There are road trips, and then there are road trips that remind you why you fell in love with driving in the first place. The Audi Drive Challenge with the all-new Audi A3 and A5 was firmly in the second category: three days, two nights, and a cross-border adventure that took us from Singapore to Ipoh, on to Kuala Lumpur, and back home again.
Four cars led the charge, with two Audi A5s and two Audi A3s, each playing a distinct role in a challenge that blended performance, efficiency, creativity, and good old-fashioned driving fun. Eight journalists and KOLs were split into teams, competing not just against the road, but against each other, in a series of challenges designed to show what these new-generation Audis are really made of.
From the moment we set off from Singapore, the tone was clear. This wasn’t just a convoy cruise. It was a proper driving experience. The highways opened up, the scenery shifted from city skylines to lush greenery, and the cars settled effortlessly into their stride. The A5, with its sleek lines and confident presence, felt perfectly at home devouring long stretches of road, while the A3 impressed with its nimble character and surprising maturity on extended drives.
The challenge was split into two main themes. For the Audi A5 teams, it was all about the Photography Challenge, which focused on capturing the spirit of the journey, the design of the car, and the emotion of the drive. From golden-hour shots in Ipoh to urban backdrops in Kuala Lumpur, teams had to think creatively, scouting locations, framing moments, and telling a visual story that went beyond just “nice car, nice road.”
Meanwhile, the Audi A3 teams took on the Fuel Challenge, where efficiency was king. It wasn’t just about driving slowly. It was about driving smart. Smooth throttle inputs, reading traffic, choosing the right moments to overtake or coast, and making the most of the car’s engineering all came into play. It turned out to be surprisingly intense, with teams constantly second-guessing their driving styles and doing mental math at every fuel stop.
Of course, no great drive challenge is complete without a bit of rivalry. With eight competitive personalities in the mix, the banter was constant, the bragging rights were fiercely contested, and every checkpoint felt like a mini showdown. But that was part of the charm. Beneath the competition, there was a shared sense of adventure and camaraderie that only comes from long hours on the road together.
The route itself was a highlight. Ipoh welcomed us with its laid-back charm and great food, which, let’s be honest, is a crucial part of any road trip. Kuala Lumpur brought a more urban, high-energy contrast. Through it all, both the A3 and A5 proved to be comfortable long-distance companions. They were quiet when you wanted to relax, responsive when the road opened up, and packed with tech that made the journey easier and safer.
By the time we pointed the cars back toward Singapore, there was that familiar mix of fatigue and satisfaction that only comes after a proper drive. Stories were exchanged, photos were reviewed, fuel figures were debated, and winners were eventually crowned. But honestly, the real win was the experience itself.
Three days. Two nights. Four cars. Eight competitors. A whole lot of adrenaline, laughter, and unforgettable roads.
Huge thanks to Audi Singapore for putting together this incredible drive challenge from Singapore to Ipoh and back. If this is what the new Audi A3 and A5 are capable of in the real world, consider us seriously impressed, and already looking forward to the next adventure.
This piece is filmed in collaboration with Audi Singapore.
Savage No Refrain 