The Essentials

• Price from £19,820
• What Car? says:
• Fuel economy: up to 62.8mpg
• What is it? A sleeker, sportier and slightly less practical take on the Golf.

• Drive

  Let your hair down without losing control: secure handling and spicy engines deliver a great blend of fun and comfort

• Inside

  Cabin feels classy and elegant; rear visibility is compromised by the narrow rear window

• Safety

  Six airbags and stability control are standard, plus active front head restraints. Deadlocks and an alarm take care of security

• Reliability

  All the mechanical bits have been tried and tested in other VW models. This and the fabulous attention to detail should have you resting easy

• Space

  Great up front, but two rear passengers can enjoy some yoga practice as they get in. Boot is reasonably sized and rear seat folds 50/50 for extra space

• Standard and extras

  Most things you'll need are included in the price, but you can add a panoramic sunroof, bigger alloys and touch-screen sat-nav

• What's it like to drive?

  We love the silky-smooth 158bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine, which has plenty of oomph. If you want proper hot hatch pace, though, spend a bit extra on the 208bhp 2.0 TSI. The Bluemotion diesel isn't a peppy performer, but should return more than 60mpg. Whichever version you choose, the Scirocco's handling is safe, grippy and predictable: it encourages you to let your hair down and have a great time without risking losing control. Adaptive chassis control - standard on all but entry-level models - allows you to vary the suspension, steering and throttle settings between Comfort and Sport, depending on your mood.

• What's it like inside?

  The Scirocco looks as classy inside as it does from the outside: from the triangular door handles to the soft-touch finish on the dashboard. The dash controls are easy to find, and there's masses of steering-wheel adjustment to help you find a comfortable driving position. Getting into the two rear seats requires some flexibility, though, so you're better off putting granny in the front. The Scirocco's boot isn't huge, either, but is bigger than you get in an Audi TT or a Peugeot RCZ. Even entry-level versions come with loads of standard kit, including alloys, air-conditioning, automatic lights and wipers, electric windows and an infotainment system, which incorporates Bluetooth, a DAB radio and a sat-nav.

• How reliable is it?

  Unlikely. The Scirocco finished top of its class in the most recent JD Power ownership satisfaction survey, with above average marks for mechanical reliability. There's been no skimping on safety equipment, either. Front-, side- and curtain airbags are fitted as standard, as is stability control, to help prevent you skidding off the road. The Scirocco has been tested under the most recent Euro NCAP crash-testing programme, and received 87% for adult safety and 73% for child safety. Not bad, but the Golf, on which the Scirocco is based, scored much higher marks

• Should I buy one?

  Not only is the price competitive, but the VW Scirocco should hold its value well, making it a sound investment. Running costs will relate directly to how much fun you're having, but the Bluemotion diesel is the version to choose if you want the lowest fuel and company car tax bills.