Ok, kidding. VW Group Singapore did things differently this time around when launching their latest offering for the local market.

Photos: Low Fai Ming

 

Contrary to car launches that typically revolves around (a) a speech by the company’s MD, (b) unveiling of the car and then (c) a food spread (usually in that order), Volkswagen Group Singapore decided to treat us the burnpavement.com/N.GINE team (and other members of the local motoring journalism fraternity) to an evening of go-karting instead – and to also present the latest Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI.

The entry point to VW’s wide range of cars, the new Polo 1.2 TSI is more powerful than the outgoing 1.4. It now boasts 90 bhp and 160 Nm, and does the century sprint in only 10.9 seconds courtesy of a 1,197cc turbocharged four-cylinder engine and 7-speed DSG gearbox. Also available is a more powerful ‘Sport’ variant, producing 105 bhp and 175 Nm of torque. It goes from 0-100km/h in only 9.7 seconds.

At the same time, it is nearly nine percent more economical overall, with an extremely low combined fuel consumption figure of 5.3 km/L (18.9 km/L). Carbon dioxide emissions have correspondingly been reduced from 135 to 124 g/km.

Visually setting the Polo 1.2 TSI apart from the previous Polo 1.4 are new 15-inch ‘Sima’ alloy wheels, while the RCD 210 radio/CD/MP3 entertainment system has been upgraded with a sharp new display. Taking care of safety are twin airbags and all-round disc brakes with ABS and ESP. The comprehensively equipped cabin includes high-end features such as illuminated vanity mirrors, pull-out drawers under the front seats and a chilled glove compartment.

Mimicking an endurance race (but of a smaller scale), the go-kart race saw a total of eight participating teams. VW Singapore also sent a team, while the other seven teams consists of publications like Torque, CarBuyer, Fast Lane, SGCarMart and us.

Each driver in the team of three was given 15 minutes each to drive around the 750-metre Kartright Speedway track and their fastest lap time recorded. Even though our team (consisting of Managing Editor Joel Tam, Photographer Fai Ming and yours truly) didn’t make it to the top three, it certainly was a good way to blow off steam after a hard week at work…

A big THANK YOU to Volkswagen Group Singapore for organizing this event. Look out for the full review of the new Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI in N.GINE!