It was 36 years ago that VW first introduced us to the then sharply styled Scirocco and back then things were very different. It was launched against a backdrop of classically stylish coupes, such as the Capri, Rover SD1 and Datsun 240Z, yet like its namesake – the hot wind that blows from the Sahara to the Mediterranean coast – the original Scirocco caused quite a storm back in 1974.

West Germany did actually win the World Cup in the same year, but even that seemed more likely than the runaway success of the original Giugiaro designed model, which sold over 750,000 examples.

Now the Scirocco is back and looking a lot smoother than its older brothers. Some of its friends are still around in various different guises, but this time success looks a lot more likely.

Most powerful Scirocco ever!

The latest version looks amazing. Its smooth, yet aggressive lines help it really stand out on the road – as it did in ’74 – and with the addition of the new high performance ‘R’ model, things are only getting better.

This is the most powerful and fastest Scirocco ever, at its heart beats a tricked up 2.0-litre engine. The reinforced block, brand new alloy head, uprated pistons, conrods and high pressure injectors all offer sharper, more responsive performance, but it’s the uprated turbocharger which goes most of the way to squeezing 261bhp from the four-cylinder unit.

Running 1.2 bar of boost, the turbo has been awarded a larger intercooler to cope with the extra heat , but with an increase of 64bhp and 51lb/ft of pulling power over the Scirocco’s current 2.0-litre TSI engine, the extra weight is well worth it.

This extra power is channelled through the front wheels, but things have moved on since 1974 and a combination that would have been impossible to control back then is delivered with minimum fuss today thanks to XDS, an electronic cross-axle traction control system, which is used in conjunction with either a six-speed manual or DSG gearbox.

As with the rest of the Scirocco range, the R is fitted with Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC), which allows the driver to select either normal, comfort or sport modes to define the desired suspension, steering and accelerator response. The braking system has also been uprated with larger discs and callipers.

Most stylish Scirocco ever

And the Scirocco R looks just as fast as it goes. At the face of things there’s a new front bumper, featuring a set of LED running lights and a trio of airdams. Around the rear smoked rear light lenses and a new rear spoiler steal the show, while a massive diffuser is mounted between a pair of new oval tailpipes. Completing the changes are a set of 18-inch five-spoke wheels.

It’s just as impressive inside the Scirocco R, with new sports seats complete with ‘R’ logos and a new three-spoke, flat-bottomed steering wheel, while all Scirocco Rs will be fitted with a touchscreen CD stereo, 2Zone climate control, six airbags and Electronic Stabilisation Programme.

Key facts

Model tested: Volkswagen Scirocco R
On the road price: £26,945
Date tested: December 2009
Tester: Ian Strachan