Over the last few days, the weather has been scorching hot and even the nights were not spared. I was sweating like a pig most of the time and the heat was quite unbearable. To cool off the heat, I had a bottle of Somersby Apple Cider and it was simply refreshing!
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| From Somersby 2013 |
Somersby Apple Cider is made from fermented apple juice and there are no artificial sweeteners, flavours, or colourings used. To give it a crisp and fruity apple taste, only sugar, natural flavouring, and apple juice are added to Somersby Apple Cider.
[Image Credit to Happy Days Inc]
Most people I know have a misconception of cider and they would usually equate it with beer and wine. However, though all three beverages [cider, beer, and wine] undergo the same process of fermentation, they are in fact quite different by itself. Ciders are actually derived by the fermentation of the juices from apples and most ciders are carbonated. Sugar and apple juice may also be added both prior and post fermentation.
In recent years, cider has experienced a dramatic renaissance and it is a very popular alternative to beer and wine, and also a natural alternative to flavoured Ready-to-Drink products. While the origin of cider isn’t clear, it was said that when the Romans arrived in England in 55 BC, they found villagers in Kent drinking a delicious cider-like beverage made from apples. For centuries, traditional village life in the apple-growing regions of Britain would revolve around farmers making their own alcoholic beverage, which was a cloudy drink they affectionately called ‘scrumpy’. In fact, the drink was a popular sweet alternative to ale and it even replaced water as a refreshing drink because it was considered healthier than the drinking water at the time. The traditional ways of cider making are still with us today and cider is still appreciated by people from all walks of life who enjoy its naturally fruity and refreshing taste.
Somersby Apple Cider is currently available at all major supermarkets and currently, NTUC Fairprice is having a promotion whereby 4X 330-ML bottles of Somersby Apple Cider will cost $14.95 instead of the usual price of $16.80
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| From Somersby 2013 |
If you have never tried Somersby Apple Cider before, you have to try it because it’s uniquely juicy apple taste makes it a tasty and natural choice for some relaxing moments with your friends.
To drink the Somersby Apple Cider, you can chill the Somersby Apple Cider in the refrigerator and drink it straight from the bottle OR pour the Somersby Apple Cider over an ice-filled glass and drink it from the glass.
[Image Credit to Duck Alot]
If you enjoy Somersby Apple Cider and you wish to be kept updated about any events and promotions, do “like” their Facebook Page!
While most people are either out partying, spending time with family members, or chilling out with friends, we were at Pearl’s Hill City Park with a crowd of about a 1,000 people training our calves and feeding the mosquitoes. This might seem like an absurd idea but really, we were there to catch the Red Bull Dark Knights 2013 that was organised by the European Red Bull.
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| From Red Bull Dark Knights 2013 |
The Red Bull Dark Knights is Singapore’s only night-time mountain bike downhill race and ever since its debut in 2011, the Red Bull Dark Knights has gained much popularity and its comeback this year at Pearl’s Hill City Park has attracted quite a number of riders from all over the world.
I have to say this, although I have been living in Singapore for the past 25 years, I have never been to Pearl’s Hill City Park and it was my virgin trip there. A look at the National Parks Website reveals that there is a restricted reservoir on top of the hill and if you’re clueless about where Pearl’s Hill City Park is, it is tucked away in the corner of Chinatown. It’s location is rather accessible as there are a couple of buses that serves the area and the nearest MRT Station is Outram Park Station, NOT Chinatown Station [unless you don't mind walking a longer route].
Pearl’s Hill City Park.
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| From Red Bull Dark Knights 2013 |
The Restricted Reservoir at Pearl’s Hill City Park.
[I bet not many people know that there's a reservoir in Chinatown.]
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| From Red Bull Dark Knights 2013 |
The walk from the carpark to the event ground was really quite a distance and there wasn’t any signages around to guide us.
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| From Red Bull Dark Knights 2013 |
This was the one and only signage that we spotted on our way to the event ground.
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| From Red Bull Dark Knights 2013 |
When we arrived at the Race Village, it was bustling with activities, and tentages that sold food, drinks, and bicycle gears were set up.
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| From Red Bull Dark Knights 2013 |
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| From Red Bull Dark Knights 2013 |
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| From Red Bull Dark Knights 2013 |
The rider in the lead gets to sit on this hot seat!
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| From Red Bull Dark Knights 2013 |
Visitors were also entertained with a special screening of Red Bull Media House’s feature film, “Where the Trail Ends”. The 81 minutes long movie showcased the world’s top freeride mountain bikers search and ride unraveled terrain around the globe, making their expedition the most progressive and ambitious mountain biking ever attempted.
The DJ for the evening was electrifying. The music that he played were heart-pumping and groovy.
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| From Red Bull Dark Knights 2013 |
When we checked out the profiles of the riders whom were competing in the competition, we were quite surprised to find out that a majority of the competitors were Singaporeans.
Honestly, capturing photographs of the riders were extremely difficult as there was insufficient lighting and the riders were moving really fast. Although we were cleared to use flash photography, we decided against it as we do not want to affect the performance of the riders. Thankfully, we managed to get some good shots as we had access to the restricted zone.
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| From Red Bull Dark Knights 2013 |
Keeping in the theme of knights and castles, the obstacles were interestingly named arrowhead, slingshot, and the dragon’s back, and each of the obstacles tested the tenacity of all the riders whom participated in the competition. In fact, we witnessed quite a number of riders falling off their bikes but their sheer determination and perseverance pushed them beyond their physical limits to complete the entire course. For that, we salute all the bikers whom took part in the race.
One of the riders completing the dunes obstacle.
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| From Red Bull Dark Knights 2013 |
The ballista obstacle is definitely a tough one because riders must have a solid control of their bike in order to prevent themselves from veering off-course.
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| From Red Bull Dark Knights 2013 |
An overview of the slingshot obstacle.
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| From Red Bull Dark Knights 2013 |
One of the riders completing the slingshot obstacle.
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| From Red Bull Dark Knights 2013 |
The saddleback and pitchfork were perhaps the hardest obstacles for the riders.
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| From Red Bull Dark Knights 2013 |
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| From Red Bull Dark Knights 2013 |
Truly, the obstacle-filled race that is part urban part trail isn’t easy and one must have loads of guts to tackle the challenging obstacles.
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| From Red Bull Dark Knights 2013 |
Rider Ng Chee Keong sitting on the hot seat for a moment.
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| From Red Bull Dark Knights 2013 |
The champion for the Red Bull Dark Knights 2013 is none other than 37-year-old Daniel Sprague from Australia. Daniel has been competing in off-road cycling events for 31 years and he has won 2 World Amateur BMX Championships, 7 Australian Championships, and 29 Western Australian Championships across both gravity MTB and BMX. He was also the champion for Red Bull Dark Knights 2011.
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| From Red Bull Dark Knights 2013 |
In second and third place respectively are Ditra Pranata, a 23-year-old professional biker from Indonesia, and 20-year-old Agung Fambudi.
Ditra Pranata, winning 2nd place at the Red Bull Dark Knights 2013.
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| From Red Bull Dark Knights 2013 |
Agung Fambudi, winning 3rd place at the Red Bull Dark Knights 2013.
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| From Red Bull Dark Knights 2013 |
A photo of the top 3 riders at the Red Bull Dark Knights 2013.
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| From Red Bull Dark Knights 2013 |
Although we didn’t have quite a lot of good shots, we did managed to video down portions of the event and if you’re interested, you can check out the following video.
Truly, the Red Bull Dark Knights 2013 was an eye-opener and the Singaporeans didn’t fare that badly because most of them are in the top 10 positions. In fact, we were quite impressed by a 16-year-old Singaporean rider, Shadiq Putra, whom gotten 7th placing for the race.
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| From Red Bull Dark Knights 2013 |
Well, although we pretty much fed the thirsty mosquitoes, the action that we caught at Red Bull Dark Knights was definitely way more exciting than watching the Formula 1 Race and we hope that this blog entry will create a greater awareness of the local mountain biking scene. Cheerios~!
Last week, we received an invitation to test-drive the latest Audi A3 Sportback Car at the F1 Pit Lane and it was held as part of Audi Singapore’s annual premier fashion event, the Audi Fashion Festival Singapore. To mark the 5th anniversary milestone of the Audi Fashion Festival Singapore, the festival is held at the Marina Promenade with a new waterfront location against the backdrop of Singapore’s skyline and a bigger tent that targets to attract more than 20,000 visitors.
The new Audi A3 Sportback Car! By the way, the backdrop that you see in the background is designed by LASALLE Students
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| From Audi A3 Sportback 2013 |
From featuring the world’s most revered designers and International top models to red carpet fashion galas and glamorous after-parties, the Audi Fashion Festival Singapore is supported by the Singapore Tourism Board and is highlighted as the biggest fashion event of the year.
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| From Audi A3 Sportback 2013 |
Themed “Crafting the Future”, this year’s festival will feature 5 days of shows featuring a mix of emerging and established top-class names from the international world of fashion including Carolina Herrera, Hussein Chalayan, Peter Pilotto, Tsumori Chisato, Collette Dinnigan, RAOUL, Ashley Isham, Zardoze, Jun Okamoto and Ong Shunmugam.
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| From Audi A3 Sportback 2013 |
Audi A3 Sportback
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| From Audi A3 Sportback 2013 |
Quoting from Audi Singapore’s Website, the cost of the new Audi A3 Sportback starts from $168,910 for the 1.4 TFSI S-tronic Model and its design is a statement for poise and vast energy. You would have notice from the photograph that the new Audi A3 Sportback sports a flatter, more masculine, and more dynamic appearance thanks to its distinctive tornado lines, roof contour, and integrated roof-edge spoiler. Available in more than 10 colours, the Audi A3 Sportback is definitely a car that YOU MUST CONSIDER, especially if you are looking for a futuristic, innovative, and fuel-efficient sporty car!
Before we move on to share with you the technical details of the new Audi A3 Sportback, here’s some shots that we took when we test-drove the Audi A3 Sportback on a custom-built course at the Singapore F1 pit lane. This test-drive experience that we had was really unique, challenging but fun as well.
The A3ttraktion Zone is where we registered for the Audi A3 Sportback test-drive.
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| From Audi A3 Sportback 2013 |
We must say, the test-drive experience was really professionally-organised.
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| From Audi A3 Sportback 2013 |
Here’s a photo at the Briefing Room and at that point in time, my heart was pounding madly with excitement because I didn’t quite know what to expect.
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| From Audi A3 Sportback 2013 |
Here’s a photo of the driving instructors whom were going to guide us through the obstacles when we test-drive the Audi A3 Sportback.
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| From Audi A3 Sportback 2013 |
So here I am in the Audi A3 Sportback with my driving instructor on my left and also with Jacqueline seated in the rear passenger seat documenting the process.
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| From Audi A3 Sportback 2013 |
A closer view of the front.
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| From Audi A3 Sportback 2013 |
Smiling for the camera while waiting to move off.
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| From Audi A3 Sportback 2013 |
The custom-built course for the test-drive consists of 4 stations; See & Saw, Score!, Slalom, and Garage.
For See & Saw, I basically had to drive the Audi A3 Sportback up the ramp and wait for the ramp to descend before moving off. It wasn’t really that difficult but it requires a certain level of coordination because moving off too fast would cause the ramp to slam down rather quickly.
For the second station, Score!, I had to accelerate the Audi A3 Sportback Car, hit the gigantic soccer ball, and try to score a goal. We were given two attempts and I failed quite miserable in the first attempt. However, the good news is, I scored a goal in the second attempt and my name was entered into a lucky draw where the grand prize is a VIP trip to catch Bayern Munich and AC Milan in action at the Audi Cup 2013 in Munich, Germany!
The third station, Slalom, requires me to navigate the Audi A3 Sportback Car in between the cones that have been placed and it is very much like weaving in and out of the cones. It wasn’t too difficult and I managed to complete the obstacle rather smoothly.
The last station, Garage, requires us to jam our brakes really hard and the purpose is to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Anti-lock Braking System [ABS] onboard the Audi A3 Sportback.
A photo with my Driving Instructor after the Test-Drive
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| From Audi A3 Sportback 2013 |
We really enjoyed driving the Audi A3 Sportback and the experience was truly awesome.
If you’re interested to find out more about the Audi A3 Sportback Car, do read on!
The interior of the Audi A3 Sportback is really classy and it also offers plenty of space with its surprisingly large knee space in the rear passenger compartment. There’s also a separate air-conditioning system for the rear passengers.
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| From Audi A3 Sportback 2013 |
The rear bench seat can be split-folded 40:60 to increase the luggage space and when folded down completely, it creates 1,220 litres of space that is sufficient for two large luggages.
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| From Audi A3 Sportback 2013 |
The horizontal instrument panel architecture emphasises the size of the interior and the 3D inlays seem to embrace the driver.
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| From Audi A3 Sportback 2013 |
For the individual seating position, the optional electric seat adjuster and the intelligent automatic climate control option provide a pleasant atmosphere.
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| From Audi A3 Sportback 2013 |
The glove compartment at the front passenger’s seat.
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| From Audi A3 Sportback 2013 |
The air vents in jet design set further stylish trends. Also, the air flow can be adjusted to provide a concentrated stream of air or to distribute air evenly, all with variable levels of intensity.
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| From Audi A3 Sportback 2013 |
A closer look at the steering wheel of the Audi A3 Sportback.
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| From Audi A3 Sportback 2013 |
The central control unit; the optional MMI® navigation plus with MMI touch, is a touch-sensitive control panel integrated in the rotary/push-button control for intuitive operation. It offers drivers a new and intelligent way of controlling the navigation and telephone functions by “writing” letters or numbers on the control panel with the finger. Drivers can also operate the functions supported by the optionally available Audi connect via the MMI touch. The slim 7-inch colour display, which pops up electrically, presents all the information in a new look and with impressive clarity.
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| From Audi A3 Sportback 2013 |
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| From Audi A3 Sportback 2013 |
The S tronic® transmission onboard the Audi A3 Sportback.
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| From Audi A3 Sportback 2013 |
The S tronic transmission combines the low fuel consumption of a manual transmission with the benefits of an automatic. The control ensures fast and consumption-reducing gear shifting in automatic mode. The very large transmission-ratio spread of the S tronic allows the last gears to be used at very low engine speeds.
Audi A3 Sportback Car Driving Experience
Practical, efficient, powerful and oh-so-agile, the all-new Audi A3 Sportback is at the forefront of urban vehicle technology and it is a car that features inspired applications of technology that really needs to be driven in order to be appreciated.
During the test-drive, the Audi A3 Sportback handles the corners pretty well and we felt very safe in the car as it was quite sturdy.
When I pedalled hard on the accelerator, the Audi A3 Sportback picks up speed really fast and the engine was really quiet. The driving experience was smooth and the gear transmission was intuitive and responsive. What’s really great about the Audi A3 Sportback is its fuel efficiency!
Tested in accordance with UN ECE R101, the fuel consumption of the Audi A3 Sportback is 5 litres per 100 km; in other words, the Audi A3 Sportback consumes 1 litre of fuel for every 20km travelled.
If you decide to purchase the Audi A3 Sportback, you can also get a rebate of $15,000 under the Carbon Emissions-based Vehicle [CEV] Scheme Banding.
Truly, the five greatest strengths of the Audi A3 Sportback are sportsmanship, driving dynamics, comfort, functionality and style.
We had an awesome time with the Audi A3 Sportback Car and we want to thank Audi Singapore for hosting us. Personally, I really like the Audi A3 Sportback and if I have the dough, I would have bought it! Or maybe, I should emigrate to Australia permanently and live there because the Audi A3 Sportback only cost Australian Dollars $35,600 [equivalent to Singapore Dollars $43,535]. That is about a quarter of the price for an Audi A3 Sportback here in Singapore!
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| From Audi A3 Sportback 2013 |
For more updates and information about the Audi A3 Sportback, do check out Audi Singapore’s Website!
In our next “Automobile” Post Series, we will be featuring the Citroen C4 Diesel Variant so stay tuned!
Jacqueline and I are both Hatchback Car Lovers and thanks to Kia Singapore, we had the rarest of opportunity to take the Kia Soul out for a ride. If you’re wondering, this will not be the only automobile review that we’re working on and in the next few automobile reviews, we will be featuring mostly Hatchback Cars.
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
Here’s a Photo of My Kia Picanto and the Kia Soul, side by side.
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
Kia Soul
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
The Kia Soul is a really sporty hatchback car and it does have the feel of a SUV [Sports Utility Vehicle]. When we were at the Kia Car Showroom at Alexandra Road, the Kia Soul was very distinctive and we really like its sporty and adventurous outlook. We actually attracted quite a few stares while test-driving the car, and the Kia Soul was really a head-turner. Costing $99,999, the Kia Soul comes in a choice of 11 colours and is fitted with standard 16-inch steel wheels.
A picture of the standard 16-inch steel wheels that comes with every Kia Soul. If you wish, there’s an optional upgrade to an 18-inch wheel that will make the Kia Soul look even more like a SUV.
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
Kia Soul’s Exterior
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
Parked next to a Mini or Volkswagen Beetle, it doesn’t look that shabby at all. Comparing with most of the Hatchback Cars in the automobile market, the frame of the Kia Soul is slightly bigger and sports a very contemporary look. The squared-off, cubic design of the radiator grill is also very stylish and combined with the LED daytime running lights, it gives the Kia Soul a high-tech, luxurious and futuristic image. The front bumper of the Kia Soul has also been given extra prominence, thanks to beefed-up proportions and sculpted mouldings around the license plate.
Side View of the Kia Soul
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
Kia Soul’s Interior
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
The cabin of the Kia Soul is very cosy and it provides lots of legroom. There are 4 interior colours to choose from and it lets you match the car to your taste and personality. The Kia Soul features textured fabrics made by advanced PVC moulding process, nano-tech fabrics that guard against liquid spillages, and premium-like fabrics produced by high frequency heat embossing.
On top of a huge cabin space, the Kia Soul also has a large boot space that can accommodate your shopping bags pretty well. If that’s not enough, you can fold down the rear seats and the backrests to create approximately 57 litres of space that can accommodate two mountain bikes.
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
A Closer View at the Kia Soul’s Large Boot Space
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
The Boot Space Can Be Increased By Folding Down the Rear Seats and Backrests
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
Underneath the boot space lies a rear storage tray that is deep enough for you to keep all sorts of items out of sight. This could include your emergency care kit, lanterns, umbrella, sports shoes, and any other items that you seldom use but wish to have onboard.
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
This is how the Kia Soul Looks Like from the Rear
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
At all the four doors of the Kia Soul, there’s a slot for you to put a standard 600ml bottle of water and if you’re wondering whether it can fit a Starbucks Venti Takeaway Cup, yes it can but we do not highly recommend you to put a cup of hot/cold beverage because any spillages can be rather messy and disastrous.
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
Seating at the front seats, the exquisite dashboard of the Kia Soul does gives a feeling of luxury and exclusivity.
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
Moving on to the front passenger’s seat, there is a glove box compartment that allows you to put quite a couple of items such as the car’s manual, parking coupons, and music CDs. It is generally large and deep enough for A4-sized folders as well.
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
The sun visor has a built-in mirror and a separate lighting mechanism on the roof that allows you to touch up your make-up [for the ladies] and hairdo [for the gentlemen] on the go.
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
The driver’s seat is where things start to get a little more interesting. To get a more comfortable driving position, drivers can adjust the seat in 6 directions, whether it is up and down, front and back, or further and nearer the steering wheel. Although the driver’s seat has been ergonomically-designed to help drivers obtain the right seating and driving posture, I personally find the seat to be a tad too tough for my liking.
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
The manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel can be adjusted both up and down, and forward and back, so that you can find the ideal position for comfortable driving.
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
On the steering wheel, you can find controls that allows you to adjust the volume and skip tracks on the audio system, and perform other functions without taking your hands off the wheel for safety and convenience.
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
It is also interesting to note that although the Kia Soul is a Korean-made car, the dashboard has a continental design and the controls to the left/right signals and wipers are positioned differently from that of a Japanese-made car or even my very own Kia Picanto.
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
The Dashboard of the Kia Soul
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
We found the factory-fitted audio system of the Kia Soul to be good enough for basic use and it does look funky with its red-lit buttons. The audio system also has a Bluetooth streaming capability for handheld devices like smartphones and it also allows you to make phone calls. A handy storage area that opens/closes with a push lid is located above the audio system in the center fascia and you can store items such as your sunglasses.
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
The lights around the in-door speakers respond to the music that is playing on the audio system, varying in brightness depending on the volume, bass tone and beat of the music. If you wish, you can also control and change the light colours from red, blue, and green with a turn of a switch.
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
You can turn on/off the Parking Assist System with a push of a button and also hook up your MP3 Player or Ipod to play your favourite music tracks on the sound system. There’s also a cigarette lighter socket and an additional charging socket which allows you to charge your mobile devices on the go.
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
For smokers, there is a removable cigarette ashtray bin which you can use to put cigarette butts but if you’re a non-smoker, the removable cigarette ashtray bin can double up as a mini trash bin for tissue papers and sweet wrappers.
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
The rear view mirror features an ElectroChromic Mirror [ECM] function that will dim any light glare from headlamps behind you.
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
Kia Soul’s Driving Performance
The Kia Soul is powered by a 1.6-litre 6-speed CVVT DOHC Gasoline Direct injection (GDi) engine and when we test-drove the car, we found the auto-transmission to be rather smooth-sailing at low speeds.
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
With that said, overtaking of cars can be somewhat of a challenge because the Kia Soul picks up speed at a rather slow pace and when we floored the accelerator pedal to gain speed, the sound of the roaring engine was rather loud and could be heard in the cabin. However, when we switched the transmission to manual-style shifting, the pick up was faster and way smoother. Although the drive was a little bumpy, driving the Kia Soul was a pleasure.
Although the Kia Soul operates on Auto Transmission, drivers can also switch to manual-style shifting.
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
Equipped with a dual-airbag system that will deploy during an impact to cushion the force on the occupants, and the bumper-mounted parking assist sensors that will help to prevent collisions when reversing, we felt quite safe and secure in the Kia Soul.
The Remote Keyless Entry System and the Engine Start/Stop Push Button also provides the added convenience of operating the car without much of a hassle.
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
Having spent hours photographing the Kia Soul and writing this blog entry, we enjoyed the experience with the Kia Soul and we hope that you enjoyed reading this short review. If you’re a Hatchback Car Lover like us and you’re planning to purchase a car soon, you might want to put the Kia Soul on your list for consideration.
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| From Kia Soul 2013 |
For more updates about the cars that Kia Singapore has to offer, do check out Kia Singapore Facebook Page and if you’re specifically looking for information about the Kia Soul or if you’re a Kia Soul Owner, do check out the Kia Soul Facebook Page!
When I was a young boy, shopping for groceries at the wet market with my mum was a rather dreaded affair and I dislike the weird fishy and meaty smell at the wet market. Now, with supermarkets and hypermarkets springing up like nobody’s business, the wet market is slowly becoming extinct and groceries shopping at the supermarkets/hypermarkets has become somewhat a robotic and systematic process that there’s hardly any form of enjoyment.
I have to say this, though I dislike the wet market, I do miss those times that I spent with my mum at the wet market just looking, touching, and smelling, the vegetables, fish, meat, and fruits. The produce at the wet market are definitely the freshest and honestly, you don’t really know how fresh the produce at the supermarkets/hypermarkets are because for all you know, they might have been on the shelves for days and moreover, those with cheap price tags are usually the ones that are near the expiration date.
Well, if you share similar sentiments, here’s some good news.
Just last week, Jacqueline took some time off with her family to visit PasarBella, the first multi-sensory grocery shopping destination in Singapore and it sure looks exciting after seeing the more than 300+ photos that she took.
With over 30,000 square feet of market space housing more than 30 unique stalls from around the world, PasarBella is the embodiment of its namesake, which is derived from the local term for ‘market’, and the Italian term ‘beautiful’.
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
PasarBella was conceived by the founders’ dreams to provide a one-stop food and lifestyle experience, all under the same roof and it was inspired by the sights, scents, and vibes of other global markets that the founders sought to offer a similar experience here in Singapore.
Housed within a warm community-based environment, PasarBella encompasses a seafood market, meat, dairy, fresh produce, wines and craft beers, global cuisines and personal services.
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
Because there are more than 30 over unique stalls at PasarBella, we are only going to introduce 10 stores that you absolutely must visit when you’re there.
1). Oceans of Seafood
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
Oceans of Seafood pride themselves in providing seafood of the highest quality at affordable prices and it is especially evident from the photos that Jacqueline took.
Fresh Seafood from Oceans of Seafood
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
Yummy Fresh Oysters!
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
A Gigantic Fish Head Selling at Oceans of Seafood
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
Oceans of Seafood has two restaurants at PasarBella and they serve Japanese and Western cuisine. From fresh sashimi to boiled lobster in butter sauce, Oceans of Seafood is no doubt the best place for high quality and value-for-money seafood. For more information about Oceans of Seafood, do check out their Facebook Page.
2). Charly T’s
Famous for their “Best in the City” signature rotisserie chicken and wallet-friendly prices, Charly T’s serves comfort food from around the world that are prepared with the freshest local ingredients.
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
The secret behind their rotisserie chicken, which is crisp on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside – lies in the freshness of the ingredients used, along with a signature preparation method. You might be surprised to know that all Charly T’s chickens are marinated for 13 hours, before being slow-cooked rotisserie-style. Seriously, their rotisserie chicken is a MUST TRY!
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
For more information and updates about Charly T’s, do check out their Facebook Page.
3). The Cheese Ark
What is so special about The Cheese Ark is that they gather rare cheese from cheesemakers who belong to the Slow Food Presidia that protects unique regions and ecosystems, and recovers traditional methods that are at risk of disappearing.
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
I know this sounds cheesy but these are more than just artisanal cheese, these are cheese that are about to be extinct.
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
If you’re a cheese-lover and you’re passionate about cheese, head down to The Cheese Ark and have a taste of the rare authentic cheese they offer. For more information and updates about The Cheese Ark, do check out their Facebook Page.
4). Bella Bakery
Get away from the stress of urban living and step into a little space of your own where you can enjoy a comforting and simple meal with an authentic European ambience with Bella Bakery.
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
Along with the rustic and laidback stall ambience, Bella Bakery offers a wide variety of freshly baked loaves, muffins and croissants in the traditional European style. Unfortunately, we don’t have much information about Bella Bakery but if there’s anything you must try, it has got to be their croissants!
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
5). The Great Beer Experiment
The Great Beer Experiment is not just another craft beer venue but it is also a playground which promises to “Tickle, Test and Tempt” all palates and preferences.
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
At The Great Beer Experiment, you can tickle and tempt your palate with new and limited-edition craft beers from around the world or partake in the Food & Beer Pairing Trails which takes you across the market.
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
Check out the different kinds of beers The Great Beer Experiment has!
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
Personally, I really like The Great Beer Experiment because it’s a really nice place for chilling out and furthermore, an assortment of beers from all over the world is available here. I’m pretty sure beer lovers would love this place as much as I do. For more information and updates about The Great Beer Experiment, do check out their Facebook Page!
6). Little Provence
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
Little Provence specializes in importing, distributing, and retailing Singapore gourmet products and wines from Provence, a place well known for its quality of life, savoury food, and wine. In case you’re wondering where Provence is, it is located in southeastern France and with Little Provence at PasarBella, you don’t have to buy a ticket and fly 14 hours to France just to have a slice of Provence!
The food product range from Little Provence encompasses a wide choice of tapenades, olive oils, vinegars, truffles, artisanal jams, chocolates, and lavender products.
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
To taste, experience, understand, and enjoy the wonderful products and the spirit of the Provence way of life, head down to Little Provence at PasarBella! For more information about what Little Provence has to offer, do check out their website.
7). Tangy Tangerines
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
Tangy Tangerines combines the highest quality fresh fruits with personalised service that has always been offered by their family grocers of yesteryear. At Tangy Tangerines, you can get the widest range of hand-picked fruits that are reasonably priced. Whether it is tropical fruits or seasonal fruits, you definitely can find it at Tangy Tangerines.
For more information and updates about Tangy Tangerines, do check out their Facebook Page.
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
8). The Organic Grocer
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
The Organic Grocer has a wide variety of organic and natural products ranging from fresh organic produce and meats, wild caught seafood, to dairy products and cooking essentials. For all things organic, The Organic Grocer is the place!
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
They even have organic cotton bodysuit for babies!
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
With over 1000 products to offer, pick up a basket and start shopping at The Organic Grocer!
For more information, do check out The Organic Grocer’s Website for more details.
9). The 1872 Clipper Tea Co.
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
The 1872 Clipper Tea Co. was started with the original intention of elevating tea beyond a standard beverage to a special gift item meant for loved ones. They have an interesting selection of gift teas and tea accessories that will definitely delight your tea-loving friends.
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
The 1872 Clipper Tea Co. also has a “Tea Indulgence Corner” where you can sample and experience the flavours and freshness of The 1872 Clipper Teas.
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
If you’re a tea-lover or you’re planning to get gifts for a tea-loving friend, you might want to check out The 1872 Clipper Tea Co. at PasarBella. For more information, you can check out The 1872 Clipper Tea Co. Website for more details.
10). Bonheur Patisserie
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
Bonheur [bo-nur; Fr. baw-nœr] in French means Happiness and Patisserie [puh-tis-uh-ree; Fr. pah-teesuh-ree] in French means a Confectionery. At PasarBella, Bonheur Patisserie presents 30 different macaron flavours ranging from Classical, Asian and Fusion flavours.
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
Here are some really tempting-licious cakes by Bonheur Patisserie
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
What is interesting to note is that Bonheur Patisserie has a pastry cafe at 70 Duxton Road and they also specialise in customized orders for special occasions such as weddings, engagement parties, birthdays, or anniversaries.
For more information, do check out Bonheur Patisserie’s Website.
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So, there you go! We have shortlisted 10 unique stores at PasarBella for you to check out and if you’re wondering how you can get there and what are the operating hours, do read on!
Operating Hours:
Rain or shine, PasarBella’s doors are open for business seven days a week, every week except on selected public holidays. Although some stalls will stay open till 10pm, it is better to call and check because the stalls have the autonomy to set their own operating hours.
With that being said, 9:30am to 7:00pm would be the general operating hours.
How to Get There:
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| From Parsabella 2013 |
PasarBella is located at The Grandstand (formerly Turf City), which sits right in the heart of Bukit Timah. Easily accessible by car or public transport, there is also the added convenience of FREE PARKING on-site.
If you’re travelling by Bus:
You can take the following bus services number: 66, 67, 74, 151, 154, 157, 170, 171 and 174. You will then alight at the bus stop opposite Sixth Avenue Centre or the bus stop after Swiss Club Road.
If you’re travelling by MRT:
The nearest MRT stations are Farrer Road, Holland Village and Botanic Gardens.
If you’re planning to take the shuttle bus:
You can take the FREE shuttle bus services that are available daily at designated bus stops such as Newton MRT (B40181), Botanic Gardens MRT (B41021), and Toa Payoh MRT (B52189).
If you’re travelling by car, key the following address into your GPS System:
200 Turf Club Road Singapore 287994
If you have any questions pertaining to PasarBella, you can contact their general hotline number at +65 6887 0077
Groceries shopping has never been so fun and entertaining, so bring your family members and friends down to PasarBella for a happy and fun time of groceries shopping! Cheers!
