Volkswagen Scirocco
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a stylish SUV that offers genuine driver appeal? The Volkswagen Scirocco might be exactly what you’re after. This striking three-door coupe combines head-turning looks with Volkswagen’s renowned build quality and practicality. It’s the perfect choice for drivers who want something more exciting than a conventional hatchback but don’t want to sacrifice everyday usability.

The Scirocco stands out immediately with its sharp, angular design and distinctive profile. Unlike mainstream rivals, it offers a genuinely sporty driving experience wrapped in a sophisticated package. The interior showcases VW’s attention to detail, with high quality materials and intuitive controls throughout. From the driver’s seat, you get excellent visibility and a commanding view of the road ahead.

What makes the Scirocco special is how it balances performance with practicality. The turbocharged engines deliver impressive power and efficiency, while the well-tuned chassis provides engaging handling without compromising comfort. It’s surprisingly practical too, with a decent boot and enough space for four adults on shorter trips. While it commands a premium over more conventional alternatives, you’re paying for distinctive styling and genuine driving enjoyment that few coupes can match.

What's the Volkswagen Scirocco Like to Drive?

The Volkswagen Scirocco range offers an impressive selection of turbocharged engines that prioritise both performance and efficiency. The entry-level 1.4 TSI produces around 125 horsepower, providing adequate performance for most drivers with a 0-60 time of approximately 9.2 seconds. For those wanting more excitement, the 2.0 TSI variants offer between 178 and 217 horsepower, delivering genuinely brisk acceleration and a sporty exhaust note that adds to the driving experience.

Where the Scirocco truly excels is in its dynamic abilities. The precisely weighted steering provides excellent feedback, making it engaging to drive on twisty country roads. The suspension strikes an impressive balance between comfort and control, soaking up everyday bumps while remaining composed through corners. The coupe body style contributes to its rigid structure, enhancing both handling precision and refinement. Whether you’re tackling a challenging B-road or cruising on the motorway, the Scirocco feels secure and confidence inspiring.

Inside the Volkswagen Scirocco: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Scirocco and you’re immediately impressed by the build quality and design. The dashboard features a clean, driver-focused layout with high quality materials throughout. The seats provide excellent support, particularly in the sportier trim levels, and offer plenty of adjustment to help you find the ideal driving position. The cabin feels solidly constructed, with controls that operate with typical Volkswagen precision and durability.

Technology integration is well executed, with most models featuring a touchscreen infotainment system that includes smartphone connectivity. The driving position is excellent, offering good visibility in all directions despite the coupe silhouette. Road and wind noise are well controlled, creating a refined environment for longer journeys. While rear seat space is limited compared to a conventional hatchback, two adults can travel comfortably on shorter trips, making it more practical than many traditional sports coupes.

The Volkswagen Scirocco represents excellent value in the coupe market, offering distinctive styling and engaging driving dynamics at a reasonable price point. Its combination of build quality, performance options, and everyday usability makes it stand out from more expensive German rivals. The interior feels premium and well-crafted, while the driving experience delivers genuine enjoyment whether you’re commuting or exploring country roads.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Volkswagen Scirocco?

As a performance-focused coupe with premium positioning, the Scirocco’s running costs reflect its sporty nature. Fuel economy varies significantly depending on engine choice and driving style, with the smaller 1.4 TSI achieving around 45 mpg in mixed driving, while the more powerful 2.0 TSI variants typically return between 35-40 mpg. Insurance costs are moderate for the class, though they’ll be higher than for equivalent mainstream hatchbacks due to the car’s performance credentials.

The key consideration is depreciation and maintenance costs. Sciroccos hold their value reasonably well thanks to their distinctive styling and limited production numbers. Servicing costs are typical for Volkswagen models, and the engines have proven reliable with proper maintenance. While parts and labour aren’t the cheapest, the build quality means fewer unexpected repairs. car finance options can help spread the cost, making ownership more accessible for those who appreciate the Scirocco’s unique appeal.

Is the Volkswagen Scirocco Practical for Everyday Use?

For a coupe, the Scirocco offers surprisingly good practicality for everyday use. The 312-litre boot is reasonably sized and well-shaped, easily accommodating a weekly shop or weekend luggage for two people. The rear seats fold down to expand cargo capacity when needed, though the loading aperture isn’t as large as you’d find in a conventional hatchback. Interior storage is adequate, with door pockets, cupholders, and a decent-sized glovebox for everyday items.

The main limitation is rear passenger space, which is best suited to children or occasional adult passengers on shorter journeys. However, this is typical for the coupe format and many buyers choose the Scirocco specifically for its distinctive looks rather than maximum practicality. For couples or small families who prioritise style alongside usability, the Scirocco strikes a good balance. It’s more practical than many traditional sports cars while offering greater visual impact than used Volkswagen cars in conventional body styles.

The Volkswagen Scirocco successfully combines striking coupe styling with impressive practicality and strong performance credentials. It offers Volkswagen’s excellent build quality and reliability in a distinctive package that stands out from conventional hatchbacks. The range of efficient turbocharged engines provides options for different priorities, from economy-focused driving to genuine performance thrills.

You choose the Scirocco because you want something more exciting than ordinary family cars without sacrificing build quality or everyday usability. Its sharp styling, engaging driving dynamics, and solid construction make it a rewarding choice for drivers who appreciate distinctive design. With strong residual values and proven reliability, the Scirocco represents sound value for money in the competitive coupe market, offering cars under £15,000 that deliver premium appeal.