Third Generation Acura MDX

2014 Acura MDX

Well, what we have here is an Acura MDX except that now, it's been regenerated to a completely different look and for the all-new, third-generation model, I can easily confuse it to its little brother, the RDX. How confusing is the new model? Well, beginning to the design department, and at first glance, it really looks like an Acura RDX enlarged by some kind of "growth ray" or something, and on the back, the rear lamps were designed to look like the ones as seen on the RLX flagship model and then there are Acura's new signature Jewel Eye headlamps which is kinda irritating for those who had Trypophobia.

If you don't know what that is, it's about fear of clustered holes. It's not classified yet but once you see one, you'll feeling nauseous, your skin crawls, your stomach turns, and you might be skipping lunch today. That's exactly what it feels like when you take a peek over the Jewel Eye headlamps. Ooohh.... I really don't want to peek over these headlamps in case I had the bad case of trypophobia!

2014 Acura MDX

Whatever that is, this new MDX is not suitable for those who had trypophobia because of its jewel eye headlamps and whoever has a fear of that kind should consider not to look at one or they'll be skipping lunch for today. However, don't be fooled thinking that this feels more of a regular crossover rather than a luxury crossover because from what Acura said, the new model is now lighter from the previous models' 4,548 - 4,588lbs to 4,025-4,103lbs (FWD) and 4,255-4,322lbs for the SH-AWD model.

Just how did Acura manage to drop such weight? Well, what Acura did to this new model is by making it rigid and using high-strength steel. Previous incarnations rely on an existing Global Light Truck Platform but for this new model, it's an all-original one and it's made from scratch rather than reusing that existing platform because of what Acura said in the development of the new MDX, they had enough of that. Yep. They have had it and decided to make the new model out of a new platform rather than relying on the old platform.

The use of a new original platform really makes the MDX, Acura's best-selling crossover in America, made even more distinguishable and when equipped with the SH-AWD system, this is even much better than the front-wheel-drive model because with the SH-AWD, it kinda feels like the old Honda Legend in so many ways except this is a crossover with the right kind of drivetrain. This is quite a recommendation here because a new MDX with the SH-AWD layout should be more forgiving and more civilized. Sadly though, there is a "but"...

The old 3.7L V6 has now been thrown away and went back to a 3.5L V6 engine but now with added gasoline direct injection. It develops 290HP of power, 10 less than the old one but because it's lighter than the old model, 0-60mph takes under seven seconds, while mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. For fuel consumption, well, thanks to its weight loss, the EPA estimated MPG is now 27MPG highway on the SH-AWD model and 28MPG highway on the front-wheel-drive model.

I once checked the previous MDX a couple of years ago and when it went through our Car Town garage since last year, I carefully examined about why the MDX is all about practicality and convenience, making it a state-of-the-art Togetherness. For this new model, it still has state-of-the-art togetherness even in its newly regenerated look.

2014 Acura MDX interior

2014 Acura MDX interior

But all this newly regenerated look do come with the price, it's available for 42,290 US Dollars but when you go through the packages list, and whichever package you chose, you can expect a host of additional features to choose from such as:

• Acura Navigation System
• Voice Recognition & Song by Voice
• AcuraLink with Real-Time Traffic
• Blind Spot Information System
• Forward Collision Warning System
• Lane Departure Warning System
• ELS Studio Premium Audio System
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio & HD Radio
• Rear-door Smart Entry
• GPS-linked Temperature Control
• 19-inch wheels & Puddle lights
• Acura DVD Rear Entertainment System (RES)
• 9-inch overhead screen
• Front center console 110-volt power outlet
• Wireless headphones and remote
• Rear-door window shades
• Tri-level heated 2nd-row outboard seats
• Ceiling-mounted center speaker
• Perforated Milano leather-trimmed 1st & 2nd row seats
• 6-level heated & ventilated front seats
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) w/ Low Speed Follow
• Collision Mitigation Braking System
• Lane Keeping Assist System
• Remote Engine Start
• RES with 16.2-inch overhead screen and HDMI input
• Two ceiling-mounted center speakers
• Auto-dimming side mirrors
• Front and rear parking sensors

Well, for starters, when you have over 60 grand on your wallet, you can go for the MDX with Advance and Entertainment Packages because of the dual-screen rear monitor where two screens are in one monitor rather than separated from the seats so kids can enjoy two movies in one monitor. What I don't want to expect is to have one little 10 year-older watching a kids cartoon while an unruly 18-year-old teenage girl watching a horror movie on one side. Ooohh...that's going to be a hassle and that poor kid can't concentrate watching his favorite cartoon while a super gory horror movie on one side is on the mix. He he he....

And there we are, the all-new 2014 MDX may have terribly confusing looks and the headlamps not suitable for those with Trypophobia as well as the front-wheel drive's frustration but with the reduced weight, the forgiving SH-AWD, and the dual-screen rear monitor which is part of a package that costs you under 60 grand, it's really not that bad.

Available Colors: White Diamond Pearl, Silver Moon, Graphite Luster Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Fathom Blue Pearl, Forest Mist Metallic, and Dark Cherry Pearl.

Photo: Acura

Gran Turismo 5: The Dual Note

Well, I'll be honest that the Honda Motor Co., Ltd of today is not quite as good as the Honda Motor Co., Ltd. of the past that we all loved to. The Civic is dead when it pulled out from its lineup in the summer of 2010, their hybrid 3-door CR-Z is not quite as cheesy as its CR-X predecessor, and since there is no more Type R at the moment, the Honda of today can now be easily mocked because the one that was famed for making cars for "speedo boys"...gone and took too much ritalin to make their lineup free from their ADHD...and that makes them sad.



I once drove a futuristic Honda saloon car in the world of Gran Turismo 5, called the Honda Dual Note concept, and after much science abuse with this car, this concept car did raised a question on which direction did this Japanese carmaker went. In fact, this concept hybrid saloon doesn't feel like it's been taking too much ritalin nor is the 3.5L V6 hybrid powertrain suffered from autism that most Hondas of the past had.



Premiered at the 2001 Tokyo Auto Show and then in 2002 New York International Auto Show as the Acura DN-X Concept, the Honda Dual Note is a concept sports saloon that, true to its name, uses Honda's IMA system consisting with an electric motor paired with a 3.5L V6 engine mounted in the middle, an uncanny attempt for this 4-door saloon car built for the opulent green. It might seem obvious for a sedan to be mid-engined but let's not forget that this is a concept car so it's impossible to see it coming into reality. Anyway, the Dual Note's 3.5L V6 engine transmits its power to the back while two separate motors are powering the front. With the electric motor and the V6 engine combined forces, it develops under 400HP of power and an impressive fuel consumption of about 18kmpl.



Now, what seems to be uncanny for the Dual Note is they way it performs and because this is a 4WD saloon car, it's not quite as related as the Scooby Leggy B4 but it's nearly close. What's also uncanny was its powerplant because when I'm trying to unleash all 400HP to the Dual Note on the high-speed straights, the battery is depleting easily, and when I hit on the brakes, thanks to its regenerative braking feature that you get on most hybrids, it restores its batteries to its full self. This is like good news and bad news as going full speed ahead is bad news while braking is good news for the battery. Touche...

This is one of the most notable Honda concepts I have ever tried in the world of Gran Turismo and the blue window tint adds a nice touch to the Dual Note's fluidic styling, though. While this concept saloon proves that even the most uncanny tricks can be added on hybrid saloons, the Dual Note sure knows that it's refusing to take too much ritalin from the doctors and wants to go Braniac on the run. What this is, is a Braniac with two hearts and an unstoppable autism far beyond compare to the Type R Hondas of the yesteryear and in fact, this is the kind of car that Honda should have made a few years ago but thanks to the economic downturn, their hopes and dreams had been flourished and because of that, Honda lost their autism and their present lineup's been taking too much ritalin to keep themselves acting like a bunch of boring businessmen.





Pity and if there's such thing as an alternate universe, this hybrid sports saloon would have been a hit instead of a CR-Z...

Acura RLX

As we all know, last year, Honda killed off the unsuccessful Legend flagship sedan leaving the brand only one sedan left in its lineup and that's the Honda Accord, which will be converted into a hybrid-only sedan as well as it will spawn a plug-in hybrid model as well. If you are in North America, there's more sedans offered in the lineup and for its America-only Acura brand, what was once known as the RL has changed.

2014 Acura RLX

This is the Acura RLX. Hideous, isn't it? It's about as boring as watching a romantic drama that is fitting for late bloomers. It's a kind of car only fitting to someone whose friends and employees called him Sir Chief. (laughing) It's a Sir Chief's car! That's what is!

2014 Acura RLX interior

Look at the outside, this car would be fine if this one is sold and badged as a Honda in Japan but that won't happen because Honda killed off the Legend. Like many Acuras, the front view's been stuck with this ghastly looking front grille which feels like the eagle's beak has been flattened by a roller. That's odd but forget about the grille because the overall look for the RLX is about as bland as your Sir Chief in his stripey jumper. I hate stripey jumpers so that's why I don't like the RLX's looks.

As for the interior, this is a bit complicating because on the dashboard, I can see two screens; one on the top and one on the middle which slots above the car's air-conditioning...Huh? What's the purpose of a car having two screens on the dashboard? This is like you're watching a TV show on the same screens! That would be so duling if you know what I mean? So those two screens on its dashboard, the top screen is where it displays maps, song currently playing, and other stuff, while the second screen is where your fingers go. That's right, it was made for touching.

Now under the bonnet is an all-new 3.5-liter Direct Injection SOHC i-VTEC V-6 engine matched to a Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. That car produces about 310HP of power and  272lb-ft of torque. Because it is a first model to implement Earth Dreams Technology, it reaches an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 31MPG highway. Really? Earth Dreams Technology? Perhaps introduce it first in Japan but oh well. That won't happen for Honda to introduce a V6 sedan with some Earth Dreams Technology.

Also, the SH-AWD that the previous model favored for has been thrown away and replaced with a rather hopeless front-wheel drive powertrain and come equipped with something called P-AWS or Precision All Wheel Steer. Some say, this is the industry's first left/right independent rear-wheel toe angle control which uses an all-electric system that enhances driving dynamics. So how's that affect the RLX's driving feel? Not so much, it feels exactly the same as an ordinary FF flagship sedan. It doesn't handle very well than the SH-AWD and it lacks sporty character on it. I'm afraid that P-AWS needs more enhancement because I think this is about as dull as an ordinary pencil sharpener. It doesn't give you better results than a pencil that was once sharpened by a power sharpener.

And then there's the pricing...It starts at $48,450 minus the destination charges while the navigation system would be a $2,500 extra. If you want a full-optioned RLX, you'll need more than $60,450 to have one. That's a bit pricey and that's costlier than the Cadillac XTS or a Buick LaCrosse. So, such pricing would add some rubbishness to the RLX, I'm afraid.

2014 Acura RLX

So, the Acura RLX, the replacement to the RL (known in Japan as the Honda Legend) can be a possible contender for the worst car of 2013 because it's not that nice to drive, it's not that nice to look at, it has two screens that doesn't make any sense, it's not that more fun to drive because of its rubbish P-AWS, it's made by a car company that should have known better, it's not Japanese and worst of all, when will Honda make and sell sedans in Japan?

Photo: Acura

Welcome Back: 2010 Acura TSX V6

It does look like the Honda Accord to us...

This is a Honda Accord but except for one small thing; IT ISN'T. Sure it was made in Sayama, Japan but I don't how did this Honda Accord comes with a...V6 engine that powers the Honda Inspire, only this time without the Variable Cylinder Management. This is somewhat an un-Japanese Japanese Accord because of that V6 engine.

It does feel like a Honda Accord but it has
the V6 engine of the Honda Inspire!

This you see is the 2010 Acura TSX V6, a top of the line TSX model that comes with the 3.5L 280 hp V6 engine found in the Acura TL. It comes with a five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and 18-inch alloy wheels, and is available in either Premium or Technology trims.

When the second-generation TSX (which is essentially the Euro-Japanese 8th Generation Honda Accord to you and me) was launched in America since 2008, the TSX has shattered sales records to become one of Acura's best-selling sedans. With this V6 engine introduced on the 2010 TSX, it adds even more sport to the already sporty nature of the popular Acura TSX sports sedan.

Driving through the Follow-Through with the Accord?

Even it it says ACURA and TSX, it's still the eighth generation Honda Accord, the one that was sold in Europe, Japan, or in China as the Dongfeng-Honda Spirior. It's still the one that is known to be "THE LAST OF THE HONDA SEDANS" ever made.

The instrumental panel is highly
familiar to Accord fans

The dashboard really does look familiar to Accord fans!

The interior would be familiar to Honda Accord fans but here, the Acura TSX V6 with Technology Package comes with a USB connector, memory seat function, and fog lamps. Not only that, it comes with a navigation system real-time traffic and weather, and a 10-speaker premium sound system with DVD-audio capabilities. Sadly, because this is an Acura, we really don't expect the HONDA INTERNAVI like what the eighth generation Accord do. Speaking of which, it has an audio system that the eighth generation Accord never had in Japan; a Panasonic-derived, Grammy award-winning ELS Surround Premium Audio. The 440-watt ELS surround-sound audio system is spectacular even with MP3s, let alone higher-quality CD and DVD audio tracks. Courtesy of Grammy award-winning music producer, Elliot Scheiner, the sound quality of the music I'm playing while driving the TSX is truly Grammy-award winning. It feels like most of my songs played in this car won the Grammy awards. He he he....

Second-generation Acura TSX really is
the eighth-generation Honda Accord from Japan

Having chickened on the ELS Audio System, this near-rich sports sedan is only as good as the blokes who put them together. I'm not going to pretend that this is as good as the JDM Honda Accord or even its twin, the Honda Inspire, but for the same reason that an Acura badged version of the eight-generation Honda Accord isn't nearly as good as the original but for its Honda Inspire-derived V6 engine minus the VCM, this was even quicker than the original 2.4L Honda Accord. Trust me on this, it's going to be that good.

Clearly then, it does look like the eight-generation Honda Accord with the Inspire-derived V6 engine and if we're honest, that's all that the Japanese want.

Acura ILX

Acura's new compact sedan, the ILX, is actually seems to be a decent competitor to the Buick Verano but to me it seems to be somewhat a bit too wrong because when you drive it, it feels like it would become as boring as hell when it comes to your driving pleasure. Underneath, the ILX uses a platform from derived from the Honda Civic, which is now on its ninth-generation that Japan never sold one. So, how can I care about Acura's affordable sedan in North America?

2013 Acura ILX

2013 Acura ILX

Jon Ikeda, head of the Acura Design Studio, said that first-time luxury buyers tend to place a high value on exterior styling, affordability and environmental issues, and that's what they have created with the new Acura ILX. Sadly for me, this is more of a car targeted to senior people because the design's a bit too boring like most Acuras. It appears that this is not the kind of car targeted for those who want to mix business with pleasure and I understand that.

2013 Acura ILX interior

Inside, you'll expect typical Acura interior on the new ILX but you can expect new, high-value features including a standard Keyless Access System with smart entry and pushbutton start, along with Pandora® internet radio interface and SMS text message function for smart connectivity with the world. If you go for the Premium Package, you could expect a host of luxury features such as leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, an upgraded 360 watt stereo system, a rear view camera and an Active Sound Cancellation system. Sounds juicy but it'll may cost you.

If you're a techie, the Technology Package best served with a Panasonic-derived, Grammy-award winning ELS Surround Premium Audio for the best sound experience, sort of. Also on this package is AcuraLink Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting, and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather with radar image maps. It all comes with this 60GB HDD navigation system. But that's enough. Time to talk about the performance...

Expect a 2.0L and a 2.4L petrol engine available on the new ILX. First up, the Chain drive SOHC i-VTEC 16-valve 2.0L engine produces 150HP of power, 140lb-ft of torque, EPA Est. MPG of 28 combined and mated with a 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift paddle shifters and Shift Hold Control. Then, the Chain drive DOHC i-VTEC 16-valve 2.4L engine produces 201HP of power, 170lb-ft of torque, EPA Est. MPG of 25 combined and mated with a Close-ratio 6-speed MT with magnesium case.

ILX Hybrid

2013 Acura ILX

2013 Acura ILX

The Acura ILX Hybrid is the first hybrid car offered on the Acura lineup. It makes use of a 1.5-liter inline engine and an Integrated Motor Assist electric motor. Paired with a Continuously variable with paddle shifters, the Acura ILX 1.5L Hybrid will deliver an EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy rating of 35/38 mpg. Simple as that.

Available colors are Amber Brownstone, Bellanova White Pearl, Crimson Garnet, Crystal Black Pearl, Fathom Blue Pearl, Polished Metal Metallic, and Silver Moon.

My comment:

With the pricing of just $25,900 for the ILX 5-Speed Automatic, what I'm looking here that the all new Acura ILX is $3,315 expensive than last year's Buick Verano so what do you get for a car that is made in Greensburg, Indiana but turned out to be over three thousand dollars more than the car that was made in Orion Township, Michigan? I believe it's nothing. Nothing at all. I would rather pick the Buick Verano because...2 Year Lease Offer Includes 2 Years of SiriusXM Radio. The ILX doesn't have that.

Photo: Acura

Second-generation Acura RDX

Eventually the CR-V based Acura RDX is much more of a direct competitor to the Lexus RX350 and what enthusiasts appreciated the RDX the most was its i-VTEC turbo engine and the SH-AWD. However, thanks to conditions such as the economy, environment, tensions in the Middle East, and the relentless war on speed, Honda kills the only turbocharged i-VTEC engine that powered the RDX. That's a shame though...

2013 Acura RDX

The entirely new Acura RDX is more like the brand new Honda CR-V but what did they do from here is somewhat more of a cost-cutting procedure. First up, the magnificent 2.3L K23A1 Turbo I4 engine has been replaced by a more "polar bear friendly" 3.5 L V6 engine. Also, the magnificent SH-AWD system has been replaced by a simple AWD layout. That's a shame... The only good news I've been getting that the 5-speed AT has been replaced with a 6-speed Paddle Shift Transmission. Looks like the RDX's rock and roll days are over. What Honda did focused on the entirely new RDX is killing the fun factor in favor to be more economical and practical. This is a crossover that is not targeted for the enthusiasts but rather more for the soccer moms and dads. In terms of fuel economy, the entirely new Acura RDX, thanks to its naturally aspirated V6 engine and 6-speed AT, will get through an estimated 20 mpg in the city /23 combined/28 mpg highway and there was the possibility of Variable Cylinder Management. Most Honda enthusiasts already familiar about the Variable Cylinder Management but for those who are asking how does it work, Variable Cylinder Management allows the V6 engine to run on three or four cylinders depending on road conditions. If this RDX runs on three cylinders, engine vibration is reduced by extrapolating vibration from the change in crankshaft rotation speed and sending the information to the 'active control' engine mount.

Okay, about that 3.5L i-VTEC V6 engine, this produces 273HP of power and 251lb-ft of torque. It even has this Drive-by-wire throttle system that reduces weight, increases operational accuracy and stretches out the time between service visits.

2013 Acura RDX interior

It's just typical Acura interior for the new RDX but luckily, the navigation system has been upgraded into an HDD Navi system. There are lots of other stuff you can do while driving the RDX such as listening to music via Pandora® internet radio, text your friends, check traffic information, search for nearest points of interests, voice recognition, find out what's the latest weather in Los Angeles, and everything else just as long as your not fiddling with everything. The Acura ELS Surround® audio system isn't quite what you call "opera quality" but this is somewhat more like your portable iPod speaker you have in your home. This car can accommodate up to five passengers and the rear seats can be folded for some more cargo space.

Some standard equipment on the new RDX includes a 5-spoke 18-inch wheels and improved 4-wheel disc brakes that include an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The rear view camera is now a necessity as well as the keyless acess and push button start.

The entirely new Acura RDX comes in seven colors such as Basque Red Pearl II, Crystal Black Pearl, Forged Silver Metallic, Graphite Luster Metallic, Silver Moon, White Diamond Pearl, and Amber Brownstone.

My comment:
Killing a turbo engine is a hard thing to do for Honda because, well let's be honest, the performance profile of the turbo four may have doomed it to being merely a footnote in Honda's illustrious history. Last year, the previous generation RDX sold only 15,000 units, which sounds a bit too reasonably but with the turbo Honda engine dead, the hopes of applying the power-dense four cylinder on other Honda products has been axed. That made me sad.

Anyway, back at the entirely new Acura RDX, it's not as better as the previous model but more importantly, this car is only focused to be safe, innovative, and more importantly, comfortable for five adults. This is built for the size of your life and let's be honest, like most Acuras, this was only come from a fast food nation. This new model will never get it right...

Photo: American Honda Motor Co.

Joy of joys, my NSX-R GT is now ready for collection!

Honda NSX-R GT at the Top Gear studio

Speaking of which, I finally got my hands on the Honda NSX-R GT as a prize of beating the lap time set by Turn 10 Community Writer, John Schommer (Gamertag: johniwanna) at the Ready Set Gecko monthly rivals event.

Seems that me and the 2011 Wiesmann MF5's hard work really pushed us further and I finally got my hands on this unicorn car. I was wrong. I thought that the 2011 Wiesmann GT MF5 is the same as the 2010 Wiesmann GT MF5 but they're exactly different in terms of performance. Despite the new MF5 is heavier than the old MF5, it really keeps up.

In the meantime, time to put all the celebration by placing the Honda NSX-R GT at the Top Gear Test Track.

Honda NSX Concept in Honda Welcome Plaza Aoyama

2012 Honda NSX Concept

In case you haven't know, at February 4 to 5, Honda made a special Japan premiere of the 2012 Honda NSX Concept at the Honda Welcome Plaza Aoyama. It looks the same as the 2012 Acura NSX Concept as seen at the 2012 NAIAS but the Acura badges are swapped with Honda badges to be more Japanese.

Scoop: http://www.honda.co.jp/welcome-plaza/event/2012/20120204/

Video from LOVECARS Web Automotive Club:

WHAT? There will be no Japan-spec Ninth generation Civic?

North-America spec Honda Civic

Europe-spec Honda Civic

There was a ninth-generation Honda Civic in the USA, and there was a ninth-generation Honda Civic in Europe (to be on sale next year). Now, the question really comes in mind is, will there be a Japan-spec ninth-generation Civic?

Takanobu Ito, president and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd, says that "there is no possibility for a Japan-spec new Civic soon", which is bad news for Civic fans like us.

Remember that the Honda Civic was discontinued in Japan last Summer 2010 for unknown reasons. In fact, this is going to be such bad thing why Honda is letting countries like the US and Europe getting the ninth-generation Civic.

He said that Japan has many Civic fans but it's undecided to bring the new Civic to the Japanese market because of the March 11 disaster, strong Yen, or whatever the heck he'll explain...

"Japan has lots of Civic fans. We have no plans for a Japan-spec new Civic but there will..." Takanobu Ito said that when he was at the 2011 IAA at Frankfurt, Germany.

Is Japan has a possibility to bring the new Civic? Or would Honda likely reject it?

Scoop: http://carview.co.jp/news/0/153176/

Eurasian Wagon Shootout - Avensis vs. Accord Tourer vs. i40

2012 Toyota Avensis

2012 Honda Accord Tourer

2012 Hyundai i40

Those three Eurasian sports wagons; the Toyota Avensis, the Honda Accord Tourer, and the Hyundai i40, truly have something in common. They are family wagons from Asian car manufacturers and they share the same European Elegance because of its design, quality, and performance. Most of these three have the European Premium but which of these three European Premium sports wagons is mostly a "suitable" type?

CASE ONE:

Slated to go on sale in Japan this month, with limited to 300 units available, the new Toyota Avensis returns with a new face and a whole new attitude. The only offering for the Euro Style Wagon is the entry-level 2.0 Xi variant but rumor has it that there will be a facelift next year and it will gain an additional variant. OK, let's not talk about it for now but let's examine what's up with the Avensis. Since it was designed and engineered in United Kingdom, the new Avensis comes with a stylish European design which is highly attractive in the eyes of Japanese consumers. The interior looks somewhat luxurious but a lack of audio system made Japanese customers have to make do with aftermarket audio systems or "Dealer Option" navigation systems offered from dealerships all over Japan.

The Avensis is powered with the 3ZR-FAE (2.0L DOHC Dual VVT-i Valvematic) engine that provides a power output of 152PS and 14.6km/L of fuel economy (10-15 Mode). The standard transmission is the Super CVT-i with a 7-speed Manual Mode which is highly essential on open roads. With Sport Mode on, the Avensis takes advantage of the Euro-tuned suspension for agile cornering on the touge. If you went for a city driving, you should be fine with the CVT but when you're out in the open and want to go for fun, you can switch it to Manual Mode to take control of the seven gears. The new Avensis is highly focused more on the driver's confidence.

CASE TWO:

Arrived in Japan in December 2008 and later received a minor change since February 2011, the Accord Tourer (CW1/CW2) is the wagon version of the Honda Accord (CU1/CU2) sedan. It might have the same prospects as the Toyota Avensis rival but based on my view, I think the Accord Tourer is much more attractive than the Avensis in terms of styling and interior. Today, there are two kinds of Accord Tourer models to choose from such as the entry-level 20TL and the flagship Type-S grade. The 20TL comes with a R20A (2.0L SOHC i-VTEC) engine that produces 156PS of power and 13.2km/L and the Type-S comes with a K24A (2.4L DOHC i-VTEC) engine that produces 206PS of power and 11.4km/L of fuel economy. These fuel economy numbers might not be as good as the Avensis but in power, the Accord Tourer Type S is our best bet. As noticed, the Accord Tourer comes with a 5-speed semi-auto transmission with Manual Mode but I think five gears can be somewhat a lacking to me.

CASE THREE:

This is a new entry from Hyundai and its slated to replace the i30CW although it has no direct successor after the upcoming i30 Full Model Change soon, the European Premium sports wagon, the Hyundai i40, was designed from Hyundai's R&D Center at Russelsheim, Germany, and manufactured at Hyundai's Ulsan plant at South Korean. It is believed that this is "Korea's Avensis Fighter" but can the Hyundai i40 keep up with the likes of its Eurasian rivals such as the Honda Accord Tourer and Toyota Avensis? What about Euro rivals such as the Renault Megane Estate, Volkswagen Passat Variant, and Peugeot 508 SW? Not sure but be patient. As for me, I don't like the front view of the Korean-spec Hyundai i40 but as for the side view and rear view, it really resembles like the Honda Accord Tourer and I really like it. The biggest impression for me is the interior. With such interior design, this beats the Toyota Avensis and the Honda Accord Tourer by a long shot! I am highly impressed about the interior design and there is a special feature that these two didn't have which is none other than the "Luggage Rail System", a first of its class feature for cargo stability.

Under the hood, the Hyundai i40 comes with two engine types such as a newly developed 1.7L CRDi-VGT engine and the newly-developed Nu 2.0 GDi engine. The new 1.7L CRDi-VGT produces 140PS of power and 18.0km/L while the new Nu 2.0 GDi engine creates 178PS of power and 13.1km/L of fuel economy. They are both come with a 6-speed semi-auto transmission with Paddle Shifters, making it on par against the Honda Accord Tourer.

The verdict: The Avensis, Accord Tourer, and the i40, really have impressive European design, European packaging, and European performance. Only one I will call it the best and I'll choose not just one but two Eurasian wagons; the Accord Tourer and the i40! Sorry Avensis, but see you on your next facelift....

Mugen Civic

2011 Honda Civic 2.0 S Mugen Limited Edition

While waiting for the "true" new Civic to arrive in Japan soon, Honda Cars Philippines offered a special Mugen Civic Limited Edition, which is limited to 26 units available on selected Honda dealers across the Philippines. The 2011 Civic 2.0 S Mugen Limited Edition features front and rear bumpers, side skirts, front sports grille, ventilated visor, rear spoiler, forged gunmetal aluminum alloy wheel, heptagon nut set, door under-garnish, and a Mugen emblem.

The 2011 Civic 2.0 S Mugen Limited Edition costs 1,398,000 Philippine Pesos and on sale this August 5 but Honda Cars Philippines are accepting pre-orders now.

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/honda-cars-philippines-offers-civic-mugen-limited-edition