IT might not have quite the same long service record as Volkswagen's enduring Golf, but the Scirocco is still something of an ‘old-timer'.

It's been around in some shape or form since 1974.

Unlike the Golf, which has stayed close to its original design blueprint, the Scirocco has had three different incarnations over its lengthy life span.

When it came along in the mid seventies it really was something of a ground-breaker as a coupe which could also serve as a family car and was reasonably affordable too.

Back then it probably would have seemed inconceivable that one day a diesel engine would power something so overtly sporty but the 2.0-litre diesel powerplant is now the best-seller.

It's hardly any surprise, it's a proven smooth and potent powerplant that offers an irresistible blend of performance and economy that really takes some beating.

Looking at all the Sciroccos over the years they've always had something of a timeless quality about them and the current version is no exception.

Launched in 2008 it still looks fresh, contemporary and stylish, albeit aided by a facelift in 2014.

On the inside the Scirocco offers a good mix of a sports car setting with everyday practicality.

You sit low and close to the ground and getting in and out of the rear seats is best tried by people who are fairly agile but the cabin is reasonably roomy nonetheless. About the only limitation is slightly constrained headroom in the rear.

Storage is good throughout the cabin, with plenty of room for the bits and pieces one tends to accrue.

The boot is a decent size too, with 300 litres of storage space, which increases to 1,000 litres with the rear seats folded down.

In the driver's seat you feel nicely cocooned and cosseted something which certainly adds to the driving experience.

Start-up and the first thing you notice just how quiet the diesel engine is. It's well insulated certainly but definitely makes for one of those ‘is it/isn't it a diesel' experiences.

Turbo lag is kept to an absolute minimum meaning it offers a genuinely sprightly and swift drive from the off.

A slick-changing six-speed gearbox is a perfect partner and one quickly feels very at home in it.

It's happy enough pootling around town at sedate speeds but really comes into its own on an empty and open B road.

Agile and poised it offers a great drive with the impressive diesel engine never seeming to run out of puff and as much grip as one could wish for.

While the Scirocco certainly feels sporty overall there's little compromise when it comes to ride quality and it copes with the lumps and bumps admirably.

It's also pleasing to be able to have fun without worrying about economy.

Even when driven hard you'll get a good return, while everyday driving sees it return around 50mpg. Cruising on the motorway you can expect to get over 60mpg.

A diverse range offers a mix of petrol and diesel models ranging from 125bhp to 184bhp and while one can plump for a more overtly sporty version there's little to find fault with in this version.