf stablemate isn’t anywhere near as sought-after. The good news is that this means you don’t need to spend a lot to get a good one – like this Scala. Sort out the gearchange and brakes and you’ll have something you can really enjoy. Tackle its minor cosmetic niggles while you’re at it and you’ll have something you can be really proud to show off.