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The Advertiser
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
'Craziest ride of my life': MasterChef judge leading by example
Andy Allen was working for his cousin on a building site in Wickham 13 years ago when he received the phone call that would change his life. "I was an electrician at the time, and I had sent out the application [to be a contestant on MasterChef Australia] thinking nothing would come of it," he tells Weekender. "A friend of mine dared me to do it, actually. "I still remember being on the job site and getting a phone call from an unknown number - this was a couple of months after I'd filled out the application, so I'd pretty much forgotten all about it. "I answered, and it was a producer on MasterChef asking if I could come down to Sydney and have a crack. "So I had to talk to my boss, who was my cousin, and I was like 'Mate, I've gotta go down to Sydney for a couple of days and I'll see you next week'. Well, one thing led to another and another and I never went back to the job site!" Andy, who was born and raised in Maitland, was one exam away from completing his electrician qualifications. He loved to play basketball and he loved to cook, and watched cooking shows to improve his skills. But he took a punt, made it to the final 24 contestants on season four of MasterChef Australia, and on July 25, 2012, defeated Julia Taylor and Audra Morrice in the grand finale. After the show, he published his first cookbook, The Next Element, and started working as a cook at Sydney restaurant Three Blue Ducks. In 2016, he jumped on board as a co-owner when the Three Blue Ducks opened a new restaurant in Rosebery. Two years later, it was awarded an SMH Good Food Guide chef's hat. Andy dipped his toe into the television presenting world, working on Andy and Ben Eat Australia, Andy and Ben Eat The World, Farm To Fork and Three Blue Ducks for Network 10. In 2020, in what was a first for the series worldwide, Andy returned to the MasterChef kitchen as a judge. He's currently on our television screens as a judge on MasterChef Australia: Back To Win alongside Sofia Levin, Poh Ling Yeow and Jean-Christophe Novelli. He's in Melbourne when Weekender calls, having recently bought a house with wife Alexandra (the couple married in 2022) for $3.85 million in Northcote. I know how much he paid because the finer details of the sale were shared widely by the media in April. "I was pretty shocked at that ... it must have been a slow news day," Andy quips. "Alex and I had been toying around with the idea of buying a place down here for a while. I'm loving it - I have jobs to do, mow the lawn, all that stuff. I'm finding myself turning into my old man, which is a little bit scary. I now understand why he would just potter around the house on a Saturday morning." Any electrical work that needed to be done? "No, we got a place that was fully ready to go," he replies, laughing. "It's the first home we've purchased together, so it's nice to feel a sense of accomplishment for something we've worked really hard for." He describes his first season as a judge, alongside Jock Zonfrillo and Melissa Leong, as "bizarre". "Matt [Preston], Gary [Mehigan] and George [Calombaris] had done their thing for such a long time. It wasn't so much nerves, I was more wondering how this was going to go," Andy says. "It was so weird, as soon as I got that first critique out, I realised that they respected my opinion, they respected what I'd done in the industry, they just wanted to get better, and they knew that this was a huge learning process. "It was a huge weight off my shoulders. "Doing Back To Win again, I feel like I'm part of the furniture now at the studio." MasterChef is produced in more than 50 countries and airs in 200 territories. I ask why it is that MasterChef Australia continues to rate the highest among international audiences. "You know, I have thought about it, and I reckon it's so popular because we treat it as a cooking competition," Andy says. "I mean, I was a sparky in Newcastle before I filled out that application form and went on the craziest ride of my life. "When all you're trying to do is get the best out of people in such a positive environment, they realise that they can grab onto this opportunity with both hands and see what they can do with it. They know it can change their lives." There are so many former MasterChef Australia contestants working in the food industry, in the media, and writing books. It's proof that this is a competition with a reward that extends beyond the $250,000 prize money. "We film for five-and-a-half months a year, contestants leave their friends, their family, their careers. There's so much on the line for the contestants," Andy says. "It's an experience for people to walk into that kitchen, let their guard down, lap it up and see what they can get out of it. "The MasterChef kitchen is the ultimate leveller. It doesn't matter how much experience you've got, the challenges are just so random, and you can't be good at everything." Scottish-born Jock died unexpectedly in April 2023, the day before season 15 of MasterChef Australia was due to premiere. The outpouring of grief from the 46-year-old's industry peers, family, friends and fans has been well-documented. Andy and Jock shared a strong bond and were great mates. Was it difficult to carry on as a judge in a space that Jock filled with his personality and presence? "Oh, it was rough at the start. It was rough," Andy says. "I'm kind of lucky, I guess, because I've never had someone really close to me pass away, especially so suddenly. This was a full crash course in grieving. "On last year's series, the first shot was just me in the kitchen with a light shining on me, 20-odd new contestants running through the doors, and I just remember feeling it was sink or swim at that point. "There was one part of me going 'This is going to be really hard' and another part going 'What would Jock do?' And I know he would just get in there and do the best job that he possibly could. "That's been my mission for a couple of seasons now; to really make sure that what we created lives on in the best possible way. "And there's still many times when I get that wave of grief that sweeps me up ... and that's one of the things I've learned about grief, it will hit you any time, it will hit you over the most insignificant thing, and you just have to accept that and continue to move forward." Andy reckons he's "getting there" when it comes to dealing with his grief. "Last year it was a lot about missing Jock and wishing he was around. This year, I still miss him every single day, don't get me wrong, but for me it's now more about celebrating him and trying to move forward," he says. "Sometimes this wave comes over me, it will be one small, minute thing and it just gets you, it cripples you, and there have been times on set when I just go white for no reason and the producers are, like, 'Are you OK?' "But you have to just process it and move forward. When you love someone dearly and they're not there any more, that's what happens." Outside of the MasterChef kitchen, Andy enjoys spending time in his own. He creates and shares cooking videos on social media and says he is inspired by the contestants he judges week in and week out. "Cooking is still an outlet for me. I still enjoy it," he says. "I'll come home after a 12-hour day and cook Alex dinner. That's my switch-off time, I can just focus on what's for dinner. It sounds so cringe but it's also so real: when there's a lot of other stuff going on in your life, you can process it while you're cooking a bowl of pasta. "I get to spend six months of my life being inspired by what contestants can do with food when they're put under pressure. If you're not inspired in that kind of situation, it's probably time to give it up, you know?" He had been training for a half marathon, however, says he "did a hamstring seven weeks out". "I'm still not 100 per cent better. But my wife got there, and she ran another one last week. She's got the bug," he says. In 2022, Andy co-founded new mid-strength beer Travla with Australian actor Travis Fimmel (Vikings, Warcraft, Raised By Wolves, Dune: Prophecy, Black Snow, Boy Swallows Universe), so that is also keeping him busy. "He's a funny, unique man who will not quit until it's a success. He's the best business partner I could ever ask for," Andy says. "Travla has started to go really, really well. It's starting to kick some goals as a beer brand that celebrates country living and country values. "Travis is a country boy. He grew up just outside of Echuca, at Lockington, and it doesn't matter where he goes or what he does, he'll always be that guy from Lockington. "He's got this total juxtaposition of what he's exposed to through what he does in Hollywood and around he world, but at heart he's a guy who just wants to be on the farm." So, does he ever miss his sparky days? "My tool kit is still at Mum and Dad's," he says. "I'll go home to visit and sometimes there will be a box of downlights or a couple of ceiling fans in front of the door, and Mum gives me the eye. "I can't really say no, can I?" Andy Allen was working for his cousin on a building site in Wickham 13 years ago when he received the phone call that would change his life. "I was an electrician at the time, and I had sent out the application [to be a contestant on MasterChef Australia] thinking nothing would come of it," he tells Weekender. "A friend of mine dared me to do it, actually. "I still remember being on the job site and getting a phone call from an unknown number - this was a couple of months after I'd filled out the application, so I'd pretty much forgotten all about it. "I answered, and it was a producer on MasterChef asking if I could come down to Sydney and have a crack. "So I had to talk to my boss, who was my cousin, and I was like 'Mate, I've gotta go down to Sydney for a couple of days and I'll see you next week'. Well, one thing led to another and another and I never went back to the job site!" Andy, who was born and raised in Maitland, was one exam away from completing his electrician qualifications. He loved to play basketball and he loved to cook, and watched cooking shows to improve his skills. But he took a punt, made it to the final 24 contestants on season four of MasterChef Australia, and on July 25, 2012, defeated Julia Taylor and Audra Morrice in the grand finale. After the show, he published his first cookbook, The Next Element, and started working as a cook at Sydney restaurant Three Blue Ducks. In 2016, he jumped on board as a co-owner when the Three Blue Ducks opened a new restaurant in Rosebery. Two years later, it was awarded an SMH Good Food Guide chef's hat. Andy dipped his toe into the television presenting world, working on Andy and Ben Eat Australia, Andy and Ben Eat The World, Farm To Fork and Three Blue Ducks for Network 10. In 2020, in what was a first for the series worldwide, Andy returned to the MasterChef kitchen as a judge. He's currently on our television screens as a judge on MasterChef Australia: Back To Win alongside Sofia Levin, Poh Ling Yeow and Jean-Christophe Novelli. He's in Melbourne when Weekender calls, having recently bought a house with wife Alexandra (the couple married in 2022) for $3.85 million in Northcote. I know how much he paid because the finer details of the sale were shared widely by the media in April. "I was pretty shocked at that ... it must have been a slow news day," Andy quips. "Alex and I had been toying around with the idea of buying a place down here for a while. I'm loving it - I have jobs to do, mow the lawn, all that stuff. I'm finding myself turning into my old man, which is a little bit scary. I now understand why he would just potter around the house on a Saturday morning." Any electrical work that needed to be done? "No, we got a place that was fully ready to go," he replies, laughing. "It's the first home we've purchased together, so it's nice to feel a sense of accomplishment for something we've worked really hard for." He describes his first season as a judge, alongside Jock Zonfrillo and Melissa Leong, as "bizarre". "Matt [Preston], Gary [Mehigan] and George [Calombaris] had done their thing for such a long time. It wasn't so much nerves, I was more wondering how this was going to go," Andy says. "It was so weird, as soon as I got that first critique out, I realised that they respected my opinion, they respected what I'd done in the industry, they just wanted to get better, and they knew that this was a huge learning process. "It was a huge weight off my shoulders. "Doing Back To Win again, I feel like I'm part of the furniture now at the studio." MasterChef is produced in more than 50 countries and airs in 200 territories. I ask why it is that MasterChef Australia continues to rate the highest among international audiences. "You know, I have thought about it, and I reckon it's so popular because we treat it as a cooking competition," Andy says. "I mean, I was a sparky in Newcastle before I filled out that application form and went on the craziest ride of my life. "When all you're trying to do is get the best out of people in such a positive environment, they realise that they can grab onto this opportunity with both hands and see what they can do with it. They know it can change their lives." There are so many former MasterChef Australia contestants working in the food industry, in the media, and writing books. It's proof that this is a competition with a reward that extends beyond the $250,000 prize money. "We film for five-and-a-half months a year, contestants leave their friends, their family, their careers. There's so much on the line for the contestants," Andy says. "It's an experience for people to walk into that kitchen, let their guard down, lap it up and see what they can get out of it. "The MasterChef kitchen is the ultimate leveller. It doesn't matter how much experience you've got, the challenges are just so random, and you can't be good at everything." Scottish-born Jock died unexpectedly in April 2023, the day before season 15 of MasterChef Australia was due to premiere. The outpouring of grief from the 46-year-old's industry peers, family, friends and fans has been well-documented. Andy and Jock shared a strong bond and were great mates. Was it difficult to carry on as a judge in a space that Jock filled with his personality and presence? "Oh, it was rough at the start. It was rough," Andy says. "I'm kind of lucky, I guess, because I've never had someone really close to me pass away, especially so suddenly. This was a full crash course in grieving. "On last year's series, the first shot was just me in the kitchen with a light shining on me, 20-odd new contestants running through the doors, and I just remember feeling it was sink or swim at that point. "There was one part of me going 'This is going to be really hard' and another part going 'What would Jock do?' And I know he would just get in there and do the best job that he possibly could. "That's been my mission for a couple of seasons now; to really make sure that what we created lives on in the best possible way. "And there's still many times when I get that wave of grief that sweeps me up ... and that's one of the things I've learned about grief, it will hit you any time, it will hit you over the most insignificant thing, and you just have to accept that and continue to move forward." Andy reckons he's "getting there" when it comes to dealing with his grief. "Last year it was a lot about missing Jock and wishing he was around. This year, I still miss him every single day, don't get me wrong, but for me it's now more about celebrating him and trying to move forward," he says. "Sometimes this wave comes over me, it will be one small, minute thing and it just gets you, it cripples you, and there have been times on set when I just go white for no reason and the producers are, like, 'Are you OK?' "But you have to just process it and move forward. When you love someone dearly and they're not there any more, that's what happens." Outside of the MasterChef kitchen, Andy enjoys spending time in his own. He creates and shares cooking videos on social media and says he is inspired by the contestants he judges week in and week out. "Cooking is still an outlet for me. I still enjoy it," he says. "I'll come home after a 12-hour day and cook Alex dinner. That's my switch-off time, I can just focus on what's for dinner. It sounds so cringe but it's also so real: when there's a lot of other stuff going on in your life, you can process it while you're cooking a bowl of pasta. "I get to spend six months of my life being inspired by what contestants can do with food when they're put under pressure. If you're not inspired in that kind of situation, it's probably time to give it up, you know?" He had been training for a half marathon, however, says he "did a hamstring seven weeks out". "I'm still not 100 per cent better. But my wife got there, and she ran another one last week. She's got the bug," he says. In 2022, Andy co-founded new mid-strength beer Travla with Australian actor Travis Fimmel (Vikings, Warcraft, Raised By Wolves, Dune: Prophecy, Black Snow, Boy Swallows Universe), so that is also keeping him busy. "He's a funny, unique man who will not quit until it's a success. He's the best business partner I could ever ask for," Andy says. "Travla has started to go really, really well. It's starting to kick some goals as a beer brand that celebrates country living and country values. "Travis is a country boy. He grew up just outside of Echuca, at Lockington, and it doesn't matter where he goes or what he does, he'll always be that guy from Lockington. "He's got this total juxtaposition of what he's exposed to through what he does in Hollywood and around he world, but at heart he's a guy who just wants to be on the farm." So, does he ever miss his sparky days? "My tool kit is still at Mum and Dad's," he says. "I'll go home to visit and sometimes there will be a box of downlights or a couple of ceiling fans in front of the door, and Mum gives me the eye. "I can't really say no, can I?" Andy Allen was working for his cousin on a building site in Wickham 13 years ago when he received the phone call that would change his life. "I was an electrician at the time, and I had sent out the application [to be a contestant on MasterChef Australia] thinking nothing would come of it," he tells Weekender. "A friend of mine dared me to do it, actually. "I still remember being on the job site and getting a phone call from an unknown number - this was a couple of months after I'd filled out the application, so I'd pretty much forgotten all about it. "I answered, and it was a producer on MasterChef asking if I could come down to Sydney and have a crack. "So I had to talk to my boss, who was my cousin, and I was like 'Mate, I've gotta go down to Sydney for a couple of days and I'll see you next week'. Well, one thing led to another and another and I never went back to the job site!" Andy, who was born and raised in Maitland, was one exam away from completing his electrician qualifications. He loved to play basketball and he loved to cook, and watched cooking shows to improve his skills. But he took a punt, made it to the final 24 contestants on season four of MasterChef Australia, and on July 25, 2012, defeated Julia Taylor and Audra Morrice in the grand finale. After the show, he published his first cookbook, The Next Element, and started working as a cook at Sydney restaurant Three Blue Ducks. In 2016, he jumped on board as a co-owner when the Three Blue Ducks opened a new restaurant in Rosebery. Two years later, it was awarded an SMH Good Food Guide chef's hat. Andy dipped his toe into the television presenting world, working on Andy and Ben Eat Australia, Andy and Ben Eat The World, Farm To Fork and Three Blue Ducks for Network 10. In 2020, in what was a first for the series worldwide, Andy returned to the MasterChef kitchen as a judge. He's currently on our television screens as a judge on MasterChef Australia: Back To Win alongside Sofia Levin, Poh Ling Yeow and Jean-Christophe Novelli. He's in Melbourne when Weekender calls, having recently bought a house with wife Alexandra (the couple married in 2022) for $3.85 million in Northcote. I know how much he paid because the finer details of the sale were shared widely by the media in April. "I was pretty shocked at that ... it must have been a slow news day," Andy quips. "Alex and I had been toying around with the idea of buying a place down here for a while. I'm loving it - I have jobs to do, mow the lawn, all that stuff. I'm finding myself turning into my old man, which is a little bit scary. I now understand why he would just potter around the house on a Saturday morning." Any electrical work that needed to be done? "No, we got a place that was fully ready to go," he replies, laughing. "It's the first home we've purchased together, so it's nice to feel a sense of accomplishment for something we've worked really hard for." He describes his first season as a judge, alongside Jock Zonfrillo and Melissa Leong, as "bizarre". "Matt [Preston], Gary [Mehigan] and George [Calombaris] had done their thing for such a long time. It wasn't so much nerves, I was more wondering how this was going to go," Andy says. "It was so weird, as soon as I got that first critique out, I realised that they respected my opinion, they respected what I'd done in the industry, they just wanted to get better, and they knew that this was a huge learning process. "It was a huge weight off my shoulders. "Doing Back To Win again, I feel like I'm part of the furniture now at the studio." MasterChef is produced in more than 50 countries and airs in 200 territories. I ask why it is that MasterChef Australia continues to rate the highest among international audiences. "You know, I have thought about it, and I reckon it's so popular because we treat it as a cooking competition," Andy says. "I mean, I was a sparky in Newcastle before I filled out that application form and went on the craziest ride of my life. "When all you're trying to do is get the best out of people in such a positive environment, they realise that they can grab onto this opportunity with both hands and see what they can do with it. They know it can change their lives." There are so many former MasterChef Australia contestants working in the food industry, in the media, and writing books. It's proof that this is a competition with a reward that extends beyond the $250,000 prize money. "We film for five-and-a-half months a year, contestants leave their friends, their family, their careers. There's so much on the line for the contestants," Andy says. "It's an experience for people to walk into that kitchen, let their guard down, lap it up and see what they can get out of it. "The MasterChef kitchen is the ultimate leveller. It doesn't matter how much experience you've got, the challenges are just so random, and you can't be good at everything." Scottish-born Jock died unexpectedly in April 2023, the day before season 15 of MasterChef Australia was due to premiere. The outpouring of grief from the 46-year-old's industry peers, family, friends and fans has been well-documented. Andy and Jock shared a strong bond and were great mates. Was it difficult to carry on as a judge in a space that Jock filled with his personality and presence? "Oh, it was rough at the start. It was rough," Andy says. "I'm kind of lucky, I guess, because I've never had someone really close to me pass away, especially so suddenly. This was a full crash course in grieving. "On last year's series, the first shot was just me in the kitchen with a light shining on me, 20-odd new contestants running through the doors, and I just remember feeling it was sink or swim at that point. "There was one part of me going 'This is going to be really hard' and another part going 'What would Jock do?' And I know he would just get in there and do the best job that he possibly could. "That's been my mission for a couple of seasons now; to really make sure that what we created lives on in the best possible way. "And there's still many times when I get that wave of grief that sweeps me up ... and that's one of the things I've learned about grief, it will hit you any time, it will hit you over the most insignificant thing, and you just have to accept that and continue to move forward." Andy reckons he's "getting there" when it comes to dealing with his grief. "Last year it was a lot about missing Jock and wishing he was around. This year, I still miss him every single day, don't get me wrong, but for me it's now more about celebrating him and trying to move forward," he says. "Sometimes this wave comes over me, it will be one small, minute thing and it just gets you, it cripples you, and there have been times on set when I just go white for no reason and the producers are, like, 'Are you OK?' "But you have to just process it and move forward. When you love someone dearly and they're not there any more, that's what happens." Outside of the MasterChef kitchen, Andy enjoys spending time in his own. He creates and shares cooking videos on social media and says he is inspired by the contestants he judges week in and week out. "Cooking is still an outlet for me. I still enjoy it," he says. "I'll come home after a 12-hour day and cook Alex dinner. That's my switch-off time, I can just focus on what's for dinner. It sounds so cringe but it's also so real: when there's a lot of other stuff going on in your life, you can process it while you're cooking a bowl of pasta. "I get to spend six months of my life being inspired by what contestants can do with food when they're put under pressure. If you're not inspired in that kind of situation, it's probably time to give it up, you know?" He had been training for a half marathon, however, says he "did a hamstring seven weeks out". "I'm still not 100 per cent better. But my wife got there, and she ran another one last week. She's got the bug," he says. In 2022, Andy co-founded new mid-strength beer Travla with Australian actor Travis Fimmel (Vikings, Warcraft, Raised By Wolves, Dune: Prophecy, Black Snow, Boy Swallows Universe), so that is also keeping him busy. "He's a funny, unique man who will not quit until it's a success. He's the best business partner I could ever ask for," Andy says. "Travla has started to go really, really well. It's starting to kick some goals as a beer brand that celebrates country living and country values. "Travis is a country boy. He grew up just outside of Echuca, at Lockington, and it doesn't matter where he goes or what he does, he'll always be that guy from Lockington. "He's got this total juxtaposition of what he's exposed to through what he does in Hollywood and around he world, but at heart he's a guy who just wants to be on the farm." So, does he ever miss his sparky days? "My tool kit is still at Mum and Dad's," he says. "I'll go home to visit and sometimes there will be a box of downlights or a couple of ceiling fans in front of the door, and Mum gives me the eye. "I can't really say no, can I?"
Business News Wales
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business News Wales
Students Create Winning Idents for Cardiff Animation Festival
Animation students at the University of South Wales (USW) have stepped back in time to create nostalgic idents for the Cardiff Animation Festival. As part of the festival at Chapter Arts Centre, six students from the Animation (2D and Stop Motion) course at USW have produced idents – a short, animated video clip – inspired by this year's theme of nostalgia and cult classics from the world of film and TV. Oliwia Sydry, Perci Orkney, Adiee Romans, Rory Cairns, April Shakehseff and Owen Williams will all see their work shown at the Weekender event, with the idents available online for the duration of the festival until 1 June. April created a cartoon-style ident inspired by 1920s and 30s favourites, Betty Boop and Steamboat Willie (pictured). She said: 'I was particularly influenced by my sister, who has a deep love for Disney and often revisits those classic cartoons. Her enthusiasm sparked the concept for this project. 'The process of making this animation was fun and fulfilling; it was exciting to have the creative freedom to bring my own ideas to life through animation.' Adiee created a 1980s-themed ident, inspired by the retro wallpaper she has at home. The 28-year-old, from Newport, decided to study Animation at USW to follow her passion for the subject. She said: 'I've always wanted to be an animator, but when I was younger I was told that lots of roles in the creative industries were not 'real jobs'. Then after working in so many jobs that I hated, I knew I needed a change, and the course at USW was perfect for me as it meant I could stay in Newport and commute to Cardiff for my studies. 'I love the colours and patterns of the 80s – especially the home décor – so the Cardiff Animation Weekender ident brief was a super fun one to work on. It has been an incredible experience and it's an amazing feeling to be part of such a big festival. 'The fact that my ident was chosen to be shown at the festival has made me feel that I'm in the right place at the right time. Coming back to education as a mature student was so scary, and I wasn't sure whether I had made the right decision, but little wins like this solidify that I'm where I'm supposed to be.' Festival Director Lauren Orme, who graduated from USW in 2012, said: 'As an alumna of USW, I'm so thrilled to be working with the University on the Cardiff Animation Weekender idents this year. 'We've been absolutely blown away by the idents the students have created – from CG performance and epic stop motion, to 2D idents inspired by anime, early Disney, video games and more; they're all so different and all brilliant. 'Live brief opportunities during my time on the USW BA Animation course really helped me to boost my portfolio and gain experience working with real clients, which gave me a head start getting into freelancing when I graduated. 'We're really pleased to be able to offer the same opportunity to current students, and to give them what for many will be their first experience seeing their work on the big screen, in front of lovely audiences full of industry professionals and international guests.'
Perth Now
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Tougher Kia Tasman Weekender concept ute could preview future update
The Kia Tasman Weekender (WKNDR) Concept made headlines at this year's Seoul motor show and, while it hasn't been confirmed for production as yet, it could preview future design updates for the Korean's brand's first ute. Speaking with CarExpert at a local pre-production drive of the Tasman X-Pro this week, Kia Australia's general manager for product planning Roland Rivero said the polarising design of the launch vehicle is here to stay for the time being. 'At the moment, to be honest – it's just a concept. It's a concept for enhancement of the brand… [to] further promote the Tasman,' Mr Rivero said. 'Across the lifecycle, [there is] plenty of opportunity to enhance [the Tasman] and, who knows, the facelift might draw inspiration from it, I don't know.' Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Revealed at the Seoul show last month, the Kia Tasman Weekender concept – or WKNDR, as it was badged – is kitted out with hardcore off-road equipment including larger front and rear bumpers housing recovery points, all-terrain tyres, and sturdy-looking side steps. There's also a chunky roof rack that leads into a large rear sailplane, plus what appear to be dual winches and a sizeable storage box above the rear tray. It all previews what could be possible in the realm of heavy-duty genuine accessories for the polarising new Korean dual-cab. One of the other key changes for the Tasman WKNDR is the use of body colour for its controversial horizontal wheel-arches, which makes them appear less prominent than the dull black plastic material for which the production model attracted so much criticism. The Weekender is finished in a matte beige paint, which closely resembles the Tan Beige colour available for the production-spec Tasman – also reminiscent of the Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series' iconic Sandy Taupe. It's augmented by lime green accents on the front and rear bumpers, as well as tie-down straps attached to the side of the Tasman's bed. All of the chunky accessories, including the lower portion of the bed and cabin, are finished in matte grey. Weekender Concept Credit: CarExpert Tasman X-Pro prototype Credit: CarExpert Weekender Concept Credit: CarExpert Tasman X-Pro prototype Credit: CarExpert Kia Australia has committed to making a range of genuine accessories available from the Tasman's market launch in July – Mr Rivero indicated around 40 items will be available via dealers from the get-go. The Korean brand's local arm has collaborated with local suppliers like EGR Auto and Triple M for its catalogue of Tasman add-ons, which are said to include everything from bull bars, canopies, trays and side steps. Mr Rivero confirmed that numerous variations of each accessory will also be available to suit different Tasman variants as well as customer needs – think standard versus heavy-duty, as well as Single versus Double Cab, and Pickup versus Cab Chassis. Kia offers a number of wild and wacky extras for the Tasman in the Korean domestic market, but Mr Rivero said these options aren't locked in for Australia at the moment, largely due to the cost from factory. Do you want to see a production version of the Tasman Weekender Concept? Sound off in the comments! MORE: Beefy new Kia Tasman concept previews hardcore off-road gearMORE: Everything Kia Tasman
Straits Times
02-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Straits Times
5.5 sale: Best deal picks from Amazon, Lazada, Shopee and more
DEALS 5.5 sale: Best deal picks from Amazon, Lazada, Shopee and more Singapore's 5.5 sale is here, bringing massive online shopping deals from major platforms like Lazada, Shopee, Amazon and more. Whether you're hunting for the best 5.5 tech deals, fashion steals, household appliances or home essentials at a discount, this is the perfect time to save. We've rounded up the top picks from the 5.5 sale so you can shop smarter and score big before the bargains disappear. Best 5.5 deals to shop now Sonos Ray Soundbar, $399 Original price: $529 (25 per cent off), Buy here PHOTO: LAZADA Sleek and stylish, this is a great addition to the living room for elevated movie nights with family and friends. Shop Now at Lazada Timex Unisex Weekender 38mm Watch, $56.26 Original price: $86.00 (35 per cent off), Buy here PHOTO: AMAZON Featuring an easy-to-read dial, Indiglo backlight, and interchangeable straps, it's a versatile and classic timepiece that works with any outfit. Shop Now at Amazon FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw (Tropical), 24oz, $30.61 Original price: $44.50 (31 per cent off), Buy here PHOTO: AMAZON The FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle keeps drinks cold for hours and features its signature unique 2-in-1 spout that lets you sip through the built-in straw or chug straight from the spout. The bright, hard-to-miss colourway adds a splash of fun to your daily hydration. Durable, leak-proof, and perfect for on-the-go use. Shop Now at Amazon Sukin Hydrating Body Lotion (Original Scent) 500ml, $16.58 Original price: $25.50 (35 per cent off), Buy here PHOTO: AMAZON Sukin's Hydrating Body Lotion in its original scent is packed with natural botanicals like aloe vera, rosehip, and jojoba oil to nourish and soften skin. It offers gentle hydration without harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances which means it's suitable for sensitive skin. Shop Now at Amazon ASICS Women GEL-KAYANO 29 Running Shoes, $129.50 Original price: $259 (50 per cent off), Buy here PHOTO: LAZADA The ASICS GEL-KAYANO 29 offers enhanced stability and comfort for runners, featuring FF BLAST PLUS cushioning and a supportive heel counter. Designed to reduce impact and improve stride, it's ideal for both daily jogs and long-distance runs. Shop Now at Lazada Kinohimitsu Collagen Diamond 5300mg Inner Beauty Supplement 50ml, $135.76 Original price: $329.40 ( per cent off), Buy here PHOTO: SHOPEE Support radiant, youthful skin from within with Kinohimitsu's Collagen Diamond 5300mg supplement. Packed with high-strength marine collagen peptides, this beauty drink helps improve skin elasticity and hydration. Shop Now at Shopee Shop Now at Lazada Bodum SKÅL Double Wall Chardonnay Glass 2 pc. Set, $23.66 Original price: $56.90 (58 per cent off), Buy here PHOTO: AMAZON Keep your drinks perfectly chilled without condensation with these classy glasses. This two-piece set is made from durable, heat-resistant borosilicate glass and offers a sleek, modern look for wine or cocktails. Shop Now at Amazon STAUB Ceramic Pumpkin Dish (Matte Black),16-oz, $52.35 Original price: $83 (37 per cent off), Buy here PHOTO: AMAZON Known for their range of premium crockpots, this cute pumpkin-shaped pot is perfect for baking and serving individual portions in style. Both functional and decorative, get it if you love hosting meals. Shop Now at Amazon This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
