The eighth generation Volkswagen Golf was launched in Singapore. The best-selling car in Europe in 2020 is available there as a 1.5 eTSI mild hybrid version, as well as the GTI hot hatch.

The regular Mk8 Golf uses a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-pot instead of the previous generation’s 1.4-liter unit. The rating of 150 PS / 250 Nm is similar to that of the Malaysian market Mk7.5 TSI. Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox, 0-100 km / h is achieved in 8.5 seconds while the top speed is 224 km / h. Our outgoing Golf TSI made 8.2 seconds and 216 km / h.

The 1.5L engine is equipped with Active Cylinder Management (ACT), where half of the four cylinders can be turned off at lower loads, which promotes fuel economy and emissions. Speaking of FC, the claimed figure is 20.8 km / l, which is 2.6 km / l better than before.

The electrification tips come in the form of a 48-volt belt-driven starter generator and a 48-volt lithium-ion battery. The system assists the Golf when starting up and allows it to coast when the ICE has been turned off.

Singaporeans can choose from three trim levels – Life, Life Plus, and R-Line – all of which offer more kit than their predecessors. Features like LED headlights, keyless entry and push start, a 10.25-inch digital speedometer panel, an 8.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a wireless charger are included. series.

The R-Line has, among other things, its own bumpers, glossy black accents and sports seats with integrated headrests. The top 1.5 eTSI also receives perks like interior mood lighting with 30 colors, progressive steering and driving mode selection.

The GTI does not need to be introduced. The original recipe for the hot hatch is the same, with more power and technology. The EA888 2.0L turbo-four has 245 PS and 370 Nm of torque, a jump of 15 PS and 20 Nm from the regular Mk7.5 GTI and on par with the Performance Pack version of the outgoing model. A six-speed manual is available elsewhere, but SG gets the seven-speed DSG, just like us.

Beneath the skin are MacPherson struts up front, multi-link rear suspension, electronic XDS differential lock, and a sport suspension setup that has a ride height 15mm lower than the standard Golf. New to the Mk8 is a Vehicle Dynamics Manager control system that coordinates the operation of the XDS and optional DCC adaptive dampers.

The Mk8 Golf starts from S $ 125,900 (RM 390,621) in Singapore after $ 15,000 off the Vehicle Emissions Program (VES). The GTI costs a bit more at S $ 205,900 (RM 638,831). The latest GTI was spotted in Malaysia last year, and there was even a VPCM teaser on Instagram, but there was no news or clues in 2021. What do you think of the latest Golf?

GALLERY: Mk8 Volkswagen Golf

GALLERY: Mk8 Volkswagen Golf GTI