Corolla Altis: Trusty Companion

TRUSTY COMPANION

ALLAN NG, AN ENGINEER IN A COMMUNICATIONS FIRM, HAS NO REGRETS CHOOSING A TOYOTA COROLLA ALTIS FOR HIS DRIVING EXPERIENCES. 

What are some of the interesting anecdotes of your Toyota driving experience? 
In 2001, my friend invited me to visit his fruit plantation on the outskirts of Johor. It was my first trip driving to Malaysia and I had to trail his car closely for approximately two hours. We enjoyed durians and a simple lunch, followed by a tour of the plantation. Soon, the sky turned really dark. I realised that we had lost track of time, so I decided to leave for Singapore. 

The dark, narrow driveway down from the plantation was not only rocky but extremely bumpy. To my surprise, when we hit the main road, it was equally dark. There were no streetlights and the road was full of potholes. We had to drive with the high beam and fog lights turned on. 

After about an hour, we managed to find an alternative route that had a much better terrain. When our “ordeal” ended, I was very grateful to be back home. I was very pleased as my Corolla was unscathed and seemed to be able to withstand the bumpy dirt road. Now, when I look back, I’m glad that I had my trusty Corolla with me. I wouldn’t have had those adventures without it. 

What is it about driving that you love the most? 
It is the most convenient way of travel for me. What I love most is the peace of mind I get when driving alone and winding down at the end of the day. I enjoy the simple pleasures such as listening to music in my car. I also appreciate the greenery in Singapore and the city’s skyscrapers during my drives. 

How did you decide on getting a Toyota? 
I placed an order for my first Toyota Corolla 1.5 Auto at Borneo Motors Singapore and, surprisingly, managed to secure the COE in the first round of bidding in 1999. I drove the faultless car for four years and had it replaced with another Toyota Corolla 1.5 Auto (in a bid to take advantage of the declining COE prices, and to get a refund for the unused portion of my previous COE). With the COE taking a nosedive in 2009, I successfully purchased my Toyota Corolla Altis, which I still drive today. 

“I enjoy the simple pleasures such as listening to music in my car. I also appreciate the greenery in Singapore and the city’s skyscrapers during my drives.”