This week’s Blog Entry brings us to a country on the opposite side of the United States: Singapore. It’s a beautiful country that is rich of Asian cultures, remarkable architecture and most importantly, good food! Though relatively small, this country has no shortage of automobile enthusiasts! In addition to strict regulations when it comes to modifying cars, Singaporeans must face another challenge: high cost of vehicle ownership. You see, prior to registering a vehicle in Singapore, one must bid for a COE (Certificate of Entitlement) that is good for 10 years. Depending on which category applied, the cost of COE can easily exceed $100k SGD! It takes dedication to own a vehicle in Singapore, yet alone modifying them!

Our first feature from Singapore is Kye’s CLA200 Shooting Brake. I’ve always been a fan of this sleek low roofline wagon offering from Mercedes-Benz. The first thing that caught my eyes from Kye’s Shooting Brake are its massive front brakes and the blue accents that flow consistently throughout the car. Kye also added AMG Line bumpers to achieve a more aggressive look on his Shooting Brake. Car is also dropped on a set of lowering springs for a sportier look. Volk Racing G025 wheels were selected as the final piece to the exterior modification. 

I’ve been to Singapore and taken tourist-y photos there many times in the past but finding the right place for a car photo shoot was a new experience. Fortunately, an article from motorist.sg was able to guide us to the right direction for this feature: Shenton House Rooftop and Canterbury Road. Weather also sided with us during the photo shoot, which helped on the editing side.

Sadly, the CLA Shooting Brake was never offered stateside. And with the recent “Car and Driver” article discussing about Mercedes Benz’s plan to discontinue a lot of their product lines (Shooting Brake included), I could only admire the beauty of this sleek looking wagon through these photos.

WHY A WAGON?

I chose a wagon for its unique design and the boot space.

Did you consider a different WAGON instead of this one?

Yeap. I was considering a golf wagon but couldn’t find a suitable one at that time.

What was your original objective with your car and has that objective changed?

My objective was to make it look nicer than stock. I think I did pretty well.

What style would you say best describes your car?

I’d say a cool looking wagon. Not too much but just right.

Who assisted in the planning/building/modding of your car?

I asked my friends before actually changing some parts aesthetically.

What do you feel makes your car unique/special in your eyes?

It has to be my custom sky-blue Alcon BBK.

What is your favorite part/feature/function of the car?

The tailgate. They don’t have it on the sedan.

If you could pick one thing you aren’t satisfied with about your car, what would it be?

The leather seats aren’t durable. Gets worn overtime.

What has been the biggest obstacle you’ve faced while building this car?

While my car was at the workshop changing the body kit and respray, my battery goes flat on collection day. I seriously don’t know if it was them or my fault. Had to get new batteries.

What one word best describes your car?

Sleek.

What is your final goal with this car?

My final goal would be to have it wrapped with another colour.Haven’t achieved it yet LOL.