Sector: Coupe Price: £26,205 Fuel: 62.8mpg CO2: 118g/km

While Volkswagen may be stretching the point a bit by describing the Scirocco as a coupe, what’s not in doubt is what a cracking package it is for user-choosers.

Based on proven Golf underpinnings, the Scirocco’s sleek hatchback looks combine kerbside appeal with an unexpected amount of practicality. While space in the rear may not be huge, two adults can squeeze themselves in and be fairly comfortable while the deep boot allows plenty of luggage to be carried around.

That snug feeling inside extends to the cockpit area, where the low roofline, narrow glass area and bespoke fascia make it feel a bit more special to drive than a run-of-the-mill Golf.

It also drives in a slightly different way to the Golf, despite sharing all of its mechanicals. Perhaps the standard ACC Adaptive Chassis Control helps this, regulating the damping to whichever mood you may be in – sport, comfort or automatic, the latter making the decisions for you on the move.

Under the bonnet is the familiar 140bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel – plentiful torque from low revs and a relaxed cruising gait make this a best-of-both-worlds engine, while claimed average fuel economy of nearly 63mpg is impressive.

What’s just as impressive is the extra kit that all Sciroccos now come with. Satellite navigation is now standard on all models, as is a multifunction steering wheel. In the new R Line trim, the list of kit grows to include leather upholstery, heated front seats, 2Zone electronic climate control, front fog lights and heat-insulating tinted glass from the B-pillars back.

And to make the R Line trim stand out from the rest of the range it also gets 19-inch alloys, a subtle but muscular bodykit, R Line-branded seats and steering wheel plus chrome pedal covers.

Verdict:

The Scirocco has always been a good car, but with the added specification and sportier looks in R Line trim it really is a desirable user-chooser option.