FIVE REASON TO BUY THE VW SCIROCCO
Even though it’s grown in size, BMW have managed to shave 100kgs of its kerb weight. This means, that despite being a big car, it still feels lithe and nimble. Opt for the xDrive (which can be specified on the volume selling 520d, 530d and 540i), and the combi- All the luxury of a 7 Series
nation of an all-wheel system, active steering and lowered sports suspension takes its agility and driving experience to an even higher level.
Prices start at £36,025 for the 520d SE, rising to £49,945 for the flagship 540i xDrive M Sport. However, a large majority of 5 Series sales will go to business users, who demand low emissions for reduced benefit in kind bills. The newcomer isn’t quite as clean as the Mercedes E-Class, but the 520d emits just 108g/km and promises 68.8mpg at the pumps. Even the rapid, four-wheel drive 530d (driven here) claims 138g/km and an impressive 53.2mpg.
So, having spent a week being the wheel of this 5 Series, I asked myself, again, would I want it as my everyday drive? Of course I would, because anything else just wouldn’t be a BMW. 1 Basically, the 3-door Scirocco is a Golf dressed-up to appease a more sophisticated palette. It offers the same fun and desirability with more backseat and boot space.
2 Go to the top of range, and the extra flourishes of the £27,475 GT Black Edition trim level makes the Scirocco a proper head-turner.
3 The entry-priced 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine is the most sensible for running costs, yet the 180bhp 2.0-litre TSI is the one to choose for ultimate performance.
4 A folding rear bench increases cargo area from a useful 312 litres to a load-lugging 1006 litres.
5 It’s offered as a four engine line-up – 2 petrol, 2 diesels – with either a 6-speed manual or DSG transmission. Prices start from £21,535.