VW's super-slick DSG gearbox plays a big role here. The next ratio and then the one after merge so seamlessly with the engine's power and torque curves that there seems to be just one long blast of acceleration from zero to top speed. Even so, thanks to the beefy torque curve, you don't need to drop a gear and use the revs too much. Accelerating rapidly in fifth or even sixth gear is just a matter of flexing your right toe. Press harder, and the electronic brain zaps the DSG 'box down a cog. But since two gears are always engaged simultaneously, you don't feel any jerk. You just hear a rise in the engine rpm and feel the car thrust forward with renewed determination.
To cope with the significant power increase, the front brakes are replaced with 380mm vented discs clamped by big eight-pot calipers, effective when you have to shed big speed in a hurry. Pedal feel is very good and the fast road pads don't draw attention to themselves at town speeds with any uncivilized squealing.
When I saw the 9.0x20-inch wheels and rubberband 265/30 tires, I had immediate reservations about the potential ride quality. But Mayer wouldn't go down that route unless he had all his bases covered.
"Unsprung weight is a big issue and we could never do this with a 20-inch cast wheel weighing 15kg," he explains. "We use cast wheels in 18- and 19-inch sizes, but for the 20-inch size, our 11kg forged wheel is a must."
The grip these big boots generate is most impressive, and hunkered down on its MTM suspension, the Scirocco R feels totally glued to the tarmac on long autobahn sweepers taken at big speeds. On country roads, you have grip way beyond what you sensibly need, but you do feel some mild torque steer when you accelerate hard.
MTM is fundamentally an engineering-based company that places its store on engines, suspension and brakes first, and everything else second. However, they do pay more than lip service to driving comfort, and here I was most pleased with the supremely comfortable and supportive lightweight Recaro seats that replace the big VW chairs in the cabin.
At the end of the day however, for me it is the MTM motor that is a thing of wonder. The idea of a mere two liters producing a reliable 310 hp and remaining so driveable that your granny could take it to the market is an appealing one. The fact that fuel economy remains close to stock unless you use its full performance, and that it retains its full emissions certification, are also worthy of note.
This is the kind of tuning MTM does best, and the fact that cars like the stylish new Scirocco can make full use of this engine bodes well for the future of the modestly priced sporting coupe.
MTM Scirocco R
* Layout
Transverse front engine, front-wheel drive
* Engine
2.0-liter I4, dohc, 16-valve, turbocharged and intercooled. MTM turbo kit, exhaust, software
* Transmission
Six-speed DSG automated manual
* Brakes
Brembo eight-piston calipers, 380mm rotors (f)
* Wheels and Tires
MTM Bimoto forged, 9x20Michelin Pilot Sport 2, 265/30
* Interior
Recaro sport seats
*Performance
Peak Power: 310 hp @ 6080 rpm
Peak Torque: 229 lb-ft @ 3480 rpm