Nissan Serena C27 NISMO

When Nissan decided to make a NISMO version of the latest Serena minivan, some enthusiasts have gone a little "oh my gawd" because why is Nissan's high-performance division now working on family cars like this one aside from our favorites such as the GT-R and the Fairlady Z and what are they accomplishing for? Everyday cars like the Juke and the Note have been given the NISMO treatment and soon the Leaf while cars like the X-TRAIL have been given a lesser NISMO Performance Package that gives only NISMO styling and nothing else. That's what NISMO is all about now so is there any particular reason why a family minivan like the Serena has been given the NISMO treatment?

2018 Nissan Serena NISMO

2018 Nissan Serena NISMO interior

The design looks pretty much the same as the normal Serena and so is the interior, the same two-way tailgate that can be opened either the whole door or the rear window, the same ProPILOT semi-autonomous driving tech, the same Hands-Free Auto Slide Door, and the same MR20DD-SM20 S-Hybrid powerplant mated to a CVT gearbox but because this is the NISMO variant, which I believed to be a custom variant of the Serena C27, there are some few differences in store to this family mover.

First off, it's been given added downforce due to the improved aerodynamics inspired by Super GT racing, a much fatter Bridgestone POTENZA Adrenaline RE003 tires for added grip, a more rigid body, a specially-made suspension that balances sporty driving with minivan-riding comfort, and a sports-tuned exhaust courtesy of a revamped computer system. 

What's the result? With all that NISMO junk in the minivan, the Serena NISMO doesn't behave like a normal Serena at all. It's just somewhat less nice to handle, slightly more chance to wake the kids behind you on the way home, and on the trip to the grocery, people think that you're a boy racer with a wife and kids on board, and when you opt for even more extras such as front Recaro sports seats, there's no telling what kind of minivan owner are you when you realize that your Serena has some bits and bobs of a Super GT500 GT-R, minus the GT-R part, and the Super GT part, and the angry roar.

With prices starting at ¥3,419,280, it's more expensive to own than a normal Serena Highway Star variant which works rather well for the typical Japanese family. So, a NISMO-tuned Serena sounds like a good idea from the start, your family may not be going to like how it behaves and unless you're single, you'd better stick for the normal Serena Highway Star variant for now because family life could get dysfunctional if you've gone for a Serena that has some bits and bobs that came from NISMO's motorsport knowledge.

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Renault Scenic IV

2016 marks the 20th anniversary of the Renault Scenic MPV and for its fourth-generation, the all-new Renault Scenic, in five-seater and seven-seater Grand Scenic variants, promises to be a family friendly multipurpose vehicle fit for all sorts of national lampoons across Europe, be it a road trip to Spain, the Cheddar Gorge, Swiss Alps, any destination would the family want to go as long as this MPV's ready to accommodate the whole family.

2017 Renault Scenic

2017 Renault Grand Scenic

First, let's take a closer look on the design and for this fourth-generation model, the new Scenic draws inspiration from 2011's R-Space concept while incorporating Renault's new signature design that traces back to the Espace, the Talisman, and of course, the latest Renault Megane it was based upon. While the design is basically an improvement compared to the previous model, the new Scenic still retains its MPV character inside out, meaning even it exciting looks, it's still a dad's car for dads who had a wife and kids loaded to their hectic schedules without all the free days for himself.

2017 Renault Grand Scenic interior

2017 Renault Scenic interior

Because of Renault's new design language, the new Scenic now became a victim to Renault's uniform interior design that the Espace, Talisman, and the Megane now had. Step inside and you can never tell the difference from the other cars because this is Renault's future, whether you like it or not, and it's going to succumb like what happened to the BMW interiors of the past bringing that same interior look over and over again until the 7-Series changed all that. On the upside, you have some lots of thingamajigs you can toy around, especially that touchscreen on the dashboard that tells what you are doing right now.

Whether you are in a five-seater Scenic or in a family-friendly seven-seater Grand Scenic, it's great to know that the interior still has the same practicality as the previous Scenic models but with a bit more unfinished businesses. Whether if you're going for a family picnic or a night out with your mates, the new interior really packs some comfort and convenience for both driver and passenger alike. There's even lots of compartment to store your stuff elsewhere, too. After twenty years of focusing more on practicality, the new Scenic really knows how to accommodate very well with the trends of today and who can blame but the customers who really demand more for this two-decade-long MPV in the European market.

2017 Renault Grand Scenic

2017 Renault Scenic

Checking under the hood, the Scenic and the Grand Scenic comes with different choice of petrol or diesel engines to choose from. In the normal five-seater Scenic, the most powerful variant is obviously either a 1.2L turbocharged petrol or a 1.6L diesel engine each producing 130PS of power while the most fuel efficient is the Energy dCi 110 engine with 3.9L/100km of fuel consumption. In the seven-seater Grand Scenic, meanwhile, the most powerful is the 1.6L dCi engine with 160PS of power while mated with a double-clutch gearbox. Well, you get the idea but if you're driving one in Paris, those diesel variants will soon be banned from entering the French capital for environmental reasons we don't really understand.

While it uses the same new platform as the new Megane, the Scenic feels more relaxed and more civilized for a people carrier but for enjoyment, it's pretty much average and you can't feel the fun factor when you drive it on the open road with the family. It maybe good to drive on the streets but out on the open, it's a tad regular car with a regular taste that is way beyond normal standards.

Safety wise, the new Scenic comes with an array of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems that will keep them safe on the road such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Emergency Braking System, Lane Departure Warning, Safe Distance Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition with Over Speed Prevention, Blind Spot Warning, reversing camera, automatic dipped and main beam headlights, Easy Park Assist, and so much more in store for the new model.

The price? The new Scenic starts at 24,000 Euros while the Grand Scenic starts at 25,300 Euros, making these a reasonable value for money, although cars like the Kia Carens can undercut these two in terms of pricing, but don't get too rough on this one because while it lacks enjoyment on the open road, the new Scenic still offers some practicality, some tech, and good driving feel on the street fit for a family mover. The Scenic has been around with the European families for two decades and the latest version will surely want to do something to get it written to the history of Renault's iconic MPV.

Photo: Renault

Suzuki Landy SGC27

Of course, with the collaboration between Nissan and Suzuki is slowly killing following Nissan's control of Mitsubishi Motors that spurs more than just kei cars, it seems that the last car of the Suzuki-Nissan partnership, the Serena-based Landy, is the only one left. Sure, Suzuki wanted to kill off the Landy from their lineup but with a little spark from their nearly extinct partnership, Suzuki decided to borrow a base-spec Nissan Serena C27 for their all new Landy minivan, just to see if their is little left for their partnership that is about to end soon.

2017 Suzuki Landy

2017 Suzuki Landy

Using a base-spec Nissan Serena C27 as its foundation, the new Suzuki Landy is an MPV that is well-fit for the working-class Japanese families in a multitude of prefectures everywhere and it's hard to tell the difference between the original and the borrowed one, the new Landy is still the same story as what others expected from the latest Nissan Serena.

2017 Suzuki Landy interior

Being an MPV, the new Landy offers anything what an MPV should offer. Dual sliding doors, a choice of six or seven seats, loads of compartments to store your stuff, different seating arrangements, USB ports to attach your gadgets, climate control, plasmacluster, there's even that signature dual back door as seen from the latest Nissan Serena; the one that can open either in half or in whole. Perfect for tailgating parties, camping trips, or anything you want to do on your day off or weekends with your family or friends.

2017 Suzuki Landy

Because the Landy is basically a base-spec Nissan Serena C27 borrowed by Suzuki for their last-ditch effort to preserve their wilting partnership, the new model comes with the improved S-HYBRID powertrain with total energy management that takes charge to the sub-battery unit, eco motor, idling stop, the MR20DD 2.0L petrol engine, and the CVT, capable of delivering just 16.6km/L. That's it.

For safety, because this is just a base-model Serena with no features as well as the ProPILOT tech from the high-end models, the Landy offers a host of driver assist features such as the Emergency Brake feature that halts the car by itself when it spots a moving object upfront at slow speeds as well as Lane Departure Warning, Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection,

Parking Assist, Hill Hold Control, and Auto Light System, among many others.

The new Landy starts at 2,500,200 Japanese Yen (around $22,000 or 1,100,000 Pesos) and with a very reasonable pricing for a Serena-based minivan, it's a clear reminder that while it may be the last car that was part of their Nissan-Suzuki partnership that's about to be declared extinct following Nissan's takeover of Mitsubishi Motors, the Landy is an ideal family car that wants to be taken very seriously with care. It may not have most of the sweet spots as the latest Serena but the new Landy's reasonable pricing, fuel efficiency, and family-friendly features will make it yours.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

Second Generation Honda Freed

It's been eight years since Honda gave us a compact minivan, the Freed, which is as practical as the other recreational vehicles offered from its range. Now, the Freed has been regenerated for its second iteration and it promises to be more convenient than ever while delivering class-leading fuel consumption perfect for the long journey ahead.

2017 Honda Freed

The new, second generation, Honda Freed, is what really happens when you make one of the most practical MPVs in the market even better by adding tons of convenience, fuel efficient performance, and a host of tech to make everything meaningful for the average household. So, with the new model, what's it like to be in the new Freed?

First impressions can be somewhat average and when you look at the way it looks, you can really look at the signature "Solid Wing" face that most Hondas had since the third-generation Fit, making it very noticeable but look closely on the rear and you can see that the back looks highly reminiscent of the old Suzuki Solio you used to had a few years ago. In broad context, it looks a bit half-baked for a people carrier to have such design.

2017 Honda Freed interior

2017 Honda Freed interior

One of the most redeemable key points about the new Freed is its interior and while this is even more roomier compared to the last one, you have a lot of choices to make in terms of carrying people or stuff depending on your lifestyle. For models with third-row seating, it can be either a six or a seven seater, depending on the variant, and unless there are any soccer moms putting kids on the second row seats, whichever you'll seat on the new Freed is above average as long as you're not moaning about. Of course, if you're not a big fan of third-row seats, there's an even spacious alternative; a five seater variant called "Freed+", which trades third-row seats for bigger boot space as well as a special utility board that can separate the boot space to two rows; one at the top and one at the bottom, which is perfect to carry lots of garage sale stuff you bought on the weekends. Also, it can be useful for all kinds of trips such as fishing trips, camping trips, diving trips, bad trips, whatever trips you're having on the weekends. It's kinda like the old Spike model in so many ways and this MPV knows the customers are onto something here.

2017 Honda Freed

The new Honda Freed can be offered with a normal 1.5L petrol engine connected to a CVT gearbox or a hybrid variant with the 7-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox on it. When I said "dual clutch", Honda says it's SPORT HYBRID i-DCD (intelligent Dual Clutch Drive). I know. It's been around for three years since the Fit and it's been around in most everyday models like the Vezel, the Shuttle, the Jade, and the Grace. With such combo, fuel economy is an estimate 27.2kmpl based on the JC08 Mode standards. For the first time in a hybrid compact minivan, there is a four-wheel drive variant which is great for any weather conditions, be it rainy or snow, or road conditions.

Because it's surprisingly compact, it's just feels so easy to drive, easy to park, and easy to live with. Whether on the city center or on the open roads, the new Freed truly feels at home anywhere. It also packs Honda Sensing, which comes with lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. Connectivity aside, the internavi service on the new Honda Freed now comes with Apple Carplay compatibility, meaning your iPhones can feel at home in this car.

Should you buy it? The new Freed starts at 1,880,000 up to 2,748,200 Yen, which sounds expensive compared to its main rival, the Toyota Sienta. Sure, both the new Freed and the Sienta are seven-seaters and they come with hybrid variants with similar fuel efficiency, but despite the comparative pricing, the new Freed is bigger and spacious compared to the Sienta and when the previous model had its share in the ASEAN market, there's high chance that the new generation Freed could make it to the ASEAN market so it can take its rivalry with the Toyota Sienta elsewhere. There's going to be a buzz from elsewhere about what's it all about the new Honda Freed anytime and it's more than enough to take it as an ideal compliment, no matter the odds.

Available colors: Blue Horizon Metallic, Citron Drop, Cobalt Blue Pearl, Premium Deep Rosso Pearl, Mandarin Gold Metallic, White Orchid Pearl, Luna Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Nissan Serena C27

The Nissan Serena has been with every Japanese families for over twenty-five years and to commemorate the minivan's 25 years of stamping out memories on every Japanese families everywhere, a new, technologically-advanced, fifth-generation Nissan Serena was launched and contrary by many, it will be the first semi-autonomous Nissan ever made courtesy of its brand new ProPILOT semi-autonomous tech that will make driving a lot easy for the dads and moms.

2017 Nissan Serena

Time to clue the new Serena in right now, but first, let's look at the new Serena's design. Although it still looks the same as the previous Serena, you'll see a hint of modern nostalgia sprinkled on the new design. Take the front, for instance, it looks like a quirky blend of the old C23 Serena and the old Toyota Vellfire, judging from the headlights. Although the design looks a bit stale, if I'm honest, it's still as fresh as the morning dew. One things for sure, though, with foreign Nissan cars getting the V-Motion look, seems that the Nissan Serena C27 is has a much toned down look of the V-motion grille that foreign Nissans had and for Nissan, this whole V-motion look just isn't look right on Japanese roads, presumably.

2017 Nissan Serena interior

On the inside, everything's new from the dashboard, the instrumental cluster, even the steering wheel inspired by the GT-R as well. There's more conveniences in store for the passengers, including an optional stand where they can put stuff on it and hold cups with its own cupholders made on it. That's fit enough on their next road trip from their grandparents' home to a faraway prefecture they've never been before. Because it's made to be a family car full-stop, spacing is top-notch for the new Serena C27 and with all seats present, there's enough room for your grocery shoppings. Once more, the new Serena comes with the world's first Hands Free Auto Slide Door, which works like the fancy liftgate most Ford crossovers had but this time, at the lift of your foot, the door automatically slides, which is useful when you're carrying a child or something.

The sat-nav now comes with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility and speaking of which, the Nissan Serena is the first Japanese car offered in Japan to come with Android Auto for the first time so if you have your Android phone handy, now's your chance to take advantage of it. Because the Nissan Serena C27 is the first to have Android Auto on the Japanese market, expect more Japanese cars to follow shortly.

2017 Nissan Serena

Okay, now it's the ideal time to investigate the new Serena C27's brand new tech called ProPILOT so what's it all about this semi-autonomous tech? With Nissan's ambition of launching cars with autonomous tech for the safety of drivers in mind, the new Serena's just the start of it with this specially-made variant to accommodate this new feature. By the time this new generation Serena was launch, the ProPILOT is set for single-lane traffic use in the meantime. Made for highway use at that time, the ProPILOT tech is made to hold the vehicle in the middle of a lane by reading markers and control steering. It can ever follow curves, and it automatically controls the distance between the next car ahead. Because this is just the start, the ProPILOT is on a self-propagating phase as when it features it on future Nissan vehicles, its tech gets evolved even further. Sounds like witchcraft for us but skeptics and believers can't wait to see what's in store for the new ProPILOT gizmo. Couple that with Nissan's Safety Shield technology, and you got yourself a safe minivan that cares about its occupants more than the car itself.

2017 Nissan Serena

So, that's one safety masterpiece mentioned in the new Serena C27. Now, what about its performance? As you may aware, the new model comes with the improved S-HYBRID powertrain with total energy management that takes charge to the sub-battery unit, eco motor, idling stop, the MR20DD 2.0L petrol engine, and the CVT, capable of delivering a class-leading 17.2km/L, 1.2km/L more than the previous Serena S-HYBRID as well as a normal petrol-powered Toyota Noah/Voxy vans. As for dynamics, it feels like what all Asian vans behave on a daily basis with courtesy of its Rack and Pinion Steering, Strut and Torsion Beam suspension setup, and ventilated disc brakes.

2017 Nissan Serena Rider

The all-new Nissan Serena C27 starts at 2,435,400 Japanese Yen for the base S model while the Highway Star version starts at 2,678,400 Yen, 2,916,000 Yen if you go for the one with the ProPILOT tech. For something stylish, you can go for the Autech Rider version for 2,949,480 Yen or for something special, a special Autech Rider 30th anniversary model, commemorating Autech Japan's 30th anniversary, was offered for 3,480,840 Yen. Of course, that pricing does not come with the optional ProPILOT feature, unless if you want to add one for a limited time only.

With its new design, fuel-efficient performance, advanced safety tech, and a family-friendly packaging, the new Serena C27 is a key turning point for Nissan in their ambition for a safe driving for all drivers everywhere and when the ProPILOT Serena is successful, it will soon feature it in future Nissan models in their portfolio.

Available colors: Maroon Red/Diamond Black 2 Tone, Brilliant White Pearl/Diamond Black 2 Tone, Diamond Black/Brilliant Silver 2 Tone, Cashmere Greige/Imperial Amber 2 Tone, Azurite Blue, Maroon Red, Cashmere Greige, Imperial Amber, Diamond Black, Brilliant Silver, Brilliant White Pearl, and Shining Blue.

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Third-generation Toyota Estima (2017 Minor Change)

The third-generation Toyota Estima (known in some parts in the world as the Previa) has been around for ten years when it first debuted in 2006 and despite its age, Toyota gave minor changes twice; one by late 2008 and another one by 2012. For 2016, the ten year-old, third-generation, Estima has been given its third minor change and fingers crossed this would be the last because a new version is coming in the future and seems that Toyota's trying to go out with...a pop.

2017 Toyota Estima

The 2017 Estima has been given a new keen look on its aged exterior design, judging from its new trapezoidal look on its new bumper broadly similar to the Corolla Axio/Fielder and the Sienta, Bi-beam LED lamps, slimmer front grille, revised sides, and the revised rear design. Keeping this van fresh after ten years sounds challenging but today's Estima really know how to pull this off.

2017 Toyota Estima interior

2017 Toyota Estima interior

Apart from the exterior, modest changes also occur on the inside, as hinted by a revised dashboard, revised steering wheel, new climate control, and a more comfortable cabin as you can expect in most Japanese minivans used not just for the family but for the wealthy and the influential as well. Of course, the Estima can be offered in either a seven-seater (with luxurious second row seats) and a more family-friendly eight-seater. Whichever the seating variation you're on, this minivan never forgets its practicality and convenience that would benefit drivers and passengers alike.

2017 Toyota Estima

On the petrol version, only the 2,4L 2AZ-FE 4-cylinder engine was offered and when mated with a Super CVT-i, fuel consumption is expected to be at around 11.4km/L under JC08 Mode standards. The hybrid model still has the 2.4L 2AZ-FXE engine with two electric motors equipped on both wheels (making it four-wheel drive, of course) and couple that with the CVT, fuel economy is expected to be 18km/L. Hmmm, looks like they're not exaggerating over this one. As for handling, the 2017 Estima features a reworked chassis to make it handle better than the previous facelift.

The 2017 Estima is now safer than ever thanks to the addition of Toyota Safety Sense C, comprising of Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, and the Automatic High Beam function.

Should you buy one? The 2017 Estima starts from 3,473,000 to 4,987,000 Japanese Yen (around 1,490,000 to 2,140,000 Philippine Pesos), which sounds like a lot compared to Toyota's flagship minivans, the Alphard and the Vellfire. The third-generation Estima may be ten years old since its 2006 debut but this latest revision puts some keen look to its aged design and let's hope this would be a decent send-off to this generation.


Available Colors: Black x Red Mica Metallic, Black x Dark Cherry Mica Metallic, Black x Ice Titanium Mica Metallic, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Ice Titanium Mica Metallic, Black, Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine, Red Mica Metallic, and Dark Cherry Mica Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Honda Odyssey Hybrid

For the first time in the Honda Odyssey's two-decade-long history, a hybrid model is offered in Honda's flagship minivan that has been nosing around against the likes of Toyota's Alphard and Nissan's Elgrand. So, what's it all about?

2016 Honda Odyssey Hybrid

Previewed from last year's Tokyo Motor Show and now on sale across Japan, the Odyssey Hybrid offers the same luxury features as the normal Odyssey would provide now with the hybrid powertrain to keep things going the distance. Of course, Japan is the nation where the hybrid car is born and is now spreading worldwide like a viral outbreak, but underneath the Odyssey Hybrid is the same hybrid powertrain derived from the Honda Accord.

It comes with the similar Sport Hybrid i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) powertrain and if you need a quick refresher on that, it uses three different engine modes such as EV Drive Mode, Hybrid Drive Mode, and Engine Drive Mode.

With the Hybrid Drive Mode engaged, both the 2.0L i-VTEC petrol engine and the electric motor are working in unison to deliver a combined power output of 184PS of power and 315Nm of torque. With all that torque, looks like this minivan is off to a clean getaway now without all the drama involved. As for the fuel economy, it's no surprise that with the hybrid drivetrain and the CVT gearbox equipped, it's capable of 26.0km/L, which is surprisingly more than what the hybrid Toyota Alphard gets. Sharp move, though.

Apart from its hybrid powertrain, the new Odyssey Hybrid still has the same suspension layout as the normal gasoline variant, meaning it still comes with the front MacPherson struts, rear Torsion Beam, and Rack and Pinion Steering. Although it feels heavier to drive than the normal Odyssey and less exciting to drive for an individual, it's rather good and comfortable to drive on a day-to-day basis. Apart from using it as a family car on your next family bonding, it's well suited as an escort for celebrities, politicians, or any other VIPs. Sounds classy, right?

The Odyssey Hybrid starts at 3,560,000 Yen and while this may be more expensive to own than the normal Odyssey, it's surprisingly cheaper to own than the hybrid version of the Toyota Alphard, making it a smart buy.

Available Colors: White Orchid Pearl, Super Platinum Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Premium Venus Black Pearl, Premium Deep Rosso Pearl, and Premium Spice Blue Pearl.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

BMW 2-Series Gran Tourer vs. VW Touran II

Last year, BMW shocked the world with their first-ever front-wheel drive recreational vehicle, the 2-Series Active Tourer, and while this front-wheel drive BMW shocked us because its dynamics are not what you expect for a BMW, this MPV is made for breadwinners and soccer moms in mind. Be warned though that this MPV is just getting started because BMW will soon plague the lineup with some front-wheel drive cars soon and now, there's another front-wheel drive Bimmer spawned to the mix.

2016 BMW 2-Series Gran Tourer

At first glance, this is just like the BMW 2-Series Active Tourer but now, it's longer and added two more seats on the inside. This is the new 2-Series Gran Tourer and this seven-seater version feels...hmmm...so all right for a family mover. When people drove the Active Tourer last year, most of the comments seem to be all right because even though it's a front-wheel drive BMW that every fan in the world wouldn't want one in their collection, it's a well-behaved, well-mannered multipurpose passenger vehicle that is well suited for family use. One clever joke I read from the pages of history that with cars like these, you can carry more girls than your Lamborghini, and the case is true for the Gran Tourer because this is a seven-seater MPV that has decent legroom, decent space at the boot, and decent choice of engines.

Engine choices include a turbocharged 1.5L petrol engine, turbocharged 2.0L petrol engine, 1.5L turbo diesel engine, and a 2.0L turbo diesel engine, and depending on engine choices, it can be mated with either a 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, and an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Sure, like the Active Tourer, the Gran Tourer is utilized he same UKL1 platform as the new Mini, and thanks to the fact of being a front-wheel drive MPV, the handling is pretty much like this...

2016 Volkswagen Touran

The handling of the BMW Gran Tourer has about a similar handling characteristic as this MPV in store; the all-new VW Touran. Yes, this is just a VW Golf underneath but the Touran, like the Gran Tourer, is a seven-seater MPV with a choice of either a 1.4 TSi or a 1.6 TDi engine but let's keep it short about the handling because this is definitely how the new BMW Gran Tourer behaves because just like that, it's a front-wheel drive MPV that tends to handle like a granny holding a grocery cart for a few hours now. They don't feel sporty even with clever suspension design, they feel comfortable in the feels of passengers, and above all, they're well behaved to be people's cars for everyday use.

Both the new Gran Tourer and the new Touran are behaved to be good cars that not to be thrashed around the streets but what differentiates them both is the pricing because the Gran Tourer starts at 26,950 Euros while the new Touran starts at 23,350 Euros, three grand more, but either way, you sure you wouldn't want to drive either of those unless you are trapped in the world of married couples growing up with kids. If you did, sorry to say, you have to resort driving in either of those soccer mom cars.

Honda launches Jade RS with 1.5L VTEC Turbo

2016 Honda Jade RS

A few months ago, Honda launched the Fit-based Jade MPV, which served as the replacement for the Civic-based Stream MPV, only in hybrid with the 1.5L i-VTEC engine coupled with an electric motor and Li-ion battery. For those who are not interested in the hybrid version, wait no more, because there is now a petrol version of the Jade and here's the kicker; it's powered by the brand new L15B 1.5-litre VTEC TURBO engine you get from the recently-launched StepWGN. That new variant of the Jade is called the Jade RS.

The new L15B VTEC TURBO engine produces 150PS of power and 203Nm of torque. Mated with a CVT gearbox (with a Manual Mode feature where the driver can use its paddle shifters to shift gears), the fuel consumption is a reasonable 18.0km/L.

It even comes with a new Agile Handling Assist which adds brake vectoring through corners, reinforced chassis, and a more stiffer suspension.

The new RS version starts at 2,530,000 Japanese Yen.

URL: www.honda.co.jp/JADE/

Honda Shuttle

The Shuttle name in the history of Honda has been around since the Civic Shuttle and the Fit Shuttle and for the newest model, the all-new Honda Shuttle, which is an MPV based on the latest Honda Fit hatchback, is all about practicality and efficiency. Just everything what an average Japanese family would need for their imminent summer holiday.

2016 Honda Shuttle

First and foremost, the design for the new Shuttle is an utterly questionable one. At the front view, it looks like it's not adequate for a family-friendly people carrier because by the looks of it, it looks like surgeons gave an ugly man a big, ridiculous, lips. That's so nuts for someone with a horseface and then we get at the back which looks like it came from one of its chief rivals, the Toyota Wish. The old Fit Shuttle is like performing a surgery on a young woman's body and then resulted to an oversized buttocks but the new Shuttle is now becoming more like...Diego's. Yep, that guy from BG but atlit...

2016 Honda Shuttle interior

2016 Honda Shuttle interior

Because the new Shuttle is derived from the long line of Fit relatives including the Vezel crossover, the Grace sedan, and the recently-launched Jade MPV, which has a better-looking design than the Shuttle, the interior looks more similar to its cousins. You get seats for five people, some luggage space for your essentials, and then, the added compartment in the form of a storage unit hidden underneath the loading bay. Now that's convenient if you're going on a fishing trip with your kids at a lake.

2016 Honda Shuttle

The Shuttle only comes with 1.5L i-VTEC engine producing 132PS of power, 155Nm of torque, and 21.8km/L of fuel economy while connected with a CVT gearbox but if you want more range, you can opt with the hybrid variant which comes with the 7-speed dual clutch transmission, 22kW electric motor, and a li-ion battery, resulting to an incredible fuel economy of 34.0km/L, comfortably beating the Toyota Prius Alpha by a long shot. Running on electric motor alone, it produces more torque than its petrol engine.

You can have either a front-wheel drive if you're a casual civilian or if you're feeling under the weather, a 4WD model is at hand. Either way, you can expect the added quality and stability thanks to its amplitude reactive dampers. It's great for city use or in the suburbs but in open roads, it doesn't feel its sporty character from within. Overall, it's boring if you're on a trip in, let's just say, Tagaytay or Subic or Antipolo. It maybe quite a road trip car but for fun factor, it's worth a misery.

As for value of money, the Shuttle begins at 1,690,000 for the normal petrol variant while the hybrid model starts at 1,990,000 Yen so on paper, it's more affordable to own than the Prius Alpha and imagine how much money you save instead of buying the bigger Prius. Besides, with all that double clutch malarkey, this is much more engaging to drive than the Prius Alpha but rest assured, this is not the kind the car you want to own if you're still single or in a relationship. If you're married and had few kids, this is ideal for you or if you do have friends from high school, this is the better choice. Although the design looks more of a horseface to me, the new Shuttle might just be the ideal car for the Japanese family preparing for their imminent summer holiday.

Available colors: White Orchid Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Tinted Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Midnight Blue Beam Metallic, Mystic Garnet Pearl, Milano Red, and Gold Brown Metallic.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Subaru Crossover7

When Subaru announced that they will discontinue their Exiga MPV after seven years, we were very skeptical about Subaru planning a replacement for the departed Exiga and as it turned out, their replacement turned out to be an Exiga risen from its grave like a zombie after dark, only to find out its been given some tougher looks and a new name.

2016 Subaru Crossover7

It's still an Exiga but since it has some new looks on the once-departed MPV, it's now been called the Crossover7 or to be more precise, the Exiga Crossover7. Yes. It's that concept MPV you saw at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show now became a reality and it's now ready for those who are ready with their Golden Week plans.

The Exiga Crossover7 maybe considered an SUV but in reality, it's just an MPV with some added ground clearance to make it look like it's ready to take on the world but even though this is a revived Exiga in the form of a so-called SUV, it's not half bad at the start because with seven seats inside, looks like a typical Japanese family will have their things to do during Golden Week ready. Think skydiving or going on a concert or kayaking, or whatever things a normal Japanese out-of-towner will do during Golden Week, this crossover MPV was made to do such purpose.

2016 Subaru Crossover7 interior

2016 Subaru Crossover7 interior

Since this is a family car, the Crossover7's interior matches the theme for being an adventurous car, although you do get some concessions of comfort such as satellite navigation, heated front seats, climate control, cup holders, so on, so forth. It its seven-seater arrangement, the boot space is not half bad and it's about as long as a golf cart lying down horizontally, which means, that's a lot of grocery shopping to be filled in. If you want more space, you can stow away the third row seats and that's more than enough to fit two medium-sized balikbayan boxes.

2016 Subaru Crossover7

The Crossover7 comes with the updated version of the FB25 boxer engine with Lineartronic CVT gearbox, like you get in the latest Subaru Legacy range. It produces 173PS of power output, 235Nm of torque, and thanks to its Lineartronic CVT gearbox, fuel economy is around 13.2km/L by JC08 Mode standards. Not quite as fuel efficient as the other MPVs but for a crossover of this magnitude, that doesn't sounds so bad.

As for the handling, well, thanks to Subaru's Symmetrical AWD, it's handy capable enough even when on places that are slippery when wet. If it's snowing in Hokkaido, the Crossover7, again thanks to its AWD, is well prepared to take on the worst and it's not half bad for an MPV that came back from the dead.

The Exiga Crossover7 costs 2,754,000 Yen, which is somewhat more expensive than the Forester but because this is the only seven-seater in the lineup, the Crossover7 is the only family-oriented Subaru you can buy and this would be the ideal car not just on the Golden Week but also on your upcoming summer holiday as well.

Available colors: Crystal White Pearl, Tungsten Metallic, Dark Blue Pearl, Platinum Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica.

Photo: Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.

Honda Jade

2015 Honda Jade

The all-new Honda Jade MPV served as the replacement to the Stream, which was discontinued last year along with the 1.8L VTEC engine in it, and although it doesn't look as decent as the Stream it replaces as well as the fact that this is a hybrid MPV, there's some potential going on with Honda's brand new people carrier fit enough to carry your friends or family on your next day-off or holiday or vacation, whatever you're dealing on your planner right now.

2015 Honda Jade

Of course this is a brand new MPV from Honda but underneath, it's just the third-generation Fit just like what the Vezel crossover and the Grace sedan had. Because it's based on the latest Honda Fit, it comes with the 1.5L petrol engine connected to an electric motor and lithium-ion battery while mated with Honda's ambitious but rubbish seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox. Not just that, it was the next Honda to be equipped with the revolutionary Honda Sensing safety system first applied on the flagship Legend saloon and the updated version of the latest Honda Odyssey luxury minivan. I'll talk about those later but first, the design.

The design is more of a mixed reactions of good and bad but overall, it looks somewhat average. Not too good but not too bad either. It even comes with Honda's signature "EXCITING H DESIGN!!!" language that tries to mask this MPV into something exciting but in truth, wasn't as exciting as drivers would hope for but never mind about that because that doesn't bother that fact of being a people carrier that offers practicality for all.

2015 Honda Jade interior

2015 Honda Jade interior

The inside view also comes with mixed reactions between good and bad. The dashboard's all futuristic and really means business for the driver in charge. Once more, you can seat up to six people inside and what's more clever is that the 2nd row seats can be arranged V-wards back and forth.

Space is a big issue here for the Jade and because of the third-row seat occupied the entire rear, there's no room for your groceries you've shopped and there's going to be some situations you'll be facing with. You can either fold the rear seats (if you don't have someone at the back) or you can tell them (if they're seating in the back) to hold it for them. Wow. This is definitely not your kind of MPV if you have mates going out with you on an outdoor trip to Mt. Fuji or Hokkaido so what now? Looks like the rear space is a big issue for the Jade when the third-row seats are present.

2015 Honda Jade

Now, let's examine the Jade's hybrid powerplant and since this is based on the Fit hatchback, it comes with the 1.5L petrol engine connected to an electric motor and lithium-ion battery while mated with Honda's ambitious but rubbish seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox. With this powerplant, the combined power output of the Jade is a modest 152PS, the equivalent of what most 2.0L petrol engines produced. Fuel economy, 25.0kmpl.

The Jade's fuel economy is somewhat 1.2kmpl short than its chief rival, the Toyota Prius Alpha, but don't slack off because while the Prius Alpha is focused to be a fuel-efficient MPV for the masses, the new Jade is focused to be an engaging hybrid MPV you can enjoy driving as much as you like and because it has that double clutch gearbox rather than CVT, it feels like a normal car for a stop. My only worries is the quality of the gearbox because just like what its siblings faced in the past, looks like this double-clutch gearbox doesn't last long. Who knows, there's going to be a possible glitch or failures but let's forget about it and keep our fingers crossed. Who knows, this gearbox will run smoothly as usual...I think.

With handling features such as the double wishbone rear suspension, dual pinion electronic power steering, and some special 17-inch noise reducing aluminum wheels, the new Jade feels somewhat to the okay zone I think. It may not be the most fun MPV to drive today but it's more refined, quiet, and somewhat comfortable as well. When driving carefully, it feels fine but when the going gets tough, looks like the Jade feels like it's not made for beating. I was talking about understeering issues, if you know what I mean.

Now, the new Honda Sensing safety system. First applied on the Legend flagship, this new system includes Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow. Sadly though, the Pedestrian Collision Mitigation Steering System on the Legend isn't present. But still, this hybrid MPV really proves that the future of car safety really is now thanks to science and common sense.

Should you buy one? The new Jade starts at a reasonably priced 2,920,000 Japanese Yen, cheaper than the 5-seater Toyota Prius Alpha so that is quite a bargain but is it worth money well spent for this hybrid MPV that is less efficient than the Prius Alpha but overall more engaging to own? The rest is up to you.

Available colors: White Orchid Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Super Platinum Metallic, Mandarin Gold Metallic, Premium Deep Rosso Pearl. and Premium Blue Opal Metallic.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

New Toyota Alphard and Vellfire (H30W)

2016 Toyota Alphard

2016 Toyota Vellfire

Toyota's flagship MPVs are now regenerated for their brand new generation and the brand new Alphard and Vellfire are now ready to aim for the luxury minivan spotlight that was taken from the likes of the Nissan Elgrand and the Honda Odyssey. Yes. The luxury minivans coveted by most ASEANS are back with a brand new look and features that will surely beg to have one until Toyota gives a go to send Japan's top-notch minivans to those greedy ASEANs. Oh, and if you don't mind, don't bother telling the differences between these two because mechanically, they're the same cars with different faces just like the Noah and Voxy.

Yes, they're different in their exterior designs, and to sum things up, here's what you can expect on the outside of these two. On the new Toyota Alphard, which is now on its 3rd generation, the front face now looks like it came from the latest Toyota Crown saloon. The new Vellfire, meanwhile, has a front face that looks like it came from the Nissan Dayz, the Highway Star version. The faces are different but they have a completely new side view that looks more streamlined and the rear view that looks like it copied the Elgrand's rear for whatever reasons. Although they look like they're a distorted mess, both the new Alphard and the new Vellfire's design really make the cut above the rest of those Japanese luxury MPVs.

2016 Toyota Alphard interior

2016 Toyota Alphard interior

2016 Toyota Vellfire interior

2016 Toyota Vellfire interior

The interior has been the grand stage for both the Alphard and the Vellfire and for this latest generation, it has been given a major overhaul to make it as luxurious as possible and it did. The dashboard looks like it took from the Land Cruiser Prado but it pushes all the right buttons as planned. As for the sat-nav system, it's now integrated with Toyota's T-Connect telematics system first applied on the recently facelifted Camry last year.

If you never know what that is, T-Connect is Toyota's new telematics services along with sat-navs compatible with this and a smartphone app.  In addition to the voice controls, T-Connect allows third-party apps to be downloaded to the navigation system. There's an online help service that integrates and improves the functions the G-BOOK currently provided. In short; T-Connect from Toyota features interactive voice response, service for downloading apps to the sat-nav, improved online help, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Both the new Alphard and the new Vellfire are available with the choice of a 7 or 8 seater but those who prefer the seven-seater might come in for a treat because depending on the variant, it can be offered with three ottoman seats, one in the passenger side and the other two on the second-row seats. They can be adjusted forwards or backward and between you and me, there's no other luxury MPV that would have done such, having an ottoman seat on the passenger side that can be adjusted forwards or backward so you can feel like you're the boss.

For an added surprise, the new models now come with the first-ever cargo area under the third-row seat sliding mechanism. You can store up to 148 liters of storage under the floor and the deck board can be folded into three sections to provide both a sliding third-row and under-floor storage.

There's also the first-ever Smart Entry and Push Start System which automatically opens the sliding door as the user approaches after setting up a reservation and can be locked automatically after it closes.

There are so many conveniences you can find on the new Alphard and Vellfire such as the available rear-seat entertainment system, the JBL Sound System, and many more.

2016 Toyota Alphard

2016 Toyota Vellfire

The cheaper versions have increased the size of their 4-cylinder engines from the former 2.4L to 2.5L! With added displacement comes with added performance because this 2.5L 2AR-FE engine produces 182PS of power and 235Nm of torque. Couple that with the Super CVT-i (with 7-speed manual mode) and an idling stop feature and you can expect up to 12.8km/L of fuel economy as calculated by JC08 Mode standards.

The top-of-the-line models still come with the same 3.5L V6 engine that produces 280PS of power and 344Nm of torque while mated with a 6-speed Super ECT. Fuel economy is a thirsty 9.5km/L.

On the hybrid models, the hybrid system has now been reworked and it now features the same 2AR-FXE 2.5L Atkinson-cycle engine as seen from the Camry while connected with two electric motors, generating a total output of a modest 197PS of power output and an improved fuel economy of up to 19.4km/L, depending on the variant.

Apart from the engine choices, the new Alphard and Vellfire now come with a revised bodywork made of high-tensile strength steel for added rigidity as well as a new double-wishbone rear suspension just like the ones you found on your Honda Odyssey. This results in comfortable mobility and added stability while reduced NVH results in a quiet ride while in motion, giving these minivans the touch and class of a flagship premium saloon.

The new Alphard and Vellfire start at 3,197,782 up to 7,036,691 Japanese Yen (around $32,000 to $71,000). Yes. You can afford one more than the Nissan Elgrand for now and you can take advantage of the new features that the rival minivans of its class don't.

Available colors (Alphard): White Pearl Crystal Shine, Luxury White Crystal Shine Glass Flake, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Black, Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine, and Greyish Blue Mica Metallic

Available colors (Vellfire): White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Black, Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine, Burning Black Crystal Shine, and Greyish Blue Mica Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation