In Singapore, despite being an urban hub, there is a niche group of people who enjoy the rugged off-roading lifestyle. However, off-roading in this small island nation is not easy due to the lack of uncharted paths and a limited selection of suitable vehicles. With Jeep no longer available and options like the Land Rover Defender or Mercedes-Benz G-Class being pricey, there’s a gap in the market. The Suzuki Jimny offers budget-friendly off-roading capabilities, but its compact size makes it less practical for those needing more space. Enter Jaecoo, a new contender that fills the gap between these extremes. Jaecoo is a sub-brand of Chinese carmaker Chery, focusing on high-end, off-road capable SUVs. The Jaecoo J6 stands out with a unique twist: it’s an electric off-roader.

What is Jaecoo?: Jaecoo is one of two Chery sub-brands, with the other being Omoda. While Omoda offers family-oriented crossovers, Jaecoo specializes in high-performance SUVs. Interestingly, Jaecoo’s models are sold under the Chery name in China, and the brand is primarily focused on export markets.

Jaecoo J6: An Off-Roading Machine: The Jaecoo J6 has a classic, rugged design with a boxy, utilitarian shape, but also features unique design elements. The slim vertical headlights and tail lights give it a distinctive look, while the rear door includes a compartment for storing dirty or wet items—an example of thoughtful design for off-roaders. The tailgate opens sideways and can be locked in place to prevent it from closing unexpectedly in the wind. The cargo space offers 450 liters, expandable to 1,238 liters with the rear seats folded down. Inside, the J6 has a modern minimalist cabin with a large 15.6-inch touchscreen, though its user interface can be confusing and unintuitive. The rear offers plenty of legroom and headroom, and a full-length sunroof adds to the sense of space.

Off-Road Performance: If you've driven traditional off-roaders like the Land Rover Defender or Jeep Wrangler, the J6’s driving experience will feel familiar. It has a vague steering response and a floaty suspension designed to handle rough terrain without becoming unstable. The J6 offers nine selectable driving modes, designed for various conditions such as snow, rocks, and sand—features that rival high-end off-roaders.

While its off-road setup excels in tough conditions, it’s not the most comfortable on regular roads, with noticeable noise and vibrations. The J6’s electric motors produce 275 horsepower and 385Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. Its range is 342 km on a full charge, which is adequate for most off-roading situations but not exceptional.

The J6’s Appeal: The Jaecoo J6 is a highly capable off-road vehicle with impressive technology and features. However, due to Singapore’s small size and limited off-road opportunities, most drivers may not fully experience its potential. For those who enjoy adventure and outdoor exploration, the J6 is an affordable option at $199,888 with COE (as of April 2025). This makes it an attractive choice for anyone seeking a practical, rugged, and distinctive SUV.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from AsiaOne/Ben Chia.

The vibrant pop culture of Singapore is set to shine as the ArtScience Museum and mm2 Entertainment revealed the upcoming "SingaPop! 60 Years of Singapore Pop Culture" exhibition, which will open on April 15. This immersive exhibit, running from August to December at the ArtScience Museum, is curated by Cultural Medallion awardee Dick Lee, with support from the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).

This is the first time Dick Lee, renowned Singaporean singer-songwriter, playwright, and director, is curating such an event. He is also known for penning and composing beloved National Day songs like Home and We Will Get There. "SingaPop!" celebrates SG60 and spans six decades of Singapore’s pop culture, from the 1960s to the present. The exhibition will explore the country's multicultural society in five chapters, each showcasing a different aspect of Singapore’s “rojak spirit,” a term that reflects the nation’s diverse cultural mix.

Lee shared, "Having witnessed and been part of the evolution of our cultural identity over the last 60 years, I'm excited to present this exhibition that reflects who we are: quirky, vibrant, and distinctly Singaporean." While full details are yet to be unveiled, the exhibition promises an immersive experience, blending Dick Lee’s personal stories with artifacts, multimedia displays, and archival footage that link Singapore's past, present, and future.

Honor Harger, the ArtScience Museum’s vice president, described the exhibition as both a “time capsule and a love letter to Singapore,” shaped by Dick’s unique perspective. She emphasized that the exhibition embodies Singapore's rojak culture, where elements like Singlish, hawker food, local music, fashion, and film come together to create something instantly familiar and emotionally meaningful. Ticket details will be shared later. More information can be found on the ArtScience Museum’s website.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ArtScience Museum.

Lotus has launched the Emira Turbo SE in Singapore, marking the brand's final fully internal combustion engine (ICE) model. The Emira, originally introduced in Singapore as the Emira First Edition in 2024, is now replaced by the Turbo SE locally. The "SE" designation refers to the 'Special Equipment' package, a feature first offered on the Type 14 Elite from the 1960s, and has appeared on several iconic Lotus models over the years, such as the Esprit Turbo SE, Excel SE, Elan SE, and Europa SE.

The Emira Turbo SE is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the same as its predecessor, although international markets also offer a larger 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine, which will not be available in Singapore. The Turbo SE offers increased power, with output rising from 360hp to 400hp and torque from 430Nm to 480Nm. The top speed has also been boosted from 275km/h to 290km/h, while acceleration has improved, with the car now reaching 0-100km/h in just 4 seconds, down from 4.3 seconds. This makes the Emira Turbo SE the fastest variant of the model.

Notable features include the Lotus Drivers Pack, which includes Track Mode, adjustable exhaust sounds, Launch Control, cross-drilled and ventilated two-piece brake discs, and a choice between track or touring tyres, along with sports or touring suspension. Pricing for the Emira Turbo SE starts at $548,800, excluding COE and options. Available customizations include a range of wheel designs, colour options, interior trims, 'Turbo SE' graphics, and a premium 10-speaker audio system.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from AsiaOne/Ben Chia.

When I first saw the new Hyundai Santa Fe, I had to do a double take. Its resemblance to a Land Rover is striking, though not identical. From a distance, it could easily be mistaken for one. This design choice hints at Hyundai’s intent to elevate its brand into the premium SUV market. But does the Santa Fe truly make a compelling case for itself?

The SUV’s boxy and angular design gives it a bold, rugged presence on the road. Measuring over 4.8 meters in length and 1.9 meters in width, it has an imposing stance. The test car’s Earthy Bronze color, combined with black accents, adds to its tough, assertive look. One of its unique features is the Assist Handle, subtly integrated into the C-pillars. This handle allows users to climb up to access rooftop storage, reinforcing Hyundai’s vision of the Santa Fe as an adventure-ready vehicle. While this feature might not be particularly relevant in an urban environment, it could prove useful for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities like camping.

Inside, the Santa Fe continues to draw inspiration from Land Rover. The squared-off steering wheel, with its large control buttons, bears a strong resemblance to the luxury off-roader. The air conditioning panel, blending physical buttons with haptic touch controls, also feels reminiscent of Land Rover’s design. However, practicality is a strong focus in the Santa Fe’s cabin. There are two wireless smartphone chargers, a large storage compartment accessible from both front and rear, and even an ultraviolet sterilization chamber above the glovebox for small personal items.

Technology is a major highlight. A dual-screen setup, featuring two 12.3-inch displays seamlessly merged into a single curved panel, gives the dashboard a sleek and modern appearance. The Santa Fe is well-equipped with ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, multiple USB charging ports, a head-up display, and a panoramic sunroof. On the safety front, it includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, collision warning, and a smart parking assist system that allows the vehicle to be maneuvered remotely into tight parking spaces.

Passenger comfort is another strong point. The rear seats offer generous legroom and headroom, thanks to the Santa Fe’s upright design. The second-row seats can slide back and forth for added flexibility, and storage compartments are thoughtfully placed throughout the cabin. While the third row is slightly more cramped, it remains adequate for average-sized passengers. In terms of cargo capacity, the Santa Fe offers 628 liters of storage with the third row folded. Folding the second-row seats expands this to an impressive 1,949 liters, making it highly practical for carrying large loads.

On the road, the Santa Fe delivers a refined but relaxed driving experience. Powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid engine, shared with the Kia Sorento Hybrid, it produces 212 hp and 366 Nm of torque. These figures are respectable for its engine size, but given the vehicle’s nearly two-ton weight, it is not particularly fast. The power delivery is smooth, and the Santa Fe builds speed in a composed manner, though the throttle response could be more immediate. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing road imperfections effortlessly. However, this results in a slightly floaty sensation, which some might find disconcerting. In corners, the Santa Fe’s size and weight become evident, making it more suited to relaxed cruising rather than spirited driving. Fortunately, a suite of cameras aids visibility and maneuverability, making city driving more manageable.

At $292,999 with COE as of April 2025, the Santa Fe in its top-spec Calligraphy 7-seater trim is not exactly affordable. Opting for the standard variant saves around $20,000 but comes at the expense of premium features like ventilated and heated seats, the head-up display, panoramic sunroof, C-pillar grab handles, and smart parking assist.

Rather than seeing it as an expensive Hyundai, the Santa Fe might be better viewed as a value-packed alternative to a Land Rover. It captures a similar rugged aesthetic and offers a range of luxury features typically found in far more expensive SUVs. While it doesn’t deliver the same driving dynamics, for most buyers, that may not be a crucial factor. Seen in this light, the Santa Fe emerges as a compelling option for those seeking a well-equipped, stylish, and adventure-ready SUV that balances luxury with practicality.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from AsiaOne/Ben Chia.

Can cleaning up litter be enjoyable on your day off? Producer Janine Tan talks to Yasser Amin, Chief Stridy Officer at Stridy, who organizes community clean-ups at beaches and in neighborhoods. He shares how these events bring people together in a fun way while also aiming to inspire more individuals to take part in caring for the environment.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

Discover how effective Family Legacy Planning can help you create a lasting influence that goes beyond financial wealth. Cheryl Goh speaks with Mr. Patrick Tan, TEP, Founder and CEO of Fortis Law Corporation, to delve deeper into the topic.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA News.

At the remote orphanage where I volunteered, the environment felt like something out of a Dickens novel. The staff relied heavily on antipsychotic medication and physical punishment to maintain order.

Disclaimer:This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.