Our love for cars can sometimes polarise opinions. A sudden spike in interest for a homologation special can strangely be matched by unlimited run machines as years progress. For the latter, it might be a case of soaking up nostalgic effects of your first car, or worrying that manufacturers sound the death knell earlier than anticipated for a particular drivetrain configuration. Whichever the case, time can be regarded as a delicate commodity, even for cars - even more so in Singapore where the value of cars are bolstered by COE timelines.

It could be the impending revolution of EVs, or the unpredictability of how COE categories will pan out. With the existence of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars now threatened, we felt that there is no better time to endorse the appeal of these cars that were overshadowed either by more snazzy siblings or trendsetting rivals. These 4 cars that flew under the radar at launch have certainly worked their way up the ladder of desirability…

Volkswagen Golf GT Sport (Mk5)

In a classic case of right car at the wrong time, the Mk5 Golf GT’s potential could not punctuate the catastrophic effects of the 2007-08 financial crisis, and of equal unfortunate measure, it was sold alongside the Mk5 Golf GTI backed by cult-like status. To make matters “worse”, the Mk5 GTI could be bought from the local dealership at S$100k back in 2009 (S$5k more than the GT) including COE! Sure, the GT might lack the GTI’s wide breadth of abilities, but when driven in the city we’d argue that its 1.4-litre twincharged motor (a supercharger provides torque in the lower regions before the turbocharger takes over) supplies more usable performance as it can muster a healthy 240Nm from only 1,750rpm. With some hybrid cars now utilising the electric motor to fill low-end torque deficits before letting the engine handle higher speeds, we wonder if any inspirations were drawn from this innovation that made its debut nearby 2 decades ago.

Volkswagen Polo GTI

Now let’s investigate if the GTI badging did wonders to elevate other Volkswagens slapped with these 3 letters. Apparently it didn't quite work out for the Polo GTI in 2011, which suffered a similar fate as the Golf GT albeit in a different manner. We’ve sung praises on the twincharged 1.4 TSI motor now featured on the Polo GTI, which helped it to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds. It even wore Golf GTI-style Denver / Detroit “telephone dial” rims accompanied by an abundance of red stitchings in the cabin. It might have lacked the composure of the Golf GTI (now pitched against the Mk6 variant) at speed, but due to its short wheelbase it was chuckable and adjustable for that fleeting spurt of wilful spirit - a concept that modern cars seem to abstain from. The Polo GTI could have received lukewarm responses at launch, but we’re hopeful for it to be kept on the boil longer than anticipated.

Mazda MX-5 (ND)

A selection that will split opinions for sure - some would argue that the MX-5 was always in vogue since its introduction in 1989. But we feel that while its level of desirability did not dip exponentially, the bar was set so high by the first-gen NA Miata that successors found it tough to mimic the original sample. Couple it with the hype surrounding the Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ craze in 2012 and all of a sudden enthusiasts flocked towards the more driver-centric car, brushing aside the top-down roadster experience the MX-5 could afford. The MX-5 withstood the test of time and in ND guise remains to be a proponent of simple, lightweight and engaging motoring. Fun fact: McLaren F1 designer Gordon Murray opted for the MX-5’s manual gearbox on his Mk1 Ford Escort Cosworth restomod. Need we say more?

Honda Civic Type R (FN2R)

We were pampered by the hardcore, JDM FD2 Type R for a good number of years in Singapore and neighbouring countries. The same cannot be said in markets like the UK though - EP3 Type Rs available since 2001 made way for the FN2R, before welcoming the divisive but blisteringly quick turbocharged FK2. Given how prices have held strong in the West just like how it has gone bonkers on our shores, the FN2R must have done something right to sustain Type R’s bulletproof branding. A torsion beam rear setup for the FN2R supplied it with less mid corner confidence compared to the FD2R’s double wishbone rear suspension on a smooth stretch of tarmac. But we found it to be a much better cruiser and more relevant for non-track usage, primarily due to the engine that felt less punchy than the FD2R but arguably more free revving. Crucially, we’d choose this over the FD2R for cross-border road trips - our spines will thank us for that!

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