Main concerns Topping the list were beliefs that EVs are difficult to charge and lack of range as compared to their petrol-powered brethren. Despite this, an overwhelming 87% of respondents indicated reduction in carbon emissions as a key benefit of EVs. 65% noted increasing number of government incentives, and 59% pointed to the financial savings when compared to using petrol. “It is encouraging to see the growing appetite for electrified vehicles, and that Singaporean drivers understand the benefits of owning an EV,” said Ms Preeti Gupta, Corporate Affairs Director & Sustainability Lead, BMW Group Asia. “With a 27% increase in EVs purchased in 1H 2021 compared to all of 2020, it is clear Singaporean drivers are ready to integrate electrified vehicles into their daily lives. However, based on our research, we still have work to do when it comes to educating consumers on charging and range.” What drives EV adoption rates 64% of respondents pointed at a longer warranty period of up to 10 years, while 58% noted good aftersales service would motivate them to purchase an EV for their next car. Following closely behind were performance at 55%, build quality at 43% and technological features at 42%. Government incentives and EV uptake 72% of respondents said government incentives and access to public charging facilities were most likely to influence their purchase of an EV, while 70% noted access to home-charging being important. The usage of EVs was more predominantly weighted toward running daily errands with 62% of respondents, while 40% would commute to and from work and 33% would enjoy weekend leisure trips in an EV. “Today’s electric vehicles have more than enough range to support daily driving needs,” said Ms Gupta. “The average Singaporean drivers commutes 55km/day, and many electric vehicles allow them to drive anywhere from four to eight days without requiring a recharge.”
Happenings

Almost half of Singaporean drivers want to buy electrified vehicles …

IN BMW Group Asia, Study, Survey, PHEV, EV, Electrified vehicles

… a study by BMW Group Asia shows.


Where Audi Centre Singapore, 281 Alexandra Road (up to 50kW DC charging) Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm Saturday to Sunday: Closed Audi Service Centre, 55 Ubi Road 1 (up to 120kW DC charging) Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm (last slot for booking is at 4pm) Saturday: 8am to 12.30pm (last slot for booking is at 10.30am) Sunday: Closed How Call 6366 2323 at least one day in advance to book a charging slot. Then, simply pull up to one of these two pre-arranged locations at the appointed time and charge away. High-speed charging means being able to fully charge an e-tron from empty in less than 2 hours. More details can be found here. Why This is in addition to the benefits already enjoyed by customers who purchase their Audi e-tron from Premium Automobiles - an integrated charging solution offered in collaboration with SP Group, which includes the installation of an AC charger where possible, and up to 18 months of free charging at all SP Group public charging networks. One of the most common reasons local drivers cite about their reluctance to switch to an Electric Vehicle (EV) is the lack of charging infrastructure. Also, fast charging beyond 50kW DC is still a rarity so early adopters have to put up with relatively long charging periods which makes them less convenient than Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) cars. Therefore, these efforts are part of Audi’s progressive sustainability roadmap to drive greater adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), especially in Singapore. As the range of e-tron models has grown to four, the introduction of free charging and car wash services can only make the prospect of Audi EV ownership more compelling than ever.
Happenings

Audi e-tron customers in Singapore now have two high-speed facilities to charge from...

IN Audi, Singapore, E-tron, High-speed, DC, Charging, Car, Wash, Free, Complimentary

… and get their cars washed for free while they’re at it.


The MD’s Pledge “This is a big milestone for the BMW brand, as customers in Singapore now have the power of choice when it comes to the BMW X3,” said Mr. Christopher Wehner, Managing Director, BMW Group Asia. “Customers have three drivetrains to choose from – internal combustion engine, PHEV and EV. Depending on your lifestyle, where you live and the infrastructure available to you, we have something for everyone.
Happenings

iX3 is the icing atop BMW Group Asia’s 7-year electrification cake

IN BMW, IX3, PHEV, EV, Singapore

Customers in Singapore now can choose which drivetrain they prefer


The President Speaks “The Countach LPI 800-4 is a visionary car of the moment, just as its forerunner was,” says Automobili Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann. “One of the most important automotive icons, the Countach not only embodies the design and engineering tenet of Lamborghini but represents our philosophy of reinventing boundaries, achieving the unexpected and extraordinary and, most importantly, being the ‘stuff of dreams’.
Happenings

Retro, Not Retro: 21st Century LAMBORGHINI COUNTACH Unveiled

IN Lamborghini, Countach, LPI, 800-4, 2022

A ‘few-off’ 112-unit production run pays homage to the legend with the same name from the 70s and 80s


Which is why TKA has opened a new track for traditional petrol-powered karts - both speed-restricted fun karts as well as full-on pro race 2-stroke karts - over at Jurong, across the road from the SAFTI Military Institute. It’s the same site that was previously occupied by KF1 Arena, and before that, Kartright Speedway. The track itself isn’t very long, nor is it very complicated - just 700m and 11 corners in total (compared to KF1 Kranji’s 960m and 17 turns). What it is though, is wide - with 10m being the minimum at any point.
Happenings

The Karting Arena | New kart track opens in Jurong

IN Singapore, Motorsports, Go-Kart, Go-Karting, Kart, Karting, Race Kart

The Karting Arena Jurong is said to be designed “by racers, for racers”


Bridgestone has established a legacy with its Potenza performance tyre series, thanks to its storied racing heritage. Now, with the new European-developed Potenza Sport, they aim to set a new standard for premium sports tyres. Succeeding Bridgestone’s flagship Potenza S007A, the Potenza Sport is targeted at discerning drivers of premium sedans, SUVs and coupes. Piloting high-performance cars such as the Audi RS 5, good all-weather grip and stability at high speeds are must-haves for them.
Happenings

Potenza for Greatness | Bridgestone Potenza Sport released in Singapore

IN BRIDGESTONE TYRE SALES SINGAPORE, BRIDGESTONE POTENZA, POTENZA SPORT, HIGH PERFORMANCE TYRE, PERFORMANCE TYRE, NEW TYRE

Loved Bridgestone’s Potenza S007A? They’ve now got a newer and greater flagship performance tyre, the Potenza Sport.


And when setting eyes for the first time upon the front-end of Hyundai’s latest offering, one could also be forgiven for thinking that this SUV was designed and built on another planet in a different solar system.
Happenings

Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Set To Land In September

Hyundai’s longest-running Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) receives more looks, features and SUV-ness.


What’s new? The latest Civic appears to take a more premium direction, visually aligning itself with the larger Honda Accord. The impression is even more evident inside where a clean and simple dashboard features a full-width honeycomb grille that conceals the air-conditioning vents. The obligatory 9-inch full HD Display Audio touchscreen with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity is situated prominently atop and a built-in wireless smartphone charger appears for the first time in a Civic. According to Honda, the Civic’s all-new styling is designed to improve outward visibility, especially for the driver. This would fundamentally improve the driving experience since the better view out imparts a greater sense of confidence and safety.
Happenings

11th-Gen Honda Civic premieres in Singapore

IN Honda, Civic, Civic Turbo, Honda Civic, Honda Civic Turbo, Kah Motor

The turbo-only 11th-generation Honda Civic was unveiled today and goes on sale from $122,999 with COE.


Secondly, any potential pillion-riding opportunity was also out of the question due to an aggravated lower back from the weekend prior. Don’t ask... However, one doesn’t have to ride the Pan America to see that Harley-Davidson is likely on to a winner here.
Happenings

Harley-Davidson adventure bike whaaaat?

IN Harley-Davidson, Pan America, Harley-Davidson Pan America

Yep, you read that right. Harley-Davidson has a new bike called the Pan America, and it’s got other more popular brands squarely in its sights. Yours truly was along for the ride…


How am I protected against COVID? For one, the entire process is contactless. Bookings are done online and no one will accompany you on the test drive. Booking schedules are spaced out one hour between each booking to ensure that the whole process remains contactless – you will not meet the next test-drive party.
Happenings

Hyundai Rolls Out Contactless IONIQ Electric Test Drives

Imagine – no sales staff, no receptionist and no one to accompany you. Just go online, fill in your details, book a test drive and turn up at the appointed time.


While all these are a bit more community-driven – enthusiasts pulling into a car park to talk cars – Toyota, one of the largest car companies in the world, has maintained a theme park of sorts in the heart of Tokyo.
Happenings

A Tribute to Toyota Megaweb

IN Tokyo, Japan, Toyota, Toyota Megaweb, Megaweb, Mega Web

After a 22-year run, this petrolhead oasis in the heart of Tokyo will be shuttering its doors.


2002 NISSAN SKYLINE GT-R (R34) V-SPEC II NÜR (10KM) Given the skyrocketing values of JDM icons, the crown jewel of the collection is unsurprisingly that white Skyline GT-R. The current auction record for an R34 Skyline is 33.2 million yen (US$314k/S$426k) for a 6817km Millennium Jade M-Spec Nür, but this BH Auction car will probably smash that. For comparison, that’s slightly more than the base price of a McLaren 720S in the US - just let that sink in for a moment... The reason for the astronomical price? Well for starters, it's a V-Spec II Nür, the penultimate iteration of the R34 that commemorated the end of Skyline GT-R production (the 19 mighty Z-Tunes were converted by Nismo in 2005 from existing cars). Named after that famous racetrack in Germany, 718 V-Spec II Nür were produced (159 - the most common colour - in white), and received all of Nissan’s go-faster bits that were available to the Skyline at the time.
Happenings

This is what a brand new, 10km Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 looks like

IN BH Auction, Tokyo, Japan, Tuning, Modified, Nissan Skyline GT-R, Nissan Silvia, Porsche 993

It’s part of an incredible auction of unregistered cars that includes a C4 Corvette Grand Sport, a Nissan Silvia S15, a Porsche 993 Carrera 4, and a pair of single digit-mileage Porsche 997 Speedsters


Thanks to that, we’re massive fans of the Skoda Octavia. In fact, we liked it so much that we once had this 2006 Octavia wagon as the unofficial Burnpavement workhorse!
Happenings

5 Simply Clever things we love about the new Skoda Octavia

IN Skoda, Octavia, Combi, Skoda Octavia, Octavia Combi, Skoda Centre Singapore

The fourth-generation Skoda Octavia has just launched in Singapore with two flavours – liftback and wagon. Here’s five things we love about it!


Just before its debut in the first quarter of 2022, a crossover EV model, the iX will be launched in Q4 of 2021.
Happenings

BMW i4: four reasons why this EV is cool (and 1 reason why it isn’t).

IN BMW, BMW i4, BMW 4 Series, BMW Coupes, BMW EV, EV

Set to be launched in Q1 of 2022, the full-electric BMW i4 eDrive40 will be followed by an M version.


Besides all these options being a huge time-suck, the first two aren’t even possible during Phase 2 Heightened Alert. Neither is the free 3-in-1 Nescafe in the workshop waiting area. Furthermore, why risk exposure with the third option in a time when COVID-19 community cases are still being reported daily?
Happenings

SPC SpeedyCare collaborates with AutoApp for stay-at-home car maintenance

IN AutoApp, AutoApp SG, Car concierge

Customers can now use AutoApp to send their cars to a SpeedyCare Auto Service Centre without leaving their homes.


In this latest eighth-generation model, the Golf’s tried-and-tested recipe been enhanced, refined, and modernised both inside and out. What’s new outside? The Golf’s exterior – though not always the most exciting – has always been pleasant and easily identifiable as a Golf. That hasn’t changed, with the signature chunky, forward-leaning C-pillar still present.
Happenings

Eight-gen Volkswagen Golf tees off in Singapore

IN Volkswagen, Golf, GTI, Golf GTI, Golf R, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Volkswagen Golf R

The latest iteration of Volkswagen’s iconic hot hatch is now in Singapore with more power and an all-new digitalised interior


What’s new underneath? Having debuted in Europe last year, the fourth-generation Audi A3 is finally in Singapore in both the Sedan and Sportback bodystyles. The latest A3 has been improved both inside and out, and is built on the new MQB Evo platform that that’s shared with the Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Golf. It’ll be safe to expect the same sporty yet comfortable ride that the previous generation A3 was known for, but even that’s been made even better. The latest model gets a sophisticated new chassis, replacing the old model’s rear torsion beam suspension with a multi-link setup.
Happenings

We accidentally previewed the all-new Audi A3

IN Audi, A3, Audi A3, All-new A3, Premium Automobiles

The all-new Audi A3 has arrived in Singapore… and we managed to get a sneak preview! Here’s all that’s new and exciting about Audi’s latest offering in the compact segment.


Did you say hybrid + turbo power? Yup. No more 1.6 NA engine, the new car is a 1.4 BOOSTERJET turbo-charged engine with a 48V lithium-ion battery, Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) and 48V-12V (DC/DC) converter that helps to reduce fuel costs and lower CO2 emissions.
Happenings

Champion Motors Launch Suzuki Swift Sport at KF1 Circuit

The new Suzuki Swift Sport is now officially here via the authorised distributor, Champion Motors. We bring you the important need-to-know stuff.


On one hand, it’s fun to pop in for an oil change and have a poke around at other interesting cars there that day. Some of these little ad-hoc adventures of mine have uncovered unicorns like this Koenig Specials Ferrari 308, amongst others.
Happenings

Neighbours with your workshop

IN AutoApp, AutoApp SG, Car concierge

Ever wished your workshop was just next door to your home? You can make this a reality with AutoApp, a convenient car care app.


So, when an email popped into my inbox with the keywords 'cross-border', memories of the good old days - i.e. 2019 - came flooding back. A cross-country network. Turns out, the email wasn’t from the Government announcing border re-openings. Instead, it was the good folks at Porsche and Shell, announcing their EV charging network that spans Singapore and Malaysia.
Happenings

We went on an imaginary holiday in a Porsche Taycan

IN Porsche, Taycan, Taycan 4S, Porsche Taycan, Porsche Taycan 4S, Shell, EV Charging, EV Charging Network, Road trip

Porsche Asia Pacific and fuel giant Shell have announced a cross-country EV charging network – that means full-electric driving, all the way up to Penang!



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