This is it

It pains me to tell you this, but the Scirocco has left us. It is now back with VW. So, as Michael Jackson would've put it, this really is it. And now is the time to grapple with the big one. Should you buy the little 'Rocco? Having spent the last three months driving it, I now have a fairly good idea of what it might be like to own one.

As far as looks go, the Scirocco is without doubt one of the best in its class. Sure, the Alfa Romeo Mito is equally gorgeous, but it doesn't have the grunt to match the pout. The Scirocco not only looks purposeful and sporty, it is a ruddy entertaining car to drive. The 2.0-litre TSI engine belts out a meaty 207bhp at full rip, which is enough to propel the 1,298kg car to 100kph in six and a bit seconds. So, looks and driving, check.

The other important bit is value for money. You can get a base Scirocco with fabric seats for just under Dh100K, which is fantastic considering you still get the same engine and a double clutch gearbox. You may not get fancy leather but everything is just so marvellously built, you will never be complaining.

However, a fully specced version like ours will cost significantly more. So it isn't a cheap car if you go crazy with the options list.

Then we come to practicality. As I proved a few weeks ago, the Scirocco will swallow three huge flat-packed IKEA cabinets, but there are more spacious cars out there.

The Seat Leon FR, for example, has similar mechanicals, but has four doors for added practicality. But then the whole point of the coupé-ish body is looks, so you do have to sacrifice some usability.

Overall, the Vee Dub will happily accommodate a couple, and their two friends at a pinch. And finally the most important aspect of owning any car is reliability. If you've followed this report, you will know the Scirocco has never put a foot wrong. It has been near perfect during it's time with us. So, there you have it. If you can trade off practicality for a great looking, well-built car that's huge fun to drive, the Scirocco is also available in white.

Facts