Volkswagen Scirocco R FWD 2012 review

Here's a really difficult Euro coupe choice for you - the razor sharp and raunchy-looking Renault Megane RS250 or the new and equally raunchy-looking Volkswagen Scirocco R?

Volkswagen has finally landed its "uber" front drive coupe and it goes as well as it looks. Pricing starts at $47,490 for the six-speed manual Scirocco compared with the Renault's kick off price of $41,990. Four options are available on Scirocco - satnav, DSG manumatic, a Dynaudio sound system and a glass sunroof. Tick these boxes and you are nudging the $55 grand mark.

But balanced against this is the fact that the striking Scirocco is an impressive car offering superb performance from its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine and surprisingly accomplished dynamics thanks to the electronic diff' lock and other electronic trickery to keep it on the straight and narrow.

Explore the 2012 Volkswagen Scirocco range

• Volkswagen Scirocco R DSG 2012 review
• Volkswagen Scirocco R FWD 2012 review
• Volkswagen Scirocco manual 2012 review
• Volkswagen Scirocco 2012 review
• Volkswagen Scirocco 2012: road test

UNDER THE BONNET

Strong performance percolates from the 2.0-litre, turbo, direct injection, four pot lifted from Golf R but without all wheel drive. It's around 135kg lighter than Golf R and produces 188kW/330Nm. The lighter makes Scirocco R is a marginally quicker device that uses slightly less fuel rated at around 8.0-litres/100km. Six-speed transmissions are available in a DSG manumatic and a conventional manual. Both are fully engaging for the driver.

DYNAMICS

VW equips Scirocco with adaptive chassis control offering Comfort, Normal and Sport. The electronic diff' lock has extended functions (XDL) as per Golf GTi and the stability control has a sports calibration. Wheels are 19-inch with low profile sports rubber and the brakes are multi-piston sports units with prodigious stopping power and resistance to fade. The rigid chassis provides a platform for all dynamic functions to work properly.

INSIDE

No leather is offered, it's perforated cloth only in  semi-race seats with suede inserts on the side bolsters to hold you in place. No lumbar adjustment though. The classy dash is typical VW with quality materials, sensible layout and some "wow" features like the blue highlight dials, 12-mode trip computer and multi-function, flat-bottom suede steering wheel. The standard audio is worthy and the optional satnav has a huge screen but doesn't offer "safety" information. There's adequate room for four and a decent load space. Manual seat adjustment though.

OUTSIDE

Scirocco rates as one of the most handsome cars on the road right now. It crouches as though ready to pounce and has a reptilian look around the frontal area. The rear haunches look muscular and the rear has a squat, powerful look accentuated by dual exhaust outlets. There are LED driving lights and bixenon headlights and those machine-like alloys - fantastic, but no red - what?

SAFETY

It's a five star car offering six air bags, adjustable stability control and other crash protection features.

ON THE ROAD

We had a good old drive up in the Victoria high country where the Scirocco slipped straight into character - carving up the corners and shortening the straights. There's a gorgeous rush of power from low in the rev range that makes spinning it to redline unnecessary. Short shift and it cracks straight into the fat torque band and leaps forward. The DSG generates a stirring exhaust pop on upchanges and blips the throttle on downchanges. It handles beautifully, especially when set for sport though there is a touch of steering backlash on bumpy corners taken at speed. Brake abuse hardly affects the car's stopping power. The lack of lumbar support could be an issue for some drivers but otherwise Scirocco is a comfortable, well appointed coupe with some classy touches. No spare though.

VERDICT

Fabulous car, engaging, well mannered, flattering, sensational looks, plenty of kit.