We review the Volkswagen Scirocco GTS from price to economy and all its features
'Special' is really not very Scirocco and roll
WE all love a special edition, don’t we? My first car was a 1.1-litre Fiesta, “Kingfisher” edition.
It had a soppy picture of a bird on the back, which I immediately removed with white spirit.
But on the plus side it had a blue line which ran around the gun-metal grey body and a few extra lumps and bulges on the bumpers.
Point is, a flourish here and there can help get us over the line when choosing a car to buy, and manufacturers know this. But none knows it better than VW. Now the car which shares most of its DNA with the Golf has a special edition – the Scirocco GTS.
Once you’re behind the wheel, it’s impossible not to like it
On paper, it should get on my nerves. It’s pricier than the Golf GTI yet is also front-wheel drive and knocks out the same 217bhp.
The racing stripe decals aren’t much more tempting than the gaudy kingfisher on the back of my Fiesta, and it doesn’t look vastly different to the first Scirocco back in 2008. But once you’re behind the wheel, it’s impossible not to like it.
Key Facts
- Price: £28,500
- Engine: 2.0l turbo petrol
- Economy: 46.3mpg
- 0-62mph: 6.5 seconds
- Top speed: 153mph
- Length: 4.2m
- CO2: 146g/km
With a 0-62 time of 6.5 seconds, it’s definitely nippy and the low-end throttle is responsive, despite relying on a turbo for punch.
It’s most happy in the upper rev bands, though, where it really is a fun machine – a bit of wheelspin is enough to put a flutter in the stomach on a quiet country road on Sunday morning.
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As a car pretty much unchanged since 2008, the dated design is noticeable on the inside.
While it’s got the VW build quality, with high-end materials and a 6.5in touchscreen, it feels older, thanks to a basic layout.
While I enjoyed the GTS immensely, its biggest problem is its price – £28.5K. My advice would be save a grand and get a Golf GTI.