Effective from 19 February 2025, companies must retain ownership of their private-hire vehicles (PHVs) intended for ride-hailing services for a minimum of three years before selling them to individuals.

This move aims to address concerns about the rapid turnover of PHVs into the private car market, which has implications for both vehicle oversupply and Certificate of Entitlement (COE) quotas.  

Previously, companies could sell their PHVs to private buyers after a relatively short period. However, the new regulation mandates a three-year holding period, meaning vehicles registered for ride-hailing purposes cannot be transferred to individual ownership until they have been in service for at least three years.

The LTA believes this measure will help stabilise the vehicle population by reducing the influx of used PHVs into the private car market, ensuring that the overall number of vehicles remains more controlled.

In addition, this policy will allow COE quotas to be managed more effectively, preventing a sudden surge of second-hand vehicles that could distort market demand.  

This policy adjustment carries significant implications for various parties. Ride-hailing companies will need to adjust their fleet management strategies, ensuring vehicles are maintained for longer periods.

Drivers looking to purchase used PHVs may find a reduced supply in the market, potentially leading to higher prices. On the other hand, those who rent their vehicles might experience more stable rental rates due to the extended use of existing fleets.

For consumers, the extended holding period might raise concerns about the quality and condition of PHVs. However, with proper maintenance and regular servicing, companies can ensure that older vehicles remain roadworthy and provide a comfortable experience for passengers.

The effects of this policy will unfold over time, but it is clear that the LTA aims to create a more sustainable and balanced vehicular ecosystem in Singapore.

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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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If you’re thinking, “I want to sell my car and get the best return,” you’re not alone. Everyone in Singapore is on the hunt for the highest return when it comes to selling their used car.

In a land where cars are a serious investment, every move you make can spell the difference between a good deal and a downright fantastic one. Especially now, with the 2023 budget revision slapping us with increased ARF rates, timing is the name of the game.

COE can play a big factor in pricing

The Certificate Of Entitlement or COE, for short. This little piece of paper wields the power to swing your car’s valuation. When COE prices shoot up, folks start eyeing the used car market with newfound interest, looking for a sweet deal that won’t burn a hole in their pockets compared to shelling out for a shiny new ride.

When that happens, the demand for used cars, whether they’re luxury models or everyday workhorses, goes through the roof. Suddenly, your trusty old ride becomes a hot commodity and its value skyrockets.

While cars in similar conditions might typically fetch similar prices, if your car boasts a lower COE, you might just find yourself with a heftier paycheck when you part ways with it.

However, this is only worthwhile if your car’s COE is much lower than prevailing prices and you’re not planning on buying another vehicle. Otherwise, purchasing another car, either new or second-hand, may negate any potential gains.

Essentially, in this current market, if you sell high, you buy high.  

It may be worthwhile to hold on to your car instead

This is why, in some situations, keeping your existing car can be more worthwhile down the line. The amount you’ll spend on maintenance will more than likely be cheaper overall than the costs required to run a new set of wheels.

“But my car looks old! How can I impress my new mother-in-law for CNY?” Fret not, as it is actually easy to give your older car a new refresh. And you’ll be surprised at just how much is on offer.

With AutoApp, we can help you bring new life into your current car. We cover an extensive range of services – be it spray painting, repairs, grooming, or new leather seats, the list is only limited by you.

We have dedicated service ambassadors who will take care of your car throughout its appointment, and we can even pick up and drop off your car at your doorstep. So you can just kick back and relax while we do the heavy lifting for you. Simple right?

Interested? Give us a call at +65 9102 8028 or drop an enquiry over on our website. For the best possible experience, download the AutoApp app to enjoy seamless bookings with us!

All you have to do is add your car details in the app, select which services you require, and sit back while we get to work. Our prices are always transparent, and we provide regular updates at each step of the way, so you can be certain only the best quality goes into your car.

Hold on to your car first, and ride the high COE wave

Instead of paying $100,000+ for a new COE, it may be in your best interests to keep your car and give it a new life. Your wallet will thank you too.

From complete engine overhauls to a brand new coat of paint, AutoApp can help everyone and every car to go the distance (until COE prices come down). Happy driving!

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Inchcape Singapore, local distributor of Toyota, Suzuki, Lexus, and Hino vehicles, has sponsored the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) for a Toyota Hiace van to Geylang East Home for the Aged (GEHA), a charity organization dedicated to providing essential care and support to the elderly in Singapore.

Charitable organizations such as GEHA face challenges in acquiring COEs relating to transporting seniors to and from Geylang East Senior Care Centres (GESCC), and Inchcape Singapore stepped forward to lend its expertise and services in securing a COE so that the GESCC can continue to provide reliable and convenient transportation services to seniors attending the daycare centres without disruption.

Mr Ng Khee Siong, Interim Managing Director of Inchcape Singapore, said, “We believe in giving back to our community and we understand the importance of mobility and connectivity for the elderly to stay engaged with the world around them. Our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our seniors aligns perfectly with the mission of Geylang East Senior Care Centres. Together, we can create a brighter future, where our seniors are valued, respected, and supported in their golden years.”

Expressing his gratitude was Mr Eric Wong Ngiam Chin, JP, BBM (L), Chairman of Geylang East Home for the Aged, who said, “We are very grateful to Inchcape Singapore for their sponsorship. As a result, more seniors are able to access daycare centres for vital health care, social interaction, and support comfortably. The act of generosity highlights the importance of collaboration between businesses and charitable organizations to address pressing social issues and create a caring and inclusive society for the elderly in Singapore.”

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Category A COE cars are all the rage these days in Singapore. With soaring petrol prices and astronomical COE premiums, these wallet-friendly city runabouts are just the sort of thing a budget-conscious buyer wants – practical, fuel-efficient, and versatile.

For those of you reading outside of Singapore, here’s how we classify Cat A vehicles being registered here:

• Non-fully electric cars with engines up to 1,600cc and Maximum Power Output up to 97kW (130bhp).
• Fully electric cars with Maximum Power Output of up to 110kW (147bhp).

However, as we can see from the figures above, in traditional cases owning a Cat A vehicle means sacrificing performance and oftentimes driving fun in exchange for a cheaper set of wheels.

But, with the advent and advancement in new engine technology alongside innovations like electrical assistance, engine capacity is no longer the defacto indicator of performance.

So that begs the question, can Cat A cars be any fun? Well, to find out, I went on a road trip with Volkswagen Group Singapore (VGS) to Desaru, in order to answer this with four wheels and a steering wheel.

What four wheels you might ask? VGS has very kindly offered their existing range of Category A Volkswagen and Škoda cars. Despite our end goal being Desaru, the gang opted to travel in a 500km U-shaped route instead, savouring some of Malaysia’s best B-roads along the way.

The cars accompanying us on this journey included the Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI (Life and Life Plus), Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0TSI, Škoda Scala 1.0TSI Monte Carlo and the Škoda Octavia 1.0TSI. Nothing over 1.5 litres of engine block goodness.

My group were assigned to the Škoda Octavia first, our vessel to cross into Malaysian tarmac. Once the speed limits turned into suggestions, I placed my foot down and started hunting.

Yes, it might only have a 1.0-litre 3-pot heart, but having access to its 200Nm of torque at low RPMs coupled with mild-hybrid assistance meant that it could hold its own both on the straights and the corners. It could easily keep up with its Octavia RS sibling driven by the support crew, bar brief moments of harsh acceleration.

To keep costs down, Škoda opted for a torsion rear beam instead of the usual multi-link setup. I loved this setup, as it makes the car more predictable around corners. The car feels settled even at speed, and any bouts of oversteer can be mitigated as easily as letting your foot off the throttle.

Plus, you get to do that in a spacious and practical family sedan with tons of room. The Octavia has always been dear to my heart, and this road trip bolstered additional gratification towards it.

After a spot of brunch at Yong Peng’s famous Sunroast, we were on the road again – this time in the Volkswagen Golf Life. The new Life variants are meant to distinguish the Cat A models from their more powerful brethren. With the same engine, the boffins at Volkswagen have managed to detune the 1.5-litre engine to make it fall nicely under Cat A.

Externally and internally, it’s business as usual from the regular Cat B Mk 8 Golf. But, what lies in its engine bay is what truly matters, and boy does this Golf live up to its famed reputation.

With the same torsion beam setup as most of the other cars on this trip, the Golf was effortlessly dancing in the bends. It just so happens I was in the Golf for a particularly twisty bit of road, and it couldn’t have been a better combination.

Keeping up momentum in the corners, any understeer sensations were quickly sorted out as the Golf soldiered on, and shifting through its 7-speed DSG gearbox whilst keeping its revs high was riveting. All of this, even as it started to pour and visibility became limited.

Our little chihuahua gave us a blast all to way to Jemaluang Emerald Lake, and we were sad to part ways with it at Jason’s Bay Beach.

But, this meant we could hop into another ride, and this time it was the biggest of the group – the Volkswagen T-Cross. Now, you take one look at these cars and probably think to yourself, “How can the T-Cross keep up with this pack?”

Yes, I will admit the T-Cross can be a little more tricky to wrestle in the corners, with its taller stature and waftiness. But, despite its SUV proportions, it could just as easily keep up on the highway bits and back roads. It was also arguably the most comfortable of the bunch as well, with tall cabin headroom and ample leg space for toe wiggling.

Turning in for the night, I awoke bright and early for our return journey to Singapore, and the Škoda Scala was there to greet me for the ride home.

This was the Monte Carlo edition of the Scala, fitted with a bunch of extra trinkets like 18-inch alloys, soft bucket seats and a panoramic moonroof. There weren’t many B-roads left to enjoy on the return leg, but the Scala was extremely competent blasting down the highway at legal speeds. Plus, I don’t know about you, but the Scala looks gorgeous in that shade of red.

Our final car swap saw us crossing the border back into Singapore in the Volkswagen Golf Life Plus. Much like its aforementioned Golf Life sibling, it has all of the charms of the Golf, but is now packaged in a bite-sized wallet-friendly form. Plus, with the Life Plus, you get the added advantage of 3-zone HVAC and cooler rims on the outside.

Overall, this was obviously a fun-filled trip, but it was mainly fun because of these Cat A gems. These cars invoke a unique charm behind the wheel and beckon you to just keep driving whilst savouring every last bit of tarmac.

These are not just machines; they’re companions. Companions that can munch up the miles and take you to your next destination, with a big grin plastered on your face.

It’s more fun driving a slow car fast than a fast car slow, right? Just like getaway cars.

Big shoutout to Volkswagen Group Singapore for making this trip possible!

Photo Credits: Horizon Drivers’ Club (@horizondriversclub)

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The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has recently announced that it will increase the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) quota for vehicular categories A and B over the next few quarters. This one-time adjustment aims to reduce supply volatility which was the root cause behind the massive price spikes.

This announcement was in response to the record-breaking COE prices, with prices in Category A crossing the S$100,000 threshold for the first time on Apr 19, 2023. Similarly, category B premiums rose to a record high of S$120,889 during the same bidding exercise.

Open category COEs, which can be used for any vehicle type but are mainly used for large cars, hit an all-time high of S$118,990.

Increase in quota

For Q2 of 2023 – between the months of May to July – the COE quota will increase from 9,575 to 10,431.

This will result in a 24 per cent increase for Category A, while Category B will see an increase of 15 per cent. This will be in effect for the remaining five bidding exercises for this quarter.

Additionally, LTA will also bring forward the guaranteed deregistrations of five-year non-extendable COEs which are due to expire. This will happen whenever supply is projected to be higher, and these will be distributed over the next few quarters. The total supply of such COEs is about 6,000. 

Don’t expect prices to fall drastically

Although COE premiums have fallen slightly in the latest bidding exercise, COE prices are likely to remain high for a while, due to limited supply and increasing demand.

Delivering a ministerial statement in parliament on Monday, Transport Minister S Iswaran said Singapore “must expect the long-term trajectory for COE prices to be upwards”.

“Even as LTA makes the one-time adjustment to the COE quota in categories A and B, I would like to emphasise two points. First, this will help to lessen, but it will not eliminate, volatility in supply. There will still be a degree of supply fluctuation due to historical factors and broader market conditions. Second, the long-term upward trend of COE prices due to rising incomes and zero vehicle population growth will not abate.”

LTA has also stated that the new measure does not alter the zero Vehicle Growth Rate on the overall car population. 

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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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