Fire up the....Volkswagen Scirocco

DON'T make the mistake of thinking the sultry Scirocco is just a Golf with a prettty face, as it's sportier than its origins suggest.

Volkswagen's much-delayed comeback to the coupe market might have borrowed a lot from its hatchback sister, but once you get behind the wheel you're immediately aware the German motor maker means business with its latest effort.

You might feel familiar territory if you've just stepped in from a Golf or Passat.
The swathes of dark grey plastic familiar to all Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT and Skoda owners is still there is there in abundance, but it's all very high quality, and just a touch sportier in the Scirocco.
In fact the whole car envelops you in exactly the way a coupe should, even though there's no way of escaping that big pillars and slim windows make it tricker to see out of. If you're worried about that sort of thing, buy a Golf.

There's all sorts of exciting engines and options on offer - including the racy R version, due later this year - but for the 2.0 TDI GT is my favourite, because it offers a smart way of driving a sporty car. It might not howl in the way you think a coupe should, but you'll forget that at the pumps.

In fact the only real problems with the Scirocco are its rivals, particularly the long-rumoured update to Ford's Capri, which could offer a similar package for less if it hits the showrooms.

But for now the Scirocco is no sportier Golf. It's a cut-price Audi TT instead.