VW Scirocco Bluemotion
Sporty diesel coupe promises over 60mpg
Three years on, and the Scirocco is as good as ever. If you’re after a diesel, then this economical new arrival is the pick of the bunch, combining smart styling and a fun-filled driving experience with low running costs. Although purists should stick to the more characterful petrols, the BlueMotion’s all-round ability makes it hard to fault. Opting for the DSG box means its eco credentials suffer slightly.
Diesel sports cars are a more common sight these days, but it’s worth remembering that when the Scirocco was originally launched back in 2008, petrol power was the only option going.
Times have changed, though, and today the 138bhp 2.0 TDI is the biggest seller, so Volkswagen has introduced a fresh version of the lower-powered oil-burner that’s more efficient than ever.
Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the VW Scirocco
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Appealing to both heart and head, this new BlueMotion Technology model replaces the 138bhp TDI in the range, and imports the fuel-saving tweaks from the class-leading Golf and Polo.
Power output is unchanged, but the addition of a stop-start system, regenerative brakes and a gearshift indicator help cut emissions to 118g/km – annual tax costs only £30.
What’s more, the sleek coupé also manages to return a combined 62.8mpg – no mean feat in a car that can sprint from 0-62mph in only 9.3 seconds. The biggest relief for keen drivers, though, is that the latest eco tweaks haven’t altered the Scirocco’s fantastic drive.
The diesel motor is a little noisy on start-up, but soon settles to a pleasing hum. And while it lacks the immediacy of the turbo petrols in the line-up, it’s still a gutsy performer.
The 320Nm torque output is spread evenly across the rev range, and because it’s available from as low as 1,750rpm, you rarely feel the need to drop a gear when overtaking.
In slow-moving traffic, the stop-start system works smoothly. However, occasionally, a symbol on the dash would illuminate to signify that the car was unable to shut off the engine for a short period of time.
The Golf GTI-derived chassis is as brilliant as ever, and the Scirocco’s grippy front end and weighty steering make it a thrilling drive, especially paired with the excellent manual gearbox.
It may not quite excite in the same way as a faster petrol – but the diesel is a great long-distance cruiser, thanks to first-class refinement and a well balanced ride. Our only reservation is the price – at £23,515, extras such as cruise control and Bluetooth should be included as standard.
