When it launched in 2008, the Scirocco almost looked like it had beamed down from space. Yes, it took on the nameplate of the original, but that car hadn’t been on sale for well over a decade, and the Scirocco was a breath of fresh air in VW’s line-up. It was fun, pretty quick with an engine nicked from the Golf GTI, and importantly, it was rather cool.

Its impact might have lessened over the years, but VW will be hoping the GTS gives owners a reason to upgrade before the new model arrives, and stop them heading into a rival.

Performance

The trusty 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol has had its wick turned up to 217bhp, which used to be big power for a front-wheel drive coupe, but looks almost underwhelming by 2016 standards. Luckily it doesn’t feel it, because torque builds from early in the revs and has enough potency to make you grateful for the Scirocco’s bucket seats.

You can get the GTS with an automatic, but the manual gearbox makes the engine feel punchier, with a useful and satisfying surge in each gear. It sounds a little unruly compared with the latest VW’s too, with a bass-laden exhaust note and an induction rasp as the revs climb.

Performance might not be an on a par with the new race of super hatches, like the SEAT Leon Cupra 290 or even the Renaultsport Megane 275, but acceleration from 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 153mph make the GTS feel noticeably quicker than a Subaru BRZ.

Ride and Handling

There’s still a slickness to the controls of the Scirocco which make it a bit of a treat to drive

There’s still a slickness to the controls of the Scirocco which make it a bit of a treat to drive. Oily steering feel and a stumpy gear lever are allied perfectly to a low-slung driving position and leather steering wheel with nuggety grips at the two-and-three-quarters position. Turn into a corner and the Scirocco feels quite well-balanced too; you can tell it’s front-wheel drive, but scrappy understeer doesn’t dominate proceedings. The car we tested had VW’s optional adjustable suspension, with three levels of firmness, and it’s really worth the outlay. With it fitted, the suspension isn’t perfect, but it’s reasonably smooth, and in a car likely to be driven everyday like the GTS, that’s a real positive. In fact, on lumpy British roads we found ourselves driving in ‘Comfort’ mode even when pressing on. Still, it’s good to know the Scirocco can corner flatter and harder if you come across a particularly Bavarian-looking stretch of road or a racetrack. It can’t ultimately offer the purity of feel, or rear-wheel drive antics of the BRZ or a Mazda MX-5, but as a car to drive on your commute and still enjoy when the opportunity arises, the argument for a Scirocco can certainly hold water.

Interior and Equipment

The Scirocco GTS is available in Urano Grey as standard, with Flash Red, Pure White, Oryx White, Indium Grey and Deep Black as options, each with colour-coordinated GTS racing stripes.

The Scirocco was given a mid-life update, but still doesn’t feel as fresh as far newer models like the Golf GTI. It still has an undeniably attractive interior, and the updated 6.5-inch infotainment system has most of the functions you’d expect, but look closely and you’ll notice a few bits of trim or switches which date it somewhat. Still, the GTS add-ons lift it, with the R-Line trim forming its base, but with GTS logos on the leather front seats, gearstick and door sills, along with red striped seatbelts to get you in the mood every time you buckle up. Space in the front seats is good, so long as you don’t mind sitting fairly low, and there’s actually enough room for two adults in the back seat, they just won’t be able to see very much. As for the boot, well that’s a rather practical 312 litres, beating the 243 litres in the BRZ.

Cost

Running costs are quite impressive too, with a claimed 46mpg

There’s no doubting the GTS is a rather pricey piece of kit, coming in a few grand more expensive than the priciest BRZ and roughly £5k more than the Renaultsport Megane 275. So, if driving thrills are your prerogative, there’s no doubting you could access them more cheaply. But, that would be to miss the point of the GTS somewhat too. With leather seats and a more advanced infotainment system than most of its rivals, this is a sports coupe which also feels pretty luxurious. Running costs are quite impressive too, with a claimed 46mpg and 142g/km for the manual, with its figures only dropping slightly if you go for the DSG automatic gearbox.

Our Verdict

The great looks of the original Scirocco have kept it looking handsome on the outside, but whether you need the racing stripes is debatable. There are also cheaper ways to get more performance, but if you aren’t interested in figures, the older hardware hasn’t affected its ability to put a smile on your face.