The striking new VW Scirocco sports hatch coupe turns heads with its streamlined bodyshape and power stance; it's a real performer too with dynamic handling, adjustable suspension, sports chassis - matched with a very upmarket interior.
Top speed, in countries where the law permits, is 238 km/h.
The review car looked absolutely right in a Candy White exterior, contrasted by Truffle tan leather seats. But there are other choices.
The 18-inch Interlagos alloys add to the car's pedigree sports performance, and the chrome twin exhaust tailpipe also gives huge 'presence'.
But this 4-seater is not just about performance; it's also packed full of style and high tech innovations.
The rear seats split and fold 50/50 which was useful when I had to carry a full set of golf clubs and caddy car. The normal luggage space is 292 litres; rising to 755 litres with the rear seats down.
Doors are heavy and come with large triangular handles to help pull them closed, and, of course, they have sporty rimless windows.
The line-up includes a 1.4 TSI petrol outputting 122 and 160bhp, and 2.0 TDI diesels outputting 140 and 170bhp (Tax Band B/C).
But my test car was the 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged engine developing 200bhp with a six speed auto DSG gearbox. It's also available with a precise manual six speed, but I'd prefer the auto DSG version as it can change gear faster than a manual and more smoothly than a conventional automatic. It also has a hold function which prevents your car from rolling back when pulling away or during a hill start. There are also Formula 1 type paddles off the steering wheel for those times you want to change over to manual transmission.
This version can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in an impressive 7.1 seconds while achieving the same combined fuel cycle figure of around 7.5 L/100km (37.7mpg) as the manual gearbox.
This 2.0 TSI engine emits 174 g/km C02 putting this version in Band E for Road Tax of €630.
While the car is based on the Golf's underpinnings, it is longer than the Golf.
You can choose Normal, Comfort or Sport suspension settings from the adaptive chassis control, depending on the road conditions and the driving style you want. Whichever, while you have great road grip, you do feel every bump in the road which is part and parcel of a sports car's appeal.
Because of its coupe-like shape, there's not great visibility when looking over your right shoulder so you rely a lot on your side mirrors and the somewhat curtailed view out the back.
There was a high level of standard features including a full compliment of airbags, sports seats in front, multi-function leather steering wheel, front armrest, ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), cruise control, that adaptive chassis control, rain sensor, daytime running lights, and leaving/coming home lights.
My car also had front heated seats, air conditioning, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Extra features amounted to €4,961 bringing the price of the test car up to €41,756. They included Xenon headlights/washer system, Vienna leather trim, panoramic electric tilting sunroof, tinted glass on rear side windows and on the rear window.
The new Scirocco is a lot of fun yet quite practical, and with superb styling.
Volkswagen has a good reputation when it comes to reliability and the Scirocco will benefit from this.
(This review was originally published by Trish Whelan in The Limerick Leader).
