The Grand Tour - Episode 12

The Grand Tour Episode 12

SUVs are the main topic of this week's episode of Amazon's original series, The Grand Tour. In this episode, the trio are setting off to Germany to see which SUV is the best. James May believes that it's the expensive and the most powerful SUV ever made, the Bentley Bentayga, while Jeremy Clarkson thinks it's the Range Rover, and Richard Hammond knows that it's the less powerful but more affordable Jaguar F-Pace.

The trio settled their difference through a road trip through German cities, including the one with the F-bomb on it, and it all ends with an offroad race in the outskirts of Nuremberg.

Before that, Jeremy Clarkson's at the Eboladrome, killing animals with Lexus's high performance four-door saloon, the GS F, film extraordinaire Tim Burton is the latest celebrity victim to be succumbed to the show's Celebrity Braincrash, and a life in a day of a car with launch control.

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations are a threat

South Korea's defense minister Han Min-koo says that North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations are a direct threat to the nation. 

This statement comes following North Korea's preparation to launch a long-range missile. Han visited the missile base in Seoul on Friday to encourage soldiers in the New Year holidays. During his visit, Han emphasized that North Korea's provocations are a direct threat to the country as it continues to develop nuclear and ICBMs so its troops need to be prepared for more threats. South Korea's defense ministry says that there are signs that North Korea is preparing for an ICBM launch.

Meanwhile, three officials from Ewha Women's University appeared before the independent counsel's office on Friday for allegedly providing favors to the daughter of Choi Soon-sil, whose behind the South Korean presidential scandal. Four officials have been detained on allegations that the university gave undue favors to Choi's daughter.

Source: Arirang News

Let's Do The News! (January 27, 2017)

- In the Jee Ick Joo murder case, the owner of Gream Funeral Services where the body of the abducted Korean businessman was brought, clarified the alleged cremation of the victim's body. Department of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre presented funeral service owner Gerardo Santiago to the press. Santiago once disappeared in the middle of the issue of the murder of the Korean businessman after the funeral service was revealed and then returned home from Canada due to alleged death threats according to Aguirre comes from two groups who want to kill him.

- PNP Chief Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela rosa admitted that they failed to conduct a full lifestyle check on SP03 Ricky Sta. Isabel when they accepted him at the Anti-Illegal Drugs Group. Dela Rosa said that the process was skipped due to Sta. Isabel being recommended by Superintendent Rafael Dumlao, who was incidentally part of the Jeek Ick Joo murder case.

- Following the said murder case, President Rodrigo Duterte issues an apology to South Koreans. During his speech at the ground breaking ceremony of a power plant in Maasin, Leyte, Duterte vowed he will put whose responsible for this crime to justice.

- In response to a major assault by a powerful jihadist group, the major Syrian Islamist rebel group Ahrar al-Sham said that six other factions joined forces with it in northwestern Syria. Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, formerly allied with al Qaeda as the Nusra Front, launched the attack on a number of Free Syrian Army groups this week, accusing them of conspiring against it at peace talks in Kazakhstan this week.

- White House officials are proposing higher taxes to help pay for US President Donald Trump's plan to build a wall along the Mexican border, according to reports. Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters on Thursday that the White House will propose a 20-percent tax on products from countries that the US has a trade deficit with. He said that the administration is considering discussing the specifics with Republican lawmakers. This comment comes following Trump's idea of pushing for tax reforms on Mexican imports to pay for the cost of building the wall.

- A US magazine moved the minute hand of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists' Doomsday Clock to 2 and a half minutes from midnight, thirty seconds less than few years ago, warning people are close to end civilization with nuclear weapons, climate change, and other factors. This warning comes as the United States and Russia remained at odds in a variety of theaters, including Syria, as well as North Korea's repeated nuclear tests.

- Russian President Vladimir Putin vows to export the latest MiG fighter jets to other countries. Putin observed flight tests of the MiG-35 fighter conducted on the outskirts of Moscow on Thursday by video link. The latest model is reported equipped with a missile system capable of hitting both land or sea targets from outside the enemy air-defense system. Putin stressed that it will help markedly boost the Russian air force.

- British PM Theresa May expressed hope to further strengthen bilateral ties with the United States. May is visiting the US to hold talks with President Donald Trump in Washington on Friday, making it the first summit talks for the new US president since last week's inauguration. May told groups of Republicans in Pennsylvania that the two countries shared the same values of freedom and democracy, stating that they will enjoy a special relationship which must be renewed for a new age.

- Codemasters announced that Dirt 4, the latest installment of the Dirt rally racing series, will launch this June for PS4, XBOX One, and PC.

- The same upgrades from the Aston Martin Vanquish S, now in the new open-top Volante version.

2018 Aston Martin Vanquish S

TTFN!!!

Volvo V90 Cross Country

When Volvo brought back the V90 estate, which is based on the revived S90 flagship saloon, the Swedish car company want to do more with their recently revived flagship estate by giving it some crossover essentials that is deemed unnecessary for a wagon like this but because the future is becoming more crossover-prone than any other type of car, it succumbs itself into a crossover utility wagon that is the closest thing as you can get from the XC90 SUV.

2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country

The Volvo V90 Cross Country is a V90 estate for those who are all work and all play; those who spend their office work on weekdays, then going out on the great outdoors on weekends, day offs, and holidays, rain or shine, day or night. It maybe a crossover with some heightened ground clearance to make it look rough but underneath, this is still the same V90 as we know it, the same flagship estate Volvo the upperclassmen have gone for due to its advanced technology that does not copy but becomes one.

2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country

2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country interior

Of course, being a V90 with some rough look on the outside, you still expect the same interior you'd expect from a normal V90. You still have a lot of toys to fiddle with on the dashboard, the same five-seater layout with the rear legroom well accommodated for a wagon with 5-Series standards in terms of luxury, the same spacious boot space that accommodates from 560 to 1,526L of luggage, and overall, it's a well-balanced tourer fit for any lifestyle from suburban to outdoors, from city streets to countrysides.

2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country

A wide selection of 2.0L petrol and diesel engines are offered on the Cross Country variant, mated with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic. The most powerful in the range is the T6 version with 320PS of power and 400Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 6.3 seconds and onwards to 230kph. Try that on your Outback, mate.

Because all models are fitted standard with all-wheel drive, the V90 Cross Country is fit for any kinds of road conditions that are shifted from climate change time after time and no matter which road condition you're going on, for better and for worse, rest assured that this Volvo is a fitting take on nature's madness and above all, it's armed to the teeth with Volvo's cutting edge safety tech courtesy of Pilot Assist, the most advanced standard safety package on the market today and it makes good use of its sensors, camera, front radar, and autonomous emergency braking for collision prevention. Nothing says as prepared as boy scouts camping on the haunted woods in extreme conditions.

The Volvo V90 Cross Country starts at 378,000 Kr (around Php 2,130,000), which sounds more costly to own than a normal V90 estate but more affordable to own than the XC90 SUV, which makes it as close as you can get from that Swedish behemoth. Although some remain unappreciated that the V90 ended up on the growing list of cars getting crossovered but in times of nature's madness, some find no other choice than be alongside the Volvo that gets through the extra mile than any other estates elsewhere. The more they know, the better they'll be accommodated with this Volvo that fits well on any weather forecast now and almost forever.

Photo: Volvo Cars

Let's Do The News! (January 26, 2017)

- Senator Leila de Lima said that the CCTV footage provided by the Philippine National Police failed to show SPO3 Ricky Sta. Isabel involved in the Jee Ick Joo murder case. PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group director Senior Superintendent Glenn Dumlao showed series of CCTV footage exhibiting the supposed vehicle of Sta. ISable used to kidnap Jee in his Pampanga residence.

- Former President Benigno Aquino III explained that the PNP Special Action Force was sent on a covert mission in Mamasapano, Maguindanao two years ago. In his speech in Malacañang during the meeting with the families of the slain SAF members on Tuesday, President Rodrigo Duterte questioned why SAF commandos were sent on  Mamasapano operation in January 2015 when "SAF is organized and geared into the service to meet the challenges of urban terrorism."

- A group of environmental NGOs expressed concern over the proposed move to repeal the Mining Act of 1995. The Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship said that the House of Representatives committee on natural sources has started conducting technical working group meetings to replace it with Alternative Mining Bills.

- Reports told that US President Donald Trump will restrict nationals from certain Middle Eastern countries from entering the United States as well as temporarily deny entrance to refugees from all over the world. Trump will temporarily ban visitors from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen via an executive order as well as temporarily halt the country's refugee program.

- The Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram had used a woman with a baby on her back for a suicide attack in Nigeria, according to UN officials. On January 13th, women carrying explosives blew themselves up near a security checkpoint at a market in the northeastern Nigerian town of Madagali.

- Skoda adds the Scout variant of their newly launched Kodiaq midsize SUV, set for March's Geneva Motor Show premiere.

2018 Skoda Kodiaq

- The Ford Mustang fails the ANCAP safety test due to its lack of safety assist systems and underlining airbags, resulting to a poor result at the crash test.

- Aikatsu Stars gets renewed for a second season with two brand new characters coming soon at this latest season such as Elza Forte and Kirara Hanazono. In this new season, the Yotsuboshi Academy will be facing a stiff competition from a rival school known as Venus Ark, a school that is basically an onboard cruise ship and that's where the two new characters popped up, giving more challenge for Yume Nijino and the rest.

- Popular K-Pop Girl Group Wonder Girls will be officially disbanded after ten years and they will be releasing their final digital single in honor of their 10th anniversary.

TTFN!!!

BIOHAZARD 7 -resident evil-

For two decades, CAPCOM's Biohazard (Resident Evil) franchise first coined the survival horror craze and forever plagued millions of players worldwide with its puzzle-solving, gut-wrenching, fear-induced, choice-making, gameplay that will leave them traumatized at the end but only a select few wanted for more. At last, in honor of the series' 20th anniversary, the long-awaited installment has arrived on the PS4, Xbox One, and PC, as Biohazard 7 -resident evil- welcomes players to a new kind of fear they will never forget.

BIOHAZARD 7 -resident evil-
Grotesque Ver. (PS4)

BIOHAZARD 7 -resident evil-
Grotesque Ver. (XBOX One)

Biohazard 7 brings players to abandoned farmhouse in a fictional village somewhere in Louisiana. Upon receiving a message from a woman named Mia, Ethan Winters set off to this abandoned mansion to find her. Upon their reunion, things turned out to be bad during their escape until the unwelcome arrival of the Baker family dragged him down to this very hell he set foot. Now trapped under the grips of the Bakers, Ethan has to do whatever means necessary to escape from them and find out the truth.

One of the biggest changes in Biohazard 7 is it now sets in first-person perspective, giving your eyes a taste of fear you might come across room after room after room. Because the gameplay pays homage to the first game, there are some puzzle-solving mysteries to uncover as well as dealing with enemies in a fight-or-flight situations, not to mention stealth in case of...the Bakers sniffing you out. Throughout this place, you will encounter those monsters known as the "Molded", and how you deal with those creepy looking monsters is up to you because with ammo is scarce (as well as health items), fighting them isn't the only way.

Thanks to its RE ENGINE, Biohazard 7 features a larger than life graphics that even your 4K Ultra HD can appreciate its liveliness of this horror game and for those who have the PSVR, playing this game in VR mode is a very nightmarish experience. Here's hoping you'll survive trying to finish this game while you're wearing the PlayStation VR.

Apart from the traumatic fear it delivers, Biohazard 7 has some surprises in store for the gamers, not to mention the possible endings they might come across. Even though they beat the game, some brave-hearted few willing to come back for more will brace themselves for DLC content coming later this year, from Banned Footages to the additional "NOT A HERO" scenario.

Although this isn't as action-packed as fans hoped for from past installments, those looking for fear in the right angles really dared enough to play this new installment and find out for themselves as this game lives up to the survival horror fame. As a matter of fact, this game not only is terrifying, it's VERY punishing and not for the faint-hearted because with so much fear popping out by surprise, you would definitely not want to play that game in the middle of nightfall or when you have the urge to go for a bathroom break.

This is definitely one way of honoring two decades of Biohazard in the most terrifying manner they ever done for the players who demanded more.

"Welcome to the Family, son."

Let's Do The News! (January 25, 2017)

- The family of executed overseas Filipino worker Jakatia Pawa grieved as news flashed on television of her death Wednesday. Jakatia was sentenced to death by a Kuwait court seven years ago for allegedly killing her employer’s 22-year-old daughter.

- With the rising number of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno on Wednesday said that the Philippines’ plunge in the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index is no longer surprising. Sereno cited that the Philippines’ rank in the WJP Rule of Law Index released last October, went down from 51 in 2015 to 70 in 2016.

- President Rodrigo Duterte asked the public to ignore his outbursts as he expressed hopes that the Catholic Church would "come to terms with the truth." Duterte said there are things that the Church has to realize, including the plight of the poor.

- The Israeli government plans to build 2,500 settlement homes in the occupied West Bank. The city of Jerusalem also approved a plan on Sunday to build about 560 housing units in East Jerusalem.

- US President Donald Trump asked the chief executives of the country's top automakers to help create jobs at home. He explained his efforts to cut taxes and ease regulations, and strongly urged the automakers to build their plants in the US.

- The Russian government announced that they will not take part in the upcoming UN negotiation talks for a nuclear ban treaty. The Russian envoy said this is not a matter that should be decided by a majority vote. The envoy also said the decision ignores the international security environment based on nuclear deterrence.

- Sumo wrestler Kisenosato has become the first Japan-born wrestler in 19 years to be promoted to the highest rank of Yokozuna, or Grand Champion. Kisenosato won the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament which ended on Sunday.

- Did you know that the new Ford GT's 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine produces 638bhp at 6,250rpm, and 550lb-ft at 5900rpm?

- The Pokemon Bank app has now been updated with Sun and Moon compatibility. That means you can transfer your hardworked Pokemon from past titles to Sun and Moon. As a bonus, players will receive a special Mewnium Z to unleash Mew's brand new Z-move, Genesis Supernova.

TTFN!!!

THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS VIEWING REVOLUTION Yes! Party Time!!

THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS
VIEWING REVOLUTION Yes! Party Time!!

Launched since late last year, THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls Viewing Revolution is one of the launch titles for the PlayStationVR for the PS4 console and in their first VR outing, in collaboration with Maihama Amphitheater,  fans can enjoy live concerts of their favorite Cinderella Girls at the comfort at their own living room using the PlayStationVR. Although sacrilege by iM@S purists, most would say its a dream come true to jump into the new kind of Cinderella Girls experience and as a reward for becoming part of the Viewing Revolution, there's a new single featuring the theme song of the PSVR launch game.

Yes! Party Time!! is the theme song of THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls Viewing Revolution and in this CD, not only the game's theme song is featured but also two songs as heard in the game such as GOIN'!!!, and アタシポンコツアンドロイド. If you enjoyed these songs in the Viewing Revolution game, you can listen these songs with your own ears rather than your own eyes. Still, it's all part of the Cinderella Girls craze you and I are currently craving on if you're in the mood for all things iM@S.

TRACK LISTINGS:

1) Yes! Party Time!!（M@STER VERSION)　

2) GOIN’!!!

3) アタシポンコツアンドロイド

4) Yes! Party Time!!（M@STER VERSION) オリジナル・カラオケ

5) Yes! Party Time!!（VR VERSION)

Let's Do The News! (January 24, 2017)

- The Jee Ick Joo murder case is far from being resolved three months after his kidnapping and apparent murder, and the recent arrest of one of the prime suspects in the case. A commotion even ensued last week at the NBI HQ in Manila, when the wife of Senior Police Officer 3 Ricky Sta. Isabel, who is being accused as a key figure in Jee’s kidnap-slay, saw that one of the police officers taking him into police custody was someone he had mentioned in his affidavit.

- Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre still has a lot of explaining to do about the fifty million peso bribery scandal involving his former officials at the Bureau of Immigration, senators said at the start of the senate inquiry into the issue yesterday. The possibility of his involvement came out during the Senate Blue Ribbon committee hearing where former officials gave conflicting statements on how they got hold of the fifty million pesos from retired police general Wally Sombero.

- President Rodrigo Duterte compared himself to his newly American counterpart, Donald Trump, when it comes to his attitude, but he believes that Trump should not be underestimated. The two latest leaders both use tortured metaphors and known for their harsh comments, among other characteristics. Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, who attended Trump's inauguration last weekend, said Trump's protectionist stance is similar to Duterte's independent foreign policy.

- Meanwhile, the Trump administration vows to defend territories that are in international waters, including the South China Sea issue. Responding to a question about China's claims over islands in the disputed area, press secretary Sean Spicer says that "we are going to make sure we defend international territories." Apart from that, President Trump signed a presidential memorandum formally withdrawing the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement, as promised from his campaign, then providing military assistance to Egypt.

- The World Health Organization warned nations to keep an eye on outbreaks of bird flu, stressing that fresh infections have been reported in birds in nearly forty countries since November.  According to WHO Director-General Margaret Chan, highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in poultry or wild birds have shown a steep increase. She said the WHO has been put on high alert by the rapid geographical expansion of the outbreaks and the number of virus strains currently co-circulating.

-  Mexican president Enrique Pena Nieto vowed that his country will neither confront or submit to the United States under the Trump leadership. Pena Nieto was speaking before business and political leaders in Mexico City on Monday against a backdrop of US President Donald Trump's high profile criticism of his country. Pena Nieto said "the solution is dialogue and negotiation" while pledging to protect national interests and not yield to criticism from the United States.

- Bernie Ecclestone was reportedly removed from his position as the head of Formula One following leadership shuffle planned by the new owners of F1. Liberty Media. He will be replaced by Chase Carey, who was appointed F1 chairman after the Liberty Media deal. Apart from that, F1 veteran Ross Brawn and former ESPN marketing executive Sean Bratches will have an undetermined post in the F1 executive structure.

- Action star, former Republican California governor, and reality TV show host Arnold Schwarzenegger collaborated with an Austrian company Kreisel Electric to create an electrified Mercedes G-Class SUV during an event in Kitzbuehel. He even took a test drive of this electrified G-Wagen as well as orchestrated it for Kreisel to install the electric powertrain, resulting to a electric hunk of metal with 186 miles of driving range.

- Fans of THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls should take a look at this brand new Full Swing Yell Yuki Himekawa figure courtesy of Kotobukiya. This brand new figure is yours to order for 11,000 Yen plus tax and will be delivered this June.

Full Swing Yell
Yuki Himekawa

- For Love Live Sunshine fans, there's the new Riko Sakurauchi figma, available for pre-orders starting at 5,833 Yen plus tax and delivers this July. This is the second addition to the new Love Live Sunshine figma range starting with Chika Takami and there will be more to come soon.

figma Riko Sakurauchi

- Tekken 7 will be heading to PS4 and XBOX One this June 1st and for PC users (via Steam) on the next day. This latest installment features console-exclusive extras such as "The Mishima Saga" Story Mode, as well as bonus extras including a special code to unlock Eliza as well as special Fated Retribution accessories for your favorite fighters.

TTFN!!!

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Eighth hearing of the President Park impeachment case

Korea's Constitutional Court is holding the eighth hearing in the impeachment trial of President Park Geun-hye. Kim Chong, the former second vice minister of culture, sports, and tourism, appeared in court this morning as witness. 

Kim is suspected of hiring people to posts in the sports and culture sectors that were recommended by Choi Soon-sil, the woman at the center of the ongoing scandal. Kim said that he didn't know Choi was acquainted with the president and added he received direct orders from former presidential chief of staff Kim Ki-choon on sports-related issues.

Prime Minister and acting leader Hwang Kyo-ahn addressed the nation today in an hour-long press conference, where he put extra emphasis on national security and economic revitalization. Prime Minister Hwang vowed full defense readiness against any North Korean threats and said South Korea will continue to rein in Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions via a strong alliance with the new Trump administration in the US. Nothing that North Korea's nuclear and missile threats are ever-present, Prime Minister Hwang stressed that Seoul is committed to deploying the THAAD missile defense system as soon as possible to protect the nation and its people. The prime minister also pledged to stabilize people's livelihoods and manage potential risks against rising uncertainties.

Source: Arirang News

Let's Do The News! (January 23, 2017)

- House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez is backtracking on his call for PNP chief Director Gen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa to resign amid the controversial kidnap-slay of a Korean businessman. In a radio interview, Alvarez said Dela Rosa should just devote his undivided attention to the task of eliminating rogue policemen. Alvarez made the statement after President Rodrigo Duterte said there is no need for Dela Rosa to resign and that he still enjoys his full trust and confidence.

- Back to the Jee Ick-joo murder case, detained SPO3 Ricky Sta. Isabel confessed to his participation in the crime and pointed to superior in the PNP as the alleged mastermind behind the kidnapping and killing of the Korean businessman. Sta. Isabel has implicated Superintendent Rafael Dumlao of the PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Group and Senior Superintendent Allan Macapagal of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group.

- An American missile destroyer arrived in Subic Bay on Monday for a brief port call. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer John S. McCain is deployed to the US 7th Fleet at the AO as support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. During its Philippine visit, the crew will participate in community service projects and sporting events, according to the US Embassy in Manila.

- Israel has approved the construction of new homes in Jewish settlements in East Jerusalem. The Jerusalem city hall approved the building permits for 566 units on Sunday, days after the inauguration of US President Donald Trump. Israel captured East Jerusalem in the 1967 war while its occupation since then has not been international recognized. Palestinian authorities condemned this latest attempt, crushing hopes for an independent Palestinian state.

- In his first week of office, US President Donald Trump will start talks with Mexico and Canada to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement. Trump spoke on Sunday at a White House ceremony to swear in his senior officials, including Chief of Staff Reince Priebus. Trump said his team is going to "do some great things over the next 8 years." He urged them to devote themselves to "the national good." Meanwhile, Trump has invited Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on February.

- 15 people died as tornadoes ravaged the southeastern part of the United States. Severe weather over the weekend brought powerful twisters and storms at the states of Georgia and Mississippi, causing damage to numerous homes, roofs, cars, and felled trees.

- French left-wing voters cast ballots on Sunday in the first round of the Socialist Party's primary to choose a candidate for the presidential election. Seven candidates competed in Sunday's first-round voting, including 3 from satellite left-wing parties. Former Education Minister Benoit Hamon topped the poll with former Prime Minister Manuel Valls right behind him. The winner is expected to face an uphill battle against rightist rivals in the 2-round presidential election scheduled for April and May.

- Subaru will unveil the brand new XV, based on the latest Impreza, on March's Geneva Motor show.

- British sportscar company, Zenos, is reportedly bankrupt.

- Kunos Simulazioni, developers of the critically-acclaimed Assetto Corsa racing simulator game, will be taken over by Digital Bros.

TTFN!!!

Second-Generation Audi Q5 (Typ FY)

Slotted below the bigger Q7 full-size SUV, the Audi Q5 is a luxury midsize crossover that appeals more than your auntie's luxury crossover in terms of numerous capabilities this crossover can do and for this second-generation model, there's no denying that the all-new Audi Q5 can pinpoint every potential capabilities that your auntie's crossover can't, especially when your auntie started to own a Mercedes GLC per se. So, will your auntie prefer this one more than the GLC? Let's see...

2017 Audi Q5

The previous Q5 launched in 2008 is basically an Audi A4 with a big body that does nothing more to appease the outdoorsman but rather than the yuppies who prefer taking it on the city centers rather than national parks for business and leisure. For this new model, though, it's becoming personal because apart from the Q7-inspired design that matches its blood with the other Audi SUVs, the new Q5 is all about business and usual, day and night, rain or shine, clean and dirty, no matter the odds.

2017 Audi Q5 interior

2017 Audi Q5 interior

You have to admit that the new interior is basically an improvement compared to the previous model and while it is slightly more spacious than the last one, it's more surprisingly high-tech than ever, meaning millennials can toy around with the features as much as they want before setting off or going out. One such thing is the new MMI with smartphone connectivity that works well with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, giving plenty of reasons to stay connected while on the road, as long as your aware of your surroundings. The new interior looks so promising but the second row seats is somewhat questionable because while you are trying to get inside, it's worth the try to squeezing yourself while getting indulged by that new car smell until some sweaty boys occupying the whole second row and it takes a Febreze to stave them off.

2017 Audi Q5

2017 Audi Q5

At launch, the new Q5 is powered by either a 2.0L TFSi petrol engine or a 2.0L TDi diesel engine, mated with either a six-speed manual, or a seven-speed S tronic gearbox, depending on the model. For now, the most powerful in the range is the 2.0L TFSi with 252PS of power and 370Nm of torque, capable of reaching 0-100kph in 6.3 seconds and onwards to 232kph. The most efficient one is the 2.0L TDi with 4.9L/100km of fuel economy.

Unlike the previous one, the all new Q5 features a brand new platform that is similar to the one used on the latest VW Tiguan, meaning that it's now more nimble and more durable compared to the last one and by utilizing the new quattro drivetrain, it's now more capable to handle situations than ever, making it an all-weather multirole that you can take it anywhere as long as you're curious to drive it. Although, the newly updated dynamics on the new Q5 is quite impressive when you consider it, it doesn't feel as sporty as what the name hoped for and it feels...pretty much more like your auntie's crossover on the weekends.

Keeping up with the demands of times, the new Q5 features a wide array of driver assistance and safety systems. Apart from applying some of the many driver aids that makes it as civilized as an autonomous car of the next decade, the new Q5 comes with the predictive efficiency assistant that allows the driver save fuel by specific information on the car's surroundings. Sounds mind-boggling if you ask but it can be somewhat bland and drivers like to drive the way they like.

The new Q5 starts at 39,500 Euros and by surprise, it's amazingly more affordable to buy than the Mercedes GLC, your auntie's next favorite luxury crossover. Although it's less expensive than the Benz, the new Q5 behaves pretty much like your auntie's luxury crossover, only with the slight difference that makes her want to switch cars. Since the new Q5 is built in Mexico, the current American administration will be unhappy about this one because the dreaded 35% tariff will make this new model more expensive than the last one when it hits the US, unless some measures have to be taken to slip through this new kind of mess. Nevertheless, with less to worry about the new American climate, the new Q5 can have its lush in European soil because this is an Audi and Audi is German whether you like it or not.

Source: AUDI AG