Saturday, November 23, 2013
Sharlene San Pedro, IHAW NA!
On the November 22, 2013's Banana Nite's IHAW NA segment, the guest of the day was none other than former child star Sharlene San Pedro. Although a product of Star Circle Kids Quest, Sharlene San Pedro was been quite a successful child star in dramas like Mga Anghel na Walang Langit and Calla Lily. She's also one of the most successful Bulilits in Goin Bulilit and after her graduation along with Nash Aguas, Sharlene is currently part of the new season of Luv U.
Anakbayan Seattle's SIKLAB
if you've been busy learning Philippine history at your school, you did have a knack of knowledge about Andres Bonifacio, one of the greatest Filipino revolutionisits who established the Katipunan that led the revolt against the Spaniards in 1896.
I was amazed that my little sister, Cecille, kindly lend us tickets for the show, each costing around $10 but whatever. Anyway, me and my family are in.
After the performance, the members are taking highlights about the Superstorm Yolanda/Haiyan and the chronology during the aftermath of the superstorm that hit the Visayas region this month.
And now, it's the Katipunero Founding Speech as presented by my sister Cecille and Anakbayan Seattle member Derek.
November 30th 2013 marks the 150th birthday of the great Katipunero and Anakbayan Seattle, one of the most notable Fil-Am communities at the Northwest USA had a little tribute for him.
This event is called SIKLAB. Siklab is Tagalog for "spark" or "ignite" and like the namesake, it ignites the honor of Bonifacio's revolutionary spirit with a cultural showcase.
I was amazed that my little sister, Cecille, kindly lend us tickets for the show, each costing around $10 but whatever. Anyway, me and my family are in.
Here's the schedule. As you can see, my sister is taking part of the Katipunan Founding Speech along with Anakbayan Seattle's Derek Dizon.
The members giving us top 10 reasons why Bonifacio matters to us.
That man here is responsible for the Bonifacio fan arts by mixing his favorite cartoon characters with some Bonifacio twist.
In the stage, the man from Alay ng Kultuta showcased his Captain America fan art which he calls it "Captain Fil-Am". Get it? Filipino-American. Dual citizenship pays off...
After that, member Angela Pierce told us about "Mestiza" and after that...
Members Enrico Abadesco and Richard Arcelo, better known as Kounter Balance, are performing the song Midnight. Here's the clip:
After the performance, the members are taking highlights about the Superstorm Yolanda/Haiyan and the chronology during the aftermath of the superstorm that hit the Visayas region this month.
Then it was followed by a pledge drive where the audiences donate money to the Task Force Haiyan, dedicated to help Yolanda victims.
After the pledge, then it's the turn of Art of Verse to do some performance.
After the pledge, then it's the turn of Art of Verse to do some performance.
And now, it's the Katipunero Founding Speech as presented by my sister Cecille and Anakbayan Seattle member Derek.
After the speech, it's the step choreography as leas by member Celeste Duran.
After the choreography, the Kounter Balance return to perform Another Day, Another Dollar.
And that's it. That concludes the Anakbayan Seattle's SIKLAB event. I did enjoy being part of the cultural showcase igniting tribute to the legendary revolutionist that send the Filipinos fighting against the Spaniards. Not only it honors his spirit but also highlight Filipino youth that are still continuing his legacy.
Oh yeah. Sone hashtags left so you can tweet and post about the event.
"Sarap Kasi"
On the November 22, 2013 episode of Bubble Gang:
- Space Shuttle gags
- Investigating and blaming an accomplice...
- Ikaw at ang Ina knows about...pictures of hungry children with the captions that goes LIKE, SHARE, or IGNORE.
- D Adventures of Susie Lualhati in...the construction yard.
- Bubble Gang does Fita by spoofing this commercial as TITA! Sarap kasi.
- Mr. Assimo in the bake shop.
- Some shady man is selling counterfeit diplomas.
- Say Alien to Brod Pete and pals in Ang Bagong Dating Doon as they will answer life's biggest questions.
- James Wang meets his fan.
SUPERSTORM YOLANDA: Death toll tops 5,200
The death toll from Superstorm Yolanda has been risen to over 5,200, making it one of the Philippines' most deadliest natural disasters. The only thing that stands in the path is a tsunami triggered by a magnitude 7.9 earthquake in 1976 that killed between 5,000 and 8,000 people on the southern island of Mindanao. UN warns that 1.5 million children will face malnutrition.
Report": http://www.interaksyon.com/article/75410/yolanda-death-toll-tops-5200-un-warns-of-malnutrition-for-1-5-million-children
Honda N-WGN
The Honda N-Series kei cars serves as the next generation of Honda's kei cars, small cars promising good fuel economy for the masses. The N stands for NEW NEXT NIPPON NORIMONO and the N-Series kei cars were spearheaded by the N BOX since 2011, then followed by a more practical N BOX+ and the retro-inspired N-ONE last year. Now, 2013 sees the welcome addition to the ever-expanding Honda N-Series kei cars and say hello to the brand new N-WGN. Honda's answer to the Daihatsu Move and Suzuki Wagon R.
As always with all the Honda N-Series kei cars, "Hello Small World". The newest member of the Honda N-Series kei cars can be somewhat more of a class act to follow but judging by the looks of it, the N WGN is pretty much original and it doesn't make references to any other Honda cars ever made...except for the naming because WGN in the N-WGN name nods an ode to one of Honda's popular MPV for the masses, the StepWGN. For a bit of conspiracy about the N-WGN, some people say that this could serve as the replacement to the aging Life kei car. That's just either a conspiracy or a theory but we'll find out if there's any truth from them.
.jpg) |
| 2014 Honda N-WGN |
As always with all the Honda N-Series kei cars, "Hello Small World". The newest member of the Honda N-Series kei cars can be somewhat more of a class act to follow but judging by the looks of it, the N WGN is pretty much original and it doesn't make references to any other Honda cars ever made...except for the naming because WGN in the N-WGN name nods an ode to one of Honda's popular MPV for the masses, the StepWGN. For a bit of conspiracy about the N-WGN, some people say that this could serve as the replacement to the aging Life kei car. That's just either a conspiracy or a theory but we'll find out if there's any truth from them.
.jpg) |
| 2014 Honda N-WGN |
.jpg) |
| 2014 Honda N-WGN Custom |
Like any other kei cars which has a standard model and a custom model for those who have a sense of style, the new Honda N-WGN is available in two different styles; one is the normal N-WGN and the other one is the more stylish N-WGN Custom model, the one with a different headlamp and grille assembly, aggressive front bumper with fog lamp housings, different rear bumper, side skirts, rear spoiler, and some thin-spoked sports rims. Both of these models can be fitted with either a 58PS 660cc twin-cam three-cylinder engine or a turbocharged version which churns out the normal 64PS power output. On normal versions, the 660cc engine, with its CVT and idling stop system, which is part of Honda's Earth Dreams Technology, can get up to 29.2km/L on the JC08 cycle but that's just an estimate and for the drivers, fuel economy can vary so think before you write to them.
But still, 29.2kmpl of fuel economy is about .2kmpl more than the Daihatsu Move but .8kmpl short of the Suzuki Wagon R so therefore, it's in the middle position of the competition. In terms of weight, the new N-WGN weighs about 820kg, about 10 more than the Daihatsu Move and annoyingly, 70kg more than the Wagon R, so therefore it's the heaviest of the three.
.jpg) |
| 2014 Honda N-WGN interior |
.jpg) |
| 2014 Honda N-WGN Custom interior |
On the inside, the N-WGN tries to be more Honda-ish while keeping it simple in the name of kei-car activism. There's a steering wheel where you steer, there's a gear lever when you shift, there's aircon which has different settings from hot and cold, there's some seats where you can seat, there's a speedo where you can check how fast you're going, and the trademark Honda red engine switch for when you start it up. Simple really, this low-cost kei car tries to be more of a simpleton rather than an uncivilized Brainiac. He he he...
In terms of safety, the N-WGN has a wide array of safety features such as VSA, Hill Start Assist and Emergency Stop Signal (blinks hazard lamps during hard braking). City-Brake Active, side curtain airbag and front seat i-side airbag.
In terms of pricing, the new N-WGN starts at 1,131,000 Japanese Yen (about $11,200), which is about a hundred thousand yen more than the Move and the Wagon R but still, even it's the most expensive of the three, it's still competitively priced so there we are. What I believe that with all that blabbermouth about the new N-WGN, all I can conclude is simple, even though it's pricer than the Daihatsu Move, it's still more fuel efficient than the Daihatsu Move so if you are looking for a kei car for this class, best not to buy the Move, buy this Honda N-WGN. Although I had to warn that it's a hundred grand more expensive than the Move or the Wagon R but still, it's still a class act to follow.
PRICE LIST:
660 G - 1,131,000 Yen
660 G A Package - 1,250,000 Yen
660 G Turbo Package - 1,350,000 Yen
660 Custom G - 1,335,000 Yen
660 Custom G A Package - 1,450,000 Yen
660 Custom G Turbo Package - 1,510,000 Yen
660 G 4WD - 1,251,000 Yen
660 G A Package 4WD - 1,370,000 Yen
660 G Turbo Package 4WD - 1,470,000 Yen
660 Custom G 4WD - 1,455,000 Yen
660 Custom G A Package 4WD - 1,570,000 Yen
660 Custom G Turbo Package 4WD - 1,630,000 Yen
Available colors:
Premium White Pearl, Smart Black, Cutlery Silver Metallic, Polished Metal Metallic, Premium Flame Orange Metallic, Premium Deep Mocha Pearl, Cookie Cream, Horizon Turquoise Pearl, Premium Blue Moon Pearl, Premium Gold Purple Pearl.
Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Hyundai reveals new Genesis logo
.jpg) |
| Hyundai Genesis logo (old) |
Everyone's familiar with this Hyundai Genesis logo, right? Anyway, this is the Genesis logo when Hyundai's premium sedan was launched in January 2008. Now, Hyundai Motor Company revealed what I think to be the new logo for the Genesis and this new logo looks like this...
.jpg) |
| Hyundai Genesis logo (new) |
Yes, this is the new Genesis logo, which will be in effect to the second-generation model coming soon.
 |
| Upcoming Genesis full model change rendering |
Anyway, Hyundai released their teaser commercial for their next Genesis sedan featuring the Nurburgring. In the teaser clip, it only featured the Nurburgring and in the end, the new Genesis logo was featured. Here's the clip that sums it up...
Look for more details about the next Hyundai Genesis very soon.
Top Gear USA S04E09
Top Gear USA compares three brand new pickup trucks on that episode. Rutledge opts in a brand new 2014 Toyota Tundra while Tanner, being a Ford guy, goes for the Ford F-150 SuperCrew and Adam readies with the Ram 1500.
The search for the best pickup truck begins and for the first task, the boys must drive their trucks from rough terrain to asphalt. By surprise, the V8-powered, brand new Tundra came first before the F150 while leaving Adam and Ram in the dirt.
Their first destination is the Malibu SpeedZone and for this challenge, the boys will find out how car-worthy these trucks are. While in the destination, Adam arrives with some injuries, which is not a case for this. Because of his injuries, he'll let The Stig drive his Ram for a change.
Thanks to The Stig, the Ram 1500 wins the challenge and their next challenge involves its family-friendly abilities. Drivers swap from presenter to ordinary people when they find a parking space. In the end, the F-150 King Ranch wins.
The next challenge is a daring one as the boys challenge the 0-60-0 stopping power of trucks. Get it wrong, and they're going through a lot of mess from themselves. By 6-inches near the collision, the new Tundra takes the win.
And now, they're headed to the Ontario Airport, testing how tough these pickups are but because they've headed too early, they pass time driving airport vehicles for fun.
After much mishaps, they're now ready for the final challenge: towing a big jumbo jet without hitting the airport vehicle obstacles. Yes, the Tundra has a big reputation for towing a space shuttle but will conquer another challenge for Toyota?!
Amazingly, it did and it done at 2:26. Can the F150 and the Ram beat that?
The Ram did it in 2:10 while the F150 finished in 1:42. Which means, the F150 with the EcoBoost engine won the towing challenge.
Suzuki updates Alto Eco, fuel economy now 35kmpl
 |
| Suzuki Alto Eco |
Months ago, Daihatsu facelifted their fuel-efficient Mira e:S and with the 33.4kmpl fuel economy, we were wondering what's going to be the response from Suzuki. Guess what? They've responded...hard. And to counterattack the e:S' fuel economy, Suzuki updated their Alto Eco to have fuel economy up to 35kmpl. 35kmpl! About the same as the Toyota Aqua hybrid but more importantly, about 1.6kmpl more than the recently facelifted Daihatsu Mira e:S!
So, how did Suzuki do it? The 660cc engine's compression ratio is now 11.2: while the combustion efficiency was improved by reshaping the piston to its smooth concave shape. The friction was reduced with the adoption of frictional resistance and the powertrain's optimized. The CVT's shift control's optimized, making it possible to run at low speeds. 2WD models also get improved heater performance and coolers as well.
With all the upgrades for the Alto Eco, looks like Suzuki Motor Corporation is acknowledging their achievement, giving the Daihatsu Mira e:S rival a run for its money. Prices now start at 838,950 Yen for the ECO-L model.
SUPERSTORM YOLANDA: More than 100 Prisoners Swim Out from Tacloban City Jail During Typhoon Yolanda
The aftermath of Superstorm Yolanda brings havoc to Tacloban City with all the looting and acts of criminality occur in the typhoon-struck area and this time, over a hundred prisoners managed to escape Tacloban City Jail during Superstorm Yolanda or Haiyan and as of now, the escaped convicts are still out there.
Those escaped prisoners had different offenses, from burglary to violent crimes such as murder, to homicide and rape. They managed to swim out from their cells as they seek for higher ground, which as it turns out to be the warden's 2F office. However, they escaped through the water flowing out the front door.
Jail warden Joseph Nunez said that there are 117 prisoners escaped. Before the typhoon, there are 676 inmates but after the typhoon, it's now decreased to 559.
Report: http://kickerdaily.com/more-than-100-prisoners-swim-out-from-tacloban-city-jail/
What's in our Car Town garage today? (November 22, 2013)
What's in our Car Town garage today?
2010 Chevrolet Corvette
The Chevrolet Corvette is hailed as the king of American sports cars because of its stand-out performance, provocative design, and the long-running heritage that truly makes this American sports car more than just a car, it's just one of the many things what America has to offer. For this C6 Corvette, the legend of the Corvette still going on strong. Launched in 2004, the C6 Corvette is powered by a 6.0 L LS2 V8 that produces 400 horsepower 542Nm of torque.
2010 Chevrolet Corvette
The Chevrolet Corvette is hailed as the king of American sports cars because of its stand-out performance, provocative design, and the long-running heritage that truly makes this American sports car more than just a car, it's just one of the many things what America has to offer. For this C6 Corvette, the legend of the Corvette still going on strong. Launched in 2004, the C6 Corvette is powered by a 6.0 L LS2 V8 that produces 400 horsepower 542Nm of torque.
 |
| 2010 Chevrolet Corvette |
2011 Lotus Evora Type 124
The Lotus Evora, the one with the Toyota V6 engine in the middle, may not be an enthusiast's car but Lotus wanted to make it a bit more racy by creating a track-only Evora Type 124, which is built for Endurance racing. It has the same design cues as the normal Evora but because it has a big rear spoiler, stripped-off interior with racing peripherals, and the improved Toyota V6 that develops 400HP of power and 400lb-ft of torque, this race-spec Evora is armed and ready to take on numerous endurance races including the Nurburgring, Silverstone, or at the Dubai Autodrome.
 |
| 2011 Lotus Evora Type 124 |
2012 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta
One of the most highly-anticipated Ferraris since its debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show is the new Ferrari F12. This 599 successor is powered by one of the most powerful V12 engines ever made and it churns out over 740PS of power and 690Nm of torque. Aside from the raw power developed from its throaty V12 engine, it comes with a very clever aerodynamics which channels air from its hood to along its sides for added downforce. Because this new supercar is beyond the competition, the new Ferrari F12 is awarded as Top Gear's Supercar of the Year 2012.
 |
| 2012 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta |
Thursday, November 21, 2013
SUPERSTORM YOLANDA: DSWD Wasted and Rotting Relief Goods
Facebook user Ron Epiz shared some snaps of rotting relief goods and wasted food due to disorganized repacking operations and delivery boxes just being dumped without care. Oh dear. Relief goods that are supposed to be donated to Yolanda victims unexpectedly gone to waste. Bottled waters outside the warehouse spread like garbage, rice grains scattered like no one cars, relief boxes literally being dumped by trucks without thinking that whatever inside. Does the DSWD need to double their time, improve their management style, and make operations efficient and effective?
 |
| Rotting relief goods |
Third-generation Mazda Axela (BM) and Axela Hybrid (BY)
It's been 10 years since Mazda introduced the Axela (known worldwide as the Mazda 3) and on paper this is somewhat made to compete against the Corolla and the Lancer. It's made to follow the footsteps of the legendary Mazda Familia and carries on the trademark zoom-zoom tradition as other Mazdas do. Now, there is a third-generation of Mazda's Corolla fighter in the making and for this new generation, the all new Axela is all about choices.
Now, the big story about the brand new, third-generation Mazda Axela is all about how the customers want and for Mazda, the new model is available in three powerplants such as petrol, diesel, and for the most unexpected twist...a hybrid. Yes, Mazda broke the whole "not a drag to drive" promise because since Mazda introduced the SKYACTIV Technology two years ago, they have strongly promise that they would be as fuel-efficient as a hybrid or an EV without sacrificing its fun-to-drive characteristics. The whole SKYACTIV Technology started with the Demio, then the previous second-generation Axela, last year's CX-5 and present third-generation Atenza, as well as this year's Premacy and Biante. It keeps on expanding while keeping the whole portfolio complete such as SKYACTIV-G, SKYACTIV-DRIVE, SKYACTIV-BODY, SKYACTIV-CHASSIS, SKYACTIV-D, and SKYACTIV-MT. The current Demio introduced SKYACTIV-G, previous Axela introduced SKYACTIV-DRIVE, CX-5 introduced SKYACTIV-BODY, SKYACTIV-CHASSIS, and SKYACTIV-D, and present generation Atenza introduced SKYACTIV-MT. Wow, I am now on the edge of my seat recapping this but anyway...SKYACTIV-HYBRID?! What's it all about? Has Mazda lost its mojo? Has the company that once make fun cars gone...boring? Let's find out more about the new Hybrid model but first...
The entry-level models are offered with the smaller SKYACTIV-G 1.5L petrol engine (codenamed P5-VPS) which develops 111PS of power and 144Nm of torque. In the sedan model, fuel economy comes at around 19.6kmpl while the Sport hatchback gets to 19.4kmpl as calculated in JC08 Mode standards. Exclusively on the Axela Sport hatchback is the more powerful SKYACTIV-G 2.0L petrol engine (codenamed PE-VPR), which develops 155PS of power and 196Nm. Mated with a well-balanced SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed gearbox, fuel economy is a promising 19.0kmpl, making it the most fuel-efficient 2.0L engine ever made and since I can't find any Japanese hatchback with a 2.0L engine on it, I think this variant doesn't need the competition for sure, apparently. Also exclusive to the Sport is the CX-5-derived SKYACTIV-D 2.2L diesel engine, which can be offered this January, and this diesel engine can be mated with either a 6-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE gearbox and the Roadster-inspired, driver favorite, 6-speed SKYACTIV-MT gearbox first applied on last year's Atenza. When mated with the automatic, it gives about 19.6kmpl of fuel economy but as for the manual gearbox-mated variant...well, results to be determined but I think it will be below the estimated 22kmpl gap. That's a theory.
Now, let's talk about the sedan-exclusive SKYACTIV-HYBRID variant. This is not the best Mazda for the enthusiast. It's more fuel efficient than the SKYACTIV-D 2.2L engine, more powerful than the SKYACTIV-G 1.5L engine, and of course, hybrids are Japan's inventions. Of course, Japan first invented the hybrid car since the first Toyota Prius of late 1997. Surprisingly though, the hybrid powerplant was derived from Toyota, in case you heard of it. The key target for the Axela Hybrid is the Toyota Corolla Axio Hybrid, launched in Japan earlier this year, so let's see how this thing stacks up....
The SKYACTIV-G 2.0L petrol engine, which produces a short 99PS of power, is connected to a 60kW electric motor and an old-fashioned nickel metal battery. Because it's mated to a CVT gearbox and the reason why JDMs of today have gone CVT-crazy is because of good fuel economy at low speeds, easy start-up, and smooth shifting, fuel-economy is 30.8kmpl, meaning that's about 2.2kmpl less than the Axio Hybrid but this car's no fool because the combined power output of 136PS is better than the Axio Hybrid's.
Of course, being the next to be a full-SKYACTIV model since the CX-5 and the new Atenza, the new Axela is not fully prepared without SKYACTIV-BODY which is 8-percent lighter and 30-percent more rigid than the previous model, and the SKYACTIV-CHASSIS which handles like a Mazda Roadster but with a bit more feel. The result is a more of a game-changer in the eyes of a driver and it feels like some lucky guy walking through a pool of custard. I like it.
While we're still in the whole "Be a driver" initiative from Mazda, the new Axela has numerous safety features that will keep the driver noticed on the road ahead. It even has i-ACTIVSENSE, which is a series of Mazda's advanced safety technologies designed to aid the driver in recognizing hazards, avoiding collisions and reducing the severity of accidents when they cannot be avoided. It ranges from Radar Cruise Control, Forward Obstruction Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Vehicle Monitoring, High-Beam Control, Adaptive Front-lighting, Smart Brake Support, Smart City Brake Support, and Acceleration Control.
What is Aha? For starters, Aha Radio starts on your smartphone with an app where you can easily access and organize your favorite content from the web into personalized, live, on-demand stations. Once you get the Aha app, it syncs the experience to your car. It's quite amazing that Mazda's infotainment system gets a big makeover and its new operating system allows you to connect via Bluetooth to a smartphone and can easily be updated without the need to swap out hardware. Those options are brought to life through an optional Bose premium audio system complete with Centerpoint2 virtual surround sound playback and ambient noise compensation. Do really like this new gig? Thought so but whatever it is, it's gonna be worth addicting in the ever enthusiastic eyes of today's computer geeks.
Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation
.jpg) |
| 2014 Mazda Axela |
Now, the big story about the brand new, third-generation Mazda Axela is all about how the customers want and for Mazda, the new model is available in three powerplants such as petrol, diesel, and for the most unexpected twist...a hybrid. Yes, Mazda broke the whole "not a drag to drive" promise because since Mazda introduced the SKYACTIV Technology two years ago, they have strongly promise that they would be as fuel-efficient as a hybrid or an EV without sacrificing its fun-to-drive characteristics. The whole SKYACTIV Technology started with the Demio, then the previous second-generation Axela, last year's CX-5 and present third-generation Atenza, as well as this year's Premacy and Biante. It keeps on expanding while keeping the whole portfolio complete such as SKYACTIV-G, SKYACTIV-DRIVE, SKYACTIV-BODY, SKYACTIV-CHASSIS, SKYACTIV-D, and SKYACTIV-MT. The current Demio introduced SKYACTIV-G, previous Axela introduced SKYACTIV-DRIVE, CX-5 introduced SKYACTIV-BODY, SKYACTIV-CHASSIS, and SKYACTIV-D, and present generation Atenza introduced SKYACTIV-MT. Wow, I am now on the edge of my seat recapping this but anyway...SKYACTIV-HYBRID?! What's it all about? Has Mazda lost its mojo? Has the company that once make fun cars gone...boring? Let's find out more about the new Hybrid model but first...
The entry-level models are offered with the smaller SKYACTIV-G 1.5L petrol engine (codenamed P5-VPS) which develops 111PS of power and 144Nm of torque. In the sedan model, fuel economy comes at around 19.6kmpl while the Sport hatchback gets to 19.4kmpl as calculated in JC08 Mode standards. Exclusively on the Axela Sport hatchback is the more powerful SKYACTIV-G 2.0L petrol engine (codenamed PE-VPR), which develops 155PS of power and 196Nm. Mated with a well-balanced SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed gearbox, fuel economy is a promising 19.0kmpl, making it the most fuel-efficient 2.0L engine ever made and since I can't find any Japanese hatchback with a 2.0L engine on it, I think this variant doesn't need the competition for sure, apparently. Also exclusive to the Sport is the CX-5-derived SKYACTIV-D 2.2L diesel engine, which can be offered this January, and this diesel engine can be mated with either a 6-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE gearbox and the Roadster-inspired, driver favorite, 6-speed SKYACTIV-MT gearbox first applied on last year's Atenza. When mated with the automatic, it gives about 19.6kmpl of fuel economy but as for the manual gearbox-mated variant...well, results to be determined but I think it will be below the estimated 22kmpl gap. That's a theory.
Now, let's talk about the sedan-exclusive SKYACTIV-HYBRID variant. This is not the best Mazda for the enthusiast. It's more fuel efficient than the SKYACTIV-D 2.2L engine, more powerful than the SKYACTIV-G 1.5L engine, and of course, hybrids are Japan's inventions. Of course, Japan first invented the hybrid car since the first Toyota Prius of late 1997. Surprisingly though, the hybrid powerplant was derived from Toyota, in case you heard of it. The key target for the Axela Hybrid is the Toyota Corolla Axio Hybrid, launched in Japan earlier this year, so let's see how this thing stacks up....
The SKYACTIV-G 2.0L petrol engine, which produces a short 99PS of power, is connected to a 60kW electric motor and an old-fashioned nickel metal battery. Because it's mated to a CVT gearbox and the reason why JDMs of today have gone CVT-crazy is because of good fuel economy at low speeds, easy start-up, and smooth shifting, fuel-economy is 30.8kmpl, meaning that's about 2.2kmpl less than the Axio Hybrid but this car's no fool because the combined power output of 136PS is better than the Axio Hybrid's.
Of course, being the next to be a full-SKYACTIV model since the CX-5 and the new Atenza, the new Axela is not fully prepared without SKYACTIV-BODY which is 8-percent lighter and 30-percent more rigid than the previous model, and the SKYACTIV-CHASSIS which handles like a Mazda Roadster but with a bit more feel. The result is a more of a game-changer in the eyes of a driver and it feels like some lucky guy walking through a pool of custard. I like it.
.jpg) |
| 2014 Mazda Axela interior |
Connectivity aside, the new Axela comes with an all new MAZDA CONNECT where, at the turn of the dial, allows you to stay connected with some apps, navigation, and entertainment. You may end up posting Facebook status updates and Twitter tweets while on the move or you can even listen to streaming music courtesy of Aha by Karman.
.jpg) |
| Mazda Connect |
What is Aha? For starters, Aha Radio starts on your smartphone with an app where you can easily access and organize your favorite content from the web into personalized, live, on-demand stations. Once you get the Aha app, it syncs the experience to your car. It's quite amazing that Mazda's infotainment system gets a big makeover and its new operating system allows you to connect via Bluetooth to a smartphone and can easily be updated without the need to swap out hardware. Those options are brought to life through an optional Bose premium audio system complete with Centerpoint2 virtual surround sound playback and ambient noise compensation. Do really like this new gig? Thought so but whatever it is, it's gonna be worth addicting in the ever enthusiastic eyes of today's computer geeks.
So, another scientific investigation has been covered for now and for this new Axela, it seems that the new infotainment system really hooks me because of my fondness of infotainment systems but if I had a criticism, I would say that it's about as advanced as an Android phone, which I don't have one and never will. If I want something more of a driver-focused, I would go for the Sport hatchback model because it has all the right ingredients of a perfect weekend car where I can go to the shops for miles but when its range I'm after, guess I have to stick through the rather disappointing Hybrid model. Can't believe there is now a hybrid Mazda offered. Remember the promise "Not a Hybrid, Not an Electric, Not a Drag to Drive"? Well, you've just made a Mazda that is a drag to drive and that is none other than your first ever Axela Hybrid. Because this is Japan, home of the hybrids and the first nation to create hybrids, expect orders of this hybrid-powered Axela to exceed the sales target. I really do mean it.
Price begins at 1,711,500 Yen for the sedan and Sport while the Hybrid starts at 2,373,000 Yen.
Available colors: Soul Red Premium Metallic, Titanium Flash Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Blue Reflex Mica, Jet Black Mica, Meteor Grey Mica, Aluminum Metallic, and Snow Flake White Pearl Mica.
Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)