Volkwagen’s Scirocco has roared into the list of born-again hatches like VW’s own Beetle and BMW’s Mini Cooper. The original Scirocco had a glorious run from 1974 to 1992 with one revamp and a few aerodynamic upgrades and engine introductions. And then, it was in 2006 that VW unveiled the exciting Iroc coupe hatch concept vehicle.

The Scirocco looks almost identical to it. While the front air dam has lost the insane edge, other touches like the slant of the headlamps, the black mascara for the inset head lights, the lip-like finish of the bonnet give it a very aggressive look. Magnifying the roadfighter look is the coupe roofline. The rear looks pleasing despite the high bumper line and small glass area.

The Scirocco’s interiors are a big letdown though. There’s no engine start-stop button and the instruments are ordinary. The rear bench isn’t spacious as you are seated quite low. The front seats are low too but the six-way adjustment lets you fix your seating position. And staring back at you is a flat-bottomed steering wheel with paddle shifts.

Start the car and the 2-litre turbo-petrol comes to life with a slight rumble. It feels tame, but a gentle prod to the accelerator proves otherwise. On open roads, the engine builds speed rapidly from the 1800 rpm mark.

You can use the paddle shifts on the steering wheel, or use the manual in drive mode, or shift to the sports mode which will tweak the shift points for better cornering on the smooth six-speed DSG transmission. In manual mode the time lag in downshifts when pushing hard is annoying, but the upshifts make you smile as they are accompanied by an addictive ‘POP!’ sound from the exhaust.

VW will offer the Scirocco with three petrol and one diesel version. Apart from the 197bhp, 2-litre TSI engine, there will be a 122bhp, 1.4 TSI with the six-speed DSG and a 160bhp supercharged, turbocharged 1.4 petrol. This twin-charged unit’s sub-250Nm torque rating allows the option of a seven-speed DSG box.

The Scirocco is planted and confident while attacking corners, lithe and agile too. It hardly had any roll, the front MacPhersons taking up the lateral load. The adaptive suspension by ‘reading’ the driver inputs like braking, steering and acceleration determines the ride quality.

The only let down was the steering — direct and well-weighted but a bit short on the fun factor due to muted feedback. To me, the Scirocco is in its element at 220kph. The harmony of sports and comfort in a stunning package stood out, the suspension worked calmly and the engine powered on tirelessly despite being only 15kph short of the company-claimed top speed, the steering was composed and I was absolutely relaxed in the driver’s seat.

The Scirocco is an impressive number to pull off, especially since it is Rs 85,000 more than the Golf GTI on which it based. However, the Rs 17 lakh price tag (not including duties) still makes it a very expensive hatch by Indian standards.

spec check

Volkswagen Scirocco

Price: Rs 17 lakh(estimated)
L/W/H: 4256/1810/1404mm
Wheelbase: 2578mm
Kerb weight: 1298kg
Engine: 4 cyls in-line, 1984cc, turbocharged petrol
Installation: Front, transverse, Front-wheel drive
Power: 197bhp at 6000rpm
Torque: 28kgm at 1700rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed manual
Fuel tank: 55 litres
Brakes (F/R): Ventilated discs
Tyres: 245/45 R18