By Derryn Wong

THE TIMES THEY are a-changing, and this is the sign. Volkswagen Group Singapore (VGS), the first manufacturer to have its own dealership here is now also amongst the first to launch a range of diesel passenger cars too.

Volkswagen is one of the market leaders for diesel passenger cars in Europe, and such is the popularity of diesels over there that they encompass more than 50% of the market share for passenger cars.

Such are the advancements in diesel technology, such as Volkswagen’s Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) that most diesel engines can now outperform equivalent capacity petrol engines for power, torque and fuel efficiency.

“Diesel is the way to the future, and one of the best alternative fuels available now,” said Dr Olaf Duebel, Managing Director of VGS. “With the revision of diesel here in Singapore, it’s time to let Singaporeans know that Volkswagen can offer diesel passenger cars that are clean, powerful and fun to drive.”

Two of the three vehicles to be launched illustrate this well: the Polo Bluemotion 1.4 TDI and Touareg R50 TDI. The Polo Bluemotion boasts one of the lowest fuel consumption figures at 22.2km/l and a carbon dioxide emission of 99g/km, which is lower than many hybrid cars.

Bluemotion is Volkswagen’s family of efficient and economic versions of it’s regular passenger cars, and “represent the brand’s commitment to the environment.” It encompasses optimising vehicle efficiency as a whole, including engine tweaks, aerodynamic improvements and weight reduction.

On the flipside is the eye opening Touareg R50, which belongs to the R family of cars tuned by performance arm Volkswagen Individual. The R50 is the only diesel car in the line up with a monstrous 5.0-litre V10 TDI engine that generates 350bhp and an astounding 850Nm of torque. The third diesel car to make it debut is the 225bhp 3.0-litre V6 TDI Touareg.

Dr Duebel admitted that the introduction of diesel cars here was a bold step for the company to take. “We have had good experience introducing diesel technology to the region, such as in Taiwan in 2004. We have to educate the customers first before they understand the benefits of diesel. It’s very hard to predict. It could go slow in the first year or it could really explode, who knows? But we believe strongly in the efficiency of our diesel and petrol technologies.”

Prices for Volkswagen’s diesel passenger cars is as follows:
Touareg 3.0 V6 - $188,300 with COE
Touareg R50 - $298,000 with COE
Polo Bluemotion - $85,800 with COE