If there's any doubt as to Singapore's significance as a market in the eyes of Volkswagen, the launch of the new, seventh-generation Golf hatchback puts that to rest.

Continental cars usually don't make landfall here for at least half a year after their international debuts, the key issue being right-hand drive markets are usually lower on the priority list.

But VW Singapore has worked its magic to have the full market launch of the vehicle not long after its European sales debut, and ahead of other right-hand drive markets like Australia and Japan.

The car was unveiled at the Equarius Hotel, part of Resorts World Singapore, recently.

Kicking things off is a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol model, with 122bhp and 200Nm of torque, capable of 0-100 in 9.3 seconds and a top speed of 203kmh. Above that is a 140bhp Sport model, with 250Nm of torque, doing 0-100 in 8.4 seconds on to a 212kmh top speed.

Fuel efficiency is very impressive, at 5L/100km for both models. For both versions, emissions stand at 116g/km of CO2, making them both eligible for a S$ 15,000 (US$ 12,300) CEVS rebate. It's likely that start-stop technology and a dual-clutch gearbox will be standard.

Also of interest is a 1.6-litre turbodiesel model with 105bhp, which is likely to be the most affordable variant of the lot, given VW's push for diesel cars next year. It has 105bhp and 250Nm of torque, with 0-100kmh in 10.7 seconds, and a 192kmh top speed.

Despite being close in performance to the petrol models, its green credentials are very good, sipping just 3.9L/100km and emitting only 102g/km of CO2, which means it gets a S$ 15,000 rebate, narrowly missing out on a S$ 20,000 rebate which goes to cars that emit less than 100g/km.

The Golf VII is without a doubt VW's most significant model launch both here and around the world. Underpinning the hatch is the VW Group's new MQB platform technology which will also serve as the basis for a wide range of models such as the future Jetta, Scirocco, Tiguan as well as for other brand's models, like the Audi A3.