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

Used Porsche 911 (991, 2011 - 2018) review – should you buy the unloved 911?
Porsche 991 Carrera rear
In-depth reviews

Used Porsche 911 (991, 2011 - 2018) review – should you buy the unloved 911?

For better or worse, the 991 was a huge moment of change for the Porsche 911, as it passed the half-century mark. We look back at the black sheep of t…
17 Feb 2025
Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman 2.0 four-cylinder – the car world's greatest misses
Porsche 718 four cylinder
Features

Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman 2.0 four-cylinder – the car world's greatest misses

Downsizing the engine of Porsche’s entry-level sports car was an embarrassing flat-four fiasco
18 Feb 2025
Alpina B3 GT Touring 2025 review – a 190mph alternative to the BMW M3 Touring
Alpina B3 GT Touring
Reviews

Alpina B3 GT Touring 2025 review – a 190mph alternative to the BMW M3 Touring

A swansong for Alpina’s hot 3-series lineup, the B3 GT Touring is a fine and unique alternative to the very best fast estates
16 Feb 2025