Whether it's a polo tee or a Polo Vee-Dub you're looking for, you can be assured of bargains at end-of-season sales.
In the case of the last current generation VW Golf to land here, the bargain is much sweeter. Volkswagen has equipped the car with two delicious propositions: a twincharged 122bhp 1.4-litre engine and a seven-speed dual- clutch gearbox.
The result is a hatchback that is refined, relaxed and remarkably frugal.
Volkswagen claims it will manage 100km on 7.7 litres of petrol in city driving. Over a short test- drive in an urban setting, we averaged 8.5 litres. That's still remarkable, considering that the phased-out 1.6-litre Golf consumed over 11 litres for the same task (and was slower and costlier).
Almost miraculously, the 1.4- litre Golf achieves this without compromising on performance.
The success of its recipe lies in its relatively small displacement engine that is force-fed by a supercharger as well as a turbo. The former ensures creditable low-end torque, while the latter takes over from the mid-range.
Volkswagen calls this twincharging and when it made its debut in the Golf GT last year, no one believed that such a small engine could produce 170bhp.
In the Golf, the so-called TSI engine is tuned down to 122bhp for better economy. And it is all the better for it.
The car seems a lot more settled than the edgy GT. On the whole, it is significantly more driveable.
The second part of its magic lies in the new seven-speed DSG transmission. The dual-clutch technology has been proven to offer the performance and economy of a manual, as well as the convenience of an auto.
With a seventh cog, it is even more economical. It allows the Golf to cruise at 90kmh at around 1,800rpm - a feat usually associated with lazy limos with Godzilla-sized engines.
At the same time, the VW maintains its quick reflexes and lightfootedness. A slight increase in pedal travel and the car shifts down and picks up the pace.
The Golf rides on 15-inch wheels, which contributes to its fuel-sipping ways as well as its ride comfort. But if vanity is your second name, you can always upsize.
At $85,000 or so, the car is a whole lot more pocket-friendly than others in its segment, including the new BMW 1-series.
This winning formula is likely to be available in the next generation Golf, which will be unveiled around end-September. Prices may differ, of course.
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 1.4 TSI 7-SPEED
Price: $85,800 with COE
Engine: 1,390cc 16-valve inline-4 twincharged
Transmission: Seven-speed DSG
Power: 122bhp at 5,000rpm
Torque: 200Nm at 1,500-4,000rpm
0-100kmh: 9.4 seconds
Top speed: 197kmh
Fuel consumption: 7.7 litres/100km (city)
Agent: Volkswagen Centre Singapore
This article was first published in The Straits Times on 28 June, 2008.
