At just 4,233mm long, the EX30 is the smallest SUV ever built by Volvo, but it’s anything but cramped. Step inside and you’re greeted by a refined, clutter-free cabin built around a 12.3-inch floating centre display powered by Google’s Android Automotive OS.

The Ultra variant ups the ante with a Harman Kardon soundbar, four ambient lighting themes, and sustainably crafted interiors in denim or flax, echoing Volvo’s push for greener luxury.

Under the skin, the EX30 is offered in two battery configurations. The Plus variant uses a 51kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate battery with a range of up to 337km, while the Ultra version upgrades to a 69kWh Nickel Manganese Cobalt battery that stretches the range to 475km (WLTP).

Charging is a breeze too; DC fast charging (up to 153kW) brings the battery from 10 to 80 percent in just under half an hour.

Despite its Cat A status, there’s a healthy 343Nm of torque sent to the rear wheels. The 0-100km/h sprint clocks in at 8.6 seconds.

And this wouldn’t be a Volvo without a wall of safety tech. Standard features include Pilot Assist, Lane Keeping Aid, Cross Traffic Alert with Autobrake, and Door Opening Alert.

Both variants enjoy Category A COE eligibility and a VES A1 rating, making the Volvo EX30 not just stylish and sustainable but smartly positioned for Singapore’s tax and incentive framework.

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And for families who’ve long desired the practicality of a big seven-seater MPV, this might just be the one for you.

“The introduction of the MIFA 7 range into the Category A COE segment represents a significant milestone in making premium electric mobility more attainable for Singapore drivers,” said Ms Dawn Pan, Chief Operating Officer, Multi-Franchise Operations, C&C Singapore.

This new variant keeps the spaciousness and plush features of its Cat B sibling but recalibrates its electric motor to 108kW. There’s room, glorious, well-thought-out room. Seven seats in a 2-2-3 layout, with second-row captain chairs. Even with all seats up, the rear boot offers 270 litres of usable space, enough for groceries, school bags, or a baby stroller.

For the elderly or young children, the MIFA 7’s low 152mm ground clearance makes getting in and out a breeze. And with sliding doors on both sides, drop-offs and pickups become a seamless affair.

Drivers get twin 12.3-inch digital displays that stretch across the dash, running a full-featured infotainment system that includes wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium JBL sound system.

Seats are upholstered in quality leather, with ample ergonomic support for longer drives up north. It’s fully loaded with safety systems too; Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control ensure peace of mind is standard equipment.

At a starting price of S$204,999 for the Luxury trim, the MIFA 7 Cat A makes a compelling case for families who value space.

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Volkswagen’s most popular SUV, the Tiguan. Believe it or not, this SUV even outsells the iconic Golf globally now.

Big shoes to fill then, for the new third-generation Tiguan, which promises to revolutionise without causing too many waves.

Let’s be honest, Volkswagen has had a bit of a rocky ride lately. Their ID launch models didn’t quite hit the mark, and some baffling ergonomic choices left us all scratching our heads.

But fear not, the new Tiguan arrives on the spanking new MQB Evo platform. This platform is designed to marry everything we’ve always admired about VW with cutting-edge technology. But, does it succeed?

Cat-A Friendliness

The Volkswagen Tiguan is now powered by a 1.5-litre engine producing 129bhp, meaning this new model can be registered here with a Category A COE.

Obviously, the Tiguan isn’t going to win any drag races. The 220Nm of torque is enough to get you moving, but if you’re running late, the sluggish throttle response and weak performance at higher RPMs might leave you gritting your teeth.

But, dial it back a notch, and the engine is incredibly refined; it’s more than happy to coast along with the engine shut off on the highway. Rocking a 7-speed DSG transmission, the Tiguan’s drivetrain delivers power smoothly when your foot calls upon it.

What About Handling?

With the aforementioned MQB Evo platform, the Tiguan feels nimble, diving into corners with the rear axle obediently following along. Grip is strong, handling is consistent, and body roll is impressively minimal for an SUV.

While it might not offer the thrill of a sports car, it’s one of the sharper handlers in its class.

However, this comes at the expense of comfort. The ride quality, especially at low speeds, leaves something to be desired; the Tiguan can feel quite boisterous over bumps and ruts.

Dialled Back, But Still Full Of Tech

Aesthetically, the new Tiguan has lost some of its predecessor’s rugged charm.

The sizeable grille is gone, replaced by more rounded details like the headlights and a less pronounced shoulder line.

If you’re a fan of the new design language seen in Volkswagen’s ID lineup but not ready to go fully electric, this new look might just win you over.

Have The Buttons Returned?

For those who keenly follow Volkswagen news, you might have scrolled straight to this section, eager for some juicy tea.

Volkswagen, known for its practical and sensible approach, seemed to throw caution to the wind with the Mk8 Golf and its various ID electric models, shoving almost every control, including the air-con, into a touchscreen back in 2020.

Well, the new Tiguan feels like a step towards redemption, albeit a cautious one. Yes, the gigantic 15-inch touchscreen still reigns supreme here. However, VW is now introducing ChatGPT-boosted voice commands to reduce how often you have to glance at the screen.

VW claims it’s learning from customer feedback and plans to reintroduce physical buttons to complement the touchscreens.

But Does It Work?

Well, the huge touchscreen is big enough to be in your field of vision and generally operates without fuss. We might still yearn for physical climate controls, but the illuminated sliders here do the job. Just be cautious not to press too long and accidentally blast the air con to its extremes.

There’s even a new touch-sensitive rotary dial, for easy access to volume, driving modes, and moods control. The screen is customisable, allowing you to keep your most-used shortcuts at the top, handy for quickly turning off overbearing safety systems.

Plus, its large size is perfect for reverse camera footage; if you still aren’t able to see the pillar you bumped into, it’s your fault not the car.

Voice assistant IDA is decent when tasked with a prompt, but we feel it is still a work in progress, promising updates as the technology evolves. For now, it handles simple commands in the car with ease, but more complex queries can be hit or miss.

It can fetch trivia from Wikipedia accurately, but ask it anything beyond cold facts, and it might struggle.

Big Enough For My Family?

Room is aplenty in the Tiguan. It hasn’t grown much from the second-generation, but boot space has increased by 37 litres, now offering 652 litres with the rear seats up, and you still gain an additional 1,000 litres with the seats down.

Leave the seats up, and there’s ample space for two adults, thanks to plenty of room for feet under the front seats and an extra 30mm in wheelbase length.

The bench slides forward and backwards, and the seat backs can recline. The quality is impressive too, with plush materials where your hands and eyes most often land and durable plastics where they don’t.

Sensible Reigns Supreme

It’s been an interesting few years at Volkswagen, but the Tiguan aims to bring the company back on track. It manages well, addressing ergonomic issues while integrating electrification and AI user interaction without making too many waves.

That’s the essence of the new Tiguan; while hybrids and EVs might dominate the sales charts, regular petrol engines remain on the menu, and hopefully, they are here to stay.

This mid-size SUV remains steadfastly sensible, choosing subtlety and practicality in a market where many competitors are vying for attention with bold designs and gimmicks.

If you’re looking for a reliable, no-nonsense vehicle for the family that won’t let you down, the Tiguan might just be the perfect fit.

Technical Specifications

2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Mild Hybrid

Engine: 1,498cc in-line 4 turbocharged, mild hybrid
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Power: 129bhp
Torque: 220Nm
Gearbox: 7-speed DSG
0-100km/h: 10.6 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 198km/h
Fuel Economy: 14.9 km/litre (claimed)

Price: S$212,400 (Life), S$222,400 (Life Plus), both with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Volkswagen Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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The BYD Seal launched with much fanfare last September, and now it is back, with a Cat A COE friendly demeanour. Dubbed the BYD Seal Dynamic 100kW, it was launched next to BYD’s own automotive lifestyle concept store, BYD by SevenDaze.

This variant will be replacing the original Dynamic variant, which also means that every BYD passenger-car model in Singapore can now be snagged with a Cat A COE.

The only significant change from the Cat B Seals is the power. The new BYD Seal Dynamic 100kW features a single motor that sends 100kW (134bhp) to the rear wheels. If you’re doing the math at home, it is 50kW (67bhp) less than its predecessor.

This translates to a century sprint of 10 seconds flat, compared to the previous 7.5 seconds. At least the torque figure remains the same at 310Nm.

Otherwise, it’s all familiar territory. This Seal still boasts the same 61.44kWh battery, offering up to 460km of range and supporting quick charging. With a 110kW DC charger, you can juice up from 30% to 80% in just 32 minutes.

In terms of features, this variant continues to impress with its generosity. The 15.6-inch rotating infotainment touchscreen and the 10.25-inch digital driver’s display are still here, as are the ventilated front seats with electronic adjustment.

Safety is ensured with a full suite of driver assistance features, a nine-airbag system, and a panoramic glass roof. Plus, its operating system supports over-the-air updates, keeping your car’s tech up to date.

The launch also marked the start of the mega ‘BYD 100 Hour Sale’ campaign, offering limited-time deals across all models with discounts and benefits worth up to $20,000.

Snap up a Seal Dynamic 100kW, and you automatically enter a sure-win lucky draw offering discounts of up to $33,000. The earlier you buy, the more chances you get to win.

At the event, Mr James Ng, Managing Director of BYD Singapore and the Philippines, highlighted the growing enthusiasm for electric vehicles in Singapore and teased the launch of three to four new models in the coming months.

This includes the anticipated arrival of BYD’s luxury sub-brand, Denza, by Q4 2024.

Ms Adelene Tan, Sales and Marketing Director at Vantage Automotive Limited, expressed excitement about the new variant, revealing that customer demand for a Category A-friendly Seal had been strong since its initial launch. “We listened hard and worked really hard to make this new variant possible,” she said.

Currently, BYD holds the title of Singapore’s bestselling brand, with the Atto 3 reigning as the bestselling model of 2024, based on LTA’s latest figures for authorised dealer car registrations.

The BYD Seal Dynamic 100kW is now available in Singapore, with prices starting from $169,888 (including COE). 

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Whether you are in team Tesla or team not so keen on Tesla, you cannot deny that the new Model 3 Highland looks much better than its predecessor.

Singapore did not get to officially welcome the Model S and X, so when the original Model 3 made its way onto our shores back in 2021, it was received with much fanfare. Now, in a bid to increase its footing in our ever-competitive COE market, Tesla has introduced a special local-bred 110 Highland variant, which happens to be Cat A COE-friendly.

But, with fierce competition on the horizon, can it remain viable for prospective customers?

Sharp And Sleek

The revamped Tesla Model 3 Highland takes a subtle yet effective approach to style, stepping up without shouting for attention.

The bloated, amphibian-like contours of the old model are gone, and while the refined changes aren’t radical, they do sharpen its overall facade.

The redesign has also improved aerodynamics, reducing the drag coefficient to a slick 0.219. 

Simplicity meets sophistication on the inside; the dashboard is just a smooth expanse of fabric, an unbroken air vent, and a conspicuously large 15.4-inch touchscreen. It’s so stark and streamlined that traditionalists might raise an eyebrow or two.

The seats, while snug, offer a cosy enclave. The Highland model includes ventilated functionality too for front occupants, a much-needed feature. 

Tesla has cheekily removed the indicators and the controls are now on the steering wheel.

The days of clustered instrument panels are gone. Everything you need to know is displayed on that sprawling screen. A head-up display would have been nice, but the singular screen does its job well.

Tesla’s approach to driving controls is like learning a new language. Swipe up for forward, down for reverse; intuitive, yet peculiar. And then, there’s Tesla’s flair for the whimsical. The infotainment system is packed with features that serve no purpose other than to amuse.

Imagine your passengers’ delight (or dismay) as your Model 3 orchestrates a light show, or play in-car games using the actual steering wheel, which is entertaining but impractical as they wear on your tyres.

But that’s exactly what you love about a Tesla. Could you do this on any other car? Of course not.

The rear panoramic sunroof stretches endlessly above, offering a view that nearly compensates for the snug fit.

The boot is decently large at 594 litres and expandable with folding seats. You even get an 88-litre frunk for that extra bit of storage.

Still Has More Than Enough Power

Here’s the juicy bit – does the power deficit affect everyday usability? Well, I’m happy to report that the Tesla Model 3 110 not only feels decently quick, most consumers wouldn’t even be able to tell the difference between it and its faster siblings, bar Performance variant of course.

Acceleration is punchy enough to overtake most things on the road with ease, but don’t get into this expecting to smoke someone off the line instantly. Think less roller coaster, and more serene boat ride. The regenerative braking system is still a gem, fine-tuning itself to your individual driving conditions.

On the open road, the Model 3 is a solid cruiser, poised and composed. Throw it into a curve, and it might wobble slightly, but not enough to dull the shine of the overall experience.

You don’t get as much customisation as its other siblings, but its stable yet playful demeanor out of the box means most users will be content getting around in it.

And you won’t be constantly fretting over battery levels either. The central display reliably keeps you informed of your range, and the onboard navigation thoughtfully suggests when and where to stop for a charge.

Speaking of charging, with Tesla Superchargers, replenishing your Model 3’s battery is about as hassle-free as you could hope for in the age of electric. Plug in, grab a coffee, and by the time you’re back, you’re good to go.

For those who love adaptive cruise control, the Model 3 also has a sophisticated suite of driving aids: adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane following assistant, and pedestrian avoidance steering.

These features feel more like gentle nudges than full-on takeovers, enhancing safety rather than replacing the driver.

This Is The Variant You Are Waiting For

The Tesla Model 3 is simply different; who else would include a ‘Fart Mode’ in a car that can out-sprint most mainstream vehicles? It’s this blend of performance and playfulness that keeps Tesla’s place as a frontrunner in the EV space.

And with the launch of the Cat A variant, the Tesla Model 3 110 remains a great choice for those looking to dip their toes into the electric waters without getting their feet wet. So, while the Tesla Model 3 might not be everyone’s cup of tea, its role in the evolution of electric vehicles is unquestionable.

It’s a car that dares to be different. How many of the others can claim to follow the same path?

Technical Specifications

Tesla Model 3 RWD 110 (2024)

Powertrain: Single Electric Motor, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power: 110kW (148bhp)
Torque: 350Nm
Gearbox: Single Speed (A)
Acceleration: 8.6 Seconds (0-100km/h)
Battery Capacity: 60 kWh
Drive Range: 513 km
Energy Consumption: 7.6km/kWh (claimed)

Price: S$93,172 without COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Tesla Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven) 

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Tesla just ramped up with the introduction of their latest Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive 110. It’s a thrilling time for electric vehicle enthusiasts, as this new model rolls in with a price tag of $186,776 (at the time of writing), inclusive of a new Cat A-friendly COE.

Buyers get to enjoy up to $40,000 in rebates too, thanks to the EV Early Adoption Incentive and the Vehicular Emission Scheme.

If you are interested in taking the car out for a spin, the Tesla experience centres at Millenia Walk and Toa Payoh are ready to welcome you, or you can just as easily place your order online.

For a little context on affordability, before you add the COE, this new Model 3 variant stands at $93,171. In comparison, the Cat B COE Rear-Wheel Drive variant nudges slightly higher at $94,890 before the COE. Prices are at the time of writing.

The Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive 110 might not be the quickest off the mark with its 8.6 seconds century sprint, but where it truly shines is its stamina, boasting a WLTP range of 513 km.

Set to start delivery in June 2024, each new owner of the Model 3 and Model Y will also receive a complimentary Tesla Wall Connector, assuming your residence ticks all the right boxes for installation.

And for those wondering about the charging network—Tesla has got you covered with over 11 Supercharging stations housing 33 Superchargers, alongside 10 Destination Charging stations equipped with 39 chargers.

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Many Singaporeans looking to make their first or next car purchase will likely look at cars that fall under COE Category A or Cat A. This is thanks to our world-famous taxation system that doubles or even triples a car’s selling price and then tacks on a “digital paper qualification to purchase” called the Certificate of Entitlement or COE.

COE Cat A prices have usually been lower than those of Cat B, making the purchase prices of cars under this category more palatable. Here are the new launches of Cat A cars from the Singapore Motor Show 2024.

BMW

Two hot new models were unveiled to satisfy customers looking for their next “continental” upgrade.

Representing electrification is the BMW iX1. Readers would know that its X1 ICE sibling won the AutoApp Car of the Year 2024 award, and here’s an electrified version that brings about more quietness to the commute.

In eDrive20 guise, the X1 features 147hp and 250Nm of torque and a 0-100km/h sprint in 10.5 seconds. Its battery pack has a usable energy content of 64.8kWh and can be charged from 10%-80% in just 29 minutes at a DC fast charging station.

On the inside, two-zone climate control and newly-developed more comfortable seats mean that occupants can likely look forward to a cushier and quieter ride than its petrol-powered sibling.

The X1 eDrive20 xLine is priced at $240,888 including COE (accurate at the time of writing).

If an SUV SAV coupe body style is more your thing, the X2 is now available for purchase. Looks stylish, especially in the show car’s bright red hue. Putting down 122hp and 230Nm of torque in sDrive 16i guise courtesy of its 1.5-litre turbo three-cylinder mild hybrid petrol engine, the 0-100km/h sprint is dispatched in 10.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 197km/h.

The interior features dual-zone climate control, an M Sport leather steering wheel, automatic tailgate operation, cruise control with brake function, Parking Assistant with Reversing Assist Camera and Reversing Assistant, and BMW’s latest generation Operating System 9 or iDrive 9.

On the outside, 20-inch M light-alloy rims and tyres are standard, while 21-inch items are optionally available.

The X2 sDrive16i M Sport is priced at $233,888 including COE (accurate at the time of writing).

Citroën

The e-C4X is touted as Citroën’s first fully electric sedan. Carrying on the design language seen in the e-C4 from 2023, this quirky lifted sedan is eye-catching but not in a garish way, just as a Citroën should be. We look forward to an oh-so-cushy and comfy quiet ride in the e-C4X.

Equipped with a 54kWh battery pack, the e-C4X is said to boast a maximum range of 436km on a single charge. And speaking of charge, the battery pack is said to be able to charge from 20%-80% in just 30 minutes at a 100kW DC fast charger. The battery pack powers an electric motor which puts 134hp and 270Nm of torque to the road via the front wheels, with 0-100km/h taking 10 seconds.

The e-C4X is priced at $148,999 inclusive COE (accurate at the time of writing).

Hyundai

Hyundai showed off three Cat A cars at their stand.

The first is the Avante, the only hybrid sedan in its class in Cat A. Featuring a 1.6-litre hybrid powerplant that puts out 130hp and 265Nm of torque, it’s heartwarming to see that this sleek sedan is still an option for customers shopping in the Cat A segment but don’t want an SUV.

The Avante Hybrid is priced starting at $165,999 including COE (accurate at the time of writing).

Next up is the IONIQ 6 EV RWD, or what I affectionately call “my Korean Saab.” Featuring a 53kWh battery pack that can be charged from 10%-80% in just 18 minutes at a suitable DC fast charger, and with a maximum range of 429km, this is certainly one eye-catching Cat A sedan to add to your consideration list.

The IONIQ 6 RWD is priced starting at $188,888 including COE (accurate at the time of writing).

Then there’s the Kona EV. A 48.6kWh battery pack offers up to 456km of range. 135hp and 255Nm of torque mean that the Kona Electric is no slouch. DC fast charging is also available.

The IONIQ 6 RWD is priced starting at $156,888 including COE (accurate at the time of writing).

We’ll have more details to come when we get behind the wheel of these attractively priced Cat A vehicles. In the meantime, perhaps mosey on down to the respective showrooms for a test drive?

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There’s not much that needs to be said about the Volkswagen Golf. Now in its eighth iteration, it has been proven time and time again to be one of the best-selling hatchbacks in the world. 

The 8th-gen arrived in Singapore back in mid-2021, but astronomical COE prices have meant it didn’t sell as well as its predecessors. Thus, brands like Volkswagen have started to adapt by importing variants that are able to fly under the Cat A banner.

It took a while to get here, but the Volkswagen Golf Life has finally joined the party, and boy is it a riot.

Right, let’s get down to business

The Volkswagen Golf which debuted previously has 150bhp from its punchy 1.5-litre turbo engine. Coupled with 48-volt mild hybrid assistance, it was essentially the perfect runabout hatchback, but the ever-expensive category B COE segment cut its life short. 

So what did Volkswagen do? Well, they’ve improved on the engine, now called the 1.5-litre eTSI. Same car, same engine, but now detuned to 130bhp. Coincidentally, category A cars can only have a maximum output of 130bhp. Sneaky fellas. 

Peak torque now stands at 200Nm, a 50Nm deficit from the Cat B sibling. This drop in power translates to a slower century print timing, now taking 9.4 seconds to get up to speed. But, do these power changes affect the overall driving experience?

Absolutely not.

When I say that, you do need to adapt your driving style to fit. Gone are the days of powering your way through, instead you’ll need to employ a more momentum-based driving style.

Time your overtakes, maintain your speed in the corners when possible, and you’ll find that the Golf is still as sharp as ever.

The new engine is also a gem, with mild hybrid assistance allowing the car to coast along with the engine deactivated when it has enough charge. You save lots of fuel this way, and short expressway bursts can easily yield economy figures in the 20s.

Over my few days’ test with the Golf, I’ve managed to achieve an average of 15.5km/litre, and that’s with some enthusiastic pedal pressing and jammed traffic thrown into the mix. 

With steep petrol prices an ever-present issue, the fuel economy of the Golf is a big advantage. If you’re frugal, you can even achieve about 800km on a single tank.

Should you wish to explore some bends at hush-hush speeds, the Golf can deliver in spades too. The main structural difference between the Cat A variant is its torsion beam rear suspension setup.

On paper, it does seem like a downgrade from the fully independent rear suspension of the Cat B Golf R-Line. But, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it makes the car more predictable while coming around a bend. The car feels settled even at speed, and any bouts of understeer can be mitigated as easily as letting your foot off the throttle.

I recently took said Golf on a road trip to Desaru, and it handled some twisty B-roads as easily as Sunday morning. 

Looks you know and love

Despite its power deficit, the Volkswagen Golf Life looks virtually identical to other variants in the lineup, save for the aero bits on the Golf GTI. You still get all of that Golf goodness wrapped up in a nice little package.

Spring for the Life Plus trim instead and you get upgraded LED lights all round, plus 18-inch alloy rims. 

With the same ol’ cabin

Even in this ‘base’ model Cat A Golf, you still get a fully loaded digital cockpit experience. The 8.25-inch central infotainment screen is simple and easy to use, with ambient light customisation enabling you to doll up the cabin space.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is achieved simply by plugging in your smartphone, and you also get a wireless charging pad to juice up.

Quick menu settings and controls are dealt with a mix of touch panel operations and rotary knobs.

While I don’t prefer the haptic cluster of buttons located underneath the centre screen, the rest of the tactile buttons are a good mix and really amp up daily functionality in the Golf.

To keep the centre console flushed and neat, the gear selector lever is just a tiny toggle switch, vaguely resembling a nugget. How this size is achieved is thanks to new-fangled electronic gear selection, rather than using traditional mechanical linkages. For those who wish to row their own gears and have some fun in the corners, paddle shifters are located on the steering wheel.

It’s tried and tested, and it’s a great interior. What more could you ask for?

Safe lil’ space

It even has ample space to boot. The hatchback-esque proportions give way to ample headroom for rear occupants, and 3 adults can get cosy in the back without much debate.

Cargo space is decent for a hatchback as well, spanning 380 litres. Drop the rear seats, and this figure swells to 1237 litres. It was more than sufficient for my trip to Desaru and back with the Volkswagen crew, check it out here.

You choose it because you want to

The Volkswagen Golf Life is simply a fantastic all-in-one bit of kit. Fun to drive, practical for its size, and saves you petrol. 

This is all well and good, but the main caveat of the Golf is that Volkswagen is priced as a value-for-money, yet ‘premium brand’ in Singapore. This puts it in a price bracket with fierce competition. 

If you are looking eastbound, cars like the Kia Niro Hybrid and Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid come to mind. If you’re looking at ‘continental’ brands, you’ll find lots of friendly fire. There’s the new 1.0-litre Skoda Octavia and 1.0-litre Audi A3, both are found within the VAG group of friend companies. Given all of these attractive options, is it still wise to pick the Golf?

Well, it’s the most affordable Golf you can buy in Singapore today, and it hasn’t lost any of its world-renowned fun. There’s a simple kind of magic with the Golf, beckoning you to take your next drive as soon as possible, and making you turn back to look at it once you’ve parked. 

If driving essence is one of your primary criteria in deciding on a car, and you want something that puts a smile on your face each time you’re behind the wheel, the Volkswagen Golf is definitely something that should be on your radar.

Technical Specifications

2023 Volkswagen Golf Life 

Engine: 1,498cc in-line 4 turbocharged, mild hybrid

Power: 130bhp

Torque: 200Nm

Gearbox: 7-speed DSG

0-100km/h: 9.4 seconds (claimed)

Top Speed: 213km/h

Fuel Economy: 20.8km/L (claimed)

Price: S$173,900 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Contact: Volkswagen Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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The Volkswagen Golf has always been a fan favourite in Singapore. Compact, fun to drive, and reasonably quick. All the right reasons to own a car in our dense cityscape.

Now, Volkswagen has brought an even better deal to the table, as the Mk 8 Golf is now eligible for registration here in Singapore with a wallet-friendlier Cat A COE.

To get the car within Cat A range, the new Volkswagen Golf will come with the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, albeit with a slightly lower 129bhp output alongside 200Nm of torque.

The 7-speed DSG gearbox is still there, giving the car enough grunt to complete 0-100km/h in 9.4 seconds. All of this, while still achieving a claimed fuel economy of 20.8km/L.

To help save fuel, the same 48V mild-hybrid architecture is still around, utilising Volkswagen’s Active Cylinder Management technology.

Apart from that, you are not missing out on the Golf experience at all. Spring for the ‘Life’ variant, and the Golf will still come with the same 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system alongside wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Parking will also be an easy affair, with both front and rear parking sensors and a rear camera keeping you away from any foreign objects.

If you needed some encouragement to pick up a Golf, why not now?

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