Pete's Write

If you look back just a decade ago, you will find a totally different kind of car buying landscape in Singapore.  There were many cars, which were brought in with the barest of equipment, with plastics that were barely better than the stuff used in Tamiya model kits. And all this was done in the name of keeping the costs and the OMV down. The feature list was bare, the feel was we should be grateful for these barebone models shipped to us from  India, Thailand, Indonesia and other of the factories set up outside of Japan to keep costs low. Conti cars were also sent to us from outside of Germany and Britain. We had factories from South Africa, and Eastern Europe.  You had more blank slots and empty buttons in these cars than actual functioning ones. But you comforted yourself, telling yourself it was all in the name of cost containment.  There was one game changer, and this was even before the Chinese invasion occured. It was the Mazda 3. The plastics used were as goo...

Things I like - paddles make regen and also braking very easy - the flick up for a single wiper action is very easy to use and simple - the buttons, as a car festooned with buttons, that's a super plus for me - the real door handles, again old school and very nice - real power button - now I know some folks like the auto on and off based on the driver presence, but having a button works better for me - rear digital video mirror - 360 camera and it comes on automatically in close proximity - kick auto boot opening and closing - wireless charging pads And USB 60W wired charging available - memory seats with rear view mirror memory - sunroof - family favorite - solid built and many reinforced areas  - good front view out - rear windows go all the way down - horn works when the engine is turned off - solid ground clearance of 212mm, great for small floods - wading depth of 500mm - well protected armored battery area, will take a solid hit - ten year battery warranty - in Japan it cover...

So we have our prep done Apps, roaming and lots of fluids and snacks  Firstly the apps Checkpoint app for checking tuas and causeway traffic  ABRP and plug share for EV charging stations  You will also need the actual charging apps There are a whole bunch of Malaysian apps but I’ll suggest you download ChargEV and JomCharge as a minimum- SP app does cover some JomCharge stations but there’s a cover fee  Touch and Go app is required and do put at least M$100 inside to cross the customs. You can still use your TnG card for parking and the toll booths. The immigration apps are kind of useful but not compulsory  So typically, if you can hit the Causeway or Tuas checkpoint before 9am, you are much better off - I took only 15 min to clear both sides. From the customs, we proceeded to checkout the Skudai RnR, where there are quite a few options for charging, located at the various petrol stations and stores. For example the Caltex station has a brace of JomCharge DC ch...

For anyone who has driven a Toyota from the past decade and a half, climbing into a BZ4x is like entering your home. It's very familiar. From the door handles on the exterior, to the levers to open the doors inside, the aircon vents, the indicator stalks and even the power on button. It's all very familiar. If you have been in a recent model Lexus or Alphard, you will also have no issues using the entertainment system. I believe it's deliberate and helps those moving from an ICE car adapt to this. Basically it's like a Toyota that's EV powered but the learning curve is a lot less than some other models. Now that may not entice the crowd who want a cosseting UI with plenty of personalisation features, but make no mistake, the cockpit is also packed with safety features as well as most modern functions and conveniences.  ** I have no financial interest or other interests in any of the items / events I write about.

New cars sold today are vast different from a few years ago.. Most come with a huge list of features previously reserved for the top tier premium cars. Memory for seats used to be the preserve of the highest grade car but even your basic entry level car may have it    This is something we will witness in the next decade as the EVs and even new ICE cars introduced with a plethora of features mature.  Will they last a decade or need fixing? bring that ancient Corolla to any workshop here or Malaysia and someone will be able to fix it parts are everywhere  new cars will have two sets of issuss mechanical like tires and shocks can also be fixed everywhere once they become common However even changing tires needs more care as the bottom is usually where the batteries are and there are specific lifting points  then there’s the electronics and even the cluster gauge is now a mini TV that is subject to far more shocks than your tv at home  touchscreens subject...

So it's been two months of fun owning this car and I'm still learning new things about it. Here are some snippets and fun facts: - only the USB C port above the lighter plug allows data and it reads pretty slowly, so use the fastest and it can go up to 128 Gb but if you have a lot of data, it will take some time to read - there is a tire repair kit with goo in the panel next to the V2L port. It's blanked out in the local version, but the kit is still there - you can rename the car for the voice command, so instead of "hey Toyota", you can use "hey Vader" - wind noise is minimal under 100 kph - you turn off the car, lock the car with your remote, then plug in the charger - there's a hidden compartment under the lid of the central armrest console for more stuff or your manual - I use 38-39 psi for my 20" tires - the key fob can be tied to the user profile, but you must keep it in Park until your profile is loaded, otherwise it will remain in Guest...

** I have no financial interest or other interests in any of the items / events I write about. Key fob cover Switch Sticker Engine Start/Stop Button Cover https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009483830634.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.40.61c11802nmVKeX   Battery level sticker Universal Car Metal Multi-Function Hook https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009897564295.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.70.61c11802nmVKeX Steering Wheel Center Decorative Sticker  https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006979052370.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.76.61c11802nmVKeX Car Knee Pads Leg Pads  https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007054519476.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.88.61c11802nmVKeX   1 Set Gas Struts For Toyota bZ4X https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009209825956.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.94.61c11802nmVKeX   Door Lock Cover Decoration https://w...