ON OUR MINDS THIS MONTH RACE RELATIONS

writer, not so black or white

Recent incidents involving racism are still fresh in

Evigan’s mind, such as last year’s Preetipls fiasco and the ongoing state of affairs in the US. Race is a funny thing. For something that has had such impact on centuries of human history, it is ultimately just a social construct born out of the perception of one’s skin colour. There has been much discussion on the topic and far more brilliant minds have attempted a solution, only to fall short. Does this mean that it’s an impossible problem? Evigan is not closed to the possibility. But that doesn’t mean that efforts should wane. Zen teaches us that it is more important to walk the path than to define it. And as far as neverending battles go, there are worse ones to fight.

FOR VOLKSWAGEN, 1974 WAS A WATERSHED YEAR. That was when it introduced the Golf, a compact car positioned as the Beetle’s successor. Nearly 50 years and over 35 million units later ‒ that’s roughly one sold every 41 seconds ‒ the Golf has become an icon, taking its place as one of the three best-selling automobiles in the world. Along the way, it has also picked up numerous awards, been spun off into other models, and even singlehandedly established the “hot hatch” concept of zippy, high performance hatchbacks.

The Golf owes its popularity and remarkable longevity to several factors, from its timeless design to the wide range of body and engine configurations that allow it to meet different needs. Volkswagen has also updated the Golf consistently to ensure its relevance over the years, whether by introducing new technologies that raise its safety standards, developing its engine for greater power and efficiency, or something else entirely.

The Golf’s global appeal has translated well to the Singapore market, and the car is among Volkswagen’s most popular platforms here, thanks to its compact size, balanced features, and suitability for local roads. Like past iterations, variants are also available to suit different drivers.

Those who appreciate the Golf’s day-to-day practicality but desire a little more excitement will be well-served by the R-Line edition, which upgrades the stock model with the eponymous R-Line body kit. Traditionally, the R-Line trim has been offered in selected

Volkswagen models to imbue them with sportier interiors and exteriors. This has been maintained for the Golf, with its specific R-Line trim designed to provide a visual tweak for a little more oomph and personality.

Features here include the R-Line front bumper, which sports black high-gloss air intake screens, a rear bumper with the R-Line-specific diffuser, and R-Line badges on the radiator grille and side panels.

Meanwhile, the rest of the car remains intimately familiar. The turbocharged 1.4-litre TSI engine works in conjunction with the 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission to give the Golf R-Line a brisk 9.1-second century sprint. Fuel consumption, however, remains very respectable at 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city. Snappy handling is, of course, a given.

Switchable driving profiles that suit different styles and preferences, LED headlights, smartphone app integration with the car’s infotainment system, and a fully digital instrument cluster on the dashboard are just some of the Golf’s fun tech. The overall package is one that’s keenly focused on the driving experience, and honed over decades to be among the best out there.

The Golf will undoubtedly see continued success ahead both in the Singapore and global market, thanks to its versatility and available options. For anyone who is looking at a Golf and wants a sportier take on this truly iconic set of wheels, the R-Line kit will be a compelling choice. AM