Have wheels, will travel

Car manufacturers and their dealers are looking to driving events to create awareness and woo customers. Here are some that are happening this month.

Audi Sport Driving Experience

From S$250, participants in the Audi Sport Driving Experience can test drive nine different Audis to get a taste of what the brand’s high-performance models have to offer. The event runs from May 13th to 18th and takes customers from the Audi showroom at Leng Kee to the Changi Exhibition Centre. It’s open to members of the public. The highlight? A spin in the latest R8 sportscar.

Kia Experience

This weekend the Kia Experience will give participants the chance to get behind the wheel of a variety of the brand’s models in the private setting of a closed course. Cycle & Carriage Kia says the aim is to open customers’ eyes to a new generation of the manufacturer’s cars, and gain insights into the brand. The real prize? Participants have the chance to be a brand ambassador, and drive a Kia Optima for a year.

Mazda Driveaway

Mazda engineers say they build a sense of driving pleasure they call “Zoom-Zoom” into the brand’s cars, and local dealer Eurokars is eager to showcase just that by taking customers on a drive to Penang and back. Participants pay S$398 for the five day, four night driving holiday, which includes stops at Ipoh and Malacca. Mazda’s driveaways are held annually, and aim to give 40 Mazda drivers the chance to stretch their cars’ legs.

Mercedes-AMG

The high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz produces monstrously powerful cars, and it isn’t shy about showcasing their abilities. Mercedes-AMG organises driver training events aimed at helping customers get the most from their steroid-fuelled cars. Even driveaway holidays have a high-speed twist: An upcoming event in Malaysia includes a day at the Sepang racing circuit.