A breezier Scirocco

The new Scirocco R will be the most powerful so far. Three meaty air inlets at the front bear visual testimony as to how engine and brakes will cope well with the increased output, while a large roof edge spoiler at the rear is a sleek addition. The bonnet conceals a 265bhp 2-litre TSI engine and with a 6-speed manual box, the Scirocco R can zip from 0 to 60 in a tidy 6.5 seconds. The fun and games cut out electronically at 150mph, although the speedo suggests that given free rein, the car would be good for over 186mph.

Inside, the new sports seats with an 'R' logo on the front headrests cut a dash, while shiny black controls around the centre console area and aluminium trim on the instruments emphasise the difference between this model and its siblings. VW have not said anything about prices yet.