VOLKSWAGEN is deadly serious about the Scirocco – you’ve only got to glance at the aggressive pricing to see just how much.

The difference between a 2.0 Tsi GT Scirocco and the basic Golf Gti three-door is less than £100.

If the same price differential had existed between the Corrado and the Mk 3 Golf Gti, I reckon VW would have sold boatloads more of the far more exciting coupe.

But the Corrado had a ‘premium’ price tag – one of the reasons why it was a sales flop, despite being hailed by critics as one of the best-handling front-drive cars ever.

Clearly, VW isn’t about to make the same mistake with the Scirocco, although there are other parallels with the Corrado.

Just like the earlier car, VW’s latest coupe is based on its Golf cousin, although it wouldn’t be correct to describe it as a Golf in a party frock!

Although it has the same wheelbase (the distance between the front and back wheels), the Scirocco is longer, wider and a lot lower than its Golf stable-mate.

The track is also wider, by 35mm at the front and 59mm at the rear, which means the Scirocco occupies more Tarmac and sits lower to the ground – two pre-requisites for good handling.

In addition, VW’s engineers have spent months perfecting new suspension settings, dampers and anti-roll bars for the new coupe. No wonder it feels like a different car.

The handling is excellent, with terrific turn-in grip and good stability through the tightest of bends.

The traction control can be switched off, but the stability program is a permanent addition and it will intervene if things get a little too hot.

The suspension is surprisingly soft, giving a good ride in most conditions, although I suspect the Scirocco won’t be a great trackday coupe without a bit of fettling.

For the road, though, it’s an excellent compromise. If you reach the ragged edge and you’re not on a circuit, you’re going too fast anyway.

Where other performance coupes will buck and complain over poorly-surfaced roads, the Scirocco just takes everything in its stride. That makes it an easy car to drive quickly and a safe one to have fun in. The steering is meaty, too and the gear change complements the rest of the vehicle nicely with a swift, positive change.

Initially the Scirocco was only available with one engine: the 2.0- litre turbo from the Golf.

It has since been joined by a 1.4 and a 2.0-litre diesel but, for me, the original is still the best choice.

Fitted to the Scirocco it has the same outright performance as a Golf Gti, but returns marginally better fuel consumption, largely because the coupe is lighter than its hatchback cousin.

The four-cylinder engine is a gem: quiet and composed when cruising, as capable of running at a languid 2,500rpm on the motorway as it is charging round to the red line.

That’s because it has a hefty 207ft/lb of torque at a very low 1,700rpm, a trait that means the Scirocco’s in-gear acceleration times will even show a Porsche Boxster the way home.

Despite the Golf heritage, the Scirocco is strictly a twoplus- two with just enough room in the back seats for a couple of kids.

Accommodation in the front is fine, the sports seats are comfortable and all the controls are logically placed.

The instrumentation is generic Volkswagen/Audi, as is the switchgear, although the unusual triangular door pulls are new.

Truth be told it’s a bit dull for an exciting coupe, and not a patch on the surprise ’n delight cabin you'd find in an Audi TT, for instance.

That said, it is all undeniably well put together from quality materials. I suspect the Scirocco will remain free of rattles and squeaks far longer than the Renault Megane Coupe I drove a week earlier.

The boot is a handy 312 litres, but the sill is a bit high so heavy objects can pose a few problems if you are not built like Charles Atlas. The electric sunroof was a pointless £640 extra. Stick with the climate control and save yourself a monkey.

Viewed from the kerb it looks good, too, with a purposeful squat stance, frowning headlights joined by a slotlike grille and, at the rear, wide hips and twin exhaust pipes. Every line looks good, taut and ready for action. It is typical VW: understated but beautifully well done. Unlike more fashionable coupes (the Hyundai Coupe and Toyota Celica spring to mind), the Scirocco will age gracefully.

Perhaps that shouldn’t come as a surprise. I often see a blue Corrado in Darlington.

Not withstanding the fact that it's now nearly 20 years old, whenever it drives by I always admire its purity of line and perfect proportions.

I suspect the Scirocco will have the same effect on me in 2029.

Specification

Engine: 1,984cc turbo
Max power: 200PS @ 5,100rpm
Max torque: 207lb/ft @ 1,700rpm
Max speed: 146mph
0-62mph: 7.2 seconds
Combined mpg: 37.2 mpg
Co2 (g/km): 179
Equipment: Electric windows, climate control, electric sunroof (£640), CD player, sat nav (£1,200), split fold rear seat backrest, alloys