At the time of writing, this is the most recent - and most expensive - model to have joined the Scirocco range. Before it came along in May 2009, you could already buy Sciroccos with two-litre turbo diesel engines, but they all produced a maximum of 138bhp. This one is a bit more serious, with a 168bhp version of the same unit and, in the case of the test car, a six-speed semi-automatic DSG gearbox (though a more conventional six-speed manual is also available for £1305 less).
It falls 30bhp short of the faster and cheaper petrol-fuelled 2.0 TSI, and has about the same performance as the 1.4 TSI, but its 50.4mpg combined economy and 147g/km CO2 emissions - the manual is better still - puts it ahead of either. On top of that, what none of the figures can tell you is that the 168bhp TDI is an extremely good unit which is generally the point of any VW Group product to which it is fitted. Turbo lag is quite noticeable if you plant the accelerator quickly, but that's largely balanced by the excellent pull from low engine speeds once the turbo has woken up.
The DSG gearbox is a delight too, and it works extremely well with the engine. As far as the powertrain is concerned, then, there are no complaints whatever.
Personally, though, I'm not a big fan of the Scirocco, for two reasons. It's an attractive-looking car, certainly more pleasing to the eye than the neat but undramatic Golf on which it's based, but the design of the glass area means that it is very difficult to see out of, no matter whether you're looking forward, backwards or sideways.
And I'm sorry to say that it's rather dull to drive. That was my experience of the 2.0 TSI Scirocco (see road test), which was the first modern Volkswagen I've tried in which one of the main aims appears to have been to remove all vestige of enjoyment from the driving experience. The latest Golf GTI is like that too, and so is the top diesel Scirocco. It's certainly capable, but it's not interesting. There is a general feeling that it will get round a corner efficiently almost regardless of what the driver does, short of turning the steering wheel the wrong way, and I can't muster much enthusiasm for a car like that.
Other than the visibility, there is nothing to get worked up about. If you want a smart-looking car with a decent combination of performance and fuel economy, I can't think of any reason not to buy this one. But if you want something with a bit of heart and soul, I suggest you look elsewhere.
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Price: £23,660
Capacity: 1968cc
Power: 168bhp
0-62mph: 8.1 seconds
Maximum speed: 136mph
Economy: 60.1mpg extra urban, 50.4mpg combined
CO2 emissions: 147g/km
Towing capacity: 1750kg braked
Insurance: Group 14
Volkswagen figures.
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