Toyota – AutoApp Dev https://www.autoapp.sg/dev Thu, 13 Nov 2025 08:54:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Toyota Noah Hybrid 1.8 Elegance Review https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=284320 Thu, 13 Nov 2025 08:54:08 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=284320 The Toyota Noah has long been a familiar face in the world of MPVs (albeit through the parallel-import channels). It represents everything Toyota stands for: reliability, practicality and ease of use. The latest Hybrid 1.8 Elegance continues that legacy, though it’s clear that while it gets the job done, it is also showing its age.

Smooth but Uninspiring Performance

Power comes from a 1.8-litre engine producing 97 bhp and an electric motor adding another 94 bhp. Together, they offer a combined 138 bhp and 142 Nm of torque. On paper, that sounds reasonable for an MPV. In practice, the Noah feels smooth and easy to drive at city speeds, but it runs out of breath quickly when pushed harder.


Even with just me in the car, it already felt sluggish when overtaking. With a full family load, I can imagine it feeling even more strained. To its credit, it remains composed and quiet during gentle cruising, which is likely what most owners will do anyway.

Noah’s Ark?


Inside, the Noah’s real strengths show. The layout is practical, featuring captain’s seats in the middle row and a bench in the third row, which allows six passengers to travel comfortably while accommodating up to seven. There are many compartments and cubby holes to store various items; the cabin feels airy and functional, and Toyota’s experience in making family-friendly interiors shines through here.


One neat feature is the easy-open kick function for the side doors. Just swing your foot under the sill, and the sliding doors open automatically. It’s a clever touch usually reserved for boot operation, and families juggling kids or groceries will appreciate it.

Toyota Practicality, With a Catch


The rear hatch is large, making loading big items straightforward. The problem comes when you try to do that in most Singapore carparks. The door swings out wide, and with no remote boot release, you’ll need some space to access it comfortably. It’s a minor but noticeable inconvenience.

Tech and Cabin Quality


Toyota’s infotainment system feels dated, both in design and responsiveness. The interface looks plain and lacks the slickness of newer systems from Korean or European rivals. The rear camera’s resolution is also poor, which doesn’t inspire much confidence when reversing in tight spaces.

The interior design feels slightly overstyled, with too many lines and surfaces competing for attention. It’s functional, yes, but not particularly elegant despite the nameplate.

Verdict – Reliable but Outdated


At around S$230,000, the Noah Hybrid is priced reasonably for its features and offerings. It delivers the usual Toyota strengths: dependability, comfort and good hybrid efficiency. It’s quiet on the move, and it should serve a family of six with ease. But in today’s crowded MPV segment, that might not be enough.

Rivals like the Nissan Serena offer more value, while newer EV MPVs provide fresher tech and stronger performance. The Noah feels like an older model trying to stay relevant in a fast-moving market.


For those loyal to the Toyota brand, this is a safe and sensible choice. For everyone else, it’s competent but uninspiring, a car that will do the job faithfully, but not much more.

Technical Specifications

Toyota Noah Hybrid 1.8 Elegance (A)

Engine: 1.8-litre inline 4
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Power: Combined 138 bhp
Torque: 142 Nm
Gearbox: E-CVT
0-100km/h: 13 seconds
Top Speed: 160 km/h
Fuel Tank Capacity: 52 litres 
Fuel Economy: 22.7 km/litre (claimed)
Price: S$229,800 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)


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Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Review https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=283608 Mon, 22 Sep 2025 07:29:59 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=283608 If you’re old enough to remember a time when every other car on the roads was a Corolla, you’ll understand just how deeply the Corolla name has carved its initials into the collective memory of Singaporeans.


Like a store owner who knows your order by heart, it’s dependable, familiar, and somehow always there. So when Toyota decided to slap that storied badge onto a crossover back in 2022, eyebrows were raised. Not in suspicion, but in curiosity. Would the Corolla spirit survive the SUV treatment?

Fast forward to 2025, and we now have a facelifted Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid that arrives with the confidence of a returning regular at your favourite coffee shop. The same table, slightly slicker haircut, but still prefers his coffee less sweet.

A Fresher Face in the Familiar Crowd

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

From a distance, the updated Corolla Cross doesn’t look that much different. The silhouette is recognisably Corolla Cross: practical proportions, high-riding stance, and chunky matte black wheel arches.

Gone is the faux-rugged grille of yesteryear, now replaced by a classier honeycomb design that blends more seamlessly with body colour. There’s a touch of Lexus inspiration here.

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Around the rear, the taillights have been reworked with darker finishes and what Toyota calls “aerodynamic fins”, though how much downforce they generate is probably more spiritual than scientific.

Black badges have also replaced the old blue hybrid halos, subtly nodding to Toyota’s new electric-multipathway future.

Conservative, But Considerate

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid cabin

Step inside and you’re greeted by an interior that values clarity over razzle-dazzle. If you’re coming from a techladen EV that insists you swipe through four menus just to adjust the air conditioning, the Corolla Cross might feel archaic. 

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid infotainment screen

Yes, the 8.0-inch infotainment screen still looks like it belongs in 2018 (or older). No, it doesn’t do wireless Apple CarPlay, and it’s not originally from Toyota. Was it that much of a cost-saving measure to not spec a screen from the factory?

At least you still get real buttons, which are tactile, legible, and logically placed.

The centre console has been redesigned, now boxier and better proportioned, with neater cupholders and a larger wireless charging tray that can hold two phones. Meanwhile, the driver’s 12.3-inch digital display is a visual treat, surprisingly Lexus-like in its execution.

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid front seats
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid rear seats

Cabin space remains a strong point. With a flat roofline and equally flat floor, rear passengers enjoy ample head and legroom.

However, both the driver and front passengers have been relegated back to manual seat controls. Nothing is wrong with these either, and the seats are comfortable, but we yet again question the aforementioned perceived cost savings.

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid boot

Boot space clocks in at 425 litres, respectable for its class, and perfect for your week’s groceries or a last-minute furniture detour.

Same Heart, Better Rhythm

Toyota’s trusty 2.0-litre hybrid setup returns. No turbo, no surprises, just smooth, dependable propulsion. Around town, the electric motor takes the reins with quiet authority.

Push harder, and the petrol engine joins the party with a muted hum, although the eCVT still sings a slightly nasal tune when pressed.

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Thanks to its TNGA bones and relatively modest weight (under 1.5 tonnes), there’s a surprising level of agility baked into its DNA.

The steering is light but precise, the ride composed yet supple, and the car feels genuinely eager to obey your inputs, something you can’t always say about its EV peers weighed down by battery bulk.

And efficiency?

It’s still the Corolla’s trump card. Toyota claims 20.8km/litre; we easily saw more than 20km/litre over four days, despite frequent stints with hard acceleration.

It’s the kind of economy that makes you smug at the petrol pump, and Toyota is the best in the business.

Old-School Soul in a New-Age Battle

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Against the backdrop of feature-rich Chinese EVs and crossovers promising massage seats and karaoke modes, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid feels almost monk-like in its restraint. But therein lies its appeal.

It’s not trying to be everything, everywhere, all at once. Instead, it offers a measured, mature take on what a family crossover should be: comfortable, dependable, and surprisingly fun when the mood strikes.

That said, the elephant in the room wears a price tag. With COE premiums factored in, the Corolla Cross hovers at S$225,000 (at the time of writing). It isn’t outrageous compared to peers like the Mazda CX30, but eyebrow-raising when cross-shopped against the tech-laden likes of Chinese EVs. For the same money, owning a bigger battery and a flashier screen isn’t hypothetical anymore.

Still, for those who believe less is more and who want a crossover with genuine long-haul legs and the peace of mind that comes with a Toyota badge, the Corolla Cross makes a solid, sensible case for itself.

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Engine: 2-litre inline 4
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Power: 196 bhp
Torque: 190 Nm
Gearbox: E-CVT
0-100km/h: 7.7 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 180 km/h
Fuel Tank Capacity: 43 litres 
Fuel Economy: 20.8 km/litre (claimed)
Price: S$242,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)


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Toyota Motor Asia Becomes Headline Partner for Toyota World Para Swimming Championships https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=283430 Mon, 01 Sep 2025 08:52:31 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=283430 This September, Singapore hosts the Toyota World Para Swimming Championships, and Toyota Motor Asia is stepping up as headline partner for Asia’s first edition of the meet.


More than 600 elite para swimmers will line up at the OCBC Aquatic Centre from 21–27 September 2025.

“At Toyota, we believe movement is a human right, and sport is one of the most powerful ways to express that. Para-athletes are powerful spokespeople of resilience, ambition and progress. Our involvement is not just about sponsorship, but a demonstration of our support to their journeys, and helping to shift perceptions around ability, access, hope and possibilities.”

Preston Tan, Vice President, Toyota Motor Asia

In 2025, Singapore welcomes both the World Aquatics Championships and the World Para Swimming Championships, signalling the city-state’s emergence as a regional hub for aquatic sport. For Toyota, the partnership is a continuity of work already in motion with local stakeholders to widen access and deepen understanding.

In June, Toyota and the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) marked the 100-day countdown with a Memorandum of Understanding. The activation continues this month with the Singapore National Paralympic Council at the Paralympic Fiesta in Punggol Waterway Point (25–31 August), an engagement expected to draw over 10,000 participants while raising funds for athletes prepping for major Games.

Toyota will deploy a fleet of 18 vehicles to shuttle race officials and the local organising committee, while TMA volunteers take on poolside duties and even serve as country contingent leads during the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

Around the event, Toyota-led volunteer drives, community activations and employee engagement keep the momentum up during the championship.

Strip away the banners and you arrive at the core idea: movement should be accessible. Partnerships like this help break barriers, build understanding and bring people together in the most direct way sport knows how.


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A Hundred Years Strong: how Borneo Motors Singapore helped move a nation https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=283310 Tue, 19 Aug 2025 19:47:30 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=283310 Borneo Motors Singapore (BMS), the distributor behind Toyota, Lexus and Hino, marks 100 years this August.


The theme is simple enough, “100 Years Strong”, yet the sweep is anything but: heritage, innovation and sustainability braided into one long, steady pull of progress.

“To stand at the start of our second century is an important moment of reflection and pride for Borneo Motors Singapore. For 100 years, we have not just sold vehicles, we have also empowered journeys, connected lives, and driven the nation forward, by and for generations of Singaporeans. As we look ahead, our vision is to continue redefining mobility, championing innovation, and fostering a sustainable future for all.”

Mr Ng Khee Siong, Managing Director of Borneo Motors Singapore

From first gear to top speed

Rewind to 1925, and you’ll find BMS planting the seeds of an industry that would grow with the nation. By 1967, the company had secured the Toyota franchise; within two years, more than 3,000 Toyota commercial and passenger vehicles had been sold.

By 1971, Toyota was among the top three best-sellers, and by 1981, it was number one, momentum that would translate into an era-defining taxi fleet: Toyota Crown Taxis arrived in 1982, market share surged past 40%, and by 2006, roughly eight in ten taxis on our roads wore the Toyota crest.

In the early days, BMS introduced taximeters to bring fairness to fares and order to a chaotic taxi scene. By the end of 1953, meters were mandatory.

The milestones kept piling up: 14 Triple Crown Awards from Toyota, showroom refreshes, new brands, and a customer base that today numbers over 200,000 Toyota vehicles, which translates roughly into one in four cars on Singapore’s roads.

Lexus, Hino and the art of breadth

Lexus joined the fold in 1992, ushering in a different flavour of excellence. And because a modern automotive group is more than cars alone, Hino became an exclusive BMS nameplate in 2006, anchoring the commercial-vehicle bedrock.

The BMS100 Museum

From 20 August to 29 December 2025, the Toyota and Lexus showrooms transform into the BMS100 Museum, an immersive timeline from 1925 to 2025. You’ll see the last Toyota Crown Taxi (retired 2014), the 1930s taximeters that tamed pirate cabs, and even a Kabuto samurai helmet gifted by Toyota in 1988 to mark BMS’s first Triple Crown Award.

In partnership with Singapore Polytechnic’s School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, BMS will display a Toyota Corolla Cross cut in half, its Self-Charging Full Hybrid system laid bare. An interactive demo shows energy flow during acceleration, cruising and braking.

Special editions

Anniversaries deserve statements. The Lexus LBX Urbanite is a limited-run edition that will only have 100 units for Singapore. The car features dechromed bodywork, Gloss Black Japanese rims, and crisp Citrine yellow accents.

There’s craft beyond cars, too. The Lexus x Bynd Artisan BMS100 Car Key Folio is a pocket-sized salute to Takumi artistry.

There will also be a BMS100 Special Edition Lexus Maze Gashi by Pâtisserie CLÉ riffs on rojak, available 20 August–31 December 2025 for owners and guests who complete a test drive.

On the Toyota side, there’s a preview of the All-New Noah Hybrid and a refreshed Corolla Cross Hybrid. To crown it all, the BMS100 Special Edition Corolla Cross gets gunmetal rims, Nappa leather seats, and a BMS100 badge.

And because confidence at the point of purchase is priceless, an anniversary “lifetime assurance” campaign on selected Lexus and Toyota models lines up a quartet of 100s: 100-month engine & transmission protection, 100-month hybrid battery warranty, 100-month servicing and a 100-month road-tax rebate (Terms and conditions apply).

The road ahead

So, a hundred years on, what’s next?

If the past is prologue, Borneo Motors Singapore won’t hinge on a single breakthrough but on a thousand thoughtful calibrations, each one making everyday journeys feel that bit easier, calmer, and kinder to the city we share.


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Toyota Debuts All-New RAV4 https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=282327 Thu, 22 May 2025 04:34:59 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=282327 When Toyota first lifted the curtain on the RAV4 back in 1994, it was a curious cocktail of part SUV, part hatchback.


Fast forward to today, and that cocktail’s been stirred, shaken, and now garnished with digital wizardry and electrified punch. Enter the sixth-generation RAV4, a heady mix of rugged charisma and family-friendly practicality.

Toyota RAV4

The new RAV4 retains the purposeful, athletic stance we’ve come to love, but with a dose of visual muscle that hints at its newfound cleverness.

A bold new grille, chiselled lines, and a redesigned logo treatment let everyone know this isn’t your neighbour’s grocery-getter anymore.

Toyota RAV4 cabin

Inside, it’s equal parts family cruiser and digital command centre. Drivers get a more intuitive cockpit, while passengers enjoy more space, better comfort, and premium finishes that give this SUV a sense of class that stretches beyond its price tag (we hope).

Toyota RAV4 rear seats

Beneath the skin, Toyota’s new Arene software platform enables everything from next-gen safety systems to smarter multimedia, and even remote-controlled parking. 

Arene is scalable too. Future features can be added over the air, meaning your RAV4 could literally be more advanced a year after you buy it.

Toyota RAV4 boot

Toyota is doubling down on its multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality. That means almost every new RAV4 comes either as a plug-in hybrid or a full hybrid. No petrol-only variants.

The new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version isparticularly interesting. With a 22.7 kWh battery, it boasts an all-electric range of up to 100 km (WLTP), more than enough for the average daily drive. It charges quickly too, with DC fast-charging topping up 80% in just 30 minutes, or a full charge at home in under three hours.

The AWD-i version punches out 304hp, sending the RAV4 from 0-100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds. Not bad for a car you can take camping with the kids.

For those wanting something simpler, the full hybrid variants offer Toyota’s latest tech updates with better efficiency, smoother response, and up to 191hp of total system power.

Thanks to geo-fencing, the RAV4 can switch between electric and hybrid drive modes based on where you’re headed. Going through a Low Emission Zone? The RAV4 will preserve battery to get you there in silent, emissions-free grace.

Toyota RAV4 GR Sport

Of course, no Toyota line-up would be complete without a little GAZOO Racing magic. The RAV4 GR SPORT is the suit-and-sneakers version of the SUV, dressed to thrill with a widened track, retuned dampers, performance steering, and slick 20-inch twin-spoke alloys.

Toyota RAV4 GR Sport cabin

Inside, GR logos, aluminium pedals, and sporty seats trimmed in suede and synthetic leather remind you that practicality doesn’t mean boring.

Toyota RAV4 GR Sport front seats

Overall, I think the best piece of news we’ve received is that, thankfully, the new Toyota RAV4 will not be exclusively electric. And if these images are anything to go by, it would be quite the car once it arrives.


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Toyota Unveils the New GR Yaris https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=280313 Sat, 11 Jan 2025 16:20:47 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=280313 Singapore Motorshow 2025 witnessed an electrifying debut as Toyota unveiled the new GR Yaris.


“Isn’t this an existing model?” you might ask. Yes, while the GR Yaris isn’t new, it now comes with an updated 8-speed automatic transmission.

At its heart lies the 1.6-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering 276hp and 390Nm of torque. This is paired with the new 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission, a marvel of engineering that promises lightning-quick gear changes and seamless acceleration.

With a 0-100 km/h sprint clocking in at just 5.2 seconds, seems like the engineers were right.

The drivetrain offers all-wheel drive, ensuring stability and control. Enhanced suspension tuning and reinforced chassis components guarantee agility and precision, making this car as thrilling on the track as it is on your daily commute.

Eric Tong, Sales and Distribution Director of Borneo Motors Singapore, encapsulated the spirit of the launch, saying, “The new GR Yaris brings motorsport excitement to everyone. It’s a perfect fusion of performance and convenience, making every drive a memorable one.”

On the inside, a 15-degree tilted control panel and a lowered driving position enhance ergonomics and visibility, putting the driver firmly in command. The 12.3-inch full-colour TFT gauge cluster, complete with real-time performance data like turbo boost and g-force metrics, ensures you’re always in tune with the car’s capabilities.

Smart connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrate seamlessly, while an immersive audio system elevates your daily drives. The Drive Mode Select feature lets you tailor the car’s dynamics to your preferences, blending practicality with pulse-racing excitement.

For more details on the new Toyota GR Yaris, visit Toyota Singapore’s official website or drop by their showrooms at Leng Kee or Ubi to check out the car for yourself.


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AutoTalk – A Conversation with Ng Khee Siong, Managing Director of Borneo Motors Singapore https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=278982 Sun, 17 Nov 2024 17:31:25 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=278982 If there’s one thing Mr Ng Khee Siong understands better than most, it’s the delicate art of balancing innovation with tradition. 


On a brisk morning, we had the pleasure of visiting the newly revamped Lexus boutique at Leng Kee, an establishment that promises to reshape the luxury automotive experience on our shores. We also managed to catch Mr Ng Khee Siong, Managing Director of Borneo Motors Singapore, for a delightful discussion regarding the new space.

Over the course of our chat, Mr Ng revealed not just the transformation of the boutique but the philosophy that keeps Lexus at the forefront of premium automotive excellence.  

A Boutique That Breathes Luxury  

Walking into the Lexus boutique, you’re greeted by a symphony of understated elegance. Think of it as less of a showroom and more of an art gallery, where each vehicle is a masterpiece carefully curated under warm ambient lighting. 

Mr Ng shares, “We wanted to create a space where our customers feel an immediate sense of calm and exclusivity. It’s about inviting our guests into the Lexus lifestyle.” And true to his word, the boutique exudes a Zen-like atmosphere, a sanctuary in the bustling heart of Leng Kee.  

The waiting lounge is a testament to this philosophy. Plush seating, curated artwork, and a coffee bar serving premium brews, all designed to make waiting an experience rather than an inconvenience.

Lexus calls it “Omotenashi“, a Japanese hospitality concept that anticipates a guest’s needs before they even realise them.  

Keeping Up With The Times  

Luxury without innovation is like a shell without substance. Fortunately, the Lexus boutique is no relic of old-world charm; interactive touchscreens dot the space, allowing customers to explore every detail of their dream car, from colour options to bespoke interior finishes.  

For those more traditionally inclined, there’s also a dedicated customisation area where swatches of leather and wood trims are laid out like a designer’s atelier. Here, customers can feel the materials that will eventually grace their vehicle, adding a personal touch to their purchase.

Lexus is also actively evolving to meet the needs of a more discerning and environmentally conscious clientele. Mr Ng mentions the brand’s commitment to sustainability, a word that’s become almost as synonymous with Lexus as luxury itself.  

“Lexus has long been a pioneer in hybrid technology,” he added. “Our goal is not just to provide cars that are luxurious but also responsible.”

The new boutique features a section dedicated to hybrid and electric models, showcasing Lexus’ push towards a greener future without compromising on performance or opulence.  

Maintaining A Legacy Of Excellence

When asked how Lexus continues to maintain its standing as a premium automotive brand in Singapore, Mr Ng’s answer is both humble and insightful. “It’s about staying true to our core values (craftsmanship, reliability, and innovation) while also listening to our customers. They are the ones who drive us to constantly improve and innovate.”  

He illustrates this point with a personal anecdote. “Just the other day, a long-time customer came in and mentioned how his first Lexus, bought over a decade ago, is still running smoothly. It’s stories like these that remind us why we do what we do.”  

A New Chapter Awaits

Every detail in the new Lexus Boutique, from its curated menus to its concierge services, redefines what it means to be a luxury car brand.

While other manufacturers are shifting towards a more digital and direct-to-customer sales approach, Lexus Singapore has stuck to their brand philosophies and doubled down on the physical showroom experience.

This approach has not only kept an active pool of loyal owners, but it has also allowed the brand to expand and reach out to more key demographics.

By blending tradition with modernity, Lexus Singapore has set a benchmark in redefining luxury, positioning itself as both an automotive brand and a lifestyle choice that resonates with the evolving expectations of its clientele.


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Hyundai N x Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival: A Celebration of Speed and Collaboration https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=278788 Fri, 08 Nov 2024 14:02:15 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=278788 When two titans of the automotive world join forces, you know something special is about to happen.


Hyundai Motor Company and Toyota Motor Corporation recently pulled the covers off their first-ever joint event, the Hyundai N x Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival. Held at Yongin Speedway, this festival was a full-throttle celebration of motorsport culture in South Korea.  

The event saw Hyundai Motor Group’s Executive Chair, Euisun Chung, and Toyota’s charismatic Chairman, Akio Toyoda, sharing the spotlight. After their vehicle demonstrations, complete with WRC-style donuts and crowd-pleasing stunts, the two industry heavyweights took the stage together.

Chung summed up the spirit of the festival perfectly: “With our high-performance N brand, we’re committed to delivering excitement and satisfying all car enthusiasts. We’ll continue to push forward in motorsport alongside Toyota.” It was a sentiment echoed by Toyoda, who lauded the collaboration as a way to “shape the future of mobility.”

The festival featured a thrilling lineup of cars, from Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N Drift Spec to Toyota’s GR YARIS Rally 1 Hybrid. Fans were treated to electrifying show runs by world-class drivers, including Thierry Neuville and Takamoto Katsuta.

Attendees had the chance to hop into these beasts for a firsthand experience too. The WRC Taxi and Circuit Taxi programs offered hair-raising laps around the track, with professional drivers demonstrating the full prowess of Hyundai N and Toyota Gazoo Racing vehicles.  

For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, the festival offered plenty of other attractions. A Gymkhana Competition saw customers teaming up with professional drivers, while the Show & Shine corner showcased some customizations.

To end off, a Parade Lap featuring 66 cars from both brands showed off cars from both brands, led by Chung and Toyoda themselves. 

Inside the brand booths, Hyundai unveiled its futuristic Rolling Labs concept vehicles like the hydrogen-powered N Vision 74. Toyota displayed innovative models like the AE86 H2 Concept. 

From this event, Hyundai and Toyota pledged to donate all ticket proceeds to the Korea Automobile Racing Association, furthering the development of motorsport in the region.  

Hyundai’s commitment to motorsport is nothing new. Over the past two decades, it has cultivated a thriving car culture through events like the Korea Speed Festival and the Hyundai N Festival.

Looking ahead, both companies are gearing up for the FIA World Rally Championship’s final showdown in Japan. In the words of Toyoda, “Together, Toyota and Hyundai are creating a better society.” 

With the Hyundai N x Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival, we can safely agree with them.


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Toyota Camry Hybrid Review https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=278719 Mon, 04 Nov 2024 16:46:29 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=278719 The humble saloon has taken a bit of a backseat lately, thanks to the influx of SUVs. But, the Toyota Camry Hybrid has bravely kept its place on the pedestal.


SUVs, with their higher ground clearance and bulkier frames, have managed to lure the majority of buyers away from traditional saloons.

But, if you’re the type that still prefers a sleek, low-slung drive, the Toyota Camry Hybrid has made a return to Singapore.

Don’t change what isn’t broken

Toyota Camry Hybrid

The Camry has been a staple in our local climate and is adored by generations of fans for its size and refined drive. Yet, it’s often been the poster car for…well, uncles on a budget.

Still, Toyota has dialled up the luxury with the new Camry Hybrid to the point where it could easily pass for a Lexus.

The exterior has been given a thorough refresh, with sleek headlight signatures reminiscent of the Toyota Prius. It’s elegant and commanding; honestly, if you covered the badge, some folks might actually think it’s an actual Lexus. 

Toyota Camry Hybrid

Inside, it is chock full of features like voice-activated controls, electric and ventilated seats, a digital rearview mirror, and a panoramic sunroof. The old and dated infotainment system is gone, replaced by a new 12.3-inch unit running wireless Apple CarPlay.

The quality speaks for itself. Soft-touch plastics, leather seats, and a robust selection of trims and switches that feel solid to the touch. You could say it matches, if not rivals, the class leaders in build quality. 

Space, as expected in a Camry, is plentiful. The backseat comfortably seats three adults with room to spare for legs, shoulders, and heads alike.

The 500-litre boot might not lead the class, but it’s more than sufficient for groceries, luggage, and golf bags.

Smooth Ride with a Touch of Sportiness

The Toyota Camry isn’t destined for the race track or car park rallies, but Toyota has engineered it with more than just functional appeal.

This new hybrid variant is powered by a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine that delivers a respectable 224bhp and 221Nm of torque. It hits 100km/h in 7.2 seconds; faster than the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Toyota Camry Hybrid

But the Camry doesn’t prompt you to test those limits. It’s meant for a more refined drive. It glides over bumps and imperfections with ease, isolating you from external noise and wrapping you in cool comfort, even as the air-conditioning borders on arctic at times (Toyota air-conditioning units are on another level).

Before you know it, you’ll want to cruise, not conquer, the road ahead.

Toyota Camry Hybrid

Yet, should you decide to take on a series of bends, the Camry delivers with controlled body roll, firm and progressive braking, and precise (if slightly numb) steering. It’s not a thrill-seeker, but it’s capable enough to keep you engaged.

Value in Every Inch

Toyota Camry Hybrid

At a smidgen over SGD$240,000, the Toyota Camry Hybrid offers an impressive amount of car for the price. It’s not a small investment, but with today’s car prices, getting this level of refinement and features in an executive sedan feels like a steal. 

For those who value reliability and premium comfort, you cannot go wrong with a Camry. 

Technical Specifications

Toyota Camry Hybrid

Engine: 2,487cc 4-cylinder 
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Power: 228 bhp (Combined)
Torque: 221 Nm
Gearbox: CVT (A)
0-100km/h: 7.2 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 180 km/h
Fuel Economy: 19.6 km/litre (claimed)

Price: S$259,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Toyota Singapore

Photo Credits: Joel Tam (@joel_tam)


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Toyota Returns to Formula 1 with Haas Partnership https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=278321 Wed, 23 Oct 2024 10:40:05 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=278321 Toyota is making its much-anticipated return to Formula 1, 14 years after they last competed.


The Japanese automaker has struck a technical partnership with the Haas F1 Team, kicking off what looks like an exciting chapter for both organisations.

For those of you who remember Toyota’s previous F1 stint, they raced from 2002 to 2009 as both a works team and engine supplier, collecting 13 podiums along the way. Their best finish was fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship. 

Now, as part of the multi-year agreement, Toyota’s motorsport arm, Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR), will share technical expertise, design insights, and manufacturing resources with Haas.

In return, Haas will contribute their own technical know-how and commercial benefits to the relationship. Essentially, this partnership aims to bolster Haas’ competitiveness while giving Toyota a playground to refine its tech and engineering skills through the world of F1.

What’s even more interesting is that this partnership will run alongside Haas’ long-standing deal with Ferrari. Haas will continue to work with Ferrari, which has been their engine supplier since they entered the sport in 2016. 

Ayao Komatsu, Haas F1’s Team Principal, mentioned: “I’m hugely excited that MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and Toyota Gazoo Racing have come together for this technical partnership.”

“To have a world leader in the automotive sector support and work alongside our organization while seeking to develop and accelerate their own technical and engineering expertise, it’s simply a partnership with obvious benefits on both sides.”

The crux of the deal lies in leveraging Toyota’s vast resources and deep technical knowledge to improve Haas’ development and overall standing in the sport.

“We offer a platform for Toyota Gazoo Racing to fully utilize and subsequently advance their in-house engineering capabilities.”

Tomoya Takahashi, President of Gazoo Racing Company, echoed Komatsu’s sentiments, saying: “We are pleased to announce that MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and Toyota Gazoo Racing have concluded a basic agreement to enter a technical partnership.”

He went on to stress that both teams aim to grow their engineering talent, cultivate drivers, and contribute to both motorsports and the automotive industry. Expect to see Toyota Gazoo Racing branding on the Haas cars, driven by Nico Hülkenberg and Kevin Magnussen, from the United States Grand Prix in Austin.

At present, Haas is seventh in the Constructors’ Championship, just three points behind Red Bull’s second team.

Photo Credits: Formula 1 Content Pool


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