There are cars that dazzle you with digital gimmickry. There are those that promise Nürburgring lap times, even if their most spirited outing is the IKEA carpark. And then there’s the Subaru Forester.

Now in its sixth generation, the Forester isn’t here to trend on TikTok. It’s the automotive equivalent of that one friend who still wears the same fleece from 2002, not because they’re behind the times, but because it still works perfectly.

Built before SUVs were cool

Rewind to 1997. The term ‘SUV’ hadn’t yet become the genre-defining buzzword it is today. And yet, the first-generation Forester quietly carved a niche all its own part estate, part SUV, wholly practical. It was boxy, capable, and didn’t care for pretence. It still doesn’t.

And that’s precisely what makes this sixth-generation Forester so endearing. It hasn’t tried to reinvent itself as a fashion-forward urban soft-roader. Instead, it continues to serve adventure-seekers with unwavering dedication. AWD is standard. Ground clearance is a generous 220mm. And visibility? Practically panoramic.

What’s changed?

Well, not much, and that’s not a bad thing. Subaru has been careful here. The 2.5-litre flat-four e-Boxer engine still powers all four wheels via a CVT gearbox. The chassis remains largely the same. Even the footprint hasn’t grown much, which is a blessing when navigating tight roads.

What is new, though, is the design. Slimmer headlights and cleaner body lines bring a touch more sophistication.

Simple and sensible

Gone are the days of Subaru’s random smorgasbord of plastics and textures. The new cabin is calm, cohesive, and surprisingly modern. The instrument cluster is clear and mercifully free of overdesigned animations.

There’s wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charger, and USB-A and USB-C ports scattered front and back. Climate controls get their own permanent section on the screen, with real buttons for temperature and defrost. Glory be.

That said, the infotainment fonts are a jumbled mess, and the Starlink splash screen could give Elon Musk heart palpitations. But ergonomically, it all works.

The 487-litre boot is wide but shallow, thanks to the battery underneath, and there’s no spare tyre. A shame for a car built to explore the uncharted path.

e-Boxer: mild on power, milder on hybrid

Despite the flashy ‘e-Boxer’ badge, don’t expect any plug-in wizardry here. This is a hybrid at best, with an electric motor more akin to a helpful assistant than a co-pilot.

The century sprint is a leisurely 9.4 seconds. It’s not going to win any drag races at traffic lights, but the ride is smooth, the engine refined, and the CVT surprisingly bearable if you’re not trying to wring its neck.

Real-world fuel economy hovers around 8.0L/100km, which is stellar given the weight, drivetrain, and size of the Forester.

Still drives like a Subaru

There’s an honesty to the way the Forester handles itself. The steering is light but confident, body control is well managed, and the car seems to enjoy carving through corners far more than its spec sheet would suggest.

Yes, it’s slow. But once you’ve built up some speed, it holds momentum like a stubborn Labrador dragging its owner through the park. There’s traction for days, and with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive, it’ll laugh in the face of muddy trails and gravel paths.

Subaru’s EyeSight system is one of the more comprehensive safety suites out there. Adaptive cruise control with lane centring works well, and there are 360-degree cameras to aid with parking this boxy brute.

But the driver-monitoring system is… enthusiastic. On our test, driving into the sun with a squint apparently triggered a sleep warning. It screamed, flashed lights, and demanded our attention. It can be disabled, but it’s buried in a menu maze.

Built for the long haul, not the fast lane

The Subaru Forester e-Boxer is for people who want a practical, honest, go-anywhere machine that won’t quit halfway through the journey. It may not be as fast, but it’ll get you and your gear, dogs, or kids wherever you need to go.

It’s the sort of car that earns your respect over time, like a well-worn pair of hiking boots or your dad’s trusty Swiss Army knife. Dependable. Loyal. And with just enough quirks to keep things interesting.

The Forester dares to be old-school. And frankly, we need more cars like it.

Technical Specifications

Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid

Engine: 2.5-litre inline 4
Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
Power: 194 bhp
Torque: 209 Nm
Gearbox: Hybrid Lineartronic CVT
0-100km/h: 9.4 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 182 km/h
Fuel Tank Capacity: 63 litres 
Fuel Economy: 16.9 km/litre (claimed)
Price: S$219,800 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Tesla may be a somewhat divisive company thanks to its rather controversial leader, but if you’ve ever driven their cars, you’ll discover that, objectively speaking, they are actually very well-rounded and capable for what they were made to do.

Nowhere is this more evident than on the Tesla Model Y, which is now one of the best-selling cars worldwide. The updated Model Y, introduced earlier in 2025, further boosted its appeal among Singaporeans with a specially-tuned version that qualified for a Category A COE.

But if you want a ‘regular’ Model Y that’s not been power-restricted, there is the standard RWD version that delivers the Tesla experience as it is meant to be.

Same Sharp Looks

Visually, there’s basically no difference between the different Model Y variants, regardless of power output. You get the same sleek and sharp design of the facelift, with the slim light bar across the front, and the distinctive rear lights reflecting off the name panel at the back.

Other than that, the styling is really nothing to shout about. If not for its unique illumination choice, the Model Y is a car that would blend in with traffic, along with all the other large SUVs populating our roads.

Similar Minimalism

Likewise, the interior of the Model Y RWD is almost identical to the lesser-powered version. You get the same minimalist setup, dominated by the large central touchscreen that houses everything, including key controls and info like the drive selector and speedometer.

For those unaccustomed to Tesla’s ways, the layout will take some getting used to. Thankfully though, the facelift has also brought back a much-needed physical control in the form of the indicator stalk, which replaces the button indicators of the pre-facelift Model Y.

The infotainment screen houses all manner of functionalities and gimmicks, like the ability to play games. Most of these are identical across the range, so I won’t go into detail. 

The only difference between the RWD and the 110kW Cat A model here is that the RWD has a setting to adjust the level of acceleration, whether you want it to ‘Chill’ or deliver its power as per normal.

Space Age

As a practical SUV, the Model Y is hard to beat. There’s plenty of space in the back to stretch out, and rear passengers even get a small 8-inch touchscreen to control various settings, or even watch YouTube videos if they wish, an idea taken from the facelifted Model 3 introduced in 2024.

Boot space remains at an enormous 854 litres, expandable to a simply colossal 2,138 litres if you fold down the rear seats, a feat achieved by simply pressing a button. If somehow that is not enough for you, there is also a frunk with 117 litres of capacity.

Just The Right Amount of Power

As capable as the Cat A Model Y was, the restricted power was exceedingly obvious when you put the pedal down. The RWD obviously addresses this issue, and the overall feeling is that this is the Model Y as it is meant to be.

The single electric motor puts out a handy 342bhp and 450Nm of torque, and the car accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds, which is brisk enough to help you execute overtaking manoeuvres with ease.

It’s the way that the power is delivered that’s truly impressive though. It comes in smoothly and effortlessly, and is certainly much more effective at moving you along than the 110kW. And yet it doesn’t feel as brutally explosive as the top-spec Long Range AWD model, whose acceleration has been described by some as akin to a mad rollercoaster ride.

Essentially, the RWD is really the version for those who want a relatively ‘normal’ Model Y experience, with enough power for everyday use, and nothing too crazily excessive like the overpowered AWD model.

Same Great Drive

The difference in power does not seem to have affected the Model Y’s drivability elsewhere, because it feels much the same actually. There’s a sense of sure-footedness that you’ll expect from a large electric SUV like this, but the car is also surprisingly nimble and eager in the corners, certainly much more so than many of its rivals.

The steering too is nicely weighted, with three adjustable settings to choose from. However, the feel can be a bit inconsistent, especially when cornering, and keener drivers would probably appreciate a bit more feedback perhaps.

Ride quality is well-controlled, if slightly on the firmer side. It copes well with most road bumps, and never really veers into uncomfortable territory, which is a real credit to how Tesla has engineered its suspension setup.

And because the Model Y RWD shares the same 62.5kWh battery as the Cat A variant, the range remains unchanged at 466km. In the real world you’ll probably get somewhere nearer to 400km, which is still good enough to last the average Singaporean for about a week’s worth of driving.

The Nice Middle Ground

The reality of the Singaporean car market is that the Cat A Model Y will likely remain the most popular version of the car here, simply because of its relative affordability compared to the more powerful models in the range.

In terms of outright sticker price, the Model Y RWD isn’t actually that much more expensive than the 110kW model, being roughly about $13,000 more. The difference in monthly instalments works out to just slightly under $200 a month, which is pretty reasonable to be fair. 

However, because our road tax structure for EVs is based on power output, the Model Y RWD incurs a rather sizeable road tax of $3,476 a year, more than double that of the 110kW’s $1,560 annual tax rate.

If you aren’t deterred by the hefty increase in tax though, the Model Y RWD strikes a nice balance for those who want a capable electric SUV that’s spacious, practical, good to drive and decently powerful without going overboard. It truly feels just right, which is a bit odd to describe something from a company as extreme as Tesla.

Technical Specifications

Tesla Model Y RWD

Engine: Single Electric Motor

Powertrain: Rear Wheel Drive

Power: 255 kW (342 bhp)

Torque: 450 Nm

Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)

0-100km/h: 5.9 Seconds

Top Speed: 201 km/h

Battery Capacity: 62.5 kWh

Drive Range: 466 km (claimed)

Energy Consumption: 6.5km/kWh (claimed)

Price: S$238,391 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Photo Credits: Ben Chia (@benchiacars)

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There are cars that make you feel sensible, cars that make you feel smug, and then there are cars like the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35. A curious concoction that makes you wonder if the engineers at Affalterbach were a little tipsy when they gave it the green light.

The GLB 35 on first glance looks like it’s wearing a suit two sizes too big. Tall, boxy, and unapologetically upright, it resembles a school bus that stumbled into a tuning shop. But underneath all that squared-off practicality lies a heart that beats with all the aggression of a caffeinated gym bro.

Power Meets Practicality

This isn’t some sticker pack with sporty pretensions. The GLB 35 has been given the full AMG once-over. It shares its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with the A35, which means a healthy 302bhp, an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, and 4MATIC all-wheel drive that can chuck 50 per cent of power to the rear when things get frisky.

Zero to 100km/h? 5.5 seconds. Fuel economy? Forget about it. This is a seven-seater SUV with the performance stats of a proper hot hatch. Bonkers.

In Comfort and Normal modes, the GLB 35 feels brisk enough, but flick it into Sport+ and it ditches its German stoicism for something far more theatrical. The throttle sharpens, the exhaust barks, and suddenly you’re being jostled by your own organs.

Yes, Sport+ is ridiculous. Yes, it firms up the dampers to the point of chiropractic intervention. But it’s also addictive. So much so that I ended up setting up an Individual mode with snow-optimised power settings and comfort suspension just to restore some sanity after a spirited B-road jaunt.

The Madness Is The Point

Step out of the car to get your organs reorganised, and you wonder how the GLB 35 can even work in the first place. It’s tall stance and 1.8-tonne kerb weight mean it was never destined for racetracks. And yet, once you’re behind the wheel, flicking through gears with a grin on your face, it all makes sense. Sort of.

It’s agile for what it is. Lithe, even. On tighter roads, you’ll find yourself pushing harder than you’d expect in something with room for seven souls and their assorted pets. But they may not appreciate your newfound enthusiasm. Expect groans, moans, and the occasional airborne child.

AMG Trimmings, All Present and Accounted For

To justify its AMG moniker, the GLB 35 is kitted out like a rock star on tour. 20-inch alloys, adaptive dampers, LED headlights, a Burmester sound system, panoramic sunroof, and the AMG Night Package, which blacks out the chrome in favour of a more menacing motif.

The pièce de résistance is the Panamericana grille vertical slats that pay homage to Mercedes’ 1950s racing heritage. It’s a striking look that gives the GLB the swagger it needs to wear its AMG badge with pride.

Room for Seven (ish)

Technically, yes, this is a seven-seater. Realistically, the last two seats are best left to the nimble, the small, or the vertically challenged. That said, cabin space is generous, and with the rear row folded, you’ll get 565 litres of boot space, perfect for IKEA hauls or emergency diaper stockpiles.

With all seats down, cargo capacity jumps to 1,800 litres. That’s enough to carry your regrets after signing the finance papers.

Rationality? That’s for Other People

It’s frankly absurd that a seven-seat SUV can sprint like a hot hatch and guzzle fuel like it’s 2006.

This car doesn’t exist for the spreadsheet types. It’s not for the people who count every penny or those who shop with calculators in hand. This is a car for the irrational, the impetuous, the ones who want to carry seven people and blow past a Golf GTI on the way to their children’s piano recital.

It’s not a car you need. But it’s a car you’ll want even if your wallet says otherwise.

Technical Specifications

Mercedes-AMG GLB 35

Engine: 2-litre inline 4
Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
Power: 302 bhp
Torque: 400 Nm
Gearbox: 8G-DCT AMG Speedshift
0-100km/h: 5.5 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 250 km/h
Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 litres 
Fuel Economy: 10.5 km/litre (claimed)
Price: S$383,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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I spent time with the Standard Range variant, and it immediately impressed, especially in terms of its appearance. With a 90kWh battery, rear-wheel drive, and WLTP range of 475 km, it feels like it was designed for both city life and short weekend getaways.

Design That Will Turn Heads. Guaranteed.

Power-wise, the Standard Range delivers 308 bhp of peak power and 350 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds. Max it out, and the 11 will reach a top speed of 200 km/h. Charging is quick too—30% to 80% in just 15 minutes on a DC charger. For Singapore drivers, that’s a big convenience, especially if you need a fast turnaround before a long drive.

Again, the first thing that catches your attention is the design. Winner of the 2024 Red Dot Design Award, the Avatr 11 has a presence that commands attention. Its design feels like a supercar that grew into an SUV, and it works. Measuring 4,880 mm in length, 1,970 mm in width, and 1,601 mm in height, it features a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette inspired by the golden ratio of supercars. The UFO-inspired front fascia and signature F-shaped LED headlights give it a bold, instantly recognisable face. Frameless doors, flush electronic handles, and a panoramic sunroof make it feel futuristic without being overly so. The full-width LED taillight at the rear with star-ring detailing gives it a finishing touch that stays with you long after you’ve parked it.

Impressive To Drive For A Sizeable EV SUV

On the road, the Avatr 11 surprises you. For a car this size, it doesn’t feel cumbersome. Torque delivery is smooth and linear, so you get that satisfying punch without any jerks or awkward surges. It corners flatter than you might expect, and the steering is responsive enough to make driving genuinely engaging. The suspension, featuring front double wishbones and a rear five-link setup, paired with a 2,975 mm wheelbase and 21-inch wheels, provides the Standard Range with a balance of comfort and confidence that makes it easy to drive in all conditions.

Packed With Tech And Features

The interior is packed with tech and comfort, even if it can feel a little overdone. NAPPA leather wraps a cockpit-style layout, and there’s a lot going on visually with curves and panels everywhere. But the seats steal the show. The zero-gravity front seats are not just a gimmick; they’re genuinely comfortable. Heating, ventilation, and a five-mode massage function make city commutes and short breaks feel indulgent. I even managed a quick nap between meetings, and it was surprisingly restorative.

Audio fans will appreciate the 25-speaker Meridian sound system, featuring a centre subwoofer. Put it in Extreme mode and the cabin transforms, making it feel like a mini concert hall. The attention to detail extends to the small details, too, such as controlling the air-conditioning fan speed and temperature with three-finger screen gestures. It’s intuitive, futuristic, and actually fun to use.

Sound insulation is another highlight. With twenty-two cavity partitions and leather-wrapped panels all around, NVH levels are reportedly just 0.1 dB higher than those of a Maybach at 120 km/h, which is impressive for an SUV.

Premium But Busy Interior

That said, the interior still feels a touch “busy” compared to the exterior’s clean lines. There are moments when the over-styling makes it feel less premium than you might hope, but it doesn’t ruin the experience. For under $300,000, the Standard Range is a compelling package, particularly when considering the design, technology, and driving experience it offers.

The Avatr 11 is more than just a new EV on the road. It’s confident, capable, and genuinely fun to drive. It blends supercar looks, smooth performance, and high-tech features in a way that feels like a peek into the future. It’s not quite at the German premium level yet, but for those looking for something fresh, stylish, and engaging, the Standard Range Avatr 11 deserves a long look.

Technical Specifications

Avatr 11 90 kWh Standard Range (A)
Engine: Electric Motor
Battery Type: Ternary Lithium
Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel-Drive
Power: 308 bhp
Torque: 350 Nm
Gearbox: Single-speed (A)
0-100km/h: 6.6 Seconds

Top Speed: 200 km/h

Battery Capacity: 90 kWh
Drive Range: 475 km
Price: S$293,999 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Mercedes-Benz’s AMG models historically had a bit of a crazy streak to them. While BMW’s M cars tend to focus on sharp-edged, drive-focused performance, and Audi’s RS models embrace tech to deliver raw speed and power, Mercedes-AMG were known for their wild attitude that were sometimes at odds with Mercedes-Benz’s otherwise safe and stately image.

Things are changing, however, and in an automotive world where almost everything is now geared towards efficiency, the latest Mercedes-AMG E53 trades some of that silliness for much-needed sensibility, in the form of a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. But has the move to go green diluted the AMG essence?

Not Quite the Full Fat Experience

While the E53 AMG is currently the most powerful E-Class model you can buy right now, it is not quite a full-fat AMG, in the sense that it doesn’t follow the ‘one man, one engine’ philosophy that traditional AMG cars get. So, no engineer’s signature on the engine cover then.

It looks relatively subtle for an AMG too. There are some aggressive AMG styling bits like the illuminated grille and large air intakes on the front bumper, a barely noticeable tail spoiler, quad exhaust tailpipes, and 21-inch wheels with a design that offers a peek at the large composite brakes. However, on the whole, the E53 could pass off as just another E-Class if it drives past you on the roads.

It’s pretty much the same story inside too. Again, there are AMG specific bits like the sports seats, an AMG steering wheel, and AMG logos everywhere, as well as AMG driving modes and settings in the infotainment system. But aside from that, the cabin is otherwise similar to a regular E-Class.

Performance Powerhouse

That said, the E53 certainly has the performance chops to live up to the AMG name. The 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line 6 engine produces a whopping 585 bhp and 750 Nm of torque, allowing it to rocket from 0-100km/h in just 3.8 seconds. It’s an incredibly impressive feat for a car that tips the scales at nearly 2.4 tonnes.

However, it doesn’t do it with the kind of insanity that characterises many AMG models from the past. Instead, the E53 builds up speed with the kind of smoothness that you’ll expect from a large, high-powered executive sedan. The car gets up to triple digit speeds without a fuss, and feels like it can sit and cruise on the autobahn all day effortlessly, helped along with a ride that comes across as more luxurious than sporty.

There is a gentle rumble from the straight 6 engine that grows more vocal as you push along, and it generally sounds pleasant enough. However, it doesn’t have quite the same character as a growling V8, such as the one from the previous generation E63 AMG.

Weighty Issues

While the E53 is fast on paper, the experience in practice demonstrates some shortfalls. Upon initial acceleration, there is a bit of lag, before the power kicks in and sends you hurtling toward the horizon.

It’s perhaps a byproduct of the car’s weight, brought about by the plug-in hybrid drivetrain, but the E53 feels like a car that would rather you move along progressively rather than aggressively.

Likewise, in the corners, the E53 handles capably with plenty of composure, thanks to its 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system and AMG performance bits. But it doesn’t feel like quite the sharp performance tool that you’ll expect from something carrying the AMG brand name.

Perhaps the biggest bugbear would be the brakes, which display some very odd behaviour traits. They feel inconsistent in their application, and it makes it very difficult to judge how much pressure to apply. It soon becomes quite the annoyance when you pull up to a set of lights, because you never know how hard to hit the pedal at every instance.

Plug-in Puzzle

The idea of a plug-in hybrid drivetrain sounds good in theory, offering zero-emissions driving at low speeds. However, in a car like the E53 AMG, their presence here feels somewhat superfluous.

Mercedes-AMG claims that the car can travel up to 104km in pure electric mode when the battery is fully charged, but in reality, that figure is probably closer to 80km or so. If you drive it as intended, that is, at fairly high speed, that range depletes fairly quickly, and you then end up lugging around the deadweight of the battery and electric motor around most of the time.

It’s not like it helps greatly with efficiency too, despite its stated intentions. While Mercedes-Benz states that the car can deliver a fuel economy figure of 0.9 litres per 100km, it is highly unlikely you’ll get anywhere near that figure, unless you drive it around with a light foot, which defeats the purpose of a car like this anyway.

A Different Kind of AMG

It’s clear that the E53 AMG is not quite like the wild AMG cars of eras past. Instead, it offers a sensible option for those who appreciate AMG levels of performance, but delivered in sensible and refined fashion. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain, while flawed, offers the option at least of zero emissions green motoring, which is not something you can find in many high-powered cars like these.

It’s not perfect by any means, but the E53 AMG does have its strengths. Just don’t expect it to go crazy on you, because that is simply not in its character.

Technical Specifications

Mercedes-AMG E53 4Matic+ PHEV

Engine: 3.0-litre in-line 6, turbocharged

Drivetrain: All-Wheel-Drive

Power: 585 bhp

Torque: 750 Nm

Gearbox: 9-speed AMG Speedshift

0-100km/h: 3.8 Seconds

Top Speed: 250 km/h

Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 litres

Fuel Economy: 0.9 litres/100km (claimed)

Price: S$551,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Photo Credits: Ben Chia (@benchiacars)

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The journey opened at BMW Welt and the BMW Museum. Participants were personally welcomed by Ms Ritu Chandy (Senior Vice President) and Mr Sebastian Ahlers (Regional Area Manager, BMW Group, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Eastern Europe and Africa).

“The PML BMW M Experience is true to our promise that once you become a BMW owner with Performance Motors, you will be entering an exclusive world of exceptional experiences beyond the sale. Whether it is a passion for the drive, a taste for exquisite cuisine, or a love for golf, we are focused on engaging our customers in meaningful ways that reflect their lifestyle interests.”

Mr Lawrence Tan, Managing Director, Performance Motors Limited (PML)

A first look at the Neue Klasse iX3

The customers were also provided an up-close encounter with the fully electric BMW iX3, the first model of the revolutionary Neue Klasse.

Salzburgring shakedown

The highlight of the trip was a shakedown at the 4.2-kilometre Salzburgring. Behind the wheel of the BMW M4 Competition, 13 drivers put precision to the test: timed slalom runs, double-lane changes, and controlled drifts. Each participant left not only faster but sharper, graduating with a BMW M Race Track Training certificate as proof.

Mr Tan added, “When someone chooses BMW, it is often because they have a deep appreciation for its precision, power, and sheer driving pleasure. We (Performance Motors) promise to bring more exciting drive experiences so that our BMW owners can fully indulge this passion, be it an exclusive racetrack adventure in Salzburg or curated convoy road trips to Malaysia.”

When the soundtrack is an S58 at full chat and the classroom is Salzburgring, you don’t mind repeating the lesson.

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The first public safety technology demonstration, targeted by the end of 2028, will centre on the Kia PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle), a modular EV architecture that can be rapidly configured for everything from patrol to rapid response. Why build and maintain countless bespoke vehicles when a single, scalable system can slot in mission-specific modules like Lego bricks?

PBVs promise a common electric backbone onto which purpose-built cabins and equipment can be mounted. Crucially, it dovetails with the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and the nation’s push for all vehicles to run on cleaner energy by 2040.

“Hyundai Motor Group has established a solid foundation for driving public mobility innovation in partnership with the Singaporean government, leveraging our proprietary technologies,” said Ilbum Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Policy Office at Hyundai Motor Group. “Through real-world demonstrations of mobility solutions, we will continue to lead global innovation in future technologies such as robotics and hydrogen.”

“Every partnership we forge is about advancing science and technology to empower the Home Team with better tools and smarter systems. This collaboration with Hyundai Motor Group enables us to push the boundaries of future mobility technologies and bring cutting-edge innovations into real-world Home Team operations, and beyond,” said HTX Chief Executive Chan Tsan. In other words: fewer buzzwords, more boots-on-the-ground benefits.

If you’re wondering “Why Singapore?”, consider the test-bed trifecta: open regulatory posture, deep technical talent and a culture that prizes execution. Since launching HMGICS in 2023, the Group has woven itself into the local ecosystem, turning Singapore into a human-centred smart mobility hub.

Hyundai’s acquisition of Boston Dynamics in 2021 was a signal that the Group sees robots as co-workers in factories today and force multipliers tomorrow. In April, further investments were announced to integrate robotics into manufacturing processes.

On the hydrogen front, the XCIENT Fuel Cell heavy-duty truck has already proven that zero-emissions haulage needn’t be hypothetical. If electric PBVs suit urban duty cycles, hydrogen can shoulder heavier loads and longer routes.

Does it all arrive tomorrow? No. But with a 2028 demonstration in sight and institutional momentum behind it, it’s only a matter of time.

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Mazda is fielding a fleet of ten vehicles, headlined by the fuel-sipping CX-5 M-Hybrid and the newly muscular CX-80 PHEV.

The Singapore FinTech Festival, organised by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) and Constellar, in collaboration with the Association of Banks in Singapore, has spent a decade championing collaboration and meaningful innovation. Mazda’s presence signals a similar philosophy: human-centric design paired with engineering that makes long days feel shorter.

“At Mazda, we believe in creating journeys that matter, combining human-centric design with cutting-edge performance. Together with the SFF community, we are excited to deliver Greater Journeys at this defining moment,” says Mr Chong Kah Wei, Managing Director of Mazda Singapore.

SFF’s corridors are where finance meets frontier tech, where the best ideas are grounded by good execution. Mazda’s brand of engineering has long thrived in that same overlap: elegant solutions, tidy packaging, design that respects the person behind the wheel rather than merely dazzling the spec sheet.

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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.

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On paper, the 007 dispatches 0–100km/h in 3.9 seconds, has up to 650km of range, and includes a WANOS Premium 19-speaker setup. Priced from S$191,888 with COE, it’s competitively priced for the Singaporean EV sedan market.

The Dongfeng 007 is a symbol of luxury, boldness, intelligence, and future mobility. Jessica embodies those same qualities, and her presence helped us tell that story in a truly unforgettable way.”

Soh Ming, Founder and Managing Director of Volt Auto

Jessica Jung made an appearance to reveal the car, then shifted gears for a more intimate sit-down later that afternoon at Volt Auto’s Tai Seng showroom, fielding questions about design, innovation and her own return to Singapore.

“I’m honoured to be part of this exciting launch. I was totally impressed by the design. I really hope people in Singapore are inspired to try new things; don’t be afraid to open new doors.”

Jessica Jung, American-Korean singer-songwriter and actress

On launch day, Volt Auto also supported wellness platform Happie SG, sponsoring a Dongfeng Box as the Grand Prize for its third-anniversary showcase at Jewel Changi Airport, co-presented with Zoe Tay.

The company has set its sights on Malaysia in 2026, with plans to distribute Dongfeng models and even establish a knock-down assembly plant.

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