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The Malaysian made cars are not common in Singapore but it is gaining popularity. Perhaps it is because the price it is sold in Singapore is way too high than it’s value due to the COE pricing owners have to pay. (COE = Certificate of Entitlement which car owners in Sg must pay before he is allowed to buy a car). COE prices used to be really high (tens of thousands) and mine which was in early 90s was about $25k or so. This does not include car price, as a matter of fact, so you can imagine how much a car will cost after you add up COE + Car Price. Thus, we seldom see the Protos nor the Peroduas on the roads. But rising petrol prices have prompted many to purchase cheaper cars like those made in china and also now Malaysian cars come in a handful too.

I saw this Kelisa which had the ‘just passed’ plate. In Malaysia, those who had just obtained their driving license will display a P plate but in Sg they display an Orange Triangle in a Yellow Box plate. This car owner is also a practical person.. He/She opted for weekend car instead of a regular car. Weekend cars have red registered plates. It is slightly cheaper in COE costs as well as Road taxes too. It is practical for those who takes the efficient public transport to work to avoid petrol hikes, and hefty car park charges. With a weekend car plate, one can only drive the car from 7pm evening till 7am morning, half day on Saturday and full day on Sundays and Public holidays. I find it a practical move. But it will not work for me since I need the car transport on weekdays more to shuttle my girls to and fro school and clasess/activities.

I find this Kelisa really cute. Although the design is being rumoured to take the likes of minis, it think it is still very adorable. This one i saw is has a White body and Black top is awesome.. the driver also dressed up the car with lots of decals. He is also very proud of Singapore! (note the two Singapore flag decals)