jsgreen89
22-05-2008, 01:40 PM
VW Scirocco - First drive (http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/FirstDrives/Volkswagen-Scirocco-2.0-T-FSI/232864/)
http://www.autocar.co.uk/contentImages//Car/Volkswagen/Scirocco/2058851232.jpg
Saw this in Autocar this week, first proper drive of the new Scirocco. It doesn't seem that it's just a GTi with a different shell after all! Some interesting quotes:
Questions about the Scirocco’s ability to accommodate rear seat passengers in any comfort arise the moment you clamp eyes on its plunging roofline. Thread yourself behind the front seats, though, and you discover there is more room than there seems at first.
In many ways the VW Scirocco is better than a Golf GTi...But the Scirocco is the sharper drive, and for many prospective buyers that will be the clincher. We’re yet to drive it on proper roads for any great length of time but a 10-lap thrash around the Nurburgring as part of its final validation test prior to the commencement of European sales this summer proved the new coupe fully lives up to the reputation of earlier Scirocco models.
The top-of-the-line Scirocco engine is not the same as that found in the Golf GTi, despite the apparent on-paper similarities. Developed under the codename EA888, it is slightly lighter than the more familiar EA113 unit and has a stiffer block for improved NVH properties.
If the VW's Golf GTi takes your fancy, don’t commit before you drive the Scirocco. Not only does it look a good deal better, it is also a better drive. The only reason why you might be put off is its relative lack of boot space. Although with the rear seats folded down, it’s got enough space to satisfy most.I know the looks aren't to everyone's taste, and the performance isn't stelllar (0-60 in just over 7s apparently), but from this account it sounds like it drives great, and for £20k (probably nearer £23k with decent alloys, parking sensors and the proper leather interior) it still seems like excellent value. I'm sorely tempted to put a deposit down for September :D
http://www.autocar.co.uk/contentImages//Car/Volkswagen/Scirocco/2058851232.jpg
Saw this in Autocar this week, first proper drive of the new Scirocco. It doesn't seem that it's just a GTi with a different shell after all! Some interesting quotes:
Questions about the Scirocco’s ability to accommodate rear seat passengers in any comfort arise the moment you clamp eyes on its plunging roofline. Thread yourself behind the front seats, though, and you discover there is more room than there seems at first.
In many ways the VW Scirocco is better than a Golf GTi...But the Scirocco is the sharper drive, and for many prospective buyers that will be the clincher. We’re yet to drive it on proper roads for any great length of time but a 10-lap thrash around the Nurburgring as part of its final validation test prior to the commencement of European sales this summer proved the new coupe fully lives up to the reputation of earlier Scirocco models.
The top-of-the-line Scirocco engine is not the same as that found in the Golf GTi, despite the apparent on-paper similarities. Developed under the codename EA888, it is slightly lighter than the more familiar EA113 unit and has a stiffer block for improved NVH properties.
If the VW's Golf GTi takes your fancy, don’t commit before you drive the Scirocco. Not only does it look a good deal better, it is also a better drive. The only reason why you might be put off is its relative lack of boot space. Although with the rear seats folded down, it’s got enough space to satisfy most.I know the looks aren't to everyone's taste, and the performance isn't stelllar (0-60 in just over 7s apparently), but from this account it sounds like it drives great, and for £20k (probably nearer £23k with decent alloys, parking sensors and the proper leather interior) it still seems like excellent value. I'm sorely tempted to put a deposit down for September :D