Key facts:
Model tested: Volkswagen Scirocco R
Price: £29,805
Date tested: August 2010
Road tester: Andy Goodwin

Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 86%
This is the Volkswagen Scirocco R, the quickest version ever of VW's sensational coupe. Now it not only looks good, it also has the performance to put up a fight against sports cars costing thousands more.

1. Looks 10/10
With its spoked alloy wheels filling the arches, the R looks like a life-sized Hot Wheels model. The rest of the exterior changes are subtle but aggressive; there's an edgy bodykit, gloss black grille and door mirrors, smoke tinted lights, drainpipe exhausts either side of the rear bumper and privacy glass.

2. Looks inside 8/10
The Scirocco has an excellent interior with well laid-out controls and high quality materials throughout. However, its large price premium over other Sciroccos isn't too evident in the cabin. Distinguishing features include 'R' branding on the sports seats, door sills, steering wheel and dashboard.

3. Practicality 6/10
The Scirocco is surprisingly practical for a coupe, but it's a strict four-seater, with two rear seats that split 50:50 and fold down easily to give 1,006 litres of luggage space. Those small rear windows really restrict rear visibility though.

4. Ride and Handling 9/10
With Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) as standard, the driver can choose between Comfort, Normal and Sport driving modes to alter the dampers, steering weight, throttle response and gear changes (with DSG fitted). Comfort offers the best driving experience. The steering is accurate and the Scirocco feels incredibly planted around corners.

5. Performance 10/10
With its 261bhp 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, 0-62mph takes 5.8 seconds (with DSG), but in the rain wheelspin can be an issue. But the refinement and ride quality mask the Scirocco's speed; it's deceptively quick.

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6. Running Costs 8/10
Considering its performance, the Scirocco R is very cost-effective to run. Its emissions of 189g/km (187 with DSG) and its claimed 34.9mpg fuel consumption are respectable. Service intervals are 10-18k miles depending on how the car is driven.

7. Reliability 8/10
Build quality is excellent and the engine has been tried and tested in models including the Audi S3.

8. Safety 9/10
The Scirocco has a five-star EuroNCAP rating and comes with stability control, hydraulic brake assist, anti-lock brakes and six airbags as standard.

9. Equipment 8/10
The Scirocco R comes with LED daytime running lights, bi-xenon headlights, remote locking and alarm, auto wipers, auto lights and dimming mirror, electric door mirrors, USB and iPod connection, touch-screen media system with six CD autochanger and 18-inch alloy wheels.

10. X-Factor 10/10
The Scirocco has been a class-leading small coupe since its launch in 2008, and now the R version makes it a competitor to many serious sports cars. The fact it looks great and has an excellent image is an added bonus.