Volkswagen Scirocco coupe (2008-2017) - Interior & comfort

Excellent build quality is a trait the Volkswagen Scirocco shares with the VW Golf, and the Scirocco adds a sportier accent. The Scirocco remains smooth and quiet at cruising speeds and it's easy to get comfortable inside. Alloy wheels and plenty of kit come as standard on the Scirocco, although the basic trim level misses out on sat nav, which has to be bought as an option. A multifunction steering wheel puts all the stereo and on-board computer functions at your fingertips.

Volkswagen Scirocco dashboard

The transmission tunnel is taller than the Golf’s, giving a cockpit-like feel to the interior, while the additional dials on top of the dashboard are another sporty touch, if perhaps a bit gimmicky and not likely to be really useful for most drivers.

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Getting comfortable is easy, thanks to a steering wheel that adjusts in and out as well as up and down. The driver’s seat has plenty of adjustment, too. When choosing colours for your new Scirocco, we’d advise you to beware of dark interior and roof lining options. The Scirocco has small windows and dark interior colours can make the inside of the car feel a bit claustrophobic.

Equipment

Volkswagen has given every Scirocco plenty of equipment, so even the basic version comes with air-conditioning, 17-inch alloy wheels, a multifunction steering wheel and a roof spoiler. That steering wheel puts all the stereo and trip-computer controls usefully close to hand, plus you get Volkswagen’s Composition media system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, CD player, DAB digital radio and MP3 and Bluetooth compatibility to while away the miles.

Upgrading to the GT model adds sat nav, front and rear parking sensors, 18-inch alloy wheels, climate control, front foglights and tinted rear windows. The sat nav, named Discover, can also be added as an option to the basic trim level. It offers pre-loaded European coverage, speed-limit display and 3D mapping. It also benefits from a three-year subscription to Car-Net, Volkswagen’s online support system which offers information on traffic, fuel pricing and even parking space availability.

R-Line models get an exterior styling kit, nicer interior trim, leather seats and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Options

Leather trim is an appealing, if expensive option at £1,895, although the R-Line and above include it as standard. More functional options include a power-adjustable driver’s seat (£290, but only available with leather trim) and a £395 winter pack. This comprises heated front seats, heated windscreen washer jets and headlamp wipers.

We’d recommend metallic paint. It starts at £570 but really helps the car to stand out – particularly the brighter colours. The panoramic glass sunroof, at £775, is also well worth considering for the extra light it lets into the cabin.

Enthusiastic drivers would be wise to try the Dynamic Chassis Control, enabling the car to be set up for comfortable or sporty driving. It’s an £850 option. Also available, for £210 is an XDS electronic differential. This improves grip when accelerating, although it’s only worth considering if you’re expecting to regularly take the car to its handling limits.