The paultan.org 2018 Top Five cars list – Matthew Tong

Welcome to the annual paultan.org Top Five cars list, where each author picks the vehicles that have impressed them the most over the past 12 months. We’ve switched up the formula this year – we’re breaking up the usual big roundup post to give the individual writers the space to go into greater detail with regards to their selections, and some of them also get to be on camera. Enjoy!

And so we’ve come to the final day of 2018. It’s unthinkable how quickly time goes by – it barely feels like much time has passed since I compiled my top five list for 2017. Since then, many things have happened, some of which were shockingly unprecedented, like the third national car project and Ghosn’s arrest.

But as we sit back in our reflective state to welcome the new year, perhaps it’s best to cherish the pleasantries that were. Personally, things couldn’t have been better this year, and the inaugural paultan.org Premium Auto Car Expo (PACE) 2018 represents the pinnacle of the Driven family’s achievement this year. If you missed it, don’t worry, there’s always next year.

Okay, onto more pressing matters. This year saw the introduction of some incredibly interesting vehicles (headlining those is of course the Proton X70), and I’ve been fortunate enough to have a go in a few. In the spirit of continuing a family tradition that first started in 2012, I present to you, the five most impressive cars I’ve driven in 2018. Let me remind you again that forming this list is never easy, so here goes.

5. Mk7.5 Volkswagen Golf R

The Volkswagen Golf R is easily one of the best driver’s cars to land in Malaysia this year. With 290 PS and 380 Nm channeled to all four wheels, the German hatch is rapid, insanely grippy and downright intoxicating to drive. The new seven-speed wet-clutch DSG also helps coax more zest from the already effervescent 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol which, unlike the older six-speed unit, leaves drivers content instead of wanting more.

While the mid-life update didn’t offer much in terms of outright physical changes, the cabin has been suitably updated with a large 9.2-inch touchscreen Discover Pro infotainment system, as well as a configurable 12.3-inch Active Info Display virtual instrument cluster. In short, the Golf R is perhaps the closest thing to being the ideal daily car, both for the driver and his/her family. The synthesised engine note may put some off, though.

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