| Week at the Wheel | VW Scirocco TDI |

Inside & Out:

Original concept drawings of the Scirocco depicted a dramatic coupé with a bold grille on the nose and a swooping profile rounded out with pronounced haunches. In production VW has toned the look down a touch. Nevertheless, much of the drama is realised in the showroom version and the bold colours that are available further accentuate the look. It's very different to virtually everything else on the road with only - oddly - the Volvo C30 bearing a resemblance from the rear.

On the road the Scirocco met with universal approval on both sides of the channel, particularly in France, where our progress was punctuated by grins, waves and thumbs up. Given its humdrum Golf roots there are obviously some compromises one has to accept with the Scirocco in the form of boot access and rear space. The boot opening is shallow and requires some manipulation and imagination to maximise its capacity, whereas the interior space is less negotiable; it isn't tight exactly, but adults may not appreciate too long a stint in there, a feeling exaggerated by the darkness due to the small glasshouse and bold rising shoulder line.

For the most part the interior will be familiar to Golf owners - and indeed drivers of other VW models - thanks to its crisp quality and well judged blend of style and functionality. Only the touch-screen satnav and the air conditioning controls (oddly flimsy and lacking in pleasing tactility in operation) drew criticism from the occupants who found the Scirocco's interior comfortable and capable in extended periods of occupation.

Engine & Transmission:

It's not that long since the idea of a diesel engine in an image coupé would have been shouted down as foolhardy, but here we are now with a range of manufacturers offering just that. In our Scirocco's case the 2.0-litre VAG unit does a fine job of blurring relaxed performance with economy. More enthusiastic drivers will crave some more sparkle from under the bonnet, but for journeys of several hundred miles the gentle thrum and near 50mpg potential make the turbodiesel a pleasant companion.

It's interesting to reflect on the different personalities that an engine bestows upon its host. The 1.4-litre TSI engine feels more lively and fizzy - and in keeping with the Scirocco's potential. This gives buyers a clear choice between a mini GT car - in the form of the diesel - or a more sporting drive in the form of the petrol models, each with their relative strengths and weaknesses.

Ride & Handling:

The switchable dampers offered as standard on the Scirocco in the UK manage to strike an excellent balance between a cosseting motorway ride and more involving back road excursions. Ultimately a little more steering feel and fun would be appreciated given the exciting appearance of the car, but the extra mass of the diesel engine does perhaps blunt the dynamics a touch; it's not as keen to please as other petrol variants we've tried, which have been more agile.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

Given we managed a month's worth of driving in a weekend we didn't find many omissions from the Scirocco's spec list that one would need on a daily basis. The climate control was excellent and the optional cruise control is a must-have given the car's touring potential - as are the rear parking sensors if one doesn't want to personalise that bold rear end on a bollard or similar. Satnav is expensive though - as ever we'd consider the value relative to a portable device.

Overall, given what's on offer, the list price represents real value for money when compared to rivals, not least the fact it undercuts the similarly-powered Audi TT significantly. And the final point of note - and this takes some figuring out - is that it costs less than an equivalent Golf. Our brief hunt on the Internet yielded savings on certain models of a generous 10 pecent, but with a lead time of in excess of four months - expect that to get better as the initial surge of buyers subsides, assuming it does. Residuals are likely to be solid.

Overall:

Only the close stable mate that is the Audi TT brings the fight to the Scirocco on something approaching equal terms as far as style and class are concerned. For us the Scirocco would get the nod ahead of its Ingolstadt cousin; it has to be considered to be one of - if not the - most desirable cars on sale in the price bracket. Those craving more pace will have their needs addressed with a forthcoming hotter version but for now there is precious little to fault in the current offerings and the TDI model offers a great blend of performance with economy.