Rated R

Volkswagen’s raciest model promises lots of discreet fun.

- Low Ka Wei

Some 10 odd years ago, I became acquainted with someone who owned unequivocally the most fascinating car collection I have had the pleasure of beholding in Singapore. Enjoying a fair bit of family wealth, the bachelor kept roughly five vehicles – always in black and with the same two digits on the number plate – replacing the oldest one or two annually to keep things fresh. And he had great taste: If I recall correctly, the roster at that point included an Aston Martin DB9, a Porsche 911 turbo, an Audi RS 4 Avant, a BMW X5 4.4i (the one with the coveted V8 engine) for his Labradors, and a small hatchback, either a Mini Cooper S or a Volkswagen Golf R32.

Surprisingly, with so many better options at his disposal, the last car was the one in which he showed up most often. For one simple reason: Despite having enough cash to retire many times over, he decided he ought to remain gainfully employed. And in his sales role, he had to drive out to meet clients all the time. So he wanted a set of wheels that did not attract the wrong type of attention, yet was not too much of a downgrade from his other toys.