In a time when many Singaporeans are hesitating to buy new cars, I made a deliberate and calculated decision to drive a red Toyota Altis 1.6L — and here’s why.
This article isn’t just about a car. It’s about navigating personal convenience, COE economics, and even how business owners like myself are rethinking transport in Singapore today.
🚗 Why the Toyota Altis 1.6L?
1. Tried-and-Tested Reliability
Toyota has long been known for its bulletproof reliability. The Altis 1.6L hits that sweet spot — it’s not underpowered, but it’s also fuel-efficient enough for everyday drives.
Whether you’re running errands across town or taking a client to lunch, it just… works. And it does so without drama.
2. Sensible Comfort for Singapore Roads
Despite being a Category A sedan, the Altis delivers a refined ride. It’s comfortable, spacious for its class, and doesn’t struggle with hills or acceleration, even when carrying a full load of passengers.
3. The Red Factor
Why red? Visibility, personality, and a touch of rebellion. Amidst the sea of black, grey, and white vehicles on Singapore roads, the red Altis stands out. For someone like me who blends practicality with personality, it’s the right colour.
🔍 Compared to Others in Its Class
Let’s look at some competitors:
| Model | Engine | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Civic 1.5 | Turbocharged | Sporty, powerful | Higher price tag, Cat B COE |
| Hyundai Avante | 1.6L | Stylish, feature-rich | Slightly less resale value |
| Mazda 3 | 1.5L/1.6L | Premium interior, great handling | Tighter rear cabin |
| Toyota Altis 1.6L | NA 1.6L | Reliability, comfort, resale | Conservative design |
The Altis may not win every spec war, but in the long run — it wins in real-world value, cost of ownership, and peace of mind.
💰 Let’s Talk COE: Why This Purchase Wasn’t Easy
As of early 2025, Category A COEs are hovering around SGD 85,000–90,000, pushing the total price of even the most basic cars well over SGD 130,000–150,000.
That’s a huge barrier — and it’s exactly why many Singaporeans are choosing to renew their existing COEs for another 5 or 10 years instead of purchasing new vehicles.
COE Renewal in 2025: A Growing Trend
- ✅ 5-year renewals for those who want short-term flexibility
- ✅ 10-year renewals for those maintaining well-kept cars
- 🔧 Workshops are seeing more COE-renewed cars coming in for pre-renewal checks and overhauls
For me, I considered this route too. But in the end, I decided to invest in a reliable, newer vehicle that I could count on daily — without worrying about wear-and-tear surprises in year 12.
🧑💼 As a Business Owner: Should I Just Drive a Commercial Van?
The thought did cross my mind. In fact, I looked seriously at:
🚐 Honda N-Van
- Light commercial vehicle (LCV)
- Fantastic for transporting goods, boxes, or even food equipment
- Surprisingly nimble and compact — fits in HDB parking spaces
🧳 Suzuki Spacia (Spacia Base / Gear)
- Technically a kei van, but beautifully designed
- Flat cargo floor that folds out into a mobile desk setup — perfect for “work-from-van” mode
- Insanely efficient on petrol, and packs in surprising comfort
✅ Why I Didn’t Go With a Van (Yet)
While these are great options for SME owners who want to combine logistics and lifestyle, I currently need a daily driver that:
- Carries passengers often
- Looks presentable for meetings
- Doesn’t need VPC (vehicle parking certificate) complexity for commercial vehicles
That said, I’m seriously considering a commercial van as a secondary vehicle — especially if I expand my delivery or mobile service ops.
🔧 Final Thoughts
Owning a car in Singapore has never been more expensive — and more complex. The COE climate is pushing everyone to rethink the real value of mobility.
For me, the Toyota Altis 1.6L in red was the best blend of:
- ✅ Long-term reliability
- ✅ Lower maintenance cost
- ✅ Brand trust & resale value
- ✅ Just enough style to feel good driving it
And while I still flirt with the idea of a Spacia mobile workstation or a Honda N-Van for delivery runs, the Altis remains my go-to — at least until the next COE curveball hits.
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