AFTER an 18-year run which came to an end in 1992, Volkswagen finally ceased production of the well-loved Scirocco, leaving the way clear for their new Corrado to fly the company flag in the sports coupé sector.

Sadly, unlike its predecessor, the Corrado failed to capture the hearts of the buying public - no doubt due to it's hefty price tag - and it ceased production in 1995 after a seven-year run.

In spring 2008, VW unveiled the third-generation Scirocco at the Geneva Motor Show, once again in the form of a 2+2 coupé. The public loved it and sales took off when it went on sale later that summer.

The following year, the German marque announced it was to introduce the flagship Scirocco R, the most powerful and technically-advanced production coupé the company has built to date, and it really turned out to be a fabulous machine both in looks and performance.

Under the bonnet sat the VW group's two-litre four-cylinder turbocharged unit which was heavily revised to harness the whopping 262bhp the engine produced.

Engineers gave it a reinforced engine block, fitted a new alloy cylinder head, uprated the pistons and con rods and added high-pressure injectors. An uprated turbocharger boasting 1.2 bar of boost was joined by a larger intercooler.

There was also uprated brakes, suspension and steering, along with adaptive chassis control, which gave the choice of comfort, normal and sport settings to suit the driver's own individual taste.

The end result was a slick, highly-responsive, seriously-fast sports coupé that could hit 62mph from standing in just six seconds and on to a top speed of 155mph.

Changes were also made to the exterior to distinguish the car from the standard model. These included new front and rear bumpers, grille, side skirts, mirrors, rear diffuser, rear wing and exhaust system.

To finish the car off, 18-inch Talladega alloy wheels were fitted, while inside sports seats and a new steering wheel were the order of the day, while added trim details and white backlit dials with blue needles added to the interior ambience.

The Scirocco R came fitted with a super-slick six-speed gearbox, but that could be replaced with an optional DSG automatic version.

On the road, the car felt like a sports car should. It handled sharply and there was masses of grip from the wide tyres, while  the car's on-board electrically-controlled limited-slip differential completed the package.

From a safety point of view, the Scirocco was extremely well equipped. Front, side and curtain airbags, electronic stability control and active front head restraints all came as standard.

Electric windows and mirrors, a CD sound system, dual-zone climate control and split/folding rear seat were also fitted, while options included full leather trim, satellite navigation, electric  sunroof, cruise control and rear parking sensors.

Because of their relative scarcity, nice examples don't hang around when they do come onto the market, so if you see one advertised and you're interested, then you'll have to act fast to secure it. However, for your own peace of mind, this is one model which is best to come with a full service history.

You'll need to part with between £14,900 and £18,485 for a 2010 59-plate example with around 230,000 miles on the clock One fitted with the optional DSG gearbox will add from £500 to £700 on top of these figures.

A newer 2011 60-plate model with around 20,000 miles will cost between £17,000 and £20,810, while one complete with DSG will set you back from £17,745 to £21,45.