Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Technology 3dr Car Review - March 2012

The interior of the cabin is classy with neat styling touches such as the triangular door handles and the touch screen stereo controls. Finding the perfect driving position is an easy task thanks to the wide range of adjustment available on the driver’s seat and the steering wheel. The seats are sculpted, supportive and comfortable. Forward visibility is good, but to the rear it’s hampered a little by the deep rear screen pillars.

The 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Technology engine is smooth and powerful, and an improvement on previous VW diesels. With a top speed of 129mph and 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds, it is not exactly quick, but if performance is important to you, you'll buy the petrol engined version. However, the Scirocco offers plenty of torque, offering 236lb-ft of low down pulling power.

The Scirocco 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Technology handles with predictability – it’s safe and has plenty of grip. The steering gives good feedback and the electronic stability control system allows you to have a bit of fun before it kicks in. ACC or Adaptive Chassis Control, which is fitted as standard, allows the driver to select the firmness of the suspension, steering weight and throttle response speed to their own needs.

While the 2.0 TDI engine isn’t as quiet as the silky petrol engines, the engine noise certainly isn’t intrusive. The six-speed manual gearbox fitted has a nice positive, sure feel to it, making gear-changing a pleasure. Wind noise is negligible, even going at full blast.

The exterior of the Scirocco is striking and it really stands out with its distinctive hunched profile. Inside, however, much has been borrowed from the VW Golf and VW Eos and it’s not quite as striking as the exterior.

The Scirocco is well equipped and comes with power steering, remote central locking, 18-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, alarm, immobiliser, CD+MP3 connectivity, Bluetooth, leather steering wheel and sports suspension.

VW also offer as a range of extras such as climate control £445, metallic paint £465, cruise control £235, rear parking sensor £365, leather seats £1,740 and satellite navigation £1,335.

Space up front is good, but you need to be careful getting in to the rear, especially if you’re tall. Rear space is generally good for adults, with good knee and foot room, however, thanks to the Scirocco’s sloping roofline, taller passengers may find that their head room is restricted. The boot is sufficient for most daily needs, offering 312-litres of space, but you’ll probably be folding down one of the split rear seats on a regular basis if you want to carry anything bigger than your shopping. Maximum load carrying space with both rear seats down is 1,006-litres.

EuroNCAP awarded the Scirocco five-stars overall in its crash-tests. It has plenty of safety features: front, side and curtain airbags, electronic stability control and large brakes. Active head restraints are also fitted to reduce the chance of whiplash injuries.

Anti-theft measures include an alarm, engine immobiliser and deadlocks.

The Scirocco is solidly built throughout, using top quality materials. Its reliability was rated as excellent in the 2011 JD Power customer satisfaction survey. It comes covered by VW’s three-year 60,000 mile warranty.

The Volkswagen Scirocco is excellent value for money. The £22,435 you pay gets you a car that’s superb to drive, well equipped and very stylish, not to mention economical.

This 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Technology version is the cleanest and most economical in the range, and offers decent performance, even if it doesn't quite match up to its petrol-powered brethren. Residual values are expected to be excellent, so you should have no problem moving it on when it's time to sell.

Running costs are better than you’d expect for a car in this class. Insurance is in group 22 and Road Tax is in VED band C, thanks to its low emissions.