Volvo S60 (Z)

Most people knew about Volvos wandering what would the next S60 looked like following the arrival of the new generation Volvo V60 estate and after moments of conspiracy theories, Volvo showed the world the new S60 and this is going to be a turning point for Volvo, especially the fact that the only Swedish carmaker we know is now under the hands of its Chinese owners from Geely. Let's evaluate.

2019 Volvo S90

One major fact about the new S60 is a fully imported model straight from the United States of America. Why made in the USA? It's all thanks to Mr. Tariff Man of course because he's not a fan of EU-made cars so that's why Volvo responded to this grim fandango to produce the new S60 on American grounds, whatever it takes. Geopolitics isn't the least of its problems because the way the new S60 is just one of them and it just suffered from the case of the Russian doll approach like every other luxury carmakers do, meaning when you park this car next to its big brother, the S90, you really can't explain what that means.

2019 Volvo S90 interior

Same issue goes to the interior because Volvo thinks that the signature dashboard first applied on the XC90 looks so good, they want to apply it on today's Volvo models, especially this one because they want their interiors to value functionality before form and that's how it got here but anyway, dashboard issues aside, it still snuggles and works like every other luxury midsize saloon should be. Be it a family car, a chauffeur-driven car to escort the VIPs, or for TNVS purposes, the S60 almost ticks the boxes of what a saloon should be and the boot space is relatively decent as well.

2019 Volvo S90

While this is made in a greatest country on earth that dropped out from the Paris accord because Mr. Tariff Man says so, the new S60 leads the charge for Volvo's diesel-free future because beginning on this model, Volvo will not have diesels on it due to today's climate and instead, they have a choice of a 2.0L T5 petrol engine, a Twin Charged 2.0L T6 hybrid petrol engine with 340PS of power, 2.0L T8 Twin Engine with 390PS of power, and then there's the range-topping Polestar Engineered T8 Twin Engine with 405PS of power. The T8 variants are the fastest of the range with a 0-100kph time of 4.6 seconds while the efficiency goes to the Twin Engine T6 variant with 1.5 - 2.3l/100km of WLTP-calculated fuel economy. All of these engines are mated to a Geartronic automatic gearbox.

Compared to the old S60, the new S60 now behaves like a new car because of the Scalable Product Architecture as well as revised dynamics that leaves drivers surprised on how decent the handling is although it's not BMW-ish but more like Audi-ish because of the four-wheel drive drivetrain essential to its hybrid powertrain. Yes, there will be some arm-breaking understeer but behaving as a normal car, it feels business as usual. Whether you take it to work or for a trip to the mall or whatever, the new S60 does its luxury car charms rather well even if it's not quite as exciting as a BMW 3-Series.

When the previous, second-generation, Volvo S60 revolutionized car safety with the first ever City Safety which involves putting emergency brakes that can stop the car itself when it detects approaching pedestrians. The new, third-generation, S60 continues its predecessor's lineage and Volvo's vision of a safer motoring future by carrying over its City Safety with Autobrake technology which now also engages auto braking to mitigate oncoming collisions, a world first for a midsize saloon. Along with the upgraded Pilot Assist system, the Run-off Road Mitigation, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, Cross Traffic Alert, and other safety tech, the new S60 is hands down one of the safest cars in the world, whatever that means.

2019 Volvo S60

The new S60 starts at 398,900 SEK (around 2,202,000 Philippine Pesos), which sounds fairly expensive for a midsize luxury car but if you can't afford the high price, you can take advantage of the Care by Volvo subscription service where you can keep the car for 36 months. Simple as that.

Despite its American blood, the S60 is still Swedish at heart, which isn't so bad for being a Euro-American citizen that crossed across the Atlantic to get through Scandinavia and showcase its legendary Volvo safety to the mass motorists. While the design of the new S60 is too much to tell because of the Russian doll effect, the strong suit of the new S60 is its twin charged engines and the safety tech that made us believe in Volvos. It may not be one of the most exciting luxury saloons in the world but it's one of the safest and it's all about getting the job done with no questions asked.

Photo: Volvo Car Corporation

Fourth-generation Mazda 3

Mazda ushers in the new era by giving us their first car of the Reiwa Era and their new car marks the Japanese arrival of a world-class medium-sized vehicle range that has been known the world over because of its unique packaging, unique performance, and charisma to woo the competition away. Welcome to the new, fourth-generation Mazda 3.

2020 Mazda 3

From the first to the third generation model, the Mazda 3 is sold in Japan as the Axela but for the fourth generation model, Mazda decided to replace the Axela with the Mazda 3, thus adopting a new global approach for Mazdas in the present and the future, and this new model marks a fresh new chapter in Mazda's history because of its design, powertrain, and packaging that are clear signs that it is embarking on a whole new generation of Mazdas.

2020 Mazda 3

2020 Mazda 3

Beginning on the design, the Mazda 3 draws inspiration from the Kai Concept as seen on the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show and the concept-inspired design is worth appealing for first-time buyers looking for a very sensible midsize car after passing their driving exams. The Kodo design's fully evolved and from every angle, this is Mazda design on a whole new level by all ways and means.

2020 Mazda 3 interior

While the new exterior design is very dramatic and very striking to be fallen for, the interior takes on a more minimalist approach to deliver a much more convenient cockpit design for the driver and a more modest space for passengers and cargo alike, although the rear visibility's not quite good for common car standards the rear-view monitor's taken care of. Despite the rear visibility issues, the modest spacing for the passengers and modest cargo space really made the new Mazda 3 a class apart from the rest, something that will leave the competition scratching their heads.

The Mazda Connect system has been powered up to be more usable than ever. It even has a built-in owner's manual to get to know the new Mazda 3 better.

2020 Mazda 3

2020 Mazda 3

Now we get to know what's under the hood of the new Mazda 3. The sedan variant is offered with a SKYACTIV-G 2.0L petrol and a SKYACTIV-D 1.8L diesel engine while the fastback variant is offered with the engines mentioned from the sedan but with the addition of a more economical 1.5L engine with 17.8km/L of combined fuel economy based on WLTP standards. Depending on the variant, they are mated with either a 6-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE AT or a 6-speed SKYACTIV-MT.

The engines mentioned in the new Mazda 3 are rather nice indeed but the biggest trump card is the world's first SKYACTIV-X engine. Available later this autumn, the world's first SKYACTIV-X engine features the new Spark Controlled Compression Ignition which combines the response and economy of a diesel engine and the performance of a petrol engine, all in one clever engine that works in accordance with Mazda's first-ever M Hybrid system, a 24V mild hybrid system that used Mazda's new electric drive technology, which minimizes fuel consumption and results to a much better fuel economy courtesy of its recycled energy recovered during deceleration and powering an electric motor that assists the engine.

Apart from the engine, the new Mazda 3 is even more drivable than ever thanks to its reworked suspension setup that works well on the road, new SKYACTIV-VEHICLE ARCHITECTURE with multi-directional ring structures on the bodywork, a more dramatic braking performance, a more refined and quiet ride, G-VECTORING CONTROL PLUS, and the optional i-ACTIV AWD, among many others to make the new Mazda 3 even more rewarding to drive on a day-to-day basis, even when you use it for TNVS purposes.

For safety, the new Mazda 3 incorporates the i-ACTIVSENSE suite of advanced safety features such as a Driver Monitoring System, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Cruising & Traffic Support, Intelligent Speed Assistance, 360-degree view monitor, Adaptive LED headlights, and more, resulting in a safer vehicle full stop.

Price? The fastback model starts at 2,181,000 Japanese Yen (around 1,040,145 PhP) while the sedan starts at 2,470,000 Japanese Yen (around 1,180,000 PhP), which makes it a reasonably priced Mazda to start with, a real bargain in the new era indeed. So, while the rear visibility is a bit of a downer for the new Mazda 3, the styling, the convenient interior, and the performance really sets the competition apart, and looks like more and more people will talk big about the new Mazda 3 once they get their hands on one. The more you know.

Available colors: Snow Flake White Pearl Mica, Jet Black Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Titanium Flash Mica, Sonic Silver Metallic, Machine Grey Premium Metallic, Soul Red Crystal Metallic, and Poly Metal Grey Metallic.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

Hyundai Sonata DN8

The previous LF Sonata was meant to be a technological tour de force for Hyundai to be a class apart from the competition but due to its regular styling reminiscent of the YF model, there were only a few people interested in it until the New Rise gave a new life to the LF and slightly gained some attention to it. Responding to the lukewarm reception of the old LF model, Hyundai called the shots to give the Sonata a new lease on life with this full model change.

2020 Hyundai Sonata

There's a big reason why the chassis code for this generation is called DN8 because some might joke as "did not ate", it truly is the eighth generation Hyundai Sonata for this full model change, the Sonata is now a class on its own and with only a few executive midsize saloons out in the open, the DN8 Sonata strives to become the alpha of the now-endangered species.

2020 Hyundai Sonata

First, let's get to know about the design but sadly, there's something perplexing about the exterior design. On the front, you will notice the hexagonal-shaped grille and the Malibu-styled lamps but look closely at the edge of the headlamp and you will notice that the edge of the headlamp's stretching through the car's side. It's as messy as looking at a little kid with overstretched eyelids, something you would put on the Body Bizarre documentary. While the front face looks horrendous due to the overstretched edges from the headlights, the coupe-like styling is somewhat of a compliment for some while the rear view looks like it came from the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. In other words, the design of the new model looks rather bizarre than blasphemy. On the inside, however, tells a different story.

2020 Hyundai Sonata interior

On the inside, you are welcomed by the G70-styled steering wheel, mood lighting, seating for five people, climate control, heated seats, HUD, adjustable seats, and so on, which isn't so bad for a car like this but the biggest party piece is that for expensive versions, the new DN8 Sonata comes armed with a built-in camera, which is perfect to record some crazy moments on the road and then share it on social media. This is just like every other people nowadays where they won't go out without a dashcam to record even the silliest things on the road just to break the internet. There's also another party piece for the DN8 Sonata and with the Hyundai Digital Key app ready, your smartphone becomes a key for the Sonata and you can get away from every single journey in a keyless manner. It really is the future, people.

2020 Hyundai Sonata

At launch, the DN8 Sonata is powered by a G4NM 2.0L Smartstream G MPi engine producing 160PS of power and 20kg-m of torque, which is rather regular for a midsize saloon, and while mated to a 6-speed AT, it promises a combined fuel economy of up to 11.9km/L as is. Of course, there's also a variant powered by a 2.0L LPG engine which consumes more than petrol but is cheaper to fill it up than petrol, which is fit for taxi drivers and company car users. Of course, there will be turbo and hybrid variants to follow later.

In terms of driving feel, the DN8 Sonata can be either comfortable or sporty at the push of a button but drivers can use the CUSTOM feature to choose just how sporty or comfortable their car is to their liking, resulting in a more personalized driving pleasure. Apart from the driving pleasure for all, the new Sonata comes ready with the Hyundai SmartSense suite of safety features that will keep itself safe on the journey home unless one of you needs to go to the rest stop for a toilet break.

The DN8 Sonata starts at 23,460,000 Korean Won and this is still as reasonably priced as the old model. So, while the DN8 Sonata looks bizarre on the exterior design, its technological marvel really makes it more like the man of the people and concerned drivers can't wait to get their hands on its built-in camera feature to record even the silliest stuff on the road just to break the internet. Needless to say, it really is the Sonata for concerned drivers who can't wait to smell some freshly picked sweet potatoes from the troll farm. Typical...

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Peugeot 508 II

Peugeot's been busy cashing in on their hit crossovers such as the 2008, 3008, and the flagship 5008, but there is still work left undone for the 508 range. Although sales of the 508 have been stagnant due to the rise of crossovers, they decided to give the 508 another go with this new generation and what a Peugeot it is.

2019 Peugeot 508

2019 Peugeot 508 SW

Available in sedan and SW variants, the new Peugeot 508 starts at 32,300 Euros TTC so it's reasonably priced for a flagship saloon that competes to the likes of the Mazda Atenza, Subaru Legacy, Kia K5, Toyota Camry, and many others and by observing the design of the new model, the new 508 draws inspiration from the Exalt Concept, making it one of the best-looking saloons that borrows concept car elements out of it and making a buzz out of it. The only problem about the new look is the front because while it's nice to look at, the 508 badging in the middle spoils the appeal. It's fine on a Land Rover but in here, it's plain rubbish. It's like a supermodel with a big boil in her nose and you don't want that to happen.

2019 Peugeot 508 interior

On the inside, the futuristic elements today's Peugeot model carries since the 308, dubbed the i-Cockpit, are all here and it's sort of reminiscent of the interior from today's Ford GT, if you know what I mean? Anyway, while the dashboard is too futuristic to be ignored because of its clever sat-nav with smartphone connectivity, clever speedo, and so on, the comfort zone really works rather well in this new model, and thanks to the use of the EMP2 platform, it's surprisingly more spacious than the old 508 as well as the boot space, whereas the SW variant has the upper hand.

2019 Peugeot 508

Speaking of EMP2 platform, that new platform used on the new 508 results in a more lively driving experience that makes you come back for more, and when you go for the top-spec GT PureTech 225 S&S EAT8, the 508's dynamics really speaks for themselves but for subtle driving pleasure, there are different variants to choose from, just don't go for the diesel variants because France, like the rest of Europe today, treated diesels like public enemy number one because of the D-word from the headlines.

The driving pleasure of the new 508 is great indeed because of its new platform and sophisticated suspension and chassis setup that fares better than the previous model and for going home, the new 508 will be ready with a wide range of driving and safety aids so you don't have to worry about a thing.

So, is the new Peugeot 508 improved compared to the previous 508? Yes. These improvements made the new model relatively superior compared to the competition in terms of comfort, performance, safety, and packaging but while the design is great to look at, the 508 badge on the front side is a zit that deserves to be pinched and popped but while the front view is the least of the worries, the new 508 tries hard to win back the public whose attention is shifting to crossovers.

Photo: Groupe PSA

Third-generation Honda Insight and Clarity PHEV

After two failed attempts to challenge the Toyota Prius, the Honda Insight hybrid has returned and this time as a four-door saloon that blends style with ecology that makes it unique in every single way but unlike its failed predecessors, the new Insight doesn't really want to pick fights with the Toyota Prius. Instead, it wants to take on a different approach now as a four-door saloon that serves as the successor of the old Civic Hybrid from the distant past.

2019 Honda Insight

2019 Honda Insight

Priced from 3,261,600 to 3,826,570 Japanese Yen, the third-generation Honda Insight departs from being a Prius fighter its predecessors failed to attempt and instead, because it's now a Civic-sized hybrid sedan, it wants to take on the likes of the Corolla Axio Hybrid, which is shockingly cheaper than the Insight but because the Toyota Corolla Axio's reached its prime, the new Insight's ready to shine and judging from every angle, the new Insight really is a concept turned reality as it draws inspiration from the concept car as seen from the 2018 NAIAS and just as we thought that the Insight might end up being an American-only model, we'd be dead wrong because it's already arrived in Japan and it's here to stay.

2019 Honda Insight interior

While the Insight's exterior is very Civic-influenced to give it a more coupe-like approach at every angle, the driver-focused interior is far beyond the competition and while it works like it means it, the comfort is pretty much feels like every family car in the world and while the rear legroom's surprisingly spacious enough for six-footers to breathe their legs out, the trunk space is pretty ample enough for someone who can jam through numerous thrift shop hauls while leaving some room for some minor grocery shopping treats. Interesting.

2019 Honda Insight

The new Insight features a third-generation Sport Hybrid i-MMD system, a two-motor hybrid system that combines the new 109PS 1.5L Atkinson-cycle petrol engine and a powerful 96kW electric drive motor, allowing this car to run as a series hybrid, as an electric, or as a petrol-powered car. This hybrid setup is capable of delivering the new Insightt a WLTP-based combined fuel economy of up to 28.4km/L.

Apart from the hybrid powertrain, the new Insight's body and chassis is actually an improved version of the one used from today's Honda Civic and while this is not essentially a fun-to-drive car like most Japanese hybrids possess, the new Insight is surprisingly comfortable and quiet and when armed with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver safety features, the journey home never felt so safe and secured and this could be the ideal family car you wouldn't want to let your eyes off.

The Insight really is a classy hybrid with loads of tech in it and as an alternative to the Civic, which doesn't have a hybrid variant from its previous eight-generation model, for the regular joes rather than speedo boys who like to keep the Civic anyway, this is an everyday car that you can really take it with you for work or for play. However, if you need more than the Insight, consider its another alternative if you consider planning extra trips.

2019 Honda Clarity PHEV

2019 Honda Clarity PHEV

This is the new Honda Clarity PHEV and while this is based on the Clarity Fuel Cell, what's different between the two cars is the powertrain because while the normal Clarity Fuel Cell is an FCEV car much like the Toyota Mirai, the Clarity PHEV uses an LEB-H4 1.5L iVTEC Atkinson Cycle engine combined to an 135kW electric motor and li-ion battery made for plug-in use.

2019 Honda Clarity PHEV interior

2019 Honda Clarity PHEV interior

Running as a hybrid, this has a combined fuel efficiency, by WLTP standards, of 24.2km/L but using its full capabilities as a plug-in hybrid vehicle, it has a class-leading PHEV combined fuel efficiency, by WLTP standards, of 101km. Consider how many places you can get into whereas the new Insight can't. But with all that distance comes with the price because the Clarity PHEV is priced at 5,880,600 Japanese Yen and that over two and a half million more than the new Insight. But let's not mince words for the time being.

In the end, if you want a luxurious compact hybrid sedan that behaves like a normal family car fit for everyday use, try the Insight, but for further journeys, consider the new Clarity PHEV for a change.

Photo: Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

Hyundai Avante/Elantra (AD) - 2019 minor change

Just as how Hyundai radically revamped the current-generation Sonata to make it more Grandeur-ish, the current-generation Avante (known in the world market as the Elantra) has been given a big minor change this year and with the folks brought their pencil sharpeners and blade sharpeners because they made it even more edgier than the pre-facelifted model as well as giving it more features to make it more usable.

2019 Hyundai Avante

2019 Hyundai Avante

The New Avante, as Hyundai wants you to believe, is a big minor change to the current-generation AD model and for this big minor change, The New Avante features a much sharper design inspired from its big brothers and more technological features fit for day-to-day basis at work or at weekends with family and friends.

For starters, the exterior design features a new front face, a new rear, new wheel designs, and LED headlights on more expensive models. On the inside, they've revamped the center cluster, the air vents, the controls, and the storage tray, among many others. It even has useful features such as a hidden-type trunk button that allows users to open the trunk by touching the Hyundai badge on it as well as a wireless chargning port for today's smartphones, all adds up to a more usable Avante for everyday use.

2019 Hyundai Avante interior

2019 Hyundai Avante interior

The engine lineup's changed and the new Avante now comes with a brand new SmartStream G1.6 engine which comes with Dual Port Fuel Injection System and Integral Thermal Management System. This is the same new engine that powers the brand new Kia K3 months ago. It produces 123PS of power and 15.7kgf•m of fuel economy. Just like the new Kia K3, this variant is mated to a brand new SmartStream Intelligent Variable Transmission or IVT which is, annoyingly, a CVT that behaves differently because it uses adaptive style shift logic with a chain-type belt instead of push belt, a first in the compact class. Rings a bell, huh? Although the performance is somewhat upsetting with this powertrain, the fuel efficiency is not so bad as it can get up to 15.2km/L combined.

If you want your Avante to keep going, you can even opt in for a 17.8km/L 1.6L e-VGT diesel engine with 136PS of power and 30.6 kgf•m of torque, but this is not the time to talk about that because in today's times, talking diesel is no longer part of our daily lives, well almost.

It maybe Korean but the way it performs is typically Japanese, much like your dad's Civic but unlike that, the new Avante comes prepared with Hyundai SmartSense safety features in more expensive variants such as Foward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Alert, and Safe Exist Assist, among many others. Now that's usable for day-to-day use.

The 2019 Hyundai Avante minor change starts at 14,040,000 Korean Won so it is cheaper to buy than the all-new Kia K3, making it a bargain of the year.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Mazda CX-3 and 3rd Generation Atenza - 2019 minor change

The CX-3 compact crossover and the third-generation Atenza sedan and wagon, two of Mazda's popular models known for their edgy styling, driver-focused interior, blend of performance and ecology, and trademark Mazda quality that made them the talk of the town, are on their 2019 model year and they've gained some minor changes to keep them fresh for more to come with these popular picks from the Mazda lineup. Let's examine what's new with these cars.

2019 Mazda CX-3

2019 Mazda CX-3 interior

Beginning on the CX-3, the 2019 minor change features a new front grille, new chrome accents, new taillights, and new 18-inch wheels on the exterior while on the inside, the CX-3 has new front seats, redesigned center console and armrests, electronic parking brake in place of the handbrake lever, and a few changes around on the passenger side to make it more accommodating for the passengers.

Under the hood, the CX-3 minor change adds a brand new SKYACTIV-D 1.8L engine with Natural Sound Smoother. As the smoothest, quietest, and cleanest SKYACTIV-D engine Mazda has ever made, this brand new diesel engine produces 116PS of power and 270Nm of torque. Fuel economy, based on WLTC Mode standards, is around 20 to 23.2km/L for front wheel drive variants while 4WD variants get about 19-21.2km/L.

Of course, if you are not a diesel fan, Mazda can offer you a CX-3 with a SKYACTIV-G 2.0L engine, which is now revamped to produce 150PS of power and 195Nm of torque. Fuel economy can get up to 16.2km/L for front wheel drive variants and 15.2 for 4WD variants.

The CX-3 features G-VECTORING CONTROL which uses engine timing to control chassis dynamics and when coupled with the i-ACTIV AWD system which adapts control of the driving force distribution between the front and rear wheels, it works like a charm if you know how to tread this carefully. Besides, it won't be it without Mazda's i-ACTIVSENSE suite of safety systems such as Smart Brake Support, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Smart City Brake Support, Hi-Beam Control System, Lane Departure Warning System, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Monitoring.

The new CX-3 starts at 2,127,600 Japanese Yen.

2019 Mazda Atenza

2019 Mazda Atenza Wagon

2019 Mazda Atenza interior

Let's move on to the third-generation Mazda Atenza range and for the second minor change, it's now the best-looking Atenza yet to offer for executive car buyers, probably because the front face has been revamped to make it look mature, which is great for an executive saloon and wagon of that size, and the rear view has been revamped dramatically so that the body color extends to the lower bumper section.

Inside, the dashboard's heavily revised to make it more luxurious because they've added some wooden trim for a touch of class and then, there's the new Active Driving Display on the windscreen, which is very good but that could just spoil the driver-focused interior with the premium feel into it.

The SKYACTIV-G 2.0L and 2.5L petrol engines and the SKYACTIV-D 2.2L diesel engine has been revamped to meet WLTC Mode standards. Petrol engines are mated exclusively with a SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6AT while the diesel engine is mated with either this or the 6-speed SKYACTIV-MT. Little did you know that the SKYACTIV-G 2.5L petrol engine now employs a new cylinder deactivation system for better fuel efficiency while delivering 190PS of power and 252Nm of torque? Anyway, since these engines are revamped to meet such new standards, petrol variants can get up from 14.2 - 15.0km/L of fuel efficiency while the best-seller diesel variant can get up to 19.6km/L.

With G-Vectoring Control and i-ACTIV AWD at hand, in addition to Mazda's i-ACTIVSENSE suite of safety systems, not only the new Atenza feels good to drive full stop but it's reliable and safer to drive on the journey home from another day at the office.

The new Atenza range starts at 2,829,600 Yen for sedan and wagon variants.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

Kia All-New K3 (BD)

Having showcased to the world stage at last January's NAIAS, Kia's all-new K3 (known to the world as either a Cerato or a Forte) has arrived and it's going to be a game changer in the medium sedan category where Corollas and Civics are too good to be cool. So, how's the full model change work well in today's automotive landscape? Well, let's find out.

2019 Kia K3

2019 Kia K3

Kia states that the all-new K3 draws inspiration from our favorite sports saloon, the Stinger, but to my mind, this new model is both alluring and perplexing at the same time. Although the front view looks very surprising at first, the rear view can be easily confused to the Audi A3 sedan but so what, you can tell that to the boss who used to work at Audi. Either way, the new K3's design is not half bad for medium sedan standards and when you see one stopping by your home subdivision, you are really taking chances on how nice this car looks.

2019 Kia K3 interior

On the inside, the new K3 still works like every other car in the world should be and if you go for some expensive variants, you'll have some stuff to toy around with before setting off such as this touch screen sat nav that works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB ports, wireless charging station, KRELL Premium Sound with 8-speaker, and many more. While the interior is not pretty bad to make most off, the boot can take up to 502L liters of cargo and that's enough space to put today's stuff you bought from your nearest thrift shop or garage sale you saw in the classifieds.

2019 Kia K3

Now, we get to know about the performance of the new K3 and this is the time you should pay attention because what you will about to witness can be refreshing and revolting at the same time because the new K3 is the first Kia to introduce the all-new SmartStream G1.6 engine which comes with Dual Port Fuel Injection System and Integral Thermal Management System, and it's mated to an all new SmartStream Intelligent Variable Transmission or IVT which is, annoyingly, a CVT that behaves differently because it uses adaptive style shift logic with a chain-type belt instead of push belt, a first in the compact class. Not only that, the IVT is even quieter than conventional CVTs and as a result, it has a fuel economy of 15.2km/L. Not quite as efficient as most Japanese compacts but it's worth the trip to your nearest points of interests for almost a week, although it can be somewhat as unpleasing to live with like your dad's Civic that has a CVT on it that he got as a birthday present from last year.

Let's not forget, to keep the new K3 smooth on today's traffic, it's been given with numerous safety features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and High Beam Assist, among many others.

The all-new K3 from Kia starts at 15,900,000 Korean Won which is still one of the most reasonably priced cars on the market today. So, how do I sum this up? First, while the K3 excels on its value for money, good looks, tech, and space, it's not very pleasing on the performance stakes because although they did a good job on fuel efficiency, the IVT really spoils the new K3's fun factor and that is the bottom line. Love it or hate it, you'd be the judge for that.

Available colors: Snow White Pearl, Silky Silver, Aurora Black Pearl, Gravity Blue, Platinum Graphite, Runway Red, Horizon Blue, and Steel Grey.

Photo: Kia Motors

Kia K5 (JF) - 2019 minor change

The current-generation K5 (JF), known in world markets as the Optima, is now undergoing a 2019 minor model change and for this minor change, Kia's midsize saloon takes flight with a revised look and features that will keep the K5 afloat for more.

2019 Kia K5

2019 Kia K5

On the exterior, the latest minor change features a more slanted version of Kia's signature Tiger Nose grille as well as a new front bumper, new rear lamps, and new wheel options ranging from 16 to 18-inch sets, among many others revised for this minor change. On the inside, the steering wheel's new, new quilted leather seats, new LED ambient lighting that changes depending on the driving mode you set foot, KRELL Premium Sound, and some new software on the sat-nav provided by our folks from Kakao.

Annoyingly for this minor change, the more powerful variant has been omitted as well as the others, which means the choice of engines available on this facelift is now down to a 2.0 CVVL, 1.6L T-GDi, 2.0 LPi (for taxi fleets), and a 1.7L diesel engine. A hybrid and a PHEV might come out later on but in the meantime, those looking for some oomph should go for the 1.6L T-GDi while those looking for some more distance should go for the 1.7L diesel with the combined fuel efficiency of around 16.1km/L. Lesser variants are mated with either a 6-speed manual or AT but high-end ones get a 7-speed DCT.

Safety wise, the 2019MY K5 now comes with a surround view monitor and Highway Assist consisting of adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist systems, just to keep the journey home smooth as a grass whistle.

The 2019MY K5 starts at 22,700,000 Korean Won (around 1.1 million PHP).

Available colors: Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl, Silky Silver, Platinum Graphite, and Gravity Blue.

Photo: Kia Motors

New Buick Regal Sportback and TourX

Following the Europeans launching the all-new second-generation Opel/Vauxhall Insignia range, it looks like Buick, General Motors' semi-luxury car brand, is not far behind because they decided to borrow one of these for the all-new Buick Regal and while that sounds good news, it can also be bad news because thanks to PSA, it looks like this is the last time Buick will borrow the Insignia as a Regal. After that, it's no more, and that's kind of sad.

2018 Buick Regal Sportback

2018 Buick Regal TourX

While lamenting that this is the last time Buick will borrow the Opel Insignia as the Regal following Opel's acquisition by PSA, this Euro import Buick Regal now comes with two new body styles to choose from such as the five-door Sportback and the first-ever sport utility wagon called the TourX. Yep, America's back at selling wagons as crossovers like the Subaru Outback, the Audi A4 allroad, and the VW Golf Alltrack but seriously, this is the first time an American car brand selling a station wagon since the forgettable Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon. Sure, it maybe a wagon but they call it an SUV because station wagons are a forbidden fruit on American roads.

Anyway, for a quick refresher, the new Regal range, like the new Insignia, traces its looks from the Mazda Atenza and while this is basically a European copycat of the Mazda Atenza, there are many things that your Mazda doesn't have, even performance but that comes later because let's step inside to see what's what.

2018 Buick Regal Sportback interior

Like the new Insignia, the new Regal's interior may have been as similar to the outgoing model but it's now surprisingly spacious than before so people at the back can get themselves accommodated and as for boot space, the trunk volume of 490 to 1,450 litres makes it enough to accommodate most of your grocery shopping stuff of the day. In the TourX, you can fill up to 1,665 liters of cargo space with everything to your heart's content. Also, the new Regal offers some basic General Motors goodies such as the available OnStar 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi Hotspot, meaning there's so much to make topics online while driving one as well has letting the kids at the back binge watch some cartoons. Now that's luxury done right for the new Regal.

For most variants, the sole engine is the 2.0L turbocharged engine that produces 250HP of power and 295 lb.-ft. while mated to an 8-speed AT. Not only this engine provides high performance by midsize car standards but it's surprisingly sporty enough for a Buick because of its 5-link rear suspension and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive that behaves pretty much like the Ford Focus RS in lesser ways.

2018 Buick Regal GS

If you want more, there's the sporty GS variant which features some bits and bobs from the Insignia GSi, including the recalibrated all-wheel drive system but unlike the GSi, the Regal GS is powered by a more powerful 3.6L, 310-HP V6 Engine mated to a 9-speed AT. How come the Europeans withdraw such a powerful offering? Well, no one knows but in Australia's case, the Regal GS will be their Commodore VXR, and that makes it super unfair. Still, since this the Buick Regal, the GS will be the next best thing since the Ford Focus RS because with such powerful dynamics, it can even upset an Audi S4 in a pinch and it could become your favorite Buick for the time being.

What about safety? While the Insignia it was based on comes with a 360-degree camera, Rear View Camera, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Advanced Park Assist, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Following Distance Indication, Forward Collision Alert, Traffic Sign Assist, and a wide range of radar and camera-based automatic assistance, the new Regal is limited to Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. That sounds odd but that's payback for not offering the most powerful variant to European roads.

Price? The Regal Sportback is priced at 24,990 US Dollars (Php 1.25 million), which is cheaper than the previous model it replaces, while the TourX starts at 29,070 US Dollars (Php 1.453 million), which is more affordable than the made-in-China Envision, which isn't bad for a sport utility wagon that competes with the Audi A4 allroad in a pinch.

Sure, the new Regal may be different than the Insignia it was based on, apart from the Regal GS variant that massively produces more than the Insignia GSi it was based on, but differences aside, the Regal is proven to be a decent contender to the Audi A4 because with Focus RS-like dynamics thanks to its clever all-wheel drive system, it can lick the A4 goodbye in a pinch and it's fair value so you can afford one as well.

It's ashamed that it could be the last Insignia-based Regal ever made following Opel being taken over by the French but as the future remains uncertain, let's be thankful that General Motors still sell one of those and while this is basically the last car to share some General Motors components across the Atlantic, now it will be the ideal time try out the newest Regal before its too late.

Photo: General Motors

Opel/Vauxhall Insignia B GSi

The GSi moniker has returned after years of being dormant since the old Corsa GSi and the first to implement the return of the legendary moniker that adorned most hot Opels (Vauxhalls) since the 80s is the latest version of the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, a car fit for businessmen when they got it as a company car from a fleet.

2018 Opel Insignia Grand Sport GSi

2018 Opel Insignia Sport Tourer GSi

Why bringing back the GSi name all of the sudden? Car enthusiasts wanted to see the latest version spawning a hot version like the previous model's OPC/VXR but sadly, the PSA-owned company decided to ditch them both in favor of returning the GSi marque as the hot ship of the Insignia B range. Starting at 45,595 Euros OTR (2.734 million Php), the Insignia GSi can be offered in the choice of the five-door Grand Sport or the Estate version.

Sure, you can expect the same bits and bobs as you experienced from the normal Insignia but the GSi transforms the motorway cruiser into a posh Ford Focus ST of some sorts because of the recalibrated four-wheel drive system that behaves almost like a Focus ST because of the twin clutch differential on the real axle as well as improved suspension setup and lightweight body that weighs less than the old Insignia OPC/VXR. As a result when engaged to its exclusive Competition Mode, the GSi's dynamics are now more sensational than before and because it almost has no understeer, it won't make you binned to a pile of garbage bins while trying to handle through a corner full of garbage bins. Now that is a good mark for a car that produces less than the old Insignia OPC/VXR, perhaps no wonder they developed it to the Nurburgring just to fine tune its dynamics.

As a rule, a car that is engineered at the Nurburgring is nowhere near as good on the public roads and you can take that as a supreme compliment because there has been some tantrums about the way it behaves on public roads thanks to its Nurburgring-honed dynamics but with a little tough love, the GSi tries to show drivers that it the Nurburgring never ruined the once-known motorway cruiser fit for a fleet of company cars used at your workplace.

The GSi is powered by a choice of two engine choices such as the 2.0 DI Turbo engine and the torquier 2.0 BiTurbo Diesel, mated to an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission that can be controlled via paddle shifters. The hot ship on the GSi range is the petrol engine with 260 hp of power and 400Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 7.3 seconds and it was electronically limited to 250kph so it sounds fair for a hot ship of the Insignia B range.

My evaluation for the GSi that even though they've gone to the beaten path to abandon the OPC/VXR moniker in favor of the GSi's return, the dynamics are worth the shot, hoping that by the time you try its recalibrated four-wheel drive system, there are slim chances that you'll get binned by the corners and it's great to have the GSi back in this motorway cruiser if you have the resources to buy one.

Photo: Opel

Acura TLX - 2018 minor change

The Acura TLX maybe known to be a wilder side of the Honda Accord with a more engaging powerplants, including the one with the DCT on it, but having been around on the road for three years, one can say that whoever drives a TLX can easily find its faults hidden beneath that contrasting design and while some call it more engaging than the Honda Accord, others call it a flaw because its dynamics didn't live up to its expectations.

Now, there's a new version and with that, the TLX tries to become as sporty as the Germans, although the only benchmark the new TLX is in its sights is an Audi A4. At first glance, it comes with the new Acura grille as seen on the facelifted MDX which most observers say it is very ugly to look at, and weird face aside, Acura revamped the wheels and the rear as well as the new sport-oriented A-SPEC trim to make it more convincing than before, although the results aren't typical by some.

The interior remains the same as usual but the hardware's been improved so that now, it features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. That sounds pretty nice and even though it looks the same as before, it's rather nice to live with even though this is regarded as the Accord's wild sibling. It can still seat five people as with all the other saloons, and it's got numerous amenities to toy around with such as the ambient lighting which is as good as penlights on a concert.

The choice of powerplants remain the same as before such as the 2.4L i-VTEC engine with P-AWS and 8-speed DCT and the powerful but efficient 3.5L V6 VTEC with Variable Cylinder Management  and mated with a 9-speed AT and comes with either P-AWS and a more capable SH-AWD. Because of its same choices, it remains the sane opinion that 

some call it more engaging than the Honda Accord, others call it a flaw because its dynamics didn't live up to its expectations. Well, the V6 variant with SH-AWD is the redeemable variant because it tries hard to be Subaru-ish while gunning down the Audi A4 in its crosshairs but when reality sticks in, the handling's starting to unravel as told by your aching arms but despite that, the behavior is good and with AcuraWatch safety features, it lets drivers drive with confidence.

With prices start at $33,000, the 2018MY TLX is more expensive than the Honda Ccord but less than the Audi A4. Despite the ugly face, the 2018MY TLX tries hard to be as enjoyable as the next one and while it's not as exciting as it seems, it still is good to drive.

Photo: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.