We first saw the third-generation Volkswagen Scirocco at the 2006 Paris Motorshow in the form of a concept car, called the Iroc. This name was later expanded after it was deemed to share the same spirit and dynamism of the iconic Scirocco.

Whilst based on the same platform and mechanics used by the Golf GTi, it's wrong to describe the Scirocco as a Golf in a miniskirt. It shares the same wheelbase but is a significant 97mm lower and has a wider track.

 In theory the Scirocco should hold a performance advantage over the 30kg heavier Golf, and though it asserts itself as a slight front runner on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, VW's own figures have drawn no dissimilarity in straight-line terms, claiming a 7.2sec sprint to 62mph and 146mph flat out for both cars. So why would Volkswagen release a car that is the same as the Golf GTi in almost every performance related test?

Well, the answer is simple. Whether you're looking to give it some beans down the motorway or to simply cruise through town, one of the most rewarding things you'll discover about the Scirocco is that despite its shared platform, it doesn't feel anything like a Golf. It's fabulous looks draw more attention than it's close relative and its performance is good enough to rub shoulders with the obvious alternatives of rivals like the BMW 125i coupe and the Volvo C30 T5, with enough power and handling to remain fully competitive against them. With prices starting at £18395 it seems almost the complete package

Yes, "almost" The Scirocco does have its drawbacks. Rear visibility is poor and it is a bit cramped in the back and then there are the looks. This is a colour sensitive car. Green can make it appear frog like and the now fading fashion colour of choice , white, has lead the car to be likened to that of a storm-trooper's helmet from Star Wars fame. But these minor grievances are easily forgiven as the Scirocco's achievement is not so much in what it does well, but how little it does badly.

So often we see manufacturer's dig up names from the past to lend crucial support to an underachieving new product. Not this time. The return of the Scirocco is a success, thanks to a car that produces the perfect balance between performance, style and all-round quality - much like the Scirocco's of the past.