The brand’s ‘Drive To Believe’ campaign invites you to find that moment for yourself: book a test drive of a Model 3 or Model Y in Singapore and stand a chance to enjoy the car for three days and two nights*.

Just you, your routine, and a quietly astonishing EV that turns everyday drives into something rather special.

Slick brochures and spec sheets are fine, but they don’t tell you how instant torque feels when you thread into evening traffic, or how soothing it is when a car simply works.

“Drive To Believe” is a hands-on trial by real life: school runs, late dinners, rainstorms, you name it. If a car can impress you on a Tuesday night in your home carpark, it can impress you anywhere.

How to win that 3D2N drive

1. Register for a Tesla test drive in Singapore.
2. Experience a guided session with a Tesla Advisor; familiarise with the interface, charging, and everyday usability.
3. Once you’ve completed your test drive, you’ll stand a chance to be selected for a complimentary 3 days, 2 nights with a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y.

The numbers that make sense

In a city that rewards efficiency and prudence, the sums are compelling. Eligible buyers can enjoy an attractive 1.50% p.a. financing offer**, keeping monthly payments manageable. There’s also Singapore’s S$5,000 EV adoption incentive, easing your step into clean mobility. All these allows you to drive away your Tesla from as low as $1,610.month***.

With charging rates that charge your Tesla from up to 311km in 15 mins, prices starting at $0.44/kWh. Combine this with maintenance savings over time, and you begin to see why so many drivers describe the switch to Tesla as both an upgrade and a relief.

Where to meet your future EV

Drop by any of Tesla’s Experience Centres in Singapore to start your journey:

1. 17 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh
2. Millenia Walk, #01-84
3. Westgate, #01-01

Explore the cars, ask the tricky questions, and book your test drive on the spot. The team will happily demystify charging, costs, and ownership.

Ready to Drive To Believe? Book your test drive online or in person at Westgate, Toa Payoh, or Millenia Walk today, and let the car do the convincing. By Monday morning, you won’t be asking if an EV fits your life. You’ll be deciding which colour suits it best.

*3D2N drive selection mechanics, dates, and availability are managed by Tesla Singapore. Terms and conditions apply.

**1.50% interest rate and incentives are subject to eligibility, bank approval, and prevailing regulations.

***Based on the estimated walkaway price, valid till 18 November 2025. Contact Tesla to find out more.

But that’s exactly how the very first Auto Selection Breakfast Drive unfolded, also known as the All Access to Joy: Breakfast Drive Edition.

Organised by Auto Selection, a Sime Motors company known for accessible and well-priced pre-owned cars, this was a celebration of customers, community, and the simple joy of being on the open road.

A Morning Worth Waking Up For

The day began at Auto Selection East Coast. The car park was already buzzing with a bevvy of BMWs, iX3s, X3S, a 2 Series Gran Coupé, and even an i8. Not a showroom-only lineup, but real cars owned by real customers. Anyone with a BMW and a sense of adventure was welcome.

Coffee was poured, names were exchanged, and engines warmed up. By 5.30 am, the convoy was on the move, heading into Malaysia. B-roads, highways, gentle sunrise light, the kind of drive that reminds you why we love cars in the first place.

A quick stop at Petronas Gelang Patah gave everyone time to stretch and chat before continuing to Layang Layang for wantan mee breakfast at Guan Fatt.

Even Christopher Chin, Managing Director of Auto Selection, was right there with everyone, not watching from the sidelines, but sitting with different groups, checking in on guests, and making sure everyone felt included.

People First, Always

What made the event feel different was its personal nature. Chris did not just flag off the convoy; he joined breakfast tables, moved around at lunch, chatted with families, and made sure no group was left out.

A few Sales Executives also joined the trip, a thoughtful gesture that showed Auto Selection still values relationships between SEs and customers, even after a car has been sold; that connection remains.

Convoy, Kampung Roads, and Snacks

After breakfast, the group visited a nearby pepper farm. There was shopping, laughter over walkie-talkies, and even a grandma riding along with her family. One of the kids even bravely held a durian, a photo that perfectly captured the spirit of the trip. It was a reminder that these drives are truly for everyone, regardless of age.

By lunchtime, the convoy arrived at Restaurant Loon Sing at Sunway Iskandar’s Big Box. Chris once again moved from table to table, greeting everyone personally. Just when you thought the morning could not get any warmer, the Auto Selection team brought out birthday cakes for guests who were celebrating their special day. Smiles, claps, candles.

More Than Just a Drive

This Breakfast Drive was the first-ever convoy organised for used car customers. And that matters. It showed that PML and Auto Selection are not just focused on new car owners. They want pre-owned customers to feel just as included, valued, and proud to be part of the BMW family.

Any customer with a valid BMW can join future drives. No VIP-only lists. No special treatment. Just shared enjoyment, good roads, and good people.

About Auto Selection

As the only authorised Certified Pre-owned BMW dealership under the worldwide BMW Premium Selection (BPS) programme in Singapore, Auto Selection carries the widest range of Certified Pre-owned BMW cars and Pre-owned BMW.

To ensure quality and roadworthiness for future customers, only BMW cars that are less than 5 years old, with mileage under 120,000 kilometres, are eligible for the BPS programme. Each vehicle undergoes a rigorous pre-sale inspection to ensure safety, quality, and peace of mind.

Auto Selection understands the importance of trust and remains committed to delivering excellent service, long after the car leaves the showroom. Because joy should not only come with a new car, it should come standard with every car.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on YouTube and on TikTok!

Polestar decided there had to be a better way, and what they came up with was the digital rear-view mirror found on the Polestar 4, a neat piece of Scandinavian pragmatism wrapped in pixel precision and a radical step beyond traditional mirrors.

The view, and then some: 121 degrees of vision

With a 121-degree field-of-view, the camera is wide enough to turn the familiar postage-stamp view of a traditional mirror into a cinematic panorama of what’s happening behind you. It’s the difference between peering through a keyhole and opening the door.

On the road, that breadth matters. You see more of the adjacent lanes, more of that fast-approaching motorbike, more of the tailgater edging out from your blind spot. The Polestar 2’s conventional mirror is clear and stable, but physics limits a piece of glass.

The Polestar 4’s camera and display neatly sidestep those constraints, painting a wider, more complete picture without distorting the scene.

Sharper than glass, calmer than your nerves

We’ve all learned to live with the compromises of a traditional mirror: glare at night, reflections from the rear cabin, headrests slicing through the view. The digital display in the Polestar 4 serves up an image that’s crisper than plain glass and refreshingly free of visual clutter. Because the camera sits outside the cabin, you don’t see your own passengers, parcel shelf detritus, or the smudged outline of a child’s sticker from three years ago.

Does clarity really change how you drive? Absolutely. Your eyes spend less time deciphering what’s there and more time acting on it. Suddenly, everything behind you snaps into focus.

There’s cleverness in how Polestar has integrated the screen into the same aperture where you’d expect a mirror. No extra pod glued onto the windscreen, no annex carved out of the central infotainment screen. You glance where your muscle memory expects to glance, and the Polestar 4 respects that rhythm, simply modernising the note.

Crystal-clear, even under challenging conditions

Singapore’s weather can go from “oven with steam function” to “submerged aquarium” in five minutes. Add night-time streetlamps, headlight glare and the occasional lightning show, and you’ve a cocktail that can flummox a traditional mirror.

The Polestar 4’s digital unit stays clear and legible through shifting lighting conditions. The system tempers bright sources, lifts shadows, and resists bloom, so you’re not dazzled by an SUV sitting high with full beams on. Drive from an open expressway into a tunnel and you won’t need to tweak a thing; the image adapts, calmly and quietly, while you keep your hands where they belong.

Innovation rarely stays still

Polestar’s appeal has always leaned on a certain honesty: sustainable materials, considered design, engineering solutions that solve problems rather than chase headlines. The digital rear-view mirror in the Polestar 4 is precisely that kind of solution, showing just how fast the Swedes have been sharpening their tools.

Is it still “a mirror” if it’s a screen? Perhaps that’s the wrong question. The right one is: does it let you see more, more clearly, more of the time, without asking more of you?

In the Polestar 4, the answer is a calm, confident yes, and that is the kind of progress worth reflecting on.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on YouTube and on TikTok!

For Mr Ng Khee Siong, Managing Director of BMS, the occasion is a powerful statement of legacy, resilience, and renewed purpose.

We had the opportunity to speak to Mr Ng, who shared insights on how BMS has shaped the nation’s automotive landscape, the unique role of each brand in its portfolio, and the group’s roadmap for the future, guided by sustainability, digital transformation, and community care.

100 Years of Trust, Innovation, and Progress

“Reaching 100 years illustrates the trust and loyalty we’ve built with generations of customers,” Mr Ng notes that the milestone reflects not only BMS’s deep-rooted presence in Singapore, but also Inchcape Singapore’s continued role as a mobility leader since acquiring Borneo Motors in 1967.

With more than 200,000 Toyota vehicles on the road (representing one in four cars in Singapore), the figures speak volumes. But to Mr Ng, the true value lies in relationships: with global OEM partners, local communities, and over 600 dedicated team members who have propelled the company forward.

As part of its centennial celebrations, BMS launched a series of community-driven initiatives, including a partnership with The Art Faculty to empower artists on the autism spectrum and a collaboration with Grab to provide 100 complimentary National Day rides for underprivileged communities.

“It reminds us that our greatest asset has always been the people,” he said. “This reaffirms our responsibility to lead the way forward, ensuring a safer, smarter, and more sustainable journey for all Singaporeans”.

A Brand Portfolio with Purpose

Representing Toyota, Lexus, and Hino, BMS’s brand portfolio caters to every facet of Singaporean mobility. Each marque plays a strategic role in the company’s growth and reputation.

“Toyota has always been our backbone,” said Mr Ng. The Japanese brand’s legacy of reliability, hybrid innovation, and value-driven offerings has earned it deep trust across generations. From dominating taxi fleets in the 1980s to pioneering green mobility with the Prius in 2001, Toyota has consistently driven mass adoption of sustainable vehicles.

“In 2024, Toyota remained #1 in total automotive market share in Singapore. That’s a powerful statement of our market relevance,” he added.

Lexus, meanwhile, has elevated BMS’s position in the luxury segment. “Lexus is about progressive luxury and refined craftsmanship,” Mr Ng noted. From the launch of the RX400h to the all-electric RZ and the exclusive LBX Urbanite limited edition, Lexus continues to set benchmarks in performance, design, and customer experience.

On the commercial front, Hino plays a vital role in business and logistics mobility. “Since 2006, Hino has consistently delivered efficiency and dependability. It was recognised as Singapore’s No.1 Commercial Vehicle Brand in 2024,” Mr Ng shared. “Together, these three brands allow us to serve customers across all walks of life, building not just a product line-up, but a mobility ecosystem.”

Paving the Roads Ahead: Sustainability and Innovation

Looking forward, Borneo Motors Singapore is steering its second century with a clear-eyed focus on sustainable mobility, electrification, and digital transformation.

“Our commitment to Singapore is built on a foundation of trust and a vision for the future,” Mr Ng said. That vision includes a multi-pathway approach to electrification, offering hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). “We’re not betting on one technology. We’re providing the right solution, at the right time, for every customer.”

Toyota hybrids already operate in zero-emission mode for up to 62% of travel time, a compelling contribution to Singapore’s Green Plan 2030.

But beyond hardware, Mr Ng stressed the importance of customer wellness. “We are committed to worry-free ownership, advanced safety, and long-term value. It’s about peace of mind.”

The company is also investing in talent and innovation, with initiatives like a hands-on hybrid showcase for Singapore Polytechnic students. “We want to inspire the next generation to reimagine mobility,” he said.

Celebrating Legacy, Empowering the Future

Anchored in the theme “The Roads Ahead”, BMS’s centennial celebration includes immersive showroom experiences, legacy showcases (such as the last Toyota Crown taxi), and community tributes like the limited-edition Lexus Maze Gashi cake, crafted in collaboration with Pâtisserie CLÉ to reflect Singapore’s multicultural identity.

Mr Ng’s message is clear: “Our journey extends beyond mobility. We will continue to seek out meaningful ways to move people’s lives forward, creating a more accessible and supportive future for all.”

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on YouTube and on TikTok!

The IONIQ 5 EV is Singapore’s first fully electric vehicle, manufactured locally at HMGICS, and is internationally recognised for its design, performance, and innovation. By providing students with hands-on access to this production-level electric vehicle, HMGICS enables them to explore real-world electric mobility technology, bridging classroom learning with practical engineering experience.

The donation will directly support Project EVAM, SUTD’s student-led initiative to design and build a full-sized electric sports car. Unlike its predecessor, the next-generation EVAM vehicle is closer to a production EV in size and performance, giving students real-world experience with electric vehicle design. Beyond EVAM, the IONIQ 5 will also serve as a platform for SUTD’s automotive Capstone projects, where students will experiment with electrified powertrains, sustainable interior materials, smart cabin systems, and AI-driven vehicle optimisation.

According to Professor Chee Yeow Meng, SUTD Provost and Chief Academic and Innovation Officer, “Having the Hyundai IONIQ 5 on campus provides our students with the rare opportunity to interact directly with production-level EV technology. It enriches their hands-on experience and allows them to exercise creativity, engineering, and Design AI capabilities, preparing them for careers in electric mobility.”

Students are already benefiting from this initiative. Fourth-year engineering student Goh Qian Zhe said, “It’s not just learning from textbooks. We are rebuilding the donated IONIQ 5 and applying our own ideas for future electric vehicles.”

HMGICS’ donation is truly an investment in Singapore’s future engineers and designers, supporting student innovation in sustainable mobility and human-centric electric vehicle systems. This collaboration reinforces Singapore’s growing role as a hub for EV manufacturing and advanced electric mobility technology.

Watching the students participate in the event today was inspiring, as it showcased their commitment in action. Hands-on experience with production-level electric vehicle technology gives them a unique perspective on what the future of sustainable mobility could look like. Moments like these highlight how Singapore’s next generation of engineers and designers are being equipped to shape the country’s electric mobility ecosystem in meaningful and innovative ways.

Designed with the spirit of competition and inclusivity at its core, the Lamborghini Super Trofeo series has served as a launchpad for both seasoned racers and ambitious newcomers across continents, from Europe to the United States and, more prominently in recent years, Asia.

We spoke to Francesco Scardaoni, Regional Director of Automobili Lamborghini Asia Pacific, during the latest round of the Super Trofeo Asia in Sepang, Malaysia. His insights illustrate the brand’s strategy not only to grow its motorsport presence in the region but also to democratise access to the Lamborghini racing ecosystem.

Preserving the Gentleman Driver Spirit

“The Super Trofeo series was originally created for gentleman drivers,” Scardaoni explains. “That DNA remains central to our vision even as the competition has become more dynamic and professional over the years”.

To maintain this ethos, Lamborghini introduced the Lamborghini Cup, a dedicated category within the series that ensures amateur racers still have the opportunity to compete meaningfully. As the series attracted more professional drivers, it became harder for hobbyist racers to reach the podium. The creation of separate classes allowed Lamborghini to stay true to the inclusive roots of Super Trofeo while elevating the level of competition.

“It’s really about giving people a chance,” he adds. “Many of our current GT3 and endurance drivers started in Trofeo. It’s a place to begin, to learn, and to grow.”

Greater Accessibility Through Engineering and Format

“The Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2, and in the future, the Temerario Super Trofeo, are competent machines that are also remarkably approachable for aspiring racers,” Scardaoni says.

In fact, the performance of these race cars is such that, on certain circuits, they’ve been known to lap faster than GT3 competitors. Yet the vehicles are also designed to be user-friendly, allowing drivers to ease into the world of GT racing without needing the infrastructure of a full factory backed team.

To further support customer racers, Lamborghini offers varying levels of factory assistance from technical consulting to parts support, ensuring teams can compete with confidence whether they’re professionals or independent entrants.

Sepang and Southeast Asia: A Motorsport Hub

Scardaoni is particularly fond of the Sepang International Circuit, describing it as “a demanding yet rewarding track” with “a mix of tight corners, high-speed sections, and ever-changing weather conditions.” He adds, “Malaysia is vibrant, welcoming, and central for Southeast Asian participants. It creates a unique motorsport atmosphere that we value deeply”.

The popularity of the series has prompted Lamborghini to expand its calendar to include more Southeast Asian venues. In 2026, the series will make its debut at Buriram, Thailand, an indication of the growing appetite for motorsport across the region.

“Thailand has a strong motorsport culture and a very engaged Lamborghini customer base. It’s important for us to race where the passion lives,” he shares.

Technology Transfer and the Road Ahead

Beyond racing, the Super Trofeo series also plays a critical role in Lamborghini’s product development. “Cars like the Huracán STO were born directly from our motorsport programmes,” Scardaoni notes. “The aerodynamics, electronic systems, even the steering feel are direct evolutions from our racing platforms”.

This philosophy of “race to road” remains a cornerstone of Lamborghini’s identity, ensuring that what is learned on the track informs and enhances the brand’s high-performance road cars.

Looking ahead, the next-generation Temerario GT3 and Super Trofeo cars are set to replace the Huracán variants by 2027. While these will remain ICE-powered for simplicity and reliability, especially critical for customer racing, Lamborghini is testing tyre configurations and planning broader technical support to ensure the transition is seamless.

An Invitation to Join the Family

When asked what he would say to a fan considering attending or participating in Super Trofeo Asia, Scardaoni replies with a smile: “Come experience it. The cars are fast, the atmosphere is incredible, and it truly feels like a family. We don’t rely on celebrities to represent our brand, but our customers. They are our true ambassadors”.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on YouTube and on TikTok!

Sepang International Circuit isn’t exactly your average weekend hangout spot, unless you’re the sort who enjoys the sound of V10s echoing off the grandstands and the smell of roasted rubber in the air.

I was there for Round 5 of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia series, soaking in the spectacle of purpose-built race cars slashing through apexes with all the subtlety of a chainsaw in a violin quartet.

But, as exhilarating as the track battles were, the real surprise came in the form of an electrified beast waiting quietly in the wings, the Lamborghini Urus SE. And unlike most luxury SUVs that spend their lives parked outside cafes, this one was about to get properly dirty.

Over the course of a day that would’ve made most supercar owners wince, we wrung the Urus SE through three curated challenges.

Welcome to the Mind-Bending World of the Urus SE

From the outside, the Urus SE still looks like a Lamborghini should: aggressive, chiselled, and vaguely unhinged.

Beneath the familiar silhouette lies a new heartbeat: a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 paired with an electric motor, giving you a grand total of 789 bhp and 946 Nm of torque. That’s enough to slingshot this Super SUV from 0–100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, which is approximately the time it takes you to blink twice and regret not bracing harder.

But power is only half the story. This is a Lamborghini with multiple personalities, courtesy of a labyrinthine drive mode system that would confuse even Maverick from Top Gun. One controller gives you six terrain and road modes: Strada, Sport, Corsa for road; Sabbia (sand), Terra (gravel), and Neve (snow) for off-road. A second controller lets you toggle between EV, Hybrid, Performance, and Recharge modes.

Switching between them isn’t instantaneous; you have to cycle through each like a confused barista looking for the oat milk setting on an espresso machine. But once you find the right combination, the Urus SE transforms with alarming clarity.

Skid Control with Supercar Drama

The skidpan was our first dance, and what a chaotic ballet it was. Most SUVs on a low-grip surface either plough straight or spin like an office chair on a tile floor. Not this one.

In Terra mode, the Urus SE surprised us with how easily it held a slide, helped by its new electronically controlled clutch and torque vectoring system. With the ESC off, the algorithms didn’t hesitate to think: “Ah, drift time.” You could initiate with a Scandinavian flick and exit sideways in a manner that would make Walter Röhrl smirk.

It’s uncanny. You’re reminded constantly that this thing weighs over two tonnes, and yet, it dances. The steering is responsive, the body control taut, and the 48V anti-roll system helps it feel smaller than it really is. Most cars give you a warning before they let go, this one gives you a wink and tells you to go harder.

Off the Paved Path and Into Terra

Next up was the sand and gravel course, a short but challenging loop designed to test the Urus SE’s off-road credibility. With Terra mode engaged, the car took on an entirely different character.

The throttle response became more measured, suspension softened just enough to soak up ruts, and the AWD system sent torque to wherever traction could be found. It clawed its way up steep inclines, bounded over undulations, and kept composure through uneven terrain.

Let’s be honest: very few owners will ever take their Urus off-road. But it’s nice to know that if you ever find yourself late for a Michelin-starred dinner in the Moroccan desert, the SE won’t let you down.

Sepang Hot Laps: Supercar Credentials, Confirmed

We concluded the exciting day with hot laps around Sepang. Here, the Urus SE was finally allowed to stretch its legs, and stretch it did.

In Corsa mode, everything sharpens. The throttle becomes twitchier, gear changes from the 8-speed ’box come with a satisfying thump, and the V8 roars with an unmistakable Italian snarl, even as the electric motor subtly fills in the gaps. The brakes (440mm carbon ceramics up front) bit hard and clean. Even regen is managed well, never feeling intrusive.

Four-wheel steering helps you carve into corners more confidently, and the bespoke Pirelli P Zero rubber grips with purpose. Despite its girth, the Urus SE never felt out of depth. It was composed. A true Lamborghini, just… taller.

Have Your Gelato and Eat It Too

The Lamborghini Urus SE is a revelation. It proves that electrification doesn’t have to mean sanitisation. Instead, it adds another layer of personality to an already charismatic machine.

Whether you’re power-sliding on a skidpan, bouncing through a gravel path, or hurtling down the main straight of Sepang at warp speed, the Urus SE delivers on every front. It’s a Swiss Army knife wrapped in raging bull skin.

And if this is Lamborghini’s future with electrification, consider us thoroughly charged up.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on YouTube and on TikTok!

You don’t need to be an engineer. You don’t need to know what a crankshaft does. You don’t even need to have oil running through your veins. Step into the Audi Museum in Ingolstadt, Germany, and you’ll still find yourself wide-eyed, possibly muttering “Whoa…” under your breath as the doors close behind you and the future and past of motoring unfold in sync like a well-orchestrated gearbox.

At the heart of the sprawling Audi Forum, Audi’s global headquarters and temple of Teutonic excellence, is this four-storey marvel of steel, glass, and soul.

Opened in December 2000, the museum was built not just to preserve history, but to present it in motion.

Quite literally, too. You’ll find cars travelling vertically up and down the atrium on what looks like a mechanical escalator from an alternate timeline. A paternoster lift, the kind of thing you’d expect to see in a futuristic remake of Back to the Future.

Now, before you get swept up in nostalgia, look up. Designed by German architect Gunter Henn, the museum’s architecture is like a giant turbine caught in glass, symbolising mobility, transparency, and growth.

Even the sun doesn’t sit still here. A circular sun-shading system follows the light’s movement throughout the day, constantly shifting the way sunlight plays across the museum’s walls and the polished chrome of the exhibits.

Start at the top and meander downwards like you’re uncoiling time itself. Every level tells a different chapter.

The progression is seamless, the storytelling deliberate, and the transitions from the wooden wheels of the early 20th century to the wind-cheating silhouettes of tomorrow utterly spellbinding.

The illustrations showcase how Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer (the four brands immortalised in Audi’s four-ring logo) reunite under one roof to celebrate more than 120 years of automotive ambition.

Each vehicle whispers tales of its time, whether it’s a rudimentary machine stitched in wood and leather or a low-slung concept car that looks ready to launch into space.

Beyond the spectacle of sheet metal and rubber lies the mechanical magic. For those who like to get under the skin of things, there are cutaway models and drivetrains on display, laid bare like the anatomy of a mechanical beast.

Here, you’ll see how gears mesh, how pistons dance, how innovation breathes life into aluminium.

Unlike some museums that drown you in placards and paragraphs, Audi’s curation feels instinctive, like flipping through a coffee table book with pop-out pages.

And when your legs start complaining from all that looping around the atrium, pop into the gift shop tucked within the building. It’s the kind of place where grown adults buy 1:43 scale models with the same intensity as kids choosing candy.

In Ingolstadt, history doesn’t sit in silence. It hums, it rolls, it glides. And it invites you along for the ride.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on YouTube and on TikTok!

I’ve done the northbound road trip to Malaysia more times than I care to admit, sometimes for the scenery, sometimes for the satay, and almost always with the silent mission to “beat the GPS estimate”.

But this particular trip was different. This Audi-led drive wasn’t about making good time. It was about making good kilometres, a fuel efficiency challenge stretching from Singapore to Ipoh, and looping back to Kuala Lumpur.

No gimmicks. Just one car, one tank, and a surprisingly competitive bunch of automotive journalists with too much pride and too little sleep.

Flag-Off at Dawn and the Battle of the A/C

We began, as all sensible efficiency drives do, at an ungodly 5am, flagged off at Shell Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim. My co-driver for this journey was James from Oneshift, armed with caffeine, caution, and the quiet hope that the air-conditioning would stay on.

Fortunately for him (and our friendship), I was determined to keep it on as well; low fan speed, Eco mode, windows up.

Our competitors? Far braver. Or madder. They have opted to go the entire way without A/C. Windows up. Cabin sealed. The car effectively became a convection oven with leather upholstery.

Major respect, though I’m fairly certain at least one member emerged from their car medium-rare afterwards.

We, on the other hand, kept things civilised. Tyres inflated to near bursting, trip computer reset, pep talk given.

We figured we needed our belongings for check-in, too, so no unnecessary luggage or cabin dumping was conducted. Just good, honest efficiency.

Meet the Machine

The car we were preparing to set off in was the Audi A3 1.5 TFSI. Showroom stock and untouched, save for a full tank of fuel. Its secret weapon was a refined mild hybrid system, a clever coasting mode, and an uncanny ability to sip fuel like a polite guest at a wedding tea ceremony.

From the get-go, the A3 impressed. Even without engaging the Efficiency mode, it was eager to slip into coasting, the revs dropping like a well-timed mic. Within the first hour, we were already seeing fuel figures north of 20km/litre.

Acceleration was measured. Braking, minimal. Speeds hovered around 70–80km/h, torturous in a country where 110km/h is legal and tempting. But in the pursuit of consumption glory, restraint is the real flex.

Snacks, Sun, and Surprises

To keep our spirits up, we turned to a predictable playlist of cheesy pop hits and suspiciously preserved snacks. James even rewarded himself with a Ramly burger, half for sustenance, half for morale. Stopping was rare; momentum was precious.

Even with the sun climbing and temperatures rising, the A3 soldiered on without complaint. Eco mode air-conditioning set at 26 degrees kept us cool enough, and more importantly, it didn’t seem to punish us fuel-wise. Quite the opposite, in fact. The further we went, the better our consumption got.

Credit where due, Audi’s mild hybrid system is leagues smoother than its predecessor. Engine stop-starts were barely perceptible, and noise levels stayed muted throughout.

Up North to Ipoh

The journey towards Kuala Lumpur was relatively smooth, but as soon as we hit the big capital of Malaysia, our efficiency took a hit thanks to traffic congestion. It was tempting to weave through traffic, but keeping our dainty little A3 behind larger vehicles was always going to be better for efficiency.

After tackling suburban sprawl, expressway monotony, and the barrage of impatient lorry drivers wondering why we were the slowest moving thing that morning, we approached Ipoh after almost 9 hours of driving, fatigued, famished, but proud. The GPS said we’d arrive early. It lied.

Turns out, when you’re trundling along well below the posted limit, that ETA shrinks faster than your enthusiasm in a jam. We rolled in with 15 minutes to spare.

Just enough time to marvel at the ingenious optimisations our rival team had done to their car; they taped their A3 to within an inch of its life in a bid to reduce drag.

The Plot Twist

Ah, but the journey wasn’t done. You see, this was a tag-team challenge. From Ipoh to St. Regis Kuala Lumpur, our teammates who first took the Audi A5 (used in a concurrent photography challenge) took over the A3, while we, blessedly, took over their air-conditioned lounge for photography duties.

Did our teammates stop for a break as scheduled? No. Rather, instead of heading straight to the pre-determined lunch spot, they instead opted to head straight for the final meeting point at the hotel, and doubled back for food in the A5 after we picked them up.

Why? Because why waste fuel when the competition’s this tight?

So, Who Won?

Let’s be real – our stock, weighted, and air-conditioned A3 was never going to win the other team, and they deserve every inch of victory for braving the sweltering heat in their makeshift aerodynamic sauna.

The question now is, how close were the two teams?

Here’s where it gets interesting. After more than 750 kilometres of driving with luggage, functioning air-conditioning, and two moderately sleep-deprived adults onboard, our A3 returned 26.689km/litre.

The winning team, in their minimalist, A/C-free chariot of sweat and sheer willpower? 27.645km/litre. That’s a difference of just under 1km/litre.

Was the heat worth it for the other team? Absolutely, they walked home with a stack of vouchers and smiles, and you’ve got to hand it to them for going through the“torture”.

But, for all the efforts to strip weight and endure tropical self-basting, we came within touching distance using… creature comforts, which proves an interesting point. Modern cars like the Audi A3 are absurdly efficient by default. You don’t need to turn your car into a wind tunnel or sacrifice sanity to go the distance.

The A3 was composed, capable, and criminally efficient, even under real-world, real-human conditions. It proved that range doesn’t have to come at the expense of ride, refinement, or the divine blessing that is air-conditioning.

Photo Credits: Al Han (@sgcarshooter)

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Audi Singapore’s recent fuel efficiency challenge had us doing just that, with an A3 for the economy run and, more interestingly, an A5 Sportback as our visual wingman for a photo challenge themed “Jekyll and Hyde”.

The theme was cleverly chosen to represent the A5’s split personality, and over 700 kilometres of Malaysian highways, spirited B-roads and early-morning photo shoots, we found that the A5 wears both personas, calm cruiser and confident coupe, with surprising grace.

But before we dive into the Jekyll-and-Hyde theatrics, let’s unpack exactly what this “new” A5 is.

Wait, Isn’t This the New A4?

Yes and no. Audi’s new naming strategy is that odd-numbered models will be combustion-engined, and even-numbered models will be electric. Which means the A4 you knew is now the A5, and the next A4 will be electric. Got it?

The result is a Sportback that straddles traditional lines; it’s a saloon with coupe styling and a hatchback boot. Audi calls it “a completely new sedan concept”. We call it quite clever. Coupe flair without sacrificing practicality? That’s the kind of mischief we like.

Jekyll – The Calm, Composed Companion

On our journey north to Ipoh, “Jekyll” mode reigned. With our teammates, the A5 glided up the North-South highway with the serenity of a far more expensive car. The 2.0-litre TFSI petrol is a smooth operator, with a decent swell of power (201bhp and 340Nm) that makes overtaking relaxed and fuss-free. You’re not pinned to your seat, but you’re never left wanting, either.

What impressed most was the refinement. Audi has clearly prioritised comfort; the suspension ironed out patchy tarmac with barely a murmur, and road noise was impressively low, even on Malaysia’s coarse surfaces.

In this context, the Audi A5 felt every bit the premium cruiser it claims to be. Easygoing, planted, and blessed with that sense of Audi calm that makes long distances disappear with a shrug.

The premium theme continues in our humble abode over the course of the road trip, feeling exactly as an Audi should — restrained, refined, and quietly tech-forward. Materials are well-chosen, with plush touchpoints and just enough gloss black to make it feel special.

We appreciated the dedicated strip for climate control, sparing us from diving through submenus just to adjust fan speed. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the wireless charger even comes with a cooling fan, a thoughtful touch that prevents our phones from turning into a molten slab mid-drive.

Rear space is adequate, though not class-leading. Legroom’s fine unless you’re tall and relegated to the back, and the sloping roofline means headroom is a touch tight. Thankfully, the rear seats only had to accommodate luggage for most of the trip.

That said, with 445 litres of boot space and folding rear seats, the A5 is more practical than its silhouette suggests.

Hyde – When the Audi A5 Cuts Loose

Our return leg from Ipoh to KL gave us the chance to let “Hyde” out. The Audi A5 may not be a scalpel like a BMW 3 Series or a tail-happy Alfa Romeo Giulia, but show it a curving road and it responds with admirable composure.

The steering is light and precise, if not dripping with feel, and the chassis while not overtly playful is well-balanced and confident. The A5 doesn’t egg you on like some rivals do, but it doesn’t punish enthusiasm either. It’s the kind of car that makes you look good behind the wheel, even if you’re just out for a spirited Sunday blast.

On this leg, the A5 was quick enough to make light work of overtakes and highway merges. Although the engine does give way a little at the top end, importantly, it never feels too strained.

The A5 was best enjoyed at night, when a late photography shoot turned into a friendly dogfight on Kuala Lumpur’s streets. Power delivery was so smooth, you sometimes forget this is a front-wheel drive variant, and not one of the Quattro models Audi is famous for.

And when the heat was too much, we could dart back into traffic and blend in. Out of sight, out of mind.

Two Sides of a Very Polished Coin

Audi’s new A5 might be a nameplate shuffle, but the substance beneath is as solid as ever. In Jekyll mode, it’s a serene highway cruiser that eats up the miles without breaking a sweat. In Hyde mode, it shows enough spirit to keep a keen driver engaged, even if it stops short of being truly thrilling.

But as a complete package? It nails the brief.

It’s handsome, composed, filled with tech, and interesting enough to stand out from the crowd, especially when painted in a dramatic hue and shot under moody skies somewhere in Malaysia.

Photo Credits: Al Han (@sgcarshooter)

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