“So often manufacturers dig up names from the past to lend vital support to an underachieving new product. Not this time. The return of the Volkswagen Scirocco was a triumph, thanks to a car that’s probably even better now than the original was. It doesn't just do very few things badly - it does a lot of things very well. In fact, it is one of the most infuriatingly difficult cars to criticise we’ve encountered in years. 4.5 out of 5.” Autocar, 2nd October 2023
FURTHER PHOTOGRAPHS TO FOLLOW SHORTLY
The Mk 1 and Mk2 generations of Volkswagen’s stylish coupé were based on the original Golf platform; not a bad option for delivering the driving experience their sporty bodywork (by Giugiaro for the 1974 original, in house for the latter in 1981) promised. It was very much more of the same with the Mk 3 Scirocco launched in 2008 with the Mk 5 Golf providing the nuts ‘n’ bolts this time, again no bad thing as the people’s car had rediscovered the mojo that had gone missing somewhat with the Mk 3 and 4.
Good power, massive torque and spectacular economy (with normally comfortably north of 50 mpg and mid-60s on a main road cruise) made the surprisingly refined diesel engines a popular choice with buyers, 50% of whom opted diesel engines throughout the model’s lifespan. Performance was not too shabby with the 2.0 GT TDI as featured here capable of 134 mph flat out and able to hit 60 mph in 8.5 seconds. A mild upgrade in 2010 saw the Scirocco gain the Golf Mk6’s significantly smarter dials and steering wheel.
As befitted a premium coupé all Sciroccos came well equipped with anti-lock brakes, traction control, alloy wheels, power steering, electric windows and mirrors, airbags front and side, sports seats (height adjustable for the driver, folding rears), adjustable steering column (rake and reach), remote central locking, service indicator and alarm. To this extensive list the ‘GT’ specification added 18” alloys, a multifunction steering wheel (with controls for audio and telephone), front fog lights, climate control and rear privacy glass.
Finished in rather lovely Night Blue metallic, this Scirocco also sports a multi CD eight speaker audio system, ‘Servotronic’ speed-related variable steering, switchable ESP, tyre pressure warning system, intermittent rain sensitive wipers and the desirable VAG Option Code A8F - “Sports Equipment”; this incorporates ‘Adaptive Chassis Control’ which enables switching between three modes (Comfort, Normal and Sport), each of which alters the throttle response, steering map and dampers.
A UK car first registered on 29th June 2010, possibly as a company vehicle for “Inventive Gardens”, the Scirocco passed onto its second owner, Nicholas March in London on 9th November 2012. The third owner, the vendor, purchased it on 27th August 2013 when it had covered some 17,000 miles. Over the next eleven years he added another 149,000 essentially trouble-free miles as his career as an RAF aircraft engineer took him all over the British Isles.
With two Volkswagen Dealer stamps in the Service book up to 2013 and 15,600 miles, subsequent servicing has been carried out by VW specialists and the more than competent vendor - remember there is no hard shoulder at 55,000 ft. On test the Scirocco drove very nicely with lots of go and no untoward clunks or bangs from the suspension or nasty noises from the drivetrain. Over the years regular servicing has been carried out along with attention to suspension and brakes as required and there are a number of bills on file attesting to this. A new clutch, flywheel and master cylinder were fitted in 2019 while a pair of rear tyres have just been fitted along with new wiper blades, ball joints and a lower rear wishbone.
As can be seen in the photo gallery, the Volkswagen is in very nice condition throughout, belying the miles it has covered, the majority of which have been on low wear and tear long runs. To best assess this, please study these photographs or better still inspect the car just outside Newark, Nottinghamshire.
The paintwork has one or two marks as shown, but frankly fewer than you might expect on a car of this age and certainly mileage. The bodywork is exceptionally straight with no sign of any corrosion and the panel fit is a match for any ‘industry best’ Audi - perhaps not surprisingly. The interior is also in fine shape with no obvious wear or marks. All the glass and plastics are uncracked and everything seems to function correctly with the exception of the remote boot release which just needs a helping hand to lift it fully clear of the catch. Though perhaps not a deal breaker, one of the alloy wheels is missing its centre cap.
There is a good history file with the car including the current V5C, numerous bills and a full book pack.
Always a stylish machine, the Scirocco is so much more than just a Golf in a party dress; lighter, lower and with wider suspension it is a noticeably dynamically better machine; not something that is true of all coupés. With this example being ‘Euro 5’ compliant, it is currently free to enter all UK City Centres with the exception of London, Birmingham and Bristol. Coupled to that, Road Tax of just £190/year and parsimonious fuel consumption make it an appealing proposition in today's ever more restrictive motoring landscape.
Only for sale due to a growing family, the vendor has agreed to reserve the car at something around half what a dealer might charge; in our view stylish, potentially depreciation free motoring doesn’t get much better than this.
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