It’s 5:30 am, and I’m barely awake.
Sitting among some familiar and, a few not-so familiar faces at Komoco Motors, we were all gathered here for Hyundai’s “Great Electric Escape” with the made-in-Singapore IONIQ 6.
Over three days, we’d be driving to Kuala Lumpur and back, immersing ourselves in a journey where art, nature, and city energy combined with the sheer thrill of going electric.
Day 1: Hitting the Road with New Friends and Fresh Energy
After grabbing a coffee and rubbing the last traces of sleep from my eyes, I met my driving companions, actress Constance Lau and Chow Jia Hui, an established content creator and 98.7 FM DJ.
Their energy was infectious, to say the least, immediately bringing a sense of lightness and excitement to our morning. Following a quick media briefing, we slipped behind the wheel and headed out, cruising up the highway in convoy with three models of the IONIQ 6:
• IONIQ 6 Prestige 53 kWh (RWD)
• IONIQ 6 Prestige 77 kWh (RWD)
• IONIQ 6 Inspiration 77 kWh (AWD)
Each a smooth and quiet powerhouse.
We made our first and quick pit stop at Gelang Patah, where I found myself leaning against our silver IONIQ 6, watching the early morning mist dissipate as the sun rose, anticipating the next few days ahead.
After more North-South Highway driving, we eventually reached our first recharge stop at Shell Recharge Seremban. As we watched the car power up, I marvelled at how Hyundai had brought its electric expertise from Seoul to Singapore and now to Malaysia, showing that going electric isn’t just about technology, it’s about bridging cultures and countries.
Heading to Bakul at The Five for lunch was a welcome pause, and I found myself savouring each bite of fusion Dim Sum, the stylish ambience perfectly complementing our easy-going morning.
The afternoon had us exploring our artistic side with a tufting workshop in KL, where we got to weave our own designs in the shape of an IONIQ 6 – a quirky, hands-on touch to the day.
Then it was time to check in at the W Hotel, a high-energy haven where we regrouped for dinner. We dined, swapped stories and topped the evening off with a drink at the Wet Deck which boasts a spectacular view of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.
Day 2: Embracing the Thrills and Serenity of Malaysia’s Back Roads
Day two kicked off with a breakfast that could tempt anyone to linger, but we had a date with Colmar Tropicale, an almost fairytale village tucked among Malaysia’s Berjaya hills, off the Karak Highway.
Much of my time in the car was as a passenger for this leg of the drive, but nonetheless, feeling the IONIQ 6 snake along the winding roads to The Chateau in Colmar was impressive. The car’s handling on twists and curves was so smooth it felt like it was dancing.
There’s nothing quite like seeing an EV showcase its torque and responsiveness on a scenic mountain route!
Lunch took us to Farm to Plate, where the laid-back vibes reminded us to slow down and enjoy the journey – a nice counterpoint to the adrenaline of mountain driving.
By late afternoon, we were back at the W Hotel for a sound bath session. Lying back with my eyes closed, I felt a deep calm wash over me. Ok, I’ll be honest, I fell asleep. But it was an eye, or should I say, an ear-opening experience that was a reprieve from the fairly high-energy trip so far.
Dinner that night was at Fuego Sky Dining, with yet another stunning rooftop view. The evening took a celebratory turn as we gathered to celebrate a birthday in our group. Under a sky full of stars, with laughter, toasts, and a few unexpected desserts, the night felt magical.
We were all reminded that this journey wasn’t just about destinations, it was also about connections, whether with our driving companions, the places we visited, or the memories we made along the way. I realised then that the IONIQ 6 was helping us create memories that somehow felt both exhilarating and deeply personal.
Day 3: Wrapping Up with Reflection and Farewell
Our final day began with a bittersweet breakfast as we geared up for the last leg of our journey. Heading to Petronas, Air Hitam, I found myself marvelling at how natural and easy the IONIQ 6 felt.
In the city, it was easy to pilot around tight and heavy traffic with its instantaneous response, on the highway, the car felt really stable at (really) high speeds. Putting it in i-pedal regeneration mode also really helped to keep battery efficiency high.
Our drive back was one filled with quiet conversations, contemplative moments, and a collective sense of appreciation for everything the trip had given us.
Lunch at Marui by The Tins was a cosy affair, and as we enjoyed our last meal together, I thought about how this journey had taken me from the bustling city streets of KL to tranquil natural hideaways and back home with a fresh perspective on driving.
This was an invitation into the future of electric driving, a glimpse of how Hyundai has transformed a simple road trip into an artful, eco-friendly experience.
As I crossed the Causeway back to Singapore, watching the IONIQ 6 settle back into the city’s familiar rhythm, I felt a kind of peace that only comes from adventure.
It’s 4:30 pm, I feel as tired as I was three days ago when I stepped into the Komoco Motors showroom. But only because the Great Electric Escape had truly lived up to its name.
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