If cars could be friends, the Volkswagen Golf would surely be that childhood companion you grew up with. Steady, dependable, and just cool enough to hang around with, no matter your age.

Now updated with a facelifted Mk8.5 version, the iconic German hatchback is back to remind us why, despite fierce competition and eye-watering COE prices, it’s still a choice that can resonate with Singaporean hearts.

It’s still familiar  

Under the bonnet, things look reassuringly familiar. Powering the facelifted Golf is the same 1.5-litre eTSI mild hybrid unit we’ve seen before, now serving up a modest 114bhp and 220Nm of torque. Paired to the tried-and-tested 7-speed DSG gearbox, it’s no firecracker off the lights, hitting 100km/h in 9.9 seconds.

But does this make the Golf boring? Absolutely not. In fact, it’s precisely this modest power output that encourages you to master a more nuanced approach to driving. Anticipate the road ahead, conserve momentum, and find rhythm. On the winding stretches of Singapore’s quieter roads, the Golf becomes a surprisingly enjoyable dance partner.

But, chasing momentum inevitably means you’ll prod the accelerator more enthusiastically, resulting in real-world fuel economy closer to my observed average of 13.7km/litre.

There’s a lingering feeling that the Golf’s brilliantly balanced chassis deserves more grunt, especially with the R-Line variant tested here. Its suspension feels firmer, more planted, and the steering noticeably sharper.

It’s delightfully engaging, guiding you swiftly and securely through every apex. In fact, it’s so good that you end up longing for an extra dollop of power just to fully exploit that exceptional chassis tuning.

A dash of style goes a long way  

From the outside, the Golf’s understated charm has always been a large part of its appeal. Up front, the illuminated VW emblem flanked by a full-width LED daytime running light strip gives it genuine presence, particularly striking as night falls.

Opting for the R-Line trim, as featured here, adds 18-inch “Leeds” alloy wheels, sportier bumpers, and tasteful trim pieces.

And while the test car came dressed in silver, if you’re feeling especially spirited, the Lapiz Blue option truly sets the Golf apart, lending it a dash of restrained aggression reminiscent of its hotter Golf R sibling.

Tech fixes that work  

One common criticism of the earlier Mk8 Golf was its infotainment system. Complex, unintuitive, and frustratingly reliant on touch-sensitive controls. Thankfully, Volkswagen has listened and acted, revising the entire system from the ground up.

Now it’s more intuitive, and physical buttons have also made a welcome comeback on the steering wheel, proving that sometimes the old ways are indeed better. The cabin now feels user-friendly, functional, and far less irritating in daily use, exactly as a Golf should. 

Inside, the Golf retains its hallmark practicality. The R-Line trim upgrades the experience noticeably, offering snug and supportive sports seats and progressive steering.

Rear passengers won’t be short-changed either. With ample headroom and enough shoulder space to comfortably seat three adults on short journeys.

Boot space is as practical as you’d expect from a Golf, 380 litres with seats up and expanding to 1,237 litres when folded flat. 

Still the people’s favourite?  

Despite spiralling prices and fierce competition from increasingly capable electric and hybrid rivals, the Golf Mk8.5 continues to hold its own. It strikes a near-perfect balance between practicality and appeal. As long as tech gremlins don’t get in the way during ownership, you’ll enjoy it for years to come.

While electrified crossovers continue to tempt buyers away, the Golf stands firm, proudly delivering exactly what it promises — a genuinely enjoyable everyday hatchback that does just about everything well.

Technical Specifications

2025 Volkswagen Golf R-Line

Engine: 1.5-litre in-line 4 turbocharged, mild hybrid
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
Power: 114bhp
Torque: 220Nm
Gearbox: 7-speed DSG
0-100km/h: 9.9 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 203km/h
Fuel Economy: 15.8km/litre (claimed)
Price: S$190,900 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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At just 20, Shannon is already a name to watch. Making her pro debut in Australia’s Webex Players Series Murray River, she clinched a runner-up finish. A month later, she made history as the first Singaporean to win on the Ladies European Tour (LET) with her triumph at the Magical Kenya Ladies Open.

She wrapped up the season with four additional top-10 finishes, securing sixth place on the LET Order of Merit, and punching her ticket to the final stage of the LPGA Q-Series. To top it off, she proudly represented Singapore at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Reflecting on this new partnership, Shannon remarked, “I’m grateful for the support from Lexus, who have shown a real commitment to women’s golf. It is a privilege to represent Singapore and hopefully inspire the next generation of young female golfers coming through. I hope to continue doing that through their support and belief.”

Shannon will be playing at the upcoming HSBC Women’s World Championship (HWWC) at Sentosa Golf Club from 27 February to 2 March 2025. One of Asia’s most prestigious tournaments, the HWWC will see Shannon compete against the world’s best on home turf.

Stanley Chia, General Manager of Lexus Singapore, shared his excitement: “Lexus Singapore is honoured to welcome Shannon as our Golf Ambassador and extends our heartfelt congratulations as she takes on the HSBC Women’s World Championship 2025. Shannon’s relentless pursuit of golfing excellence embodies the very essence of Lexus – precision, craftsmanship, and an unyielding passion for performance.”

For the fifth consecutive year, Lexus stands as the Official Automotive Partner of the HSBC Women’s World Championship. Adding to the excitement, Lexus is offering an all-electric RZ450e Luxury SUV as a Hole-In-One prize.

Lexus has also extended its partnership with the Singapore Golf Association (SGA) until 2026, further deepening its investment in nurturing young talent and growing the sport locally. Since 2021, this collaboration has played a pivotal role in supporting emerging players and elevating Singapore’s presence in the global golfing community.

A major highlight in 2025 will be Singapore’s hosting of the World Amateur Team Championships (WATC) at Tanah Merah Country Club from 1–11 October 2025. Lexus will once again step up as the Official Automotive Partner.

The tournament will feature two premier competitions: the Espirito Santo Trophy (Ladies) from 1–4 October and the Eisenhower Trophy (Men’s) from 8–11 October.

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This new GTI is 20hp more powerful than its predecessor, slicing through the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 5.9 seconds. 

Its heart is Volkswagen’s latest 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, packing 261hp and 370 Nm of torque. Peak torque kicks in as early as 1,600 rpm and stays strong all the way to 4,500 rpm, ensuring that power is always on tap when you need it.  

Paired with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission, gear shifts are lightning-quick and seamless, while steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters let you take full control.

The new model boasts Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) and a precisely tuned sports suspension setup, designed to deliver razor-sharp handling without sacrificing ride comfort.

Looks matter, and the new Golf GTI makes sure you know it’s something special the moment you lay eyes on it.  

The front end has been completely redesigned, now featuring IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, which don’t just look sharp but also improve night-time visibility by 15% over the previous model.

Completing the aggressive front fascia is an illuminated Volkswagen badge, a signature honeycomb grille, and a revised lower air intake.

The new 19-inch Queenstown alloy wheels add to its commanding presence, designed as a modern homage to the legendary Detroit wheels from the fifth-gen GTI. 

Step inside, and the new Golf GTI’s cabin immediately feels sportier, more premium, and packed with innovation.  

The front sports seats, wrapped in Vienna leather with GTI red stitching, offer both comfort and support, while the black headliner, stainless steel pedal caps, and red accents remind you that you’re sitting in something built for driving enthusiasts.  

The Engine Start/Stop button pulses red until you fire up the turbocharged engine. Then there’s the tech; a fully digital 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system takes centre stage, offering a user interface with touch and voice control via the IDA voice assistant.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and the Harman Kardon sound system comes with 8+1 speakers and a subwoofer.

Safety is also a priority, with features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), an electromechanical brake booster, and Volkswagen’s Proactive Passenger Protection system, making sure you’re covered while you push the limits.  

The new Golf GTI is now available for order at Volkswagen Centre Singapore, with prices starting from SGD$269,900.

Customers will also enjoy three years of free servicing, a five-year vehicle warranty, and five years of free 24/7 roadside assistance in Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia.  

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From 6 to 12 January, Volkswagen’s latest lineup will grace the Village Square on Level 1 of Waterway Point. The action continues from 9 to 12 January at the Linkbridge Atrium on Level 2 of Marina Square.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the brand’s all-electric offerings like the ID.4 and ID. Buzz, alongside the versatile T-Cross, Tiguan, and of course, the iconic Golf hatchback.

On display in its sporty R-Line trim, the new Golf features comprehensive hardware and software upgrades, including a next-generation infotainment system developed from scratch. 

Exclusive Volkswagen Golf Promotions

For those eyeing the new Golf, Volkswagen Singapore has lined up a suite of exclusive benefits. The first five Golf Life Plus customers will receive Oettinger body kits and limited 50th-anniversary kits. Visitors can also take advantage of event-exclusive promotions, including:

• 3 years of free servicing for ICE (internal combustion engine) customers.
• A 5-year vehicle warranty and 5 years of free 24/7 roadside assistance in Singapore and Malaysia.
• ID. customers enjoy up to an 8-year battery warranty, 8 years of free servicing, and 8 years of free roadside assistance, along with one year of road tax, an in-car dash cam, and solar tinting film.

For further information, visit Volkswagen Singapore’s official website or explore more about the new Golf.

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This renowned championship venue played host to a thrilling day of competition, where seasoned participants Don Chan and Dennis Peh clinched the top spot.

Outperforming 67 two-player teams in an 18-hole showdown, the duo will now represent Singapore at the Audi Quattro Cup World Finals in Muscat, Oman.

Set to take place from November 15 to 19 at the prestigious Al Mouj Golf Club, they will face off against teams from 33 countries.

Reflecting on their victory, Don Chan expressed: “It’s such a surreal experience for us. The Audi Quattro Cup is always special. We came here to have fun, not expecting much. But winning is definitely a great way to end the day.”

Dennis Peh echoed his partner’s sentiments: “Don and I reconnected just a few weeks ago after not seeing each other for ages. To suddenly be paired up for this event and then win – it’s been both fun and nerve-wracking, especially as we watched those final points roll in!”

Markus Schuster, Managing Director of Audi Singapore, praised the pair’s performance: “The Audi Quattro Cup not only celebrates Audi’s long-standing connection to golf but also fosters a vibrant community for our partners, customers, and golf enthusiasts worldwide. Hosting the Singapore edition every year is a highlight for us, and Don and Dennis’ display of skill on the course was truly impressive. We wish them the very best as they represent Singapore at the World Finals in Oman.”

This year’s tournament also upped the stakes with three exclusive hole-in-one prizes from Audi Singapore, featuring the flagship Audi Q8 e-tron, as well as the newly launched Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron.

For Audi customers in Singapore, the chance to participate in the Audi Quattro Cup is made possible through the exclusive myAudiworld customer privilege program.

Members enjoy a wealth of benefits, including invitations to exclusive events, lifestyle and dining privileges, and an array of luxury perks.

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Volkswagen has pulled the covers off the refreshed Golf R, and it’s a significant step forward for one of the most beloved hot hatches on the market.

Unlike its German and British counterparts, the updated Volkswagen Golf R hasn’t hopped on the plug-in hybrid bandwagon. But, that hasn’t stopped it from churning out an impressive 329bhp, a nice bump up from the previous 315bhp, while peak torque remains a solid 420Nm.

Pair this power with a 7-speed DSG and Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system, complete with torque vectoring, and you’ve got a recipe for some serious driving fun. Its century sprint time is just 6.4 seconds, shaving a precious 0.1 seconds off its predecessor. 

And if you opt for the R-Performance package, the top speed jumps from 250km/h to 270km/h.

Visually, the new Golf R mirrors the updates seen in the standard Golf.

Redesigned headlights, an illuminated ‘VW’ badge, a revamped front bumper, and new taillight clusters give the Golf R a sharper, more aggressive look.

Step inside, and you’re greeted by Volkswagen’s largest infotainment system to date – a whopping 15 inches. This comes equipped with IDA, Volkswagen’s voice assistant that can utilise ChatGPT to answer your general knowledge questions.

Complementing this is the Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster. At 10.2 inches, it features a round rev counter with an R-specific design with R-View with a horizontal rpm display.

For those needing more versatility, Volkswagen is also launching the Golf R Variant. Fold down the rear seats, and you’ve got a cavernous 1,642 litres of luggage space.

And if you’re into the darker, more menacing look, there’s the Golf R Black Edition. This special version comes with darker badging and R logos, black R brake calipers, black 19-inch Estoril wheels, and black tailpipes. Darkened IQ.Light LED matrix headlights complete the stealthy aesthetic.

Pre-sales for the updated Volkswagen Golf R kick off on 3 July in Germany. Though, we are doubtful if it will ever touch our shores.

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The lush greens of Sentosa Golf Club have recently hosted the spirited swings and focused gazes of participants in the first qualifying round of the esteemed BMW World of Golf.

This prestigious golf series promises to elevate local talents, showcasing their skills across several of Singapore’s premier courses, including upcoming rounds at the Singapore Island Country Club and Tanah Merah Country Club.

As the calendar pages flip to September 4, 2024, the National Final will unfold at Tanah Merah Country Club, setting the stage for three skilled winners to earn the honour of representing Team Singapore at the World Final in 2025.

This year’s event also offers a touch of personal flair thanks to partnerships with leading brands FootJoy and Titleist. Competitors reaching the National Final will have the unique opportunity to customise premium golf gear, such as a FootJoy MyJoy shoe or a Titleist Vokey Wedge.

Even the spectators aren’t left out; those engaging with the BMW Golf personality quiz can snag Titleist x BMW golf balls at a friendly price of $25 each, not to mention a stylish gift set that includes a suite of golfing essentials.

For all officiated golfers participating, these are the items that they will receive in their lockers at the National Final:

• FootJoy Golf Polo
• FootJoy Arm Sleeves
• Titleist Golf Cap
• BMW Golf Pouch
• BMW Ball Marker With Hat Clip Set
• Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls
• Golf Umbrella

For enthusiasts keen on following this event or perhaps even aiming to be the next to represent the Lion City, details are available at the BMW World of Golf’s website. 

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When you think of historic German cars, there’s one that consistently weaves through the decades with an enduring thread of German engineering genius – the Volkswagen Golf.

Since its inception in the spirited era of the 1970s, the Golf has transcended its humble beginnings to become a beacon of dynamic driving pleasure. It’s an emblem of how compact cars have evolved, a cherished member of many a family, and a testament to the sheer joy of driving – a vehicle that’s much more than a means to get from A to B.

I mean, just look around you. You could probably name someone you know who owns or has owned a Golf.

This year is aptly the 50th anniversary of the Volkswagen Golf, and its appeal is universal, touching the hearts of enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, across continents and through generations.

To ignite a year filled with jubilation and nostalgia, Volkswagen Group Singapore has decided to pen a love letter to this iconic hatchback, a tribute that fittingly drops on Valentine’s Day. The heart-stirring video captures the quintessential spirit of the Golf, inviting you, fellow road romantics, to join in the festivities.

This Valentine’s, we celebrate half a century of love, innovation, and the open road.

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Volkswagen Singapore has recently unveiled the 130hp iteration of the Golf R-Line, the trim that usually crowns the illustrious Volkswagen Golf range. Priced at $189,900, this R Line-badged hatchback adds another attractive option to the Cat A-friendly range.

Originally launched in 2021, the launch variants came with powertrains that sat at 150hp. That meant that every car graced with the illustrious ‘Golf’ badge earned the title of being a Category B COE car. 

As we peer into the present, the very COEs that once bore a modest price tag of around $50,000 have undergone a transformation of value, transcending to a realm where their premium has surged astronimically. 

That’s why the 130hp Cat A-friendly version makes a lot of sense for the market. While this iteration wields a tad less power compared to its brethren, it has not lost any of its shine, the essence of driving prowess coursing through its veins.

So what do you get with the R-Line kit? Well, the more obvious visual difference is the sportier kitting, adding a dash of dynamism to the exterior aesthetic.

Larger 18-inch ‘Bergamo’ wheels give the car some added muscle and an LED strip gracefully adorns the grille, an emblem of modern elegance that commands attention. The rear lamps are also adorned with dynamic indicators.

The R-Line incarnation of the Golf doesn’t merely stop at exterior embellishments; it extends its prowess beneath the surface. Sports suspension is standard on this hatchback, a gesture that imbues it with a touch of athletic grace.

While it may not boast the acclaimed fifteen-stage adjustable DCC suspension system found in the GTI and Skoda Octavia RS, it does flaunt a two-stage configuration that mirrors its 150hp counterpart.

The cabin showcases ‘Carbon Grey’ inserts that grace the dash and front door panels. Settle into the sports seats, a fusion of ‘Sardegna’ fabric and Art Velour microfleece upholstery, an embodiment of comfort and style. An uprated 10-inch ‘Discover Pro’ infotainment system promises enhanced audio quality and wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

To make driving more engaging, a meatier ergonomic R-Line leather-wrapped multi-function sports steering wheel is at the command of the driver. Capacitive touch-sensitive controls, akin to those found in the GTI and Golf R, adorn its surface, accompanied by the ever-enchanting pedal shifters. The R-Line hatchback also boasts progressive steering, a phenomenon that enhances manoeuvrability and delivers a response that is nothing short of exhilarating.

The Volkswagen Golf R-Line is now available in showrooms.

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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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