It's a great engine with
a deliciously broad powerband that delivers oodles of linear and, with the almost imperceptible interruptions of the S tronic «box, seamless urge, each lightning - quick, red - line upshifts accompanied by that cute exhaust «thraarp» you always get with the VW Group's performance powertrains.
The sense of connection flows almost immediately, and there's a depth of character that's evolved over decades: the timbre and feel of the engine, the easy precision of the gearchange, the tactile rewards associated with build and finish and, even in this old - timer with a comparatively modest 300bhp,
a deliciously broad powerband capable of delivering a generous tug from just 2000rpm that simply doesn't let up.