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You can now custom order a Tesla Model 3 online from S$112,845 (excluding COE)

Tesla is one of the most innovative companies out there, aiming to transition the world’s energy sources to renewable energy. One of its primary ways of doing so is through its iconic electric cars.

By owning one of these powerful vehicles, you no longer have to pay for petrol. Instead, you can charge your Tesla cars at charging stations wherever you go, just as you would power up your phone or electronic devices.

Last December, Tesla announced that they would offer free supercharging to anyone who buys its Model 3 and Y vehicles in the US. At the point of writing, we’re unsure if they would extend it to Singapore or owners will be billed by the minute or per kWh (kilowatt-hour).

Regardless, Tesla fans will be glad to know that the California-based company has recently unveiled its Model 3 in Singapore. The estimated starting price excluding COE is $112,845 according to its website. It’s more than twice the cost of the same model sold in the US, though.

Here are the main features you need to know about the energy-efficient car if you’re planning to hit the road with a custom online order soon.

Built for safety

When you think of a car, safety may be one of the most critical features that come to mind. After all, your life is literally in its hands.

Thankfully, safety is an essential part of the Model 3 design. Its body and frame are made entirely out of steel and aluminium, making it the most robust metal structure yet.

The car can even withstand its weight stacked on top of itself four times, even with a glass roof! That’s the same as having two adult African elephants on top of your roof. Impressive, isn’t it?

Ultra-fast acceleration

To get to the places you want to go, you’re going to need the quickest acceleration possible. Model 3 can exceed your expectations by climbing from 0 to 100 km per hour in little as 3.3 seconds.

That’s all thanks to the option of a dual-motor all-wheel drive, and 20” Uberturbine Wheels and Performance Brakes that have lowered suspension. They give you complete control, no matter the weather condition.

Dual motor

The motor for the Tesla Model 3 is quite different from your average gas-powered car. It has two engines that run independently from each other, which provide better redundancy in just one moving part.

That also means it offers minimised maintenance needs, all while providing the most durability for your buck. Plus, the dual-motor lets you harness the power of complete flexibility when it comes to manoeuvring your car front and rear wheels for better traction and handling.

Range

Image Credits: The Straits Times

Because the Model 3 is fully electric, you can drive without worrying about stopping at a petrol station. Just by charging overnight, you’ll be set with a full battery every day.

But what if you’re growing old or simply absentminded? Fret not. Thirty minutes is all you need to charge for your vehicle to run for a 270 km distance.

With over 20,000 Superchargers across the world and more opening every week, convenience is just around the corner. Tesla drivers can look forward to more Supercharger locations on our sunny island in time to come.

Autopilot

The Tesla Model 3 not only brings you places but brings the future right before your eyes in the form of autopilot.

When stretches of roads make driving tedious, switching on autopilot will offer you advanced features such as twelve ultrasonic sensors to help you along the way.

Other features worth noting include the navigating guidance from highway on-ramp to off-ramp, single-touch auto parking, and automatic lane changes while on the highway.

Stunning interior

Forget what you know about your regular car. Get ready to step into a whole new interior with your Model 3.

Instead of carrying around a key, consider your smartphone the new replacement and controller hub for all the driver controls you need to work, together with the 15-inch touchscreen. The sleek modern interior also features an all-glass roof, which lets the sunlight in for a brighter and better drive experience.

And that’s all for this section.

Have you done a personal finance review or spoken to your partner regarding your desire for a new car purchase? If yes, you’re just five steps away from your dream car.

Step 1: Partial Premium Interior vs Premium Interior

Take your pick from a Partial Premium Interior or Premium Interior. The latter will raise the cost to S$154,815 from S$112,845 (excluding COE).

However, the extra S$40,000+ you pay is not just for the interior. It also affects the performance in terms of the range (WLTP), top speed, and acceleration power.

Step 2: Colour & Wheels

Now, it’s time to put on some “clothes” for your Tesla Model 3. Take the default in pearl white multi-coat and 18’’ aero wheels, and there will be no extra charges.

Or you can also choose to have it in solid black, midnight silver metallic, or deep blue metallic for an extra S$1,500. A bright red multi-coat will cost you S$3,000. Next, you have the choice to upgrade to a set of 19’’ sport wheels for S$2,000.

Take some time to think it through before you proceed.

Step 3: Black vs Monochrome

By now, you should know that when you’re given the freedom to customise, it often comes with extra money. How would you like your interior? Stick with black if you don’t want to fork out another dollar. Or you can go for black & white by paying S$1,500.

Step 4: Autopilot

We’re almost done! This is the second last step to the payment page.

Those who want the most advanced safety and convenience features must be willing to pay S$11,500. The good news is that you can skip this now and choose to buy post-delivery. Just be mindful that with new features rolled out by Tesla in the future, prices may rise accordingly too.

Step 5: Payment

Congratulations on getting to this last page. Here, you just have to enter your account details, card, and billing information before placing an order. There is also a one-time S$150 non-refundable order fee to be charged.

Placed an order? Great! Now, sit back and relax. Your customised Tesla Model 3 will reach you in about 12 to 14 weeks. Click here to view a comprehensive list of FAQs and happy waiting!

58-year-old man found guilty of trying to offer S$100 payoff to LTA enforcement officer to prevent the seizure of oBike

On Thursday (January 14), Wong Swee Liang, 58, was convicted of attempting to bribe a Land Transport Authority (LTA) enforcement officer with S$100 to prevent him from confiscating a shared bicycle.

He claimed one charge of corruption, saying that he initially considered the officers as salvage contractors and only wanted to purchase the oBike from them. At the offence, the bike was his transportation medium for his daily commute.

oBike had abruptly exited Singapore last year

Only a few months back, oBike suddenly left Singapore and went into liquidation. The company claimed that it was challenging to follow new regulations under a licensing system to counter indiscriminate parking.

The black bicycle had been sold to Wong by his colleague, and he assumed it belonged to the bicycle-sharing operator oBike, although their bikes were usually yellow.

District Judge Salina Ishak rejected Wong’s defence

The judge found that the officers presented reliable and persuasive testimony of what happened on Dec 21, 2018. She also concluded that the S$100 wholly fulfilled the legal meaning of gratification to persuade the officer to comply.

On that day, two LTA compliance officers were in the area of 51 Ubi Avenue 1 to pick up discarded oBike vehicles.

Image Credits: The Straits Times

Mr Norris Ang, sporting a lanyard with his LTA identification card, introduced himself to Wong. As they were dressed in plain clothing, this was part of the LTA practice.

Mr Ang confessed that he was first given S$50 by Wong. Wong stated that it was a shame that the bicycle would be sent to a junkyard. Though Mr Ang refused it, Wong attempted to give S$50 again.

He continued digging into his wallet and offering S$100 even when Mr Ang told him not to do so because it was a form of bribery. He was also quoted saying: “The bicycle is very good to ride and I give you S$100 and nobody will know.”

LTA officer’s colleague stood by his testimony

Mr Ang’s colleague substantiated this. He took a snapshot of Wong looking through his wallet. He then sent it to a WhatsApp group consisting of them and their superiors. The text read: “This guy is trying to bribe me and Norris.”

Image Credits: archive.siasat.com

Attorneys referred his claims to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) to tackle Wong’s appeal, where he conceded to bribing Mr Ang. They added that Wong had vetted the statements, signed them 25 times and grasped its meaning.

Even after which, during the trial, Wong questioned their validity. He dismissed the sections in which it confirmed that he knew that the officers were from the LTA. Wong also disagreed that he was planning to bribe one of them.

He also said that he had felt nervous and wanted to exit from the CPIB immediately. But the officers who received his statements reported contrary.

Directly opposed to his trial testimony, Wong asserted in his statements that after the LTA officers told him to verify with LTA if he had concerns about the confiscated bicycle, he knew they were government officials. He also confessed that he made a mistake by bribing and apologised.

On Jan 29, Wong will stand trial for mitigation and sentencing. He may be jailed for up to 5 years or fined up to S$100,000 for providing gratification. Or he could receive both charges.

A look at the timeline of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) project from 2013 to 2021

What a cold and wet start to 2021. You’ve probably heard or seen from the news that Singapore and Malaysia will not proceed with the HSR project after a lapse in agreement on Dec 31, 2020. The Prime Ministers of both countries revealed in a joint statement on the first day of the new year.

“In light of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the Malaysian economy, the government of Malaysia had proposed several changes to the HSR Project. Both governments had conducted several discussions with regard to these changes and had not been able to reach an agreement. Therefore, the HSR Agreement had lapsed on Dec 31, 2020,” the leaders said.

Following the termination, Malaysia will have to compensate for costs already incurred by Singapore in delivering its obligations under the HSR Bilateral Agreement. Here’s a look at the HSR project timeline since ideation from 2013 to termination in 2021.

February 2013

At the Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and then Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak in February 2013, the public first knew of the HSR project.

In 2016

Image Credits: CNA

Under the witnesses of both premiers, Singapore and Malaysia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in July 2016.

At the end of 2016, a legally binding bilateral project deal opened the way for its execution. Under the pact, the HSR’s express service would commence by Dec 31, 2026.

The agreement also asserted that the production, installation, and management of civil infrastructure and stations within their own countries would be both governments’ responsibility.

In 2017

The Land Transport Authority of Singapore (LTA) announced the establishment of a wholly-owned subsidiary – SG HSR – to execute the project and the development, ownership, funding, and maintenance of civil infrastructure in Singapore.

It will then partner its Malaysian counterpart, MyHSR, in an open international tender to mutually select the venture’s assets company and the international contractor.

The project was set to operate for eight stops over 350km: Singapore, Iskandar Puteri, Batu Pahat, Muar, Melaka, Seremban, Sepang-Putrajaya, and Kuala Lumpur. Proposed terminus stations were for Bandar Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur and Jurong East in Singapore.

For the initiative, the Singapore government acquired both Raffles Country Club and Jurong Country Club to host the HSR terminus.

May 2018

Image Credits: CNA

In a media conference on May 28, 2020, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad announced that Malaysia would cancel the HSR project, saying the venture would not favour his country.

“It’s not beneficial. It’s going to cost us a huge sum of money. We’ll make no money at all from this arrangement,” Dr Mahathir said. He also commented on how the HSR project would cost Malaysia RM110 billion in an interview with the Financial Times, but would not gain a single penny for his nation.

July 2018

Roughly two months from his statement, Dr Mahathir responded by saying his government would aim to discuss the project’s postponement with Singapore. “When we looked at the financial situation of the country we thought that we couldn’t go ahead (with the HSR),” he told reporters.

“But having studied it and the implication of unilaterally discarding the contract, we decided we may have to do it at a later date, we may have to reduce the price. But (the) reduction of the price is very difficult as far as we can make out. So it has to be deferred.”

September 2018

Singapore Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan (left) and Malaysian Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali exchange documents in Putrajaya on Sep 5, 2018

Image Credits: CNA

Both countries signed a new deal to officially consent to delay development of the HSR until the end of May 2020. Under the new arrangement, the HSR’s express service would begin by Jan 1, 2031, instead of Dec 31, 2026.

By the end of January 2019, Malaysia had to pay abortive costs amounting to around S$15 million to halt the campaign.

Furthermore, according to a joint declaration by both sides on the issue, Singapore’s negotiated costs in complying with the HSR Bilateral Agreement will also be borne by Malaysia if they did not continue with the project by May 31, 2020.

May 2020

Following Dr Mahathir’s resignation as prime minister, the two countries reached a consensus to delay the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore HSR project until the end of 2020.

Khaw Boon Wan, then Singapore’s transport minister, said that Singapore yielded to the suspension considering the context of international ties, but clarified that it would be the last extension of the suspension period.

November 2020

Malaysian Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz

Image Credits: Bernama

Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Malaysian finance minister, said the Malaysian government wanted to continue the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore HSR project as it was likely to generate a good ripple effect on the national economy. He stated, however, that this was also contingent on ongoing negotiations with Singapore.

December 2020

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin communicated via video-conference about the action plan forward.

Shortly after, Malaysian media claimed that without Singapore’s participation, Putrajaya could pursue the project. Therefore, instead of Jurong East in Singapore, the track could end in Johor in Malaysia.

January 2021

The concept design for Malacca station along the KL-Singapore HSR

Image Credits: MyHSR

We bid farewell to the highly anticipated HSR goal that could cut down travelling time between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur by train to 90 minutes.

Taxi and private-hire car drivers facing income drops are looking to call it quits in the ‘new normal’

Earlier this month, the latest quarterly labour market data revealed that Singapore residents’ employment situation is recovering. But according to National Trades Union Congress secretary-general Ng Chee Meng, the general health situation will be a significant factor in determining how the economy will recover from its dip this year.

For some taxi and private-hire car drivers facing massive income drops, it might be too long a wait. There is no doubt that Singapore has come a long way in battling the virus. While we’ve made notable progress is the reopening of the economy, many livelihoods are still affected.

More than 50 per cent reduction in income

Image Credits: todayonline.com

Kirsty Foo, a ComfortDelGro taxi driver who relies mainly on street hails and regular customers, is one who’s feeling the pinch. The 60-year-old lady who used to take home about S$3,000 before COVID-19 is only earning about S$1,000 after deducting rent, petrol, and parking charges.

Others are turning to alternative platforms to add to their lost income.

Gojek driver Mr Soon had to take up delivery work and temporary night shifts at Pizza Hut during the circuit breaker period because his then income could not even cover his vehicle rental. The 50-year-old shared that he was only earning a base rate of S$4 an hour at Pizza Hut.

Though Mr Soon’s earnings have improved to S$2,000 now and he has stopped working at Pizza Hut, one-third of his wages come from additional gigs via Lalamove and Gogovan.

Both Ms Foo and Mr Soon, including many interviewed drivers, are pondering over calling it quits in this ‘new normal’. Considering the long hours, income, and sustainability, it’s not hard to understand why.

Bound by existing taxi or car rental contracts

Image Credits: SBO.sg

But it’s not easy for some since they have to keep to existing taxi or car rental contracts. Although Ms Foo has recently taken a course on e-commerce and is keen to have a go at it, her written agreement with ComfortDelGro ends only in September 2021.

Similarly for Mr Soon, his one-year contract with a partner of Gojek’s rental initiative GoFleet will only end in 2021. Terminating the contract is out of the question since he will have to forfeit a S$1,500 security deposit. There is also an early termination penalty of up to six months of his rental fees. All in all, he could lose over S$15,000 to void the pact.

Phase 3 won’t bring about substantial changes

Image Credits: The Business Times

Mr Soon also mentioned that Singapore entering phase 3 will not bring about remarkable improvements to the business. Though he agrees that demand will increase, he adds that as long as all workers continue to work from home and Singapore has no tourists; it will never be the same.

Another driver, Andy, temporarily left Prime Taxi in May considering the cut in his pay. The 38-year-old who has to support his wife, four children, and in-laws, said it made no economic sense for him to continue. Since 90 per cent of his income comes from airport pick-ups and regular business travellers, the closed borders have greatly affected him.

“If the airport is not open, our slice of the cake is only that big,” Andy commented.

Thankfully, Prime Taxi approved the suspension of his five-year contract signed in September 2019 without forfeiting his S$4,000 security deposit. Andy is currently doing deliveries for Lalamove using a rental car which he pays for S$1,400 a month (less than S$50 a day).

Extra hours & lesser revenue forcing drivers to job hop

Image Credits: The Straits Times

Peter Quek, a ComfortDelGro taxi driver, estimates that he will have to work an extra 15 to 20 hours a week to match the amount he earned last year.

His projection of collecting S$55,300 in fares for 2021 is a 30 per cent reduction from the amount made in 2019. This is even after factoring in the S$9,000 Self-Employed Person Income Relief Scheme (SIRS) paid out this year.

The 44-year-old man who had sent out more than 100 job applications this year said, “That’s why I am desperate to get a new job. I am not looking out for another SIRS. I am looking for something more permanent and long term.”

Grab driver William Ong, 48, is also searching for new job opportunities after his monthly income fell from about S$3,500 to S$1,500. He pointed out that there are no surge fares during the usual morning peak hours, but he would still drive a passenger from Serangoon to town in the morning on standard rates.

Drastic changes to incentive schemes

Image Credits: Grab

But COVID-19 is not entirely at fault. Many private-hire car drivers highlighted the drastic changes to incentive schemes as factors for a reduced income.

Grab driver Mr Ong said that such bonuses used to make up 45 per cent of his S$4,000 monthly income but have since become insignificant. Another driver on both the Grab and Gojek platforms, Mr Maverick Tsao, revealed that incentives used to form 25% of his earnings in 2019, but is now barely hitting 10 per cent of it.

With all that said, some cabbies are still optimistic about the gradual reopening of the economy. 52-year-old ComfortDelGro taxi driver Frankie Chew remarked, “Singapore is already opening up and people are coming out. The most difficult challenge (during the circuit breaker period) has already passed, so we will definitely be able to pull through.”

You can buy these cars in Singapore with a budget of only S$80K

Are you thinking of buying a brand new car but don’t quite have a high budget to spare? Yes, we get how some people think that cars fall into the category of wants rather than needs. But if you really think having a car is necessary and have at least S$80K to spare, why not?

But before you make that payment, be completely aware that other than the upfront payment, there are other costs tagged to driving. We’re referring to petrol prices, ERP charges, parking fees, and more. Let’s not forget maintenance fees and car insurance.

If you’ve taken into account the long-term costs, let’s take a look at these five cheapest car types you can buy even with a budget of only S$80K.

#1: Perodua Bezza 1.3 Premium X (A)

First up on our list, we have the Perodua Bezza 1.3 Premium X (A). The lowest recorded price was previously S$54,999 apparently. At the time of writing, it currently costs S$64,999.

The engine is made by Toyota so you will be assured a smooth driving experience. If you often find yourself storing your belongings behind the boot before driving, you will find the roomy boot space a lifesaver.

#2: Perodua Myvi 1.3X (A)

Next up, slightly pricier than the Perodua Bezza 1.3 Premium X (A) is also another series launched by Perodua in 2019. The Perodua Myvi 1.3X (A) hatchback costs S$67,999.

Its specs and features are similar to the Bezza. It has a reasonable boot space of 277 litres and a superb fuel consumption figure of around 17km per litre. For those with a little more budget to spare, you can power-up with the Perodua Myvi 1.5 (S$71,999) instead.

#3: Mitsubishi Attrage

The bronze medal goes to the Mitsubishi Attrage. To be exact, the Mitsubishi Attrage 1.2 CVT Style (A) is the model to look out for. It is priced at S$69,999, similar to the Mitsubishi Space Star 1.2 CVT Style (A).

Those who struggle to navigate around tight spaces will find the Mitsubishi Attrage driver-friendly. That’s all thanks to its fabulous turning radius! With an impressive fuel efficiency of 13.5km per litre, it wins first place for being a fuel-efficient car.

#4: Nissan Note 1.2 (A)

Making into our list at fourth position is the Nissan Note 1.2 (A), a hatchback that costs S$74,900 at the time of writing. You may have come across even lower pricing before because the rock-bottom figure recorded was S$67,888.

Anyway, it has a spacious interior so you will be guaranteed comfort during your drive. While its fuel efficiency stands at 19.6km per litre, some drivers have reviewed otherwise. With that said, its Automatic Stop/Start function manages energy efficiently so that’s one bonus point.

#5: Honda Fit 2020 1.3 (A)

As you’ve probably anticipated the price to rise as we go, we have the new Honda Fit 2020 1.3 (A) to end our list of cheapest cars to buy in Singapore. It costs approximately S$77,000, ranging between different dealers.

Looking at the fuel consumption, it’s a pretty good sight at 19.6km per litre. Compared to the Perodua Bezza 1.3 Premium X (A) and Perodua Myvi 1.3X (A), it has one of the highest number of airbags at six. It also offers a keyless engine start.