The sportier side of Toyota iQ

Toyota iQ Go

           

At the end of August 2010, Toyota Motor Corporation just unveiled the sportier side of the super-small compact car known as the Toyota iQ.

Called the iQ→ (iQ Go), this iQ boasts a sporty front side and offers the same choice of a 1.0L and 1.3L engine.

For the first time, the manual version of the iQ→ (iQ Go), available in November 2010, will offer Toyota's first Smart Stop system. This is the first time Toyota's offering a manual-tranny car with the idling stop system. The fuel economy of the iQ→ (iQ Go) goes on about 23.5km/L. With that fuel economy, the iQ→ (iQ Go) will win over against the new Suzuki Swift ZC72S.

Geez, I hope Toyota Motor Philippines will bring not just the normal iQ, but also this sportier version called the iQ→(iQ Go).

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Honda Accord Inspire CP3 -Phase Two-

2011 Honda Accord Inspire

Upon the arrival of the fifth-generation Honda Inspire (known worldwide as the seventh-generation Honda Accord, not to be confused with the Honda Accord Euro sold in the North America as the Acura TSX) since the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show and sales started since the 2007 holiday season, it seems that some people are loyal to the Inspire's executive looks, premium interior, and the innovative 3.5L V6 i-VTEC engine with the world's first Variable Cylinder Management, which allows the engine to be automatically set to either 3, 4, or 6 cylinders, depending on the driver's driving tastes.

In late August 2010, the Honda Accord Inspire gained a minor change to be more elegant, more beautiful, more luxurious, and more fuel-efficient than its pre-facelift predecessor. On the front, the Accord Inspire received a new face that looks similar to the US-only Honda Accord Coupe, providing an aggressive stance on Honda's flagship medium-sized vehicle. On the back, the Accord Inspire rear lamps getting minor improvements. The Inspire's rims have changed too. On the inside, the Honda Accord Inspire has faux wood paneling all over to further improve its modest status for the customers.

There are four available options to choose from;

1) Regular Package which features front-seat side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, front seat Active Head Rest, VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) + TCS (Traction Control System), discharge headlamps, front fog lamps with auto light control, rain-sensing wipers, power seats, power steering, LED door mirror winker, instrumental cluster, telescoping steering wheel, rear sunshade, cruise control, steering audio switch, Honda Smart Key System with Immobilizer, Intelligent Dual Full Auto Aircon, available Honda HDD Internavi System, USB Jack, Active Noise Control, DVD/CD/AM/FM Player, and six speakers.

2) Leather Interior features everything from the regular package with two leather color choices; ivory or black. A front seat heater is added to give warmth to the passengers on cold nights.

3) Advance Package features everything from the regular package with Adaptive Cruise Control and Adaptive Collision Mitigation Brake + Seat Belt

4) The fourth package of the Inspire combines all three packages into one, providing this car with complete options to be more luxurious for the semi-wealthy.

My thoughts about the Inspire:
With the fuel economy of the Honda Accord Inspire CP3 raised from the previous 9.8km/L to 9.9km/L, there's still nothing special about the latest minor facelift for the Honda Accord Inspire. New look, same features. That's how I can explain more about the latest facelift for the CP3 Inspire. With the facelift now on sale in Japan since late August, could Honda Cars Philippines have a chance to bring the newly redesigned Inspire here to the Philippines? The Honda Inspire is the leading target of cars such as the Hyundai Grandeur, Kia K5, Subaru Legacy B4, Mazda Atenza/6, and even the Toyota Camry.

Hmm... that's weird...

Back in 2009, when spending so much watching Japanese TV commercials, Toyota Motor Corpotation brought in Seishiro Kato, a cute and talented Japanese child star, as the cutest spokesperson for Toyota TV commercials, adopting the commercial role "Kodomo Tencho" (こども店長), a child dealer, to promote eco-car tax breaks and incentives on eco-friendly Toyota models, in case someone in Japan know more about the wonders of what JDM enthusiasts called the "Eco-car genzei" system.

So "kawaii" for a Japanese child star taking position as the spokesperson for Toyota, promoting the "eco-car genzei" on all eco-friendly Toyota models.

OK...OK...

On the first half on 2010, moments after Volkswagen overtaken Toyota Motor Corporation as the world's largest automobile manufacturer, the Japanese division of Volkswagen got something on their records, keeping Volkswagen sales in Japan up and running with the benefits of the "eco-car genzei" system.

Want to take a guess for Volkswagen Group Japan's biggest "eco-car genzei" tactic approach?

Take a look...

Volkswagen Group Japan's tactic to promote eco-car tax breaks on most fuel-efficient Volkswagens is to bring in Asami Himeka, also one of Japan's most popular child stars, and hey, that trick sure works well.

Hmm... wait, I saw that child star on a commercial of some Nintendo DS game from Konami, titled "Utacchi!"

Looks like some Japanese consumers going to think twice which side are they on. This looks interesting...

Heiwa to Kazuhira no Blues - What is it all about?

I saw something added on the line-up of MGSPW items:

http://www.konami.jp/mgs_pw/jp/lineup/item.html

If I look down on that page, I noticed that Peace Walker will have a Drama CD as what Hideo Kojima announced earlier that month. It's not just a Drama CD, they'll also have two character songs included, plus BGMs never before released in the Original Soundtrack.

Two character songs will be led by Akio Otsuka (as Snake) and Tomokazu Sugita (as Kazuhira "Kaz" Miller), so if you guys haven't heard of it, this will come out on this CD this fall.

Akio Otsuka, as Snake, will sing "Showa Blues" and Tomokazu Sugita, as Miller, will sing "Minato no Yoko Yokohama Yokosuka", making fans more interesting.

Hope I can pre-order that CD...

....Baklang Grasa once again...

Last night's Bubble Gang hit us with gags telling them "why did they stopped doing things in the bed?", a news report regarding some we called it "kontra sarili", how do soldiers say when one soldier is down, a little girl meets an orphaned little girl, abducted woman hiding in the closet (?), MoyMoy Palaboy and Roadfill gone heavy metal on IyoTube (please tell me what title of the song played on that segment), a puppet for a make-up, and some MMK-style drama.

On that night's episode, you've guessed it, another Oily and Greasy misfit in Baklang Grasa. In that part, Oily and Greasy compete in a beauty pageant (that is, oh come on, a pageant for beggars, LOL).

Guess Oily and Greasy never been funny than the highly intellectual beggars from "Muchas Grasas".

Suzuki New Swift (ZC72S)

2011 Suzuki Swift (ZC72S)

Slated for Japanese sales this September, the sixth-generation Suzuki Swift (Third-generation in the JDM category) was made to be an honest eco-car not just for Japan, but also for the rest of Asian and European markets. While the Swift Sports variant is just an issue of the past, most Suzuki enthusiasts will have to make do with just the regular version. The Swift's exterior was just an improved look of the previous generation with the side view that is similar to the Nissan Juke. On the rear view, the new Swift achieved a sexier curve, leaving the Toyota Passo and the Nissan March wave their white flags because the new Swift's attractive design beats the odds of these Japanese compacts.

On the inside, the Swift uses the interior found on Suzuki's medium sedan, the Kizashi. Once you get inside on the new Swift, you might have a split-second decision which is which because the Swift's interior is similar to the Kizashi. Who knows, this Kizashi-style interior will be outfitted to future Suzuki models as we say it.

With its styling cues, the new Suzuki Swift comes with the breakthrough K12B engine that produces a power output of 91PS/6,000rpm and the torque output of 12.0kg･m/4,800rpm. When armed with the 5-speed manual, the fuel efficiency will be 21.0km/L but with the CVT equipped on the new Swift, the fuel efficiency reaches to an optimum 23.0km/L. Not bad for an eco-car, outwitting the fuel efficiency of the Toyota Passo, but not well enough to fight the Nissan March because its fuel efficiency is way beyond compare.

My thoughts about the Swift:
With this compact having just the decent details, and with the Swift Sports variant coming very very soon, this Swift was made to be a decent competitor to the new Toyota Passo and the new Nissan March. Think about it, will Suzuki Philippines bring the new Swift here? The answer has a 60:40 fold, it may or it may not come but this compact is a perfect alternative to the Toyota Yaris and the Honda Jazz (Fit in other countries). Oh the contrary, you do not need to show her how the Swift's paddle shifters work, because she knows how you handle the new Swift well. The new Suzuki Swift will be available in Japan this September and the rest of the world sometime.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

The Gemballa re-birth

Despite Uwe Gemballa's whereabouts still unknown yet, Gemballa starts over from day one thanks to the new owner named Andreas Schwarz.

Full scoop:

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/24/gemballa-officially-reborn-with-new-ceo-to-replace-missing-found/

AWWRIGHT! It's good to have our favorite Porsche tuner back on track thanks to its replacement owner.

With Gemballa's back, they're now working on tuning more Porsche cars, as well as the new Cayenne models.

I wonder what will the new Gemballa do with the new Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid? Find out soon!

...and oh, it's good to have the Gemballa brand back, despite the owner still missing.


Photo: Porsche

Kaichou Wa Maid Sama! Maid Latte Songs

Kaichou Wa Maid Sama! Maid Latte Songs

Don't worry, it's not the omuraisu with the words Misaki Ayuzawa squirted it out with ketchup and says ウザイ (uzai, annoying) in front on the TV sets, this is way better than her trademark tsundere omuraisu. Geneon Universal Entertainment presents the Maid Latte Songs from the hit anime, Kaichou Wa Maid Sama! (日本名: 会長はメイド様!) This CD is packed with six Maid Latte songs that will bring listeners straight to the Maid Latte and take a gander on Misaki Ayuzawa's tsundere omuraisu. First track led by Misaki Ayuzawa (CV: Ayumi Fujimura), the second will led by Satsuki (CV: Aki Toyosaki), number three will led by Honoka (CV: Kana Asumi), track four will led by Subaru (CV: Kana Ueda), the fifth will led by Erika (CV: Mariya Ise), and the last will be all of the Maid Latte maids. Does it ring a bell? Maybe I would take an order of one omuraisu and tell her to write down how does she feel and it will say ウザイ (uzai, annoying). This is a must-have for the Maid-sama fan.

Letter from a teenager regarding the bloody terror happened since August 23 (and a big thanks to...)

August 23, 2010. This date marks the bloody terror of a hostage taker (a former cop) taking siege on the bus full of Chinese tourists from Hong Kong. Now that Hong Kong issued a travel warning against the Philippines (would other countries follow the same fate as Hong Kong?), most people, local and foreign, would never forget such a bloody terror that sparked a worldwide attention.

Hours after the bloody terror, a Filipino teenager wrote a letter regarding what would the Philippines happen after the incident.

As you are reading this letter, I bet that you have seen/heard about what happened earlier in our country.

Tourists were hostages of a policeman here, Rolando Mendoza. After a few hours of the horrible crime, some of the victims were dead including the hostage-taker.

I wrote this letter not just to apologize but also to let everyone know that we Filipinos are not all like Mendoza. We are loving and good-hearted people.

For so many years, our country has been standing tall and surpassing every dilemma; be it small or big. Years ago (back when I wasn’t born yet), you have watched us fight for what we think is right. We fought for the democracy of our nation.. The EDSA revolution. But that’s just one out of many.

Second. We Filipinos have been serving other countries for our families and we treat you as our own as well. With all due respect, I thank you all for giving us the trust through the years. For helping us to become what we are now.

The Philippines is more than just a group of islands. We are a nation of strong and remarkable people. A country of beauty and love known to be hospitable and well-valued. I humbly apologize for what happened tonight. No one in this world would want something like that to happen for life should be valued.

I politely ask the attention of the world. Please do not judge and mistreat us just because of what happened tonight. I have been searching the net and found terrible things. Hong Kong advices to avoid travels here, China and HK bans Filipinos and that Philippines is the worst place to go.

I can’t blame you for what you have decided but I hope that you could understand. Our country is now in a sea of problems. And I know for sure that we helped you in a way or another. Let peace and understanding reign this time.

I know that this letter will just be trash but I wish that you would understand. On behalf of the Philippine population.. WE ARE SORRY.

As a song puts it…

And I believe that in my life I will see an end to hopelessness, giving-up and suffering. And we all stand together this one time then no one will get left behind. Stand up for life. STAND UP FOR LOVE

Sincerely yours,

Reigno Jose Dilao

Source: http://ph.yfittopostblog.com/2010/08/24/were-not-all-like-mendoza/

Just what he said, we, Filipinos, are not like the ex-cop turned hostage taker, and we are apologizing for the loss. It's not our fault.

Despite all this, on the lighter side, I would like to give thanks to Ms. Philippines, Maria Venus Raj. She was one of the top 5 contestants of the Ms. Universe pageant happened yesterday at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas.

Full Scoop: http://www.pep.ph/news/26566/Maria-Venus-Raj-is-fourth-runner-up-in-Miss-Universe-2010;-Mexico-takes-the-crown

Hmm... 4th-runner-up. Not bad. Still, she was one of the top 5, which Ms. Mexico, Jimena Navarrete took the no. 1 spot and henceforth she's the champion.

(Clap...Clap...Clap...)

At least Ms. Philippines made it on the top 5! Hooray!

From a bloody hostage crisis, to a Philippine beauty made it on one of the top 5 candidates, here's to show that in the Philippines, there is beauty outside the battle.

Melai's tips to prevent carjacking....

On last night's Banana Split; a showbiz edition of Balitang Siksik covered most on the latest in Philippine showbiz or spoofing it, jokes involve on robbery and hardware store, another Pinoy-Italian-Japanese sentence-swapping on Tongue Tarang Tongue, and Melai Cantiveros' crazy tips to prevent carjacking on the segment called M3: Melai Mo Magwork. On that segment, Melai told us five crazy but working tips to prevent a bad case of carjacking.

5. Find an old car and paint it like a cop car. (Would that be possible?)

4. Park a car next to a car more expensive than your car. (Eh?)

3. Place a fake bomb on the car. If a carnapper hijacks a car, he might run away, thinking there's a bomb ready to blow! (If I own a car, where would I buy such a novelty item?)

2. When you leave a car, be sure to bring the steering wheel with you. (Hey, you quoted that part from Mr. Bean)

and 1. Wear fishnet stockings on your head and when the carnapper tries to steal it, he thinks you were one of the carnappers. (Eh? But how?)

Those tips are weird but M3 (Melai Mo Magwork) if used effectively.

MINI Countryman

MINI Countryman

It may be its first crossover utility vehicle that defies the MINI nameplate, but the MINI Countryman is built for the most active people who are getting used to their active lifestyles, especially from work.

The design of the MINI Countryman was based on the MINI Crossover Concept as seen on the 2008 Mondial D' Automobile at Paris, France, taking a new approach from the MINI lineup consisting from the original, the cabriolet, and the odd-looking Clubman. If looks can be distinctive, the MINI Countryman has three different forms; the base One variant offers an entry-level experience, suited for the starters while the Cooper variant offers a balance of sportiness and cuteness inside and out. The flagship Cooper S variant offers the best looks and it comes with MINI's first ALL4 four-wheel drive system, which brings excitement to the next level.

To add fun for the MINI Countryman, the interior comes with the multi-functional center rail that allows its amenities to be slided, great for those who are hungry for sushi and ask them for your order, then slided for you. Aside from the center rail, the MINI Countryman is the first MINI to have five doors for easy access.

On the MINI One Countryman, this base variant comes with a petrol (98 PS) engine, and the diesel (90 PS) engine. The Cooper variant also comes with the petrol (122 PS) engine and the diesel (112 PS) engine. The flagship Cooper S Countryman is available only with the high-performance, turbocharged, direct-injection, four-cylinder petrol engine with 184 PS of power output.

Most car enthusiasts prefer the Cooper S variant because of such sporty performance thanks to the turbocharged engine but for those who are interested in eco-cars prefer the MINI One variant because of its fuel efficiency.

My thoughts about the Countryman:


From the airport, the countdown before the baby's unexpected jingle, the sushi bar, to sheep's clothing, this MINI is all-round fun no matter which situation you are facing while having fun with the brand's first dedicated crossover utility vehicle. If I would choose between the MINI Countryman and the BMW X1, I would rather switch to the X1 because of the luxury amenities offered. If the pricing is the issue on these two, the MINI Countryman is a winner because of the suggested retail price of 20,200 Euros for the MINI One Countryman to 29,440 Euros for the MINI Cooper S Countryman with ALL4. This car will be on sale all over Europe this September and as expected, the MINI Countryman will come to our shores if MINI Global City announced when this crossover would come to our shores. I am sure that this crossover will come late next year or sooner.

Kaichou Wa Maid Sama Character Concept CD Series

With the Maid-sama manga and anime shared a decent success for both teens and adults, Geneon Universal Entertainment spreads the Maid-sama enjoyment with these Character Concept CDs based on the perception of our favorite Maid-sama characters, from Misaki Ayuzawa, Takami Usui, and the rest.

The Maid-sama storyline changes quickly, as so from the comments coming out from the fans. With these Character Concept CDs, fans will be tremble themselves for more Maid-sama fun as from what they saw on TV. There are different Maid-sama sides to take place with your faithful ears, something to chill out from watching Maid-sama episodes.

1) School Side features a audio drama and two songs fresh from Misaki Ayuzawa (CV: Ayumi Fujimura) with Sakura Hanazono (CV: Kana Hanazawa) and Shizuko Kaga (CV: Yu Kobayashi)

Kaichou Wa Maid-Sama Character Concept CD 1 - School Side

2) Maid Side features another audio drama and songs from Misaki Ayuzawa again and Aoi Hyodo (CV: Hiromi Igarashi)

Kaichou Wa Maid-Sama Character Concept CD 2 - Maid Side

3) Maid Side 2 continues where Maid Side left off and songs from our favorite Maid Latte maids, Satsuki (CV: Aki Toyosaki) and Honoka (CV: Kana Asumi)

Kaichou Wa Maid-Sama Character Concept CD 3 - Maid Side 2

4) For the teenage boys, Another Side welcomes them with a fresh new audio drama and songs from the 3 Baka Trio Brothers (CV: Mitsuhiro Ichiki, Takuma Terashima, and Yoshimasa Hosoya) and Takami Usui (CV: Nobuhiko Okamoto) himself.

Kaichou Wa Maid-Sama Character Concept CD 4 - Another Side

5) Another Side 2 is the last part of the Maid-sama Character Concept CD series, packed with the finale and songs from Shoichiro Yukimura (CV: Kazuyoshi Shibashi) and Hinata Shintani (CV: Atsushi Abe)

Kaichou Wa Maid-Sama Character Concept CD 5 - Another Side 2

Availability:
1) School Side - May 26, 2010
2) Maid Side - June 23, 2010
3) Maid Side 2 - July 22, 2010
4) Another Side - Same date as Maid Side 2
5) Another Side 2 (Final) - August 25, 2010

My comment: With the Maid-sama storyline gone M3 (malay mo ma-develop), and the exciting appeal from our favorite Maid-sama characters, these Character Concept CDs are great enough to get to know more about your favorite Maid-sama characters.