It will be 15 years ago next summer that Volkswagen revealed the IROC concept. The world liked what it saw. This was the first genuinely exciting looking, production-ready VW seen in ages. The Golf GTI had become good again by this point, but it was still a fairly conventional hot hatch. There hadn't been a VW sports car of any kind to get enthusiasts fired up since... well, the original Scirocco most likely. (We've not forgotten the Corrado here, of course, because it's great, though even its most dedicated fans wouldn't call it thrilling to look at.)
The IROC changed that. Here was the future of the Scirocco (note how 'IROC' is the middle four letters of that model name) looking bob-on for a 21st century reincarnation of a fan favourite, with the promise of a genuinely good drive again thanks to a much-improved Golf underpinnings.
Even better than the potential shown by the concept was the Scirocco reality. Because not only did it faithfully recreate the IROC's good looks into something showroom appropriate, it drove really smartly as well. And the green even made it to the colour palette. For all those people for whom a Golf GTI was a little too staid and predictable, however talented it was, the Scirocco has returned to add a little pizzazz to the fast VW line up. Which is what coupes were always meant to do.
Initially the Scirocco proved popular, exactly because it combined all the good bits of a Golf in something a little more dynamic and interesting. Back then, of course, coupes were bigger business - the Peugeot RCZ, Renault Megane Coupe and Nissan 370Z were all around in 2009. And though the Scirocco would never deliver the handling purity of rear-wheel drive, it won plentiful praise for its all-round appeal.
So much so, in fact, that a Scirocco R joined the range, as well as lower powered models. And all was well. But by the time of the 2014 facelift, the writing was on the wall for the Scirocco: while the Golf GTI had been given new technology and the modular MQB architecture, the 'rocco wasn't going to be updated. A bit more power here and a cosmetic lift here, but not the sort of overhaul that would future proof VW's coupe. Combine that with the SUV's rise in popularity - in particular the coupe SUV - and it became clear the Scirocco was on borrowed time. By 2017 it has been cancelled, its production facility repurposed to churn out T-Rocs...
Which is a disappointment, but manufacturers have to make what people are going to buy. Those tempted by a used Scirocco, on the other hand, are currently spoilt for choice given the car's initial popularity and less competitive residuals than the equivalent Golf.
No, seriously. This red, 2009 Scirocco is a GT manual - arguably the most desirable non-R spec, especially with the DCC dampers - and is up for sale at just £6,995 with 57,000 miles. This 2009, Mk6 Golf GTI has 58,000 miles and is £9,000. Even this 2007, Mk5 Golf GTI is more money than the Scirocco - they do look like excellent value at the moment, if five doors aren't required. Moreover, the same checkpoints apply as would for the Golf: make sure the cambelt changes are on schedule, check the adaptive dampers work properly and, like anything, ensure the service history is comprehensive. Other than that, the Scirocco has proved pretty dependable.
It's hard to find much fault with the Scirocco, then - some will see that as a fault in itself, lacking the 'character' or 'charm' of a more demanding coupe. But for those who want one to deliver across the board come rain or shine, on a weekday or a holiday, there's a lot to be said for the humble Scirocco. Especially at just £7k. And the red ones are the fastest ones, too...
SPECIFICATION | VW SCIROCCO GT
Engine: 1,984cc, four-cyl turbo
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 210@5,300-6,200rpm
Torque (lb ft): 207@1,700-5,000rpm
MPG: 31.8
CO2: 172g/km
Year registered: 2009
Recorded mileage: 57,000
Price new: £25,845 (2014)
Yours for: £6,995
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