GT SPORT - The early Heisei JDMs

Today marks the end of the Heisei era and what better way to pay tribute to this golden era than sampling the most iconic Japanese sportscars emerged from the early years of the Heisei era? Of course, since the Gran Turismo franchise is part of those that were born from the Heisei era, our little game of GT SPORT takes us to the heroes of Gran Turismo, the best Japanese sportscars emerged from the early years of the Heisei era.



The FD-spec RX-7, the original Honda NSX, the Impreza STi, the JZA80 Supra, the R34 Skyline GT-R, and any of the pizza-lamped Lancer Evos are known to be the best of the Japanese sportscars to emerge from the early years of the Heisei era and here in GT SPORT, they have what's greater or nearer as the drivers can get from those Heisei era JDM sportscars.

These Japanese sportscars emerged from the early Heisei years are known to be collectibles for speedo boys worldwide because these cars are notoriously known for its street cred and known to be tuned to wake the neighbors after hours. Whether they can let them roar through the Shutokou by nighttime or living the track life by day, these Japanese marvels are everywhere and whether you love them or hate them, Japan is home to those street machines like these and as a tribute, let's take them to the common battleground for testing cars before hitting Japanese roads; Tsukuba.



Ah, Tsukuba Circuit. If my memory serves me correctly, the Tsukuba Circuit is the favorite playground for the over-the-video motoring program known as Best MOTORing. Over the years, we seen professional drivers across Japan testing out the coolest and the weirdest on this very track they called home. Of course, Best MOTORing may be officially dead several years ago but here in GT SPORT, people can do their Best MOTORing homage on this very track while sampling most of the cars offered in-game, just to give them their first impressions.

With the best JDM cars from the early Heisei era stepped to their very own Holy Land of sampling and time attacking, they are ready for a revue they will remember forever.

It's showtime!



After their Tsukuba revue, here are the results...

Impreza 22B-STi Version '98: 1:07.522
NSX Type R '92: 1:10.581
RX-7 Spirit R Type A (FD) '02: 1:07.700
R34 GT-R V-Spec II Nur '02: 1:06.864
Lancer Evo.IV GSR '96: 1:08.481
Supra RZ '97: 1:07.330



So, there we are. The R34 Skyline GT-R, launched from 1999 to 2002 is without a shadow of a doubt, the best Japanese sports car to emerge from the early Heisei years and no matter the opinion, I placed my fate that this is the best Japanese sportscars to emerge from the early years of the Heisei era.

Next time, let's pit in the Japanese sportscars from the modern Heisei era.

Fifth-generation Subaru Forester (SK9/E)

The Subaru Forester is one of the forerunners of the crossover utility vehicle craze since the Toyota RAV4 and the Toyota Harrier and while it was basically a bigger Impreza, the Forester is an all-rounder thanks to Subaru's legendary AWD powerhouse that keeps it going no matter what's going on ahead. For the fifth-generation model, the Forester's taking a radical new approach for crossover shoppers as it's going to the direction that will make speedo boys crying back to their mommies.

2019 Subaru Forester

2019 Subaru Forester

At first glance, the all-new, fifth-generation Subaru Forester looks slightly different than the previous model but believe it or not, this is an all-new model so everything around here is almost as fresh as freshly picked tomatoes in the sunshine and while Subaru promises to be their most promising Forester ever, it isn't the most promising for speedo boys elsewhere because with this new model, turbocharging and manual are now out of the equation, meaning the new model is now offered with a choice of a naturally aspirated 2.5L boxer-4 engine and the first-ever 2.0L e-Boxer hybrid powertrain. More with that later on but first, let's observe the design.

At the design flow, the new Forester looks almost the same as the old model, judging from the front view, but on the back, it's almost like a botched up Kia Sorento R at some point, making it a clear approach that their new model looks different from the old one, so job done. Did you know that in the X-BREAK model, it features black gloss finish frame, black-finish 18-in. wheels and rear roof spoiler as well as orange accents on the black underguards and roof rail mounts.

2019 Subaru Forester interior

Peeking through the interior, the new Forester is starting to shape like the Impreza's and because it now runs on Subaru Global Platform, like from the Impreza, it's now surprisingly bigger than the previous model, meaning there's more room for granny and her friends for a weekend trip at Ocean Shores and Leavenworth. Being a five-seater, it only works if you are in a middle of a one-child policy, but because this is the kind of crossover your granny's friend drove every other day, it works really rather well, now that you mentioned personal experience from the previous model. It's now surprisingly dirt-resistant as well so there's no problem getting dirty while getting inside after in a middle of a rainy day at Oregon. Benefiting the new platform is the added space on the back that provides over five hundred litres of storage volume, meaning there's more stuff for some stuff granny bought at the grocery store or stuff for their next retreat at the province.

2019 Subaru Forester

2019 Subaru Forester

Back to what I said, the new Forester throws turbocharging and manual out of the equation, which is bad news for speedo boys everywhere, and in its place, it's now powered with a choice of a naturally aspirated 2.5L boxer-4 engine and the first-ever 2.0L e-Boxer hybrid powertrain, all mated with Subaru's Lineartronic CVT with a Manual Mode setting. Beginning on the FB25 engine, it now comes with direct fuel injection and higher compression as well as active valve control system on the exhaust. It now generates 184PS of power and 239Nm of torque, which is less than the Mazda CX-5, a crossover that is somewhat more enjoyable to own than this. Under the new WLTC Mode regulations, it returns with a 13.2kmpl fuel economy which is also less than the CX-5 as well.

The Advance model features an FB20 boxer engine coupled with a 10kW MA1 electric motor and li-ion battery and with this new e-Boxer hybrid powertrain, which combines boxer engine with electric technology, it promises 14kmpl of fuel economy under the new WLTC Mode regulations, which isn't bad as should say. Disappointing it maybe, the upside with the Forester Advance with e-Boxer is in any case your granny's friend forgot her phone at your home, she can come back to pick it up and then go home without worrying about fuel for the next day she'll visit your home again and again and again. That's personal experience done it right.

After getting to know the performance, how about driving? Since it runs on the SGP, the new Forester promises to be more refined than the previous model, meaning the handling is pretty much relatively superior compared to the old one and there's one pinky-lifting thing that will have you noticed. There is now Active Torque Vectoring, which is the same as you get from the WRX S4, the WRX STi, and the Levorg, and coupled that with Vehicle Dynamics Control, the Forester is as subtle to drive as carrying a bag of rice you bought from an Asian store with both hands.

What's a Forester be without X-Mode? X-Mode utilizes the the engine, transmission shift pattern, Active AWD front/rear clutch force, brakes and the Vehicle Dynamics Control to handle all kinds of situations and in the case of some models like the X-BREAK, there is a dual-mode version of X-Mode that offers Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes to make it more capable when things get rough.

Since Subaru is now synonymous with safety, the new Forester comes with EyeSight that includes Automatic Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Pre-Collision Throttle Management and Lead Vehicle Start Alert. The EyeSight Safety Plus, meanwhile, adds more safety tech such as Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection, Adaptive Driving Beam, Smart Rear View Mirror, Front View Monitor, and Side View Monitor, giving the new Forester a more safer drive good enough for your granny's friend to enjoy what it's like to be in the most high-tech Subaru to date.

Should you buy one? The new Forester stats at 2,808,000 Japanese Yen, which is surprisingly cheaper to own than the Mazda CX-5 powered by a 2.5L engine, while the hybrid-powered Forester Advance starts at 3,099,600 Yen. The petrol one won't arrive dealerships until mid-July while the Advance arrives by September but either way, you'll be too late to have one anyway, considering the skyrocketing waitlist over the new model. Still, the new Forester disappoints speedo boys with the removal of the turbo and manual variants from the previous model but for some relatives you know had a previous Forester from the start, the new model shapes the Forester into a more generous crossover fit enough for trips to Leavenworth, Ocean Shores, or Oregon, and then come back home with some fuel left for work, making it a more rewarding experience and with safety tech's at hand, the Forester puts everyone inside it first and that's something Subaru's trying to tell to the world that they're trying to copy Volvo's safety success story and while it sounds too deep, the new model can trigger some mixed reactions on its first day and that was the trivia for the day.

Available colors: Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Crimson Red Pearl, Sepia Bronze Metallic, Jasper Green Metallic, Horizon Blue Pearl, and Dark Blue Pearl.

Photo: Subaru Corporation

Forza Motorsport 7: First Subie

Forza Motorsport 7 celebrates the 60th anniversary of Subaru as a car company and it became an appropriate time for them to look back 60 years of Subaru's car manufacturing with the car that started it all, this little Subaru 360.



Ah yes. The one called it "cheap and ugly" in the US adverts. What is it then? Two years after the post-war period is declared over, Fuji Heavy Industries (now Subaru Corporation) has released the Subaru 360, marking it the first time selling a proper four-wheeled vehicle and a turning point in Japanese car manufacturing industry.

From its egg-shaped body and interior space for four people, it was powered by a 356cc engine, which is the standard kei-car displacement back then, mated to the back of the car. Early models produce only 15HP of power and it was mated to a 3-speed MT. Thanks to its fiberglass roof panel, it weighs only 400kg and to make it smooth to handle, it's got a 4-wheel independent suspension.

Until 1971, the Subaru 360 became a phenomenon and there have been different versions including the Young S and SS, sport versions for young car enthusiasts.

In pop culture reference, the Subaru 360 became the car of choice of GetBackers' main characters, Ban Mido and Ginji Amano.



Yes, you heard that right. This is the car the GetBackers used mission after mission when our favorite vigilantes kicking butts but anyway, no time to feel the tense because I'm trying to talk about what is like to drive the first Subaru ever made and despite my poor tastes for classic cars, it isn't half bad for a micro car that changed the very landscape of the Japanese car manufacturing renaissance.

Yes, the engine maybe small, it's short on power, but for a tiny car, it has endless possibilities you can think of and just imagine how much potential you can create with just a "cheap and ugly" car like this. Whoa, said that much...



After my brief drive with the car favored by the GetBackers, how about a little demonstration to see the Subaru 360 is still the Subaru 360 I know from the past mid-century, let's pit in with something very similar to it and since we're in Suzuka, I picked a suitable rival for it.





Of course, this is the one favored by everyone's favorite master thief, Lupin the Third, but this here is the Abarth 595 esseesse, an improved version of the standard 500 that resulted to the ideal mantra that small is better, even when it comes to picking the best handling classics. Talk about some mid-century atmosphere here and with all of the ingredients here, looks like it's going to be a showdown between the vigilante and a thief. However, we're experiencing light showers around Suzuka but never mind, let's get this showdown on the road.


And now, the lap times...

595 - 1:32.304
360 - 1:33.516

Whoa, looks like Lupin the Third managed to get away from the GetBackers by about a second. Man, you boys really let the master thief get away, huh? Even Inspector Zenigata couldn't figure it out how Lupin got away in this latest scheme. Oh, well...



The Subaru 360, found in Forza Motorsport 7's Tonino's Car Pack, may not be the ideal car for those who are interested in fast rides offered in the game, but as a time machine, it's important to know every car company's roots by understanding the classics and this Subaru 360 is the ideal example of that.

Without the 360, cars like the Leone, the Alcyone, the Legacy, the Impreza, and the Forester, among many other noteworthy Subarus wouldn't exist and looks like we have to give this "cheap and ugly" Subaru a big thanks. Too much, I said? Anyway, here's for 60 years of making cars, Subaru. It's a shame that the way Subaru has pretty much vanished these days, shrivelled up to the point that they're making boring cars. It's heartbreaking...

Forza Motorsport 7: Not the same...!?

While JDM fans mourn the deletion of production Toyotas and Lexus on FM7, the majority of 86 sympathizers who can't cope with the loss of Toyota's 21st century JDM hero are making due with its Subaru equivalent, the BRZ. Question is that even though the BRZ is a Subaru version of the Toyota 86, does this car had the same feeling or not?



Built in the same factory as the Toyota 86, the Subaru BRZ is the company's first-ever rear-wheel drive car, breaking Subaru's tradition of making four-wheel drive cars in its lifetime. This is also Subaru's first two-door coupe of the 21st century since the Alcyone, the SVX, and the Impreza Retna. Under the hood, the BRZ is powered by a 2.0L D-4S BOXER engine, which is a joint venture between Toyota and Subaru, producing 200PS of power and 205Nm of torque. It promises about 12.4km/L to 13.4km/L of fuel economy based on Japan's JC08 mode test cycle. There are two transmission types available such as a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed Paddle Shit transmission.



A Hachiroku fan driving a Subaru BRZ might say that even though they're made from the same factory, he or she believes that BRZ's driving style doesn't match Toyota's 21st century JDM sportscar and I have a clear reason why. The moment I taste the BRZ on the road, I have a clear impression that heritage is what separates them apart because while the Toyota 86 follows the tradition of Toyota's successful sports cars, the BRZ breaks the Subaru tradition like a village idiot in a family of geniuses. That's why more and more believe that the 86 and BRZ are not the same when it comes to its audience impact rather than performance and handling likewise.



Well, since the producers kicked out most of the Toyota-made cars, including our favorite, guess this is no other choice but driving Subaru's take on the Hachiroku whether we like it or not as I shall now demonstrate it by driving this car round the entire Long Beach track, even though this city course is sponsored by Toyota, which is a shame for us.



The Subaru BRZ maybe a treason to Subaru's heritage or despised by most Hachiroku fanatics for not living it up to the 86's promises but hey, at least they made a fun and affordable rear-wheel drive car we can live with and I agree with that. Although I still going to miss the 86 in every tangible way, this Subie keeps me company for the time being in FM7.

Forza Horizon 3: Toyobaru Revisited - Side BRZ

It's been half a decade since Toyota and Subaru introduced the world their compact front-engined, rear-wheel drive sports coupes sold under their respective names of Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ and as sportscars come and go by, rest assured that these affordable Asian sportscars never gone to waste even though they're not as fast as any European sportscars because what these cars are not just good-looking but also greater to drive which isn't so bad for a four-cylinder car to begin with if you're new into sportscars.

I already talked about the 86 a few moments ago so now it's the turn of its Pleiades relative, the Subaru BRZ.





The BRZ maybe Subaru's first coupe offering since the likes of the Alcyone, the SVX, and the Impreza Retna, but it's known forever as the sacrilege of the breed because of its rear-wheel drive powertrain, a treason to Subaru's four-wheel drive heritage, but I don't care if this car is a treason to Subaru's lineage because like the 86, the BRZ is a fun to drive car that knows no bounds. From its low centre of gravity, boxer-4 engine, and some basic dynamics that makes it easier to live with, the BRZ is all about giving drivers the fun they've been longing for and on weekends, it's a blast to drive.

Of course, while the BRZ and the 86 are the same beings, heritage is what separates them apart because while the Toyota 86 follows the tradition of Toyota's successful sports cars, the BRZ breaks the Subaru tradition like a village idiot in a family of geniuses. Differences aside, I'm starting to admire those Japanese sportscar heroes after being around for half a decade.

So, now that I enjoyed getting to know about the BRZ, how about a little treat for this rear-wheel drive hero?





I know, that design looks familiar to you but in an event a Hachiroku couldn't make it to future installments, the BRZ will provide the backup and with the design I made to love about it, it reflects the BRZ's personality as a machine. Wish I want to drive my special BRZ but Australia's starting to wear me out like an old man so instead...





I'm taking the BRZ at the Hot Wheels Thrilltopia for a rollercoaster drive it will never forget. The cool thing about the Thrilltopia is that with so much obstacles to conquer, it almost feels like the automotive equivalent of Ninja Warrior, the ultimate endurance challenge which tests one man's strength and spandex. The BRZ will be taking part of a challenge I line up for it and see if this car can make it or fall under the sea of disappointment.

Even though I made some improvements to make it competitive, I don't think this BRZ might have a fighting chance to survive Thrilltopia's obstacles but like everyone else, I believe in this machine. Cross your fingers for the ultimate battle of a lifetime...



The Subaru BRZ survived and won the challenge. What a day to be the ultimate Hot Wheels Thrilltopia Ninja Warrior, eh? Good show, and I think the BRZ earned it.

Call it a sacrilege or a treason on Subaru's heritage but the BRZ is all about being an enjoyable rear-wheel drive sportscar with a spritey personality and they did a really good job making a rather satisfying sportscar that caters the driver's desires. Looks like I have to give them a hearty thanks.

Subaru Levorg and WRX S4 - 2018 minor change

Subaru's Levorg and WRX S4, Japan's cut-price answer to Volvo's V60 and S60, are now updated for the 2018 model year and apart from having slight cosmetic and mechanical changes aside, the 2018MY Levorg and WRX S4 introduced us to Subaru's brand new version of the award-winning Eyesight safety tech.

2018 Subaru WRX S4

2018 Subaru Levorg

Before explaining more about Subaru's updated version of the Eyesight safety tech. Let's find out what's new on these two, starting with the outside of these cars as you can see with those redesigned hexagonal-shaped grilles, new front bumpers, and new wheel designs, there is a stark comparison between these two relatives; the Levorg is designed as a comfortable day-to-day car for work and for leisure while the WRX S4 is designed to be as sporty as its hi-po derivative.

2018 Subaru WRX S4 interior

2018 Subaru Levorg interior

On the inside, both the WRX S4 and the Levorg come with the new, larger high-definition multi-function display, as well as the new auto climate control on the dashboard to keep it fresh and accommodating for both of these models. Seats aside, both the WRX S4 and the Levorg feature Ultrasuede, a suede-like artificial leather made by Toray, intertwining bundled ultrafine fibers, giving these interiors a touch of class. It even comes with the driver's seat position memory function that can memorize up to four seating positions, giving occupants a customized seating position comfortable enough for the long journey ahead.

2018 Subaru WRX S4

2018 Subaru Levorg

Under the hood, both models do come with the same 300PS 2.0L DIT boxer-four engine mated to a LINEARTRONIC CVT and SI-DRIVE which promises 13.2km/L of fuel efficiency based on JC08 Mode standards and improved driving feel because of the tinkering of the dynamics. In the Levorg, though, it still offers an entry-level 1.6L turbocharged boxer engine with 16.0km/L of fuel efficiency.

Now, we get to the real part of these two updated models in terms of safety, and for the new 2018MY WRX S4 and Levorg comes Eyesight Touring Assist. Improving the safety credentials of their award-winning safety tech, Eyesight Touring Assist operates by using Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Control, and a stereo camera to monitor lane markings as well as vehicles ahead of the car, greatly reducing the driver burden by taking control of acceleration, braking, and steering while traveling on highways. In other words, these can make the WRX S4 and Levorg drive by themselves, which is surprising and awkward among Subarists.

So, now that we get to know about Subaru's new Eyesight Touring Assist, what do you think? Is this tech predicting the future of Subarus or it means something more? Whatever it is, new tech aside, the new WRX S4 and the new Levorg are trying to play "top trumps" against Volvo's S60 and V60, although even with the upgrades, these Volvo's can still mince these two because of the performance in terms of pricing, especially when the Levorg starts at 2,829,600 Japanese Yen and the WRX S4 starts at 3,369,600 Yen, they're great value for money for a change. So there you have it, with these new tech and features, both these new Subaru models may never make the grade against its Volvo rivals due to their performance but when it comes to getting ready in today's traffic conditions, their new Eyesight Touring Assist is right here when they need it the most.

Photo: Subaru Corporation

Daihatsu Move/Subaru Stella (LA150/160) - 2018 minor change

Now on its 2018 model year, the Daihatsu Move and its Subaru Stella counterpart have been given a much-needed facelift, more than enough to introduce the latest upgrade to the Smart Assist system that promises to be its most groundbreaking feat yet for such kei cars while retaining its kei car personality that fits well to the Japanese youth.

2018 Daihatsu Move

2018 Daihatsu Move Custom

2018 Subaru Stella and 2018 Subaru Stella Custom

So, what's new on the outside? On a regular Move or Stella, the front now comes with a new horizontally-shaped grille that now packs some style compared to the pre-facelifted model as well as its new bumper design and some new alloys, not to mentioned a slightly revised rear view. On the Custom variants, that shouty N BOX Custom-esque grille has been replaced with a much simpler design which is a throwback to the previous model's 2013 facelift from five years ago while the foglamps are now almost shaped like an exclamation point just to give a spot-on stance worthy to be a headturner. Also, the rear lamps are now revamped as well as its new and rakishly sharp alloy wheel design. On the inside, you can expect a revised instrumental panel as well as an enlarged 8-inch monitor display on the dashboard for range-topping variants.

2018 Daihatsu Move interior

2018 Daihatsu Move Custom interior

2018 Subaru Stella interior

2018 Subaru Stella Custom interior

Like the pre-facelifted models, they still come with the same 660cc 3-cylinder engine with fuel-efficient measures, CVT, and its "D monocoque" body structure that promises up to 31.0km/L while turbocharged models (Custom only) can get up to 27.4km/L. For 4WD variants, fuel efficiency is 27.6km/L while Custom-exclusive turbocharged variants can get up to 25.6km/L.

Now it's time to get through the heart of the facelifted Move/Stella and that is the brand new "Smart Assist III" and for this upgrade, it uses the world's smallest stereo camera and working in tandem with the sonar sensor, detection on leading vehicles as well as pedestrians have been improved sharply and it's been given Collision Warning Function and Collision Avoidance Support Brake function. Apart from that, the updated Move/Stella comes with Lane Departure Warning system, false start suppression control, forward vehicle start notice function, and auto high beam. There are other safety tech offered in this kei car but lest we leave it for those who want to try it.

Prices start at around 1,112,400 Yen for normal versions while Custom versions, hold on a second. Says here that for the Move Custom starts at 1,371,600 Yen while the Stella Custom, meanwhile, starts at 1,490,400 Yen. That sounds odd for pricing but who cares...

Photo: Subaru/Daihatsu

Forza Horizon 3: WRX STi vs. The World

Surprised? You might thought that it was the same special WRX STi that I drove before in the festival but by the looks of it, it's different than the specially-prepped STi I made a couple a while back. Look closely what's new with my Subie from side to side.





As you may be aware, the S4-themed STi, so literally named because the current VA-spec WRX STi is based on the WRX S4, the one my cousin currently drives every day, has been changed to accommodate the latest members of S4, as showcased in the current season of Aikatsu Stars. I know, don't try to talk but I hope you'll like the latest redesign for my STi I made just for everyone.

The VA-spec Subaru WRX STi has always been my favorite Subaru since its inception and whether this sports sedan competed in the likes of rallycross or the Nurburgring 24-Hour Race, the one Subaru proudly calls its home after their WRC stint, it always suits itself to take on any battlefield it desires like a lone ronin without a fierce rival to fight on. I know that the decade-long rivalry between the Subie and the Evo is over because Mitsubishi killed the Evo after its two-decade-long presence in the world of street cars, but come on, this Subie still stands and loves to pick on any fight it lands on, whatever lay ahead.



Since I got all of the three areas around us after tackling a Goliath of challenges at each area, I decided to give the Subie a fresh new look a new kind of challenge to pick fights against the world's best but we're not doing it on the Land Down Under just yet because the Subie has to take on places beyond Down Under. Something like...



Blizzard Mountain! With such a snow-filled wonderland, it's the ideal place to see if the STi is as rally-proven as its ancestors. In order for the Subie to accommodate such frigid conditions Blizzard Mountain has to offer, some rally equipment has been made in order to survive such a harsh winter wonderland, and with the proper gear, let's see if the Subie loves snow...



So, if the WRX STi enjoys playing snowball fights, how about something a bit more extreme?



Ah! The Hot Wheels Thrilltopia, an orange-track rollercoaster ride that pushes your driving skills to the extreme limit, and with the Subie swapped its rally-tuned equipment to track-tuned equipment enough to take on Thrilltopia's terrifying twists and turns only the bravest can survive, it's now time to see if the Subie can feel the orange-track heat. Ready?



The Subie not just mastered snow but also mastered Hot Wheels! It's incredible that no matter where you put the WRX STi, it just keeps on going until the battle has been won and this car really is a defiant one thinking that even with its long-time rival gone, it just feels like it won the battle but even though the WRX STi ended the war between the Subies and the Evos by unanimous decision, there are countless battles this car will face and it never loses the art of war ascended by its ancestors.



So, with the job done, looks like this Subie is ready to head back Down Under to take some rest but there's a welcome home present awaiting this fierce Subie; a race!



Man, I love this Subie when it takes on all comers it came across the road and no matter the verdict, it will keep on fighting until its last drop.