LICenCe TO THRILL

A monthly publication for Volkswagen owners in Singapore
ISSUE FOUR JULY 2013
LICENCE
TO THRILL
THE NEW GOLF GTI IS READY
TO ELECTRIFY SINGAPORE
Inside • TSI Engine Wins More Awards • Golf GTI Accessories Promotion • More!
Contents
Global news
Global news
30 millionth Golf rolls out
01 | TSI engine wins ‘Engine of the Year
Award’ in its class eight times in a row
The world’s 30 millionth Golf has come off the assembly line at the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg,
making history as it sets a new production record for the most successful European car ever. This,
statistically speaking, translates to an average of more than 2,000 buyers of a new Golf every day
over the past 39 years. The 30 millionth car is a Golf TDI BlueMotion; this recently introduced model
has a fuel consumption value of just 3.2 L/100 km, making it the most fuel efficient Golf ever built.
Cover story
04 | We pay homage to GTIs past and trace
the DNA of the new Golf GTI
05 | The Golf GTI Cabriolet makes its way to
our sunny island
Local news
Elsewhere in
this issue
Look out for our
exclusive sales and
aftersales promotions
07 | CATS carnival is back and your
favourite Volkswagen models will be
there too
Feature
06 | They can’t live without their Golf GTIs:
Two owners talk about their love affairs
with their hot hatches
VolksMag is a monthly publication by
Volkswagen Group Singapore
Lifestyle
Publisher
Interpage Pte Ltd
08 | You don’t have to be a GTI owner to own
these snazzy genuine GTI accessories
Enquiries
[email protected]
02
More awards for
TSI technology
ISSUE FOUR | July 2013
www.volksmag.com.sg
The return of the king
Almost four decades on, the
GTI is still thrilling drivers
around the world
Printed on FSC-certified paper
Information and specifications
published in this magazine are subject
to change after publication deadline
Go fast. Go far.
While enthusiasts anticipate the arrival of the seventh
generation Golf GTI, drivers who seek the ultimate
compromise between performance and pocket friendly
economy can look forward to the Golf GTD (‘Gran
Turismo Diesel’). Thanks to a new transversely mounted
2.0-litre 4-cylinder common rail diesel engine, the GTD
pushes out 184 bhp and a heady 380 Nm of torque. Top
speed is an impressive 230 km/h.
The GTD achieves 4.5 L/100 km and has CO2 emissions
of 119 g/km with the DSG gearbox. It conforms to the
Euro 6 emission standard that will take effect in 2014.
For the eighth consecutive time, the 1.4-litre TSI petrol
engine from Volkswagen has won the ‘Engine of the
Year Award’ in the 1.0-1.4 litre displacement category.
This makes the 1.4-litre TSI the most successful engine
in the 15-year history of this international engine
technology competition. What sweetens this victory
is the fact that the top four engines in that category
were all TSI engines, the Volkswagen 1.4-litre TSI
Twincharger (1st), Volkswagen 1.4-litre TSI (2nd),
Volkswagen 1.2-litre TSI (3rd) and the Volkswagen
1.4-litre TSI ACT (4th).
In addition, Volkswagen
received the coveted ‘Best
New Engine Award’ with
the introduction of the
world’s first active cylinder
management (ACT) in the TSI
four cylinder engine.
01
Cover story
THE RETURN
OF THE KING
For almost 40 years, the Golf GTI has been the quintessential all-round
hot hatch. The all new model promises to live up to the reputation of its
predecessors, and then some.
Every time a new generation of Golf GTI is launched,
the questions on everyone’s lips are, “What will it
be like?”, “Will it be as good as the last one?” Well,
soon you will be able to see for yourself what exactly
it is that has earned the new Golf GTI praise and
acclaim from the international motoring press.
Thanks to its iconic visual cues, the new car is
instantly recognisable as a GTI. Apart from ‘GTI’
badging on the grille, front wings and boot lid, there
is also the trademark red grille trim running across
the nose, which on the new car, stretches into the
02
Inside, the GTI is distinguished by a flat-bottomed
multifunction steering wheel, stainless steel pedals,
leather sports seats and red stitching on the steering
wheel and gear lever.
in an engine that is more powerful, yet more fuel
efficient. Power has increased by 10 bhp over the old
model to 220 bhp, and torque jumps to 350 Nm, an
improvement of 70 Nm. This enables the Golf GTI to
reach 100 km/h from standstill in just 6.5 seconds, and
onto a top speed of 244 km/h. Despite the impressive
performance figures, the new Golf GTI consumes less
fuel. Thanks to a lower weight, as well as stop-start
technology, fuel consumption is just 6.6 L/100km,
while a CO2 emissions figure of 153 g/km qualifies the
new Golf GTI for a $5,000 CEVS rebate.
Revisions have been made to the already potent
EA888 2.0 TSI engine. Reinforced crankshaft bearings,
modified direct fuel-injection and other changes result
More important to the driving experience though,
is its dynamic and agile handling characteristics. To
that end, the new Golf GTI comes with a progressive
headlamps as well. New 18-inch ‘Austin’ alloy wheels
are a smart update of the much-loved ‘Detroit’
design from the previous two generations.
steering system, which significantly reduces the
effort and amount of steering input needed at low
speeds or on a winding road. There is also Driving
Mode Selection which lets you choose from five
settings (Comfort, Normal, Sport, Eco, Individual)
and allows fine-tuning of the dampers, steering,
transmission and engine to suit your driving style.
With something this good, it is no doubt that the king
is indeed back. Like the generations before it, the
new Golf GTI looks set to secure itself a place as one
of history’s great performance cars.
Be sure to look out for the launch and experience for
yourself what it’s like to rule the streets!
03
Turning special into exceptional
Cover story
Collaborations, one-off project cars and special editions - these cars made the Golf GTI peerless.
...and then there
were seven
A lineage of class-leading sports hatchbacks.
The new Golf GTI did not get to where it is
without the success of its forefathers. We
take a look at these heroes.
Mk1 The daddy. An after-hours project
that legitimised the hot hatch as a fun,
practical, affordable performance car for
the masses. A revvy 110 bhp
four-cylinder engine
and kerb weight of
just over 800 kg give
the first Golf GTI the ability
to scare more expensive sports cars.
chassis, rounded-off looks and more
powerful 16-valve engines help make the
Mk2 the best-selling generation of Golf
GTI ever.
Mk4 The Golf GTI grows up; build
quality and refinement improve to rival
bigger premium cars. Turbocharging is
introduced to the Golf GTI, its 1.8-litre
engine initially producing 150 bhp, but
climbing to 180 bhp by the end.
04
G60 (Mk2) –
Supercharger added
to the 1.8-litre 8-valve
engine, bumping power
up to 160 bhp. Rallye
version had four wheel
drive system.
Edition 25 (Mk4) –
The ultimate Mk4 GTI,
utilising the 1.8T engine
with 180 bhp. The
E25 is set apart by a
unique interior, body
kit, BBS rims, brake and
suspension tweaks.
Pirelli (Mk5) – Brought
back 25 years after the
original Pirelli edition,
the modern version
is based on the E30,
but also gains Pirelli
P-Zero tyres and a
bespoke interior.
Mk2 More of the same: An updated
Mk3 Evolution, not revolution:
The GTI’s four-cylinder engines are
largely carried over from the previous
generation, the 16-valve version
generating a healthy 150 bhp. The later
years see the introduction of the first
six-cylinder GTI, in the form of the North
America-only VR6 GTI.
Pirelli (Mk1) – A
special run-out edition
for the Mk1 that is
easily identified
by unique “P-slot”
alloy wheels. 10,500
production run sold
out in six months.
VR6 (Mk3) – The Golf
receives the 2.9-litre
V6, gaining a smoother
power band and distinct
exhaust note. 190 bhp
means a 0-100 km/h
time of 7.5 seconds.
Edition 30 (Mk5) –
Another anniversary
special, this time to mark
the GTI’s 30th birthday.
A significant 30 bhp
power hike, colourcoded body kit and BBS
rims complete the job.
W12 (Mk5) – The wildest
GTI ever. Out go the rear
seats and in comes a
650 bhp twin-turbo W12.
Edition 35 (Mk6) – The
latest in a long line of
anniversary specials
packing 235 bhp.
Speed and style in one sexy package
Go from sporty to sexy in 9 seconds. That’s how long the new Golf GTI Cabriolet takes to drop its top. With a 2.0-litre
turbocharged TSI power plant mated to a 6-speed DSG transmission, it whips out 210 bhp and 280 Nm of torque, taking
it from 0-100 km/h in only 7.3 seconds and a maximum speed of 237 km/h - how’s that for a speedy hairdo?
Mk5 The king returns! The Mk5 reinvents the Golf GTI for the 21st
century, bringing back the fun factor and excitement of the Mk1, but in
a modern package. Red grille trim, dimpled golf ball gear knob and
tartan fabric seats all hark back to the original, while DSG gearbox
technology looks towards the future.
Mk6 The Mk6 spices up the Mk5’s awesome recipe with a bit more
power and the XDS electronic differential lock for greater traction.
Critical acclaim and accolades continue to pour in for the Golf GTI.
Besides going fast (and looking gorgeous while at it too), the new Golf GTI Cabriolet features Volkswagen’s electronic
differential lock (XDS) and adaptive chassis control system (DCC), allowing the driver to choose the suspension setting
between Comfort, Normal or Sport. Despite that, the new
Golf GTI Cabriolet still returns a respectable
7.7 L/100 km and has CO2 emissions of
only 180 g/km.
So what are you waiting for?
Drop the top and take it out
for a test drive! Oh, and bring
a cap too.
05
Feature
Local news
Owners wax lyrical about their Golf GTIs
VolksMag speaks to two Golf GTI owners to find out why they’re so in love with their rides.
“None can
compare!”
Name: Ho Kai Shian
Occupation: Interior designer
Why the Golf GTI?
I used to own another premium German car, but
when I test drove the Golf GTI, I was surprised at
how the Volkswagen did everything better!
How long have you had your car?
Almost five years now, I’ve had it since 2008. I
can’t find anything worthy to replace it.
What is the best thing you love about it?
The power! It’s got power on demand, plus it’s just lovely to drive. I don’t feel any need to modify it like some people do.
The 200 bhp 2.0 TSI engine is more than enough. Fuel consumption is great too, and I can drive it comfortably when I’m
in the mood to cruise. I’ve driven other cars that are perceived to be better, but none can compare to this car, perhaps
only another Golf GTI can.
“I can’t bear to
part with my
Golf GTI.”
Name: Veron Zhen
Occupation: Nurse and blog owner
Why the Golf GTI?
My husband and I were looking for something
more ‘solid’ to replace our old car. We both
like fast cars, so the Golf GTI was perfect!
How long have you had your car?
I’ve been driving it for about four years.
When our family grew, we had to look for a larger car, but I couldn’t bear to part with the Golf GTI, so we got
another 7-seater instead. We still find excuses to enjoy outings as a family in this hot hatch!
What is the best thing you love about it?
I love the fact that it’s packed with so many features. Our car is specced with Park Assist, which comes equipped with
front and rear sensors, a built-in reverse camera and a cool touch-screen display. Great for ‘kayu’ drivers like me!
06
CATS Carnival
returns
It is time for the annual CATS Carnival
again! Drop by the Volkswagen
booth and look forward to attractive
promotions on the latest car models. Get
up close and personal with the familyfavourite Touran and Sharan MPVs, the
Passat executive sedan and segmentleading Golf Sport. Don’t miss our two
sporty numbers, the Scirocco Black
Edition and Jetta Special Edition as well.
Fatherhood
has its privileges
How did you celebrate Father's Day? Well, for the families that
turned up at Volkswagen Centre Singapore on the weekend
of 15 and 16 June, it was an awesome time of family bonding,
and most importantly, honouring dad. From picking up archery
lessons, to building animals, structures and more at the creative
construction corner, there was something for everyone. There were
also promotions on Orbea sports bicycles and a wide range of
their models on display at the sporty 'R' corner of the showroom.
This year’s CATS Carnival will take place
on Sunday, 7 July at Singapore Expo
Hall 5, from 10 am to 8 pm. So mark it
down on your calendar, and bring along
your friends and family for the CATS
Carnival 2013!
Of course, no party is complete without giveaways, and there
were prizes aplenty at this one. Rise & Shine, a children's health
and development organisation, awarded their Facebook contest
winners a 2-week drive with the Volkswagen Sharan, while all their
members walked away with a New Golf torchlight. Anyone who
bought a car on that day was guaranteed a prize too, while all
walk-in customers took home an exclusive ‘Super Dad’ car decal.
It sure pays to be a daddy at Volkswagen!
Free Bluetooth upgrade
with every Jetta Comfort
and Jetta Sport
WORTH
S$859!
VolksMag
reader
exclusive!
Over and above all
existing promotions!
Valid for bookings made
from 1 - 31 July 2013.
07
Lifestyle
Look the part with
these genuine GTI
accessories
New collection
GTI Cap
Totally GTI: the cap with the original
upholstery material ‘Clark’
Uniblack at the back with a red GTI
emblem on the side. Adjustable fastener
with the VW logo at the back.
Material: 50% cotton, 50% polyester
Price: S$26
GTI Roller suitcase
With you even when you travel.
Weighing just 2.8 kg and
extremely robust, the case is
designed with a honeycomb
structure and a GTI logo on
the front.
Size: 37(w) x
55(h) x 20(d)cm
Volume: 33 litres
Upper material:
Polycarbonate
Price: S$235
Kids' GTI T-shirt
Never too young to start
T-shirt in GTI colours: Black, Tornado Red
and White. With check pattern on sleeves.
Material: 100 % cotton
Price: S$42 S$25
GTI Pacifier
For the cool baby.
This cool pair of GTI silicone pacifiers
come in red with a white ring. Perfect
for babies above 3 months old and
are BPA (bisphenol-A ) free.
Price: S$17
GTI Chronograph
The watch for sophisticated GTI fans.
Clockwork with Ronda Swiss Technology.
Robust K1-safety glass and steel casing
protects the watch face with honeycomb
structure in Galvanic Super-black Matt.
Made in Germany.
Casing: 316 L Edelstahl
Waterproof: Up to 100 m
Quality coating: PVD black
Base plate: Satined stainless steel
Price: S$418
Promotions
GTI sunglasses
Look as cool as a GTI.
Classic black sunglasses
with tornado red details
for both men and women.
The CR39 lenses provide
100% UV protection.
Price: S$150 S$95
Ladies' GTI polo shirt
The expression of a sporty
attitude towards life
Polo shirt in GTI colours
and signature GTI design
elements.
Material: 100 % cotton
Price: S$70 S$47
Men's GTI sweat jacket
Display power and passion
with just three letters: GTI
Sweat jacket in GTI colours:
Black, Tornado Red and
White. With honeycomb
design elements and red
accents.
Materials: 70 % cotton,
30 % polyester
Price: S$155 S$99
GTI Jacky belt
It is more than a car. It is an attitude.
A belt design inspired by the famous Jacky material with
an unmistakeable checked pattern.
Material: 100 % polyester
Length: 121 cm
Price: S$60.50 S$36
Did You Know...
... that Volkwagen names its sports alloy wheels
after iconic cities of the world?
Most manufacturers would
give a product like a
wheel an alphanumeric
model code, but not
Volkswagen. With
one of the largest
wheel selections
in the world, it has
taken a step further to
differentiate its models
by naming them after their
designs, the purpose they were
built for, or in often times, iconic cities of the world. Take
for instance the 18-inch ‘Preston’ wheel (above) on the
Jetta Special Edition which is named after a city in the
United Kingdom. How about
the 18-inch ‘Detroit’ wheels
(left) found on the Mk
6 Golf GTI, the 19-inch
‘Talladega’ wheels
(bottom left) that are
standard on the Scirocco R
or the 18-inch ‘Austin’
wheels that are fitted on the
new Golf GTI? All honoured
after cities in the USA. Did
you also know that one
of the latest designs to
come out of the factory
is a sporty number called
‘Singapore’?
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08
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www.vw.com.sg
Think clean. Think Blue.
Volkswagen’s BlueMotion Technologies feature innovative energy-saving components that work to
make your drive cleaner and more efficient. From automatic start-stop to low rolling resistance tyres,
they work in tandem with Volkswagen’s TSI and TDI Clean Diesel engines, as well as the advanced
DSG gearboxes to cut fuel consumption and reduce harmful emissions. Other fuel-saving features
include improved aerodynamics and the recuperation of energy from braking. Best of all, this increased
efficiency also lowers the cost of running your car. So when you drive a Volkswagen, you can rest easy
knowing that both you and the environment are enjoying the rewards of BlueMotion Technologies.