Volkswagen Scirocco Mk2 (1981 - 1992)

Introduction

The Scirocco Mk2 was an interesting car. It was visually less appealing than what came before, and yet it was commercially more successful. But then, in a market starved of good affordable coupes, the Scirocco was bound to thrive - because although it was no longer pretty, it was certainly an excellent steer offered in a huge variety of models.

The in-house design for the second-generation Scirocco lost its delicate Italian styling, but it gained hugely in practicality – and pace. It benefited from the rising power of the Golf GTI – initially its 112bhp 1.8-litre 8-valve, and then the 136bhp 16-valve engines. So equipped, the Scirocco was a flying machine with a 120mph maximum speed.

Eventually supplanted by the Corrado (which was planned to be called Scirocco), although they did sell alongside each other for three years. Still fun to drive, but watch out for rust and issues with ageing fuel systems.