Singapore - Local car buyers can now enjoy their favourite hatchback with more savings thanks to its new Cat A COE-friendly 96 kW 1.5-litre eTSI powertrain.

The 48 V mild hybrid in detail
With eTSI engines, Volkswagen drivers enjoy highly efficient drives that operate independently of any charging infrastructure. The technical basis of the new 48 V mild hybrid drive for the 1.5 96 kW eTSI is a highly innovative and efficient 1.5-litre four- cylinder TSI engine with Active Cylinder Management.

The 48 V technology permits transmission of higher electric power levels with comparatively small conductor cross-sections and a compact battery, and thus also with low additional weight. That leads to recuperation of significantly more energy during braking and deceleration. The energy stored in the 48 V lithium-ion battery supplies the 12 V vehicle electrical system and drives a 48 V belt-driven starter-alternator.

This belt-driven starter-alternator takes on the role of the alternator and starter while simultaneously operating as a small, lightweight electric motor that instantly boosts the drive torque when moving off. The output of the generator is transferred by the belt drive. It also starts the combustion engine - which is switched off as much as possible while the vehicle is moving - in a barely perceptible way. In this case, the 48 V battery supplies energy to all the important systems.

Overall, the 48 V mild hybrid drive combines low consumption and emission values with excellent moving-off performance that is hardly matched in this way by systems without electric boost.

The 1.5 96 kW eTSI also features the TSI Miller combustion process and a VTG turbocharger. The engine develops its maximum power between 5,000 and 6,000 rpm. Maximum torque is 200 Nm. Gear changing is performed as standard by a 7-speed DSG dual clutch gearbox. This allows the Golf to achieve a top speed of 213 km/h and a 0- 100 km/h time of 9.4 seconds. Combined fuel efficiency is rated at an impressive 4.8 L/100 km.

Charismatic exterior
Since the debut of the first Golf 45 years ago, this Volkswagen has always been a vehicle that merged high levels of everyday suitability with a clear-cut, accurate design. The new Golf continues this approach.

A prime example of aesthetically perfect design and function: the silhouette. The dominant design element in this context is the C-pillar, a distinctive element of the Golf. It makes the body dynamic towards the front, concentrates it towards the rear and transfers the iconic shape of the original Golf into the present.

Just as striking are the powerful shoulder sections and very strong rear section, the charismatic front section with emphatically narrowed radiator grille and a "slice" right through the vehicle, appearing as a sharp line at the height of the door handles.

LED technology in the front and rear light clusters features as standard - the new lighting design becomes a dominant and unmistakable style element of the eighth generation Golf. The Golf 1.5 96 kW eTSI Life also retains features introduced in the 1.5 110 kW eTSI Life version, including 17-inch wheels and welcome lights.

To achieve optimal aerodynamics. its compact dimensions have been maintained at 4,284 mm long, 1,789 mm wide and 1,491 mm high. The wheelbase totals 2,619 mm.

Self-explanatory, digital world
The instruments and infotainment systems merge at the same level to form a digital cockpit. Individual areas featuring touch buttons and touch sliders perfectly round off this digital world of the Golf, elevating the interior to a new level.

Like in the previous 1.5 110 kW eTSI Life version, drivers and passengers are treated to ambient lighting with a choice of up to 10 colours, App-Connect smartphone connectivity including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless smartphone charging and a 10.25-inch high-resolution Digital Cockpit as standard.

Five-seat all-rounder
Even on long journeys, the Golf offers plenty of room for five people, along with a 380- litre luggage compartment capacity in this seat configuration. When the asymmetrically foldable rear seat backrest is folded down, the loading capacity increases to a maximum of 1,237 litres.

Standard safety systems include Side Assist, a warning system for lane changing and blind spots, and Rear traffic alert, a warning system for vehicles approaching from the sides whilst reversing from parking spaces, and Driver Alert System.