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For the first time, we’ve just spent more than a few minutes on the road in the new Volkswagen Scirocco. And you know what? It’s pretty good.

Okay, okay. “We drive ‘pretty good’ new Scirocco” is not going to make the cover of a magazine, but there you have it. Like most new products in life, it’s not brilliant, but it’s far from bad. And it is cleverly positioned.

I’ve just spent the day in a 2.0-litre, 197bhp, turbocharged version with a DSG twin-clutch gearbox. With a wider t...Read the full article

Unfortunately, from the front the new Scirocco looks boring when compared to both the IROC and current Golf GTI. It is also dissappointing to read that the dash display will be backlite in white as opposed VW's usual very cool blue. One suspects VW are worried that if the Scirocco was as good to look at both inside and out as was the IROC, the TT would be dead in the water.

I think it will look good in the bright Green which was used to coat the IROC Show Car. I am actually starting to really like the looks of the Scirocco - and I thought that maybe they could be saving that IROC front end for an even sportier version, a bit like what SEAT appear to be doing with the Ibiza - the FR model will supposedly carry the Black Mask front end. Maybe they'll go a Scirocco GTI or something even more bonkers. But at least the Viper Green paintwork has survived. Shame about the interior, though.

Autocar:

For the first time, we’ve just spent more than a few minutes on the road in the new Volkswagen Scirocco. And you know what? It’s pretty good.

"Pretty good" seems to be where VWs are pitched nowadays. None of the current line up are excellent, innovative or even really desirable. However, waiting for the Up! with interest.