Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen Scirocco review - a worthy hot hatchback alternative? - Performance and 0-60 times

The best hot hatchbacks are now more talented and more fun, but the Scirocco still holds appeal for keen drivers

Evo rating
RRP
from £21,040
  • Neat styling, abundant grip, strong engines
  • No longer as fun as the best hot hatchbacks, lacks modern tech

The Scirocco comes with a choice of five engines. The quickest is the Scirocco R, with VW’s six-speed DSG transmission. It manages 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds (the manual car follows two tenths behind) and hits a limited 155mph. Despite using an older engine than the current Golf R, it doesn’t feel outmoded – it’s responsive, pulls hard throughout the rev range and even has a welcome character missing from many turbocharged four-cylinder units.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Volkswagen has managed to inject some of that character into the regular 2.0 TSI too. Both manual and DSG-equipped models sprint to 62mph in 7.4 seconds peaking at 140mph. One other petrol power plant is available – the 1.4 TSI. From rest 62 comes up in 9.3 seconds and it peaks at 126mph.

The diesel models are punchy enough to back up the Scirocco’s sporty looks but they aren’t as aurally pleasing and lack the smoothness that the newest diesel engines on the market offer. The more powerful car almost matches the 2.0 TSI – reaching 62mph in 7.5 seconds (identical for the DSG). Top speed is 143mph for the manual and 142mph for the DSG. The lower powered TDI still manages a respectable 0-62mph time of 8.6 seconds and 134mph top speed (132mph for the DSG).

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

£15k off Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio super SUV
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
News

£15k off Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio super SUV

If you have to have an SUV, a Stelvio QV is acceptable. Now it's being heavily discounted.
8 Jul 2025
New Aston Martin Vantage S revealed – Ferrari Amalfi rival is more powerful and focused
Aston Martin Vantage S front
News

New Aston Martin Vantage S revealed – Ferrari Amalfi rival is more powerful and focused

With a bump in power output among myriad detail changes, the Vantage S could be the ultimate driver’s Aston
8 Jul 2025
MST Mk1 Sports is a more affordable less extreme Ford Escort recreation
MST Ford Escort front
News

MST Mk1 Sports is a more affordable less extreme Ford Escort recreation

Costing a tenth of most made-new classics, the MST Mk1 Sports is comparatively accessible
8 Jul 2025