Car of The Year 2021

Volkswagen Golf GTI

For many people, the Golf GTI is the definitive hot hatch. And, now in its eighth iteration, it's looking to once again claim its place at the top of its class. Sporting a less fussy design inside and out, the car improves itself marginally everywhere, from being more spacious to having more safety features equipped as standard. The GTI wrings a tad more power out of the same engine and gearbox as before, but it now feels tighter to throw around, bringing more driver engagement into play. And of course, it still delivers all the daily functionality expected of a hatchback. With few noticeable faults, this is certainly an all-rounder car that everyone who enjoys driving needs.

Golf GTI

By Blurxiu

I love how Volkswagen manufactured golf. Prefect car on road. Looking compact yet spacious and stylish. - Read More

Golf GTI

By Allusionz

Superb handling. Simply love the DSG fart sound. Decent size as a family car. Compact enough for easy manoeuvre. You wil... - Read More

2021 has given us a ton of new cars. Affordable electric SUVs, bonkers quick luxury EVs, yet more SUVs both large and small, that seems to be the name of the game in 2021. And of course, we've also had a whole host of affordable hatchbacks and premium sedans alike.

So, how is it that our Car of the Year fits into none of the above segments?

While we understand the utility of SUVs, we still find them to be somewhat boring and unexciting. Bite us. And yes, we know that electrification is the way forward. However, in 2021, it's still hard to make a truly compelling case for EVs. The charging infrastructure in Singapore is still nascent (especially when it comes to fast charging), and the truly impressive EVs are still too expensive to be consumer friendly.

Which brings us back around to the enduring and long-standing hot hatch king, the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Eight generations on, the GTI continues to be a motoring icon. The new exterior details add a touch more style and modernity to a classic silhouette that's instantly recognisable. Inside, new equipment augments an already stellar cabin that delights in its functionality, practicality and overall comfort.

Of course, the GTI is a delight on the road. Years on, 2.0-litre EA888 engine is still a delight - responsive, urgent power delivery paired to a rorty soundtrack. Sharp steering, a tight chassis and playful front-end agility also makesthe GTI a hoot through corners.

A key part of the GTI's popular appeal is also the fact that it is still a highly functional and practical hatchback. There's space for five, and a good-sized boot for groceries. It's still relatively small and easy to pilot. And, driven sensibly, it'll still get you comfortably from place to place.

Where the GTI stands tall is its ability to appeal to such a broad audience. Its performance credentials are undoubted (you could go to a track day with this car), but still usable on daily roads. While not cheap, it's still a relatively attainable car for a larger number of buyers (it's no half-a-million super sedan). It's aspirational without being extravagant. And it's iconic design? Timeless.

In recognising the GTI as our 2021 Car of the Year, we are also acknowledging that this feels like an inflection point. As the motoring world goes increasingly digital and electric, this feels like the last embrace of a fading breed - the engaging and exciting pomp of the internal combustion engine writ large. This is a celebration of familiar driving fun and joy, in a way that all of us can engage with and whole heartedly applaud.

So yes, it's not an SUV or an EV (perhaps next year), but for 2021, the sgCarMart Car of the Year is the delightful and splendid Volkswagen Golf GTI, and ode to the love for cars that continues to endure, eight generation on.