Bringing a newborn home from the hospital is a momentous occasion, one filled with excitement, nerves, and a hefty dose of reality as new parents adjust to the responsibilities ahead. But amid the flurry of preparation, one crucial aspect of infant safety is often overlooked: the car ride home.

KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) is stepping in to change that. A new initiative offers complimentary newborn car seats to parents, ensuring that their baby’s very first journey is as safe as possible.

The programme, designed to reduce the risk of road traffic injuries among children, will benefit approximately 300 newborns annually.

“Every year, we see around 400 children coming through our doors due to road traffic accidents. Many of these injuries, particularly to the head, spinal cord, and internal organs, could have been prevented if the child had been in a properly secured car seat. It’s heartbreaking to witness the consequences of something so preventable.”

Dr Ronald Tan, Senior Consultant at KKH’s Department of Emergency Medicine

A study involving 1,483 children and adolescents injured in road traffic accidents revealed that more than half were not in a child car seat at the time of the incident.

A second study, focused on child car seat usage, found that many parents and caregivers lacked knowledge on proper installation and usage, while some remained sceptical about their necessity. 

Others cited inconvenience and cost as reasons for not securing their children in car restraints, despite it being a legal requirement.

“With the Newborn Car Seat Programme, we’re equipping families with the knowledge, resources, and support to make safe travel second nature. This initiative is about building lifelong habits that will keep children safe from infancy through to adulthood,” Dr Tan added.

Parents expecting a baby at KKH can register their interest in the programme during their antenatal check-ups or sign up online. To ensure they are well-prepared before their baby arrives, the car seats will be distributed by the time parents reach their third trimester. 

Recognising that proper installation and usage are just as important as owning a car seat, KKH is providing parents with educational video guides and direct access to a Child Passenger Safety Expert.

The initiative is made possible through a collaboration between KKH, Traffic Police, Komoco Motors, and Mothercare. As industry leaders in their respective fields, both Komoco Motors and Mothercare are committed to making Singapore’s roads safer for its youngest passengers.

“As a mobility provider, we see the aftermath of road accidents. We want to make a difference where it counts, ensuring children are protected from the moment they leave the hospital. That’s why we’re proud to sponsor these car seats, providing parents with both the equipment and the confidence to use them correctly.”

Tracy Teo, Marketing Director of Komoco Motors

To ensure children continue to travel safely beyond their first year, parents who return the loaned car seat when their child turns one will receive a subsidy towards the purchase of the next age-appropriate car seat.

“Every parent wants the best for their child, and safety is at the core of that journey. That first ride home is a milestone moment, and we believe every newborn deserves to travel safely. By partnering with KKH and Komoco Motors, we’re fostering a culture of safety that will benefit families for years to come.”

Mothercare’s Group Managing Director, Pang Fu Wei

As of 3 March 2025, the programme has already reached full subscription. While sign-ups are currently closed, parents can stay updated on future openings through KKH’s official channels.

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“A new model every quarter over the next two years,” was declared during the address to the media at the local launch of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and preview of the Hyundai Kona Hybrid at the showroom of official dealer, Komoco Motors. 

If the two new models unveiled on 14 July are anything to go by, it looks like Hyundai is set to be a roll. 

First up, the Ioniq 6 is an EV sedan that, according to the Korean manufacturer, is capable of a range of up to 519km. Priced starting from $257,888 with COE, this car finds itself in a burgeoning segment of EVs with offerings from Audi, Polestar, Volvo, and compatriot Kia. Stretch another $25k or so and the Mercedes-Benz range of EQ crossovers will come within reach.

In any case, the Ioniq 6 appears to have the right stuff to take on alternatives from the aforementioned competitors. For starters, it’s futuristic styling looks like something Porsche might design if it were commissioned by Hyundai to create an EV sedan. Others in attendance could also be overheard likening it to early Saab models. In either case, there’s a timeless desirability to its shape. 

Step inside, and the impression improves, if anything. The feel of the cabin materials and design has not only surpassed anything that Hyundai has made up until now, but it arguably surpasses the standards of many mass production carmakers you might care to name. 

Although the Ioniq 6 for the Singapore market goes without the electronic camera wing mirrors that have been teased on the international press kits, drivers are unlikely to mind or even notice at all.

Against the stiff competition, the Ioniq 6 should hold its own in the performance department as well. An electric motor for each axle effectively gives this model all-wheel drive and works in tandem to produce up to 325hp and 605Nm of torque. It sports a drag coefficient of just 0.22 and in tandem with its 77kW battery pack, which can be charged from 10-80% in just 18 minutes, allows the Ioniq 6 its impressive 519km claimed range. 0-100km/h is quoted at 5.1 seconds.

Aloha Kona

Ask very nicely and the Hyundai sales representatives at the showroom might just let you into the special lounge created to preview the all-new Kona Hybrid.

Hyundai tends to name its Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) after evocative cities in the United States and so the Kona takes its name from a town in Hawaii that’s especially famous for its coffee. 

Strictly speaking, the Kona is not yet on sale in Singapore as the car is undergoing local homologation. So exact specifications and features are yet to be finalized. However, Expressions Of Interest are being collected.

A fully-electric version of the Kona will eventually make its way to our shores but for now, the Hybrid model promises a mix of drivability, fuel economy, and convenience from its 1.6-litre hybrid petrol-electric drivetrain. 

In addition to the distinctive exterior styling, one highlight that Kona customers can look forward to is that this crossover shares many interior design cues with the upmarket Ioniq 6. For example, the column-mounted gear selector on the right is an interesting touch. 

A closer look around the Kona preview lounge reveals eight surfboards displayed on either side of the room. These are cleverly painted in the colours that the Kona will be available in when it is expected to go on sale as soon as August.

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Alfa Romeo has had a rocky few months at the end of 2022, having to go on a temporary hiatus due to a distributor change. Come 1st April 2023, the Italian marque finally has a new home here in Singapore.

The brand will now be represented by Capella Auto, a division of the Komoco Group. This was confirmed after news broke out that EuroAutomobile would lose distributor status for Alfa Romeo in Singapore. Since Komoco Holdings already distributes Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge, it seems fitting that Alfa Romeo joins the ranks of these Stellantis-owned brands.

A new showroom and service centre, which will be located at 1 Chang Charn Road, are poised to start service soon, as Capella Auto officially begins operations.

If you’re an existing Alfa Romeo owner, fret not! You may register your vehicle’s ownership with Capella Auto to receive the latest updates from the firm. Prospective customers can also head down to the new Alfa Romeo showroom from 1st April 2023 onwards to check out what they have on offer.

Opening hours for the showroom are between 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (Monday to Saturday) and 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (Sundays).

Operating hours for the service centre are from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (Mondays to Fridays), and from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm (Saturdays). The service centre will be closed on Sundays and public holidays.

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From its inception, the Jeep Wrangler has always had unique appeal going for it. It’s one of those iconic cars in automotive history that exudes a certain philosophy, and to this day it still refuses to bend its traditional formula in order to conform with the rest of the industry.

A dinosaur in our strange modern times, but one that a lot of like-minded enthusiasts can appreciate. So then, does this brute still have a place on our sterile roads? 

Imposing looks and flexed muscles

Inspired by the OG military Willys Jeeps that ferried allies during World War II, the Jeep Wrangler adorns a rugged, no-nonsense demeanour. Even with little to no additional attachments like jerry cans and floodlights, it’s still an imposing sight on the roads, fitting in worse than a fox in a hen house.

Being massive, you would need to unglamorously clamber into the cabin using the side steps.

You will attract stares as you drive by, mostly due to the raised proportions and massive overhangs. In fact, while this looks normal in the States, everything feels supersized compared to our local econoboxes and compact crossovers.

There are two trim levels available: Sahara and Rubicon, either of which comes with either two doors or four. The Sahara, shown here, is more on-road based in terms of its specification and styling. The Rubicon on the other hand, with different black wheel arches, black roof panels and standard fit 17-inch wheels and knobbly tyres, is the more serious off-road sibling.

As large as these tyres seem to look, the Sahara trim wheels are only 18 inches in diameter. But, they are flanked by massive 70-profile treads, and this cushioning really benefits the Wrangler off-road.

Smorgasbord of eras

It’s not the most spacious or accommodating SUV available today by any stretch, but the Wrangler provides an interesting blend of vintage and modern Jeep character.

Seated close to the upright windshield, front occupants face a narrow squared-off dashboard punctuated by round air vents and chunky switches for the climate-control system, power windows, and infotainment. Every feature is a physical button, which may look outdated in today’s digitalised world, but I am all for it if it benefits usability.

The Jeep Wrangler did get a tech upgrade back in 2019, bestowing the car with an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment touchscreen. It is decent to use, but the menus do feel a little confusing at times.

In-built navigation is handy in a pinch, and a 9-speaker Alpine speaker array can be optioned for tunes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available, albeit in wired form. The instrument cluster is a mix of analogue dials with a small TFT display in the middle, providing you with various assist menus.

The materials that line the cabin are not what you call ‘plush’, but there’s a very good reason for this. Waterproofing is one of the Wrangler’s strong suits, and the cabin is designed to cope with any potential water ingress, either from the sky or from wading in deep bodies of water. Undo some latches, and the roof can be taken completely off, exposing you and your occupants to the outside air. Heck, if you wanted even more fresh air you could pop the doors out if you wanted to, but that’s illegal in Singapore… so we’ll just keep them on. 

Macho Ballet Dancer

Utility is one selling point of the Wrangler, and 12V outlets are scattered throughout the length of the vehicle, which can power tools like auxiliary tyre pumps while off the beaten path. A standard wall socket is even included in the centre console, bestowing rear occupants with the flexibility of powering larger electronic devices. Although, the port appears to be native to the United States.

ISOfix points are available in the rear seats too, should you want to take junior on the scenic route to school in the morning.

Cargo space is aplenty, and the Wrangler features a split tailgate. The lower half hinges open, and you can flip up the top half glass panel to expose the 897 litres at your disposal. There are mounting brackets too for attachments, and you even get a small cubby underneath the boot floor to store your spare roof bolts, in case you forgot where you last placed them. Just remember where you last stowed the roof, as the rear section has to be left behind whilst exploring.

A shallow basin with a drain plug is included under the boot floor, enabling tailgate parties with ice-cold refreshments. There are cubby holes everywhere in the Wrangler, and you can easily stow away items and hide them out of plain sight.

While the Wrangler isn’t the hardest thing to park in the world, extra care is required due to the long overhangs. The sensors and backup camera do a decent job of alerting any incoming obstacles, but relying on your large side mirrors should be a priority.

Once you do manage to squeeze into a lot, to the annoyance of your immediate neighbours, you start to realise just how massive the Wrangler really is. It dwarfs more or less anything else in the carpark or road, and other commuters are lucky if they can even catch a glimpse of your door handle.

A commanding view of the road (or trail) makes for easy manoeuvrability, but the view rearward is obscured by thick roof pillars, roll bars, and various grab handles.

Rock Climber

In a bid to appeal to the mass market, or to possibly evade stringent emissions criteria, the Jeep Wrangler is offered with a 2.0-litre turbo setup, dubbed the Hurricane. No Pentastar V6 or Hemi V8 I’m afraid. Still, the 2-litre porker can still push out 268 bhp and 400 Nm of torque. This is all sent to a selectable all-wheel drive drivetrain, delivered via an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The selectable gearbox is great, allowing you to toggle between rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive or low range. Perfect for any adverse terrain conditions. But, if you’re sticking to the tarmac, the Wrangler can achieve a top speed of 199km/h, and complete the century sprint in just 7.3 seconds. Pretty impressive figures for something that is less aerodynamic than a cow.

It does fairly well performance-wise, with enough grunt to help it move along at a decent pace despite the car’s weight. Even with some enthusiastic pedal pressing, it doesn’t feel strained or stretched when you get going. 

Regardless, putting your foot down is not something you would want to do very often with the Wrangler, as driving it is pretty much like being at the helm of a truck. There’s quite a bit of vagueness in the steering, and you end up having to constantly correct yourself just to stay on the straight and narrow. This sensation is especially pronounced when you take it on the expressways.

Replace the tarmac with loose soil and gravel, and that’s where the Wrangler really shines. Being a dedicated off-roader, the Wrangler has the right suspension for any off-road endeavour. These heavy-duty gas shocks effortlessly iron out any undulations in the road, and even gravel tracks feel like smooth tarmac at speed. I could have possibly gone over a kerb or two, but I never felt anything out of place.

You get 269mm of front and 251mm of rear ground clearance, and the off-road geometry of the Wrangler is as follows: 41.8* approach, 21* break-over, and 36.1* departure. Sadly, there is no place in Singapore where we could fully test out the Wrangler’s true off-road capabilities.

Even with its 2.0-litre mild hybrid powertrain, fuel economy is abysmal due to the sheer heft of the Wrangler. Even with a gargantuan 81.4-litre fuel tank, I was only getting around 450km on a theoretical full tank. Gently cruising along garnered me 8.8km/litre, but this quickly dwindled each time I had to apply power more enthusiastically. The fuel sensor in the car is also a little wonky, and it would oftentimes underestimate the amount of fuel remaining in the tank. This induced ‘panic fuel station’ runs, which weren’t honestly necessary once the fuel gauge returned to normal operation. Get to know your regular fuel pump attendants though, as you would probably be seeing them more often in this thing.

It’s fairly obvious that the Wrangler is very much designed for extreme off-road use, with its massive ground clearance and suspension which can take on any sort of road imperfections. With more modern features tagging along, it makes those jungle-bashing adventures just that little bit more liveable and tolerable.

Taking the road less travelled

So, we have concluded that it looks bonkers, it has lacklustre fuel economy, and it’s not the best in creature comforts. But, do these ‘flaws’ convince you to part ways with the Jeep Wrangler and look somewhere else?

Of course not. When you buy the Wrangler, you know exactly what you’re in for. You don’t care about efficiency or a luxurious experience all that much. What you really care for, is the promise of adventure.

If you wanted a no-frills, no-nonsense off-roader, this is it. The quintessential dirt beater that can still be dressed for the town on one day, and outfitted to climb over rocks the next.

Every Wrangler is imbued with Jeep’s all-American heritage, and that sense of freedom is what you truly experience when driving it. Want to brave the rain? Take the roof off. Want a trusty companion to go camping with? She’s all loaded and ready. Want to go exploring? Ain’t no mountain high enough.

The Wrangler is designed specifically for two things. It can take you wherever you want to go, regardless of the terrain. And, it makes you feel special driving it.

This is exactly why I adore it.

Technical Specifications

Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4-Door

Engine: 1,995cc 4-cylinder in-line 16-valve Turbocharged

Power: 268hp

Torque: 400Nm

Gearbox: 8-speed (A), All-wheel drive (Selectable)

0-100km/h: 7.3 seconds (claimed)

Top Speed: 199km/h

Fuel Economy: 11.6km/L (claimed)

Price: S$344,800 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Contact: Jeep Singapore

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