THERE will always be those who write the Volkswagen Scirocco off as little more than a Golf in a tracksuit.

There's an element of truth behind the sniping but there's also something wonderfully modern and accessible about VW's take on the small coupe theme, particularly when the clever 1.4 TSI engine is installed. The typical sports coupe is not an efficient vehicle – it sacrifices space for sleek, low-slung looks and it sacrifices fuel economy for performance.

As a coupe version of the Golf, the Scirocco is no exception but with four usable seats, a respectable boot and the 1.4-litre TSI engine, it sets out to make a compromise that's very much of the times.

Volkswagen's 1.4-litre TSI 'Twincharger' engine is a groundbreaking unit that would appear to suit the Scirocco down to a tee. It swaps sheer capacity for forced induction, using both a supercharger and a turbocharger to boost the power output that's possible from a 1.4-litre petrol engine.

The supercharger enhances performance at low revs, filling the void left while the turbo gets into its stride.

This virtually eliminates turbo lag and gives the Scirocco a muscular feel throughout the rev range.

The handling advances made by the Scirocco centre around its dynamic aids. All models feature advanced Adaptive Chassis Control offering three driverselected settings – comfort, normal and sport.

Inside the Scirocco, there's a lot to grab the interest. A contoured, flatbottomed sports steering wheel frames dials that glowwhite at night. The interior is airy and light, and the option of an electrically-operated panoramic sunroof further emphasises the feeling of spaciousness.

Many people expected this model to emerge as a classically lean and low sports coupe but the exterior visual effect is closer to what you imagine the three-door Golf might have looked like if Volkswagen had given its designers carte blanche.

Despite its somewhat stocky lines, the Scirocco is a great looking car that manages to purvey a futuristic feel. The Scirocco is practical for a sports coupe. There's a reasonably wide boot aperture which opens up 292 litres of luggage space.

Fold the split rear seats down and you've got 755 litres. The Scirocco features four individual sculpted seats finished in a choice of either cloth or leather. The sports seats aren't just restricted to those up front – the contoured rear seats feature integrated headrests to offer plenty of support.

Proportions for this car are classically short, low and wide, although the dimensions betray its reliance on Golf mechanicals.

The vehicle measures 4,256mm long, 1,404mm high and 1,810mm wide. The 1.4 TSI engine is offered only in standard Scirocco trim but buyers still get the ACC Adaptive Chassis Control system, airconditioning, sports seats and 17" alloy wheels.

The ESP stability control system that's also standard incorporates an Electronic Differential Lock and ASR traction control to bring extra security when using the Scirocco's performance.

The specification is notably less generous than the plusher GT trim that comes with the larger engines but the core elements that underpin the driving experience all feature on the 1.4.

The 1.4 TSI looks a very attractive prospect in the Scirocco range. It's the cheapest way into the car, undercutting the diesel option that's significantly slower and less charismatic.

There's a trend amongst family hatch manufacturers to produce a family friendly, five-door car and a sporty threedoor with more dramatic styling, marketing it as a 'Coupe' or SportsCoupe'. Volkswagen, by contrast, is offering relatively straightlaced three-and five-door Golf models as well as the Scirocco.

There's no doubt that running some sports cars can be a financially crippling business but the fact is that the Scirocco TSI isn't one of them.

Few cars hit the compromise between fun and commonsense as accurately at the Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 TSI. The Scirocco 1.4 TSI is a thoroughly modern sports car that manages to offer a lot of practicality without dumbing down its coupe looks or fun factor.

The high-tech engine and driver aids combine to produce an involving and safe driving experience with reasonable running costs. A basic recipe of giving a Golf sharper styling isn't particularly inspiring but the end result exceeds expectations.