Engine: 999cc, 12V, inline 3, turbocharged
Power/torque: 108bhp/200Nm
Fuel efficiency: 5.0l/100km
0 to 100kph: 9.9 seconds
Top speed: 196kph Realistically, getting up to 60/70kph and learning to stay within these limits is more important for drivers in Singapore. That is why you do not want too much power or have much need to get to 100kph at a lightning pace. Interestingly, the new 1.0-litre engine still produces the same amount of power as its 1.2-litre predecessor (110bhp), but 25Nm more torque. Now, that is what I call progress. Anyway, it is easy to get bogged down in figures and statistics. Suffice to say, this new Golf never felt underpowered in urban driving conditions. In and around the CBD, it performed excellently and had a very familiar feel to it, as if I had driven it before. Parking was effortless and I do not think the fuel gauge even moved — consumption is stated at just five litres per 100km. As a city car, it ticks all the boxes. There are a few other improvements of note, one being a new seven-speed DSG gearbox, which has a shorter range in between gears. In practice, this means it shifts up the gears much more quickly and feels more responsive. That adds to the sharp and “punchy” feeling I mentioned.
Justin Harper is a freelance journalist with a passion for all things fast