New VW Polo

Meet the little brother of the legendary VW Golf, which is now better than the average compact cars in history, this is the all new fifth-generation Volkswagen Polo. Since its preview at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, most VW fans really know that the new Polo shares the platform used in the Seat Ibiza known as the VW Group A0 platform. Truth is that this platform also used in the next Audi compact car.

At the front side, you will notice that this grille has the same look as the Scirocco and the new Golf, then the side view is quite a hatchback feeling that carries on the VW hatchback tradition from the Scirocco and the Golf as well, and the rear side looks just like the late Volkswagen Lupo used to be. Without further ado, the new Polo contains two types; for sportiness, try the 3-door variant and for passenger care, try the 5-door variant.

Are you trying to pull the ropes yet? The new Polo has different engines available, like the 1,2L 3-cylinder engine that has a fuel efficiency of over 18.1km/L, 1.2-litre TSI turbo engine that has the power of over 105 PS, 1.4-litre engine that has the fuel economy of over 16.9km/L, and a 1.6 TDI turbo diesel engine with the optional common rail diesel.

A commanding presence meets commanding renaissance when you step inside the interior of the new Polo. What surprises you is the same VW interior look as found on the new Golf and the Scirocco. On the other hand, the legroom for the new Polo is not quite bad and the instrumental panel is not quite dull in the eyes of the driver. Best of all, there are many options made suitable for the new Golf, including a navigation system that allows you to find the places you want to go.

ARE YOU ALL SET TO GO?

In general, the word "polo" is an equestrian sport has done in European countries and it is known as the other side of rugby or soccer or football or whatever that is. In the Philippines, the word "polo" is the clothes we wear as a school uniform or as a casual wear to the public. Once you are in the new Polo, your boring life is about to wear off and so is your worries everywhere. Think about it, this hatch will be the bearing target of some rival hatchbacks including the Hyundai i30 and the Mazda3.

The all-new second-generation Mazda 3/Axela (BLEFW/BLEFP/BL3FW)

Over the years, the Mazda 3 (Axela) is quite the replacement for the retired Mazda 323 (Familia or Protege to the U.S. market) and known as the most affordable Mazda ever built in the whole Mazda history. Known for such rivalries from other compact class cars such as the Mitsubishi Lancer, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, or even the Hyundai Elantra/Avante and Kia Rio/Pride at the same time. Now for this year, meet the aggressively nicer side of the all new, environment-friendly, gas-miser Mazda 3.

2010 Mazda Axela Sport

At first glance, the new Mazda3 looks aggressive from the front and back, and how the front side looks like is quite similar to the Mazda RX-8 and the MX-5 (Roadster) and the rear side is a face-lift from the previous generation Mazda3. After all, despite reached to its second-generation model, the looks remain the same, from the sedan variant, hatchback variant, and the striking Mazdaspeed variant.

2010 Mazda Axela Sedan

Are you ready to find out the friendly side of the new Mazda3? The 1.5L engine that delivers the fuel economy of over 18.4km/L, and the 2.0L engine with i-stop system that has the fuel economy of over 16.4km/L while the Mazdaspeed3 remains the 2.3L engine with the fuel economy of over 11km/L. An available transmission is either a CVT, 5-speed automatic or a 4-speed automatic transmission while the Mazdaspeed3 remains the sporty 6-speed manual transmission.

2010 Mazdaspeed Axela

What is i-stop?
New to the Mazda scene is the completely new eco-friendly i-stop feature exclusive to the sedan and sport variants that carry the 2.0 MZR DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) engine. The new i-stop system is an intelligent proprietary engine stop-start system that improves fuel economy by approximately 10 percent. For example, when you are driving to a highway with that Mazda3, then you will brake through some traffic conditions, the pistons will stop working while the alternator control and the throttle control remains working, then after the stop, the combustion restart would take 0.35 to get your Mazda3 going. This is faster than other cars going back to the "drive part" in over 0.8 seconds. While words cannot describe how the new i-stop works, it might be best to put it in a pictorial example:




Mazda i-stop procedure








Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

As shown, you will understand the basic principles of the new i-stop feature found on the all-new Mazda3.


After explaining how i-stop works, let us look the interior:

2010 Mazda Axela interior

The 3's interior is similar to the Renault Megane, but the steering wheel is somewhat similar to the one found on the Mazda 6 (Atenza) 5-door hatchback variant because of some optional paddle shifts. More than that, there is an optional BOSE sound system, AM/FM radio, optional keyless entry like the start/stop button, dual zone automatic climate control, rear window defogger, and a choice of cloth-trimmed or leather-trimmed seats and more.

AS FOR THAT:
The new Mazda3 (Mazda Axela) is now aggressively nice for every consumer who wanted a convenient car for the masses. With the endless rise of fuel prices, it is good to know that the new i-stop system will keep the engine paused while idling and restarts in over 0.35 seconds. This i-stop feature saves a lot of gas during a long stop at the traffic or at the parking lot. If you like sedans, pick the sedan variant, if you are a devotee for hatchbacks, try the hatchback variant, and if you are the wild driver who wanted to tear some fun, try the Mazdaspeed variant.



Photo: Autoc-one.jp

SEAT Ibiza Mk4

Honestly speaking, the fourth-generation Seat Ibiza finds its true distinctive sportiness from the outside to the inside. With other competitive hatches, including the latest Volkswagen Polo V and the upcoming Audi A1 mini compact car, seem to be roaming around the European peninsula, the Ibiza tries to stand out the crowd with its distinctive taste available from the Spanish marque of Volkswagen.

Ibiza 5DR/3DR

SEAT Ibiza

Normally, the 5-door Ibiza and the 3-door Ibiza SC does not seem to be standing out, despite the sporty character involved in the exterior. With the design courtesy of Luc Donckerwolke, the fourth-generation Ibiza attained a sporty exterior that is a tradition of Seat's design philosophy. No one knew in the eyes of a Spaniard, the reaction to the Seat Ibiza would be elegante y deportivo or sleek and sporty as what would the Spaniards want to say about it.

Under the hood, the Ibiza is armed with Volkswagen-engineered engines to choose from depending on your taste for performance, ecology, or different perspectives. Many would pick the entry-level 1.2 12v engine, some would pick the 1.4 16v engine, and a few would pick the 1.6-16v engine. Please take note that some engines I mentioned were gasoline engines offered for the Ibiza and Ibiza SC. Aside from these gasoline engines, there are diesel engines offered on these Ibiza variants, including the 1.9L TDI engine which is classified as the top-tier diesel engine for the Ibiza.

To give out the best for the Ibiza and the Ibiza SC to maneuver various directions, the Dynamic Steering Response is equipped for fine-tuned handling and enhanced safety that gives out the best of the cornering basics for this Seat. The Power Steering equipped on both of these Ibizas are speed-sensitive assisted to give out enhanced steering response on various speed conditions, no matter how slow or fast your Ibiza reaches. Electronic Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Program are also equipped for enhanced safety on the road.

However, aside from all of these features, the Ibiza's interior seems to be plain, even if it is sporty enough to relax some Spaniards from the outside. If a Spaniard gets bored enough while driving the Ibiza, the sound system packed with 6-speakers, radio, CD/MP3 player, and USB connectivity are sure enough to bring enjoyment while taking a spin on the Ibiza. The board computer equipped on the Ibiza/Ibiza SC got the drivers covered with some various options, but it seems plain to use it.

Ibiza Cupra

SEAT Ibiza Cupra interior

Go ahead; Seat dared the Spaniards to try the high-velocity ferocity of the Ibiza Cupra on the streets, the highway, the Circuit de Catalunya, all the way to the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife. The Ibiza Cupra has it all: aerodynamics, race-inspired cockpit, sports-tuned suspension, 7-speed DSG automatic transmission, and 180 hp, 1.4 TSI, twin-charger engine that is destined to be the alternative to the Renault Megane Renault Sport.

Ibiza FR 5DR/3DR

SEAT Ibiza FR

If the Ibiza Cupra seems to be expensive, the Ibiza FR and the Ibiza SC FR are the cheaper alternatives for the Ibiza Cupra. With the FR delivering both of these Ibiza some moderate tuning to the exterior, FR badge, race-inspired cockpit, Electronic Stability Program, Anti-Lock Braking System, Traction Control System, and two available engines (1.4 TSI and 2.0 TDI CR) offered. You will be glad to have it.

My thoughts about the Ibiza:
With an odd flavor of sportiness and luxuriousness combined for the fourth-generation Ibiza, this Spaniard would try to play fair in the competition already leaded by European hot hatches, including newer ones such as the Citroen DS3. If other Spanish car enthusiasts found out that if the regular Ibiza does not stand out to their senses, there is the Cupra variant dedicated for adrenaline-pumping Spaniards. The Cupra variant ranks out against other Ibiza variants, including the latest Ibiza FR variant. However, can it outflank against the Renault Megane Renault Sport and the Volkswagen Golf R?

Honda Stream facelift and Stream RS-T

As a multipurpose passenger vehicle that is served between middle-class families and yuppies everywhere, the Honda Stream is quite a good choice for everyone thanks to its sporty looks and the affordability you can depend on.

The front side is quite a similarity to the Mitsubishi Grandis, but the design is truly a Honda quality that is quite impressive for the "man of the house". As for the sporty exterior, you can also check out the interior of the Stream. Since this is a seven-seater car, you can fit as many passengers if you want and best of all, you can change the seat arrangements as many times if you want for the luggage-conscious person. As for the seat arrangement, there are so many conveniences for a MPV lover has to offer on the Honda Stream.

For the performance you can trust for a family mover, the Stream is powered in two different engines to choose from, from the 1.8-litre i-VTEC engine with the power output of 140ps@6,300rpm and the high-performance 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine that boasts a power of 150ps@6200rpm. An available transmission is either a 5-speed automatic transmission or a fuel-efficient CVT. The Stream has a DBW (Drive-By-Wire) system that allows the driver for some comfortable acceleration depending on the situation.

For safety, the Stream provides a peace of mind for the driver and the passenger with a wide array of safety features such as anti-lock brakes, vehicle stability assist, HID headlamps, Collision Mitigation Brake System, Active Cruise Control, SRS airbags, G-Force Control Technology and a reinforced body for toughness. There are so many safety features in store for the Honda Stream. Check it out!

THE RS-T:
New to the Stream line-up is the aggressively sporty version of the Honda Stream. The Honda Stream RS-T is quite different to the original version, but the sportier side of this MPV is one hot-looking machine designed for those who wanted a piece of action. From the sporty exterior, the Stream RS-T is a five-seater car, meaning you can fit only five people in this sports wagon. Despite being a five-seater wagon, the Stream RS-T has all the sports amenities offered like a sports car, including a red illumination instrumental panel.

WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL?

Can you think this MPV is a lot of nonsense from others? With the Stream and the Stream RS-T, the word nonsense is out in your vocabulary thanks to its spaciousness and comfort you will going to like it for a very long time. Picture this; this is a perfect family car when you want to bring them to a long vacation or two.

Opel Insignia OPC Range

So, how does a veteran German driver react when he is behind the wheel of the high-performance version of the Opel Insignia, known as the Insignia OPC, and experience the first thrill of this German demon? You might consider the Insignia OPC (known in Great Britain as the Vauxhall Insignia VXR) as the pinnacle of the Opels tuned by Opel Performance Center because this was engineered to be the mighty beast of the Autobahn.

Available in 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback, and the Sports Tourer, the Insignia OPC offers exhilarating thrills, great performance, and aggressive looks, at the price that is more affordable than the BMW M3 and the Audi S4 but more expensive than the Mazdaspeed Axela.

Thanks to its aerodynamics tuning, the Insignia OPC provides a feisty exterior that others might be frightened because one look of the front face might scared others from thinking this face looks like Count Dracula, the vampire. If you can brave your way from the vampire's face, the interior is your safest spot to take control of the phantom of the Autobahn. The Insignia OPC offers Recaro sports seats that allow drivers to feel like they were inside a much sportier vehicle, but at least they are inside a sports sedan, fastback, or tourer. Once you are inside, there is no turning back to your ordinary car, if only you have the chance to tame the wild on the Autobahn.

The Insignia OPC's 2.8L V6 Turbo engine with over 300 PS of power output is the master brain of this Autobahn monster that lurks all day and all night. If you find it tougher than the German troops, the 6-speed manual transmission equipped in all three Insignia OPC body types is the prime point of turning an ordinary Insignia into a German-blood Spartan. However, the Spartan status is not enough without the FlexRide system that has different functions suitable on various areas, from city roads to highway roads.

The main question is, can the Spartan performance of the Insignia OPC good enough to pulverize the SHO variant of the Ford Taurus?

My thoughts about the Insignia OPC:
A performance-worthy version of the Opel Insignia is destined to be a German-blooded Spartan or perhaps to be the phantom of the Autobahn, but would that be enough to tackle down the Audi S4 and the Mazdaspeed Axela? I may never know how thrilling the Insignia OPC be because this premium high-performance sports is the alpha male of Opel vehicles. With sports-tuned suspension, powerful engine, and the aggressive styling, the Insignia OPC is a real bet for the Opel fan boys. I will be expecting that this car make grown men drool all the way to their first encounter.

Audi A4 allroad quattro

Dubbed as the combat crossover wagon that leaves the Subaru Legacy Outback die, the crossover utility vehicle grade of the popular Audi A4, known as the A4 allroad quattro, proves that this sports utility wagon reaches beyond the bounds across the European peninsula. As the cheaper alternative to the aging-but-still-on-sale Audi A6 allroad quattro, this allroad quattro proudly takes its position as one of the undeniable crossovers ever sold in the market. Using the A4 Avant as its base, this crossover combines the ruggedness of the sports utility vehicle and the compatibility of a station wagon, all in the same pace that keeps the head in the game. The A4 allroad quattro's interior remains true A4 quality, giving passengers some time to accommodate inside, even the luggage capacity seems to be good to fit at it. The innovative MMI system provides the driver a variety of options such as playing music, access navigation, call people, and more to do from this feature.

Three available engines are offered for this combative crossover wagon such as the 2.0 TFSI turbocharged engine with the Audi valvelift system, 2.0 TDI turbodiesel common rail engine delivers 170bhp of power, and the flagship 3.0 TDI V6 turbocharged common rail diesel engine. Most engines are approved for Europe's Euro 5 emission standards. The A4 allroad quattro offers two transmission types such as the six-speed manual transmission and the high-performance 7-speed S tronic transmission. This S tronic transmission gives the driver the shifting feel of the sports car every time this semi-automatic wonder is active on the go. The Off Road Detection system comes in handy because it detects which road surface this crossover is on and how the Electronic Stability Program will work depending on the surfaces, you are on such as tarmac, gravel, snow, or whatever you are.

My thoughts about the A4 allroad quattro:
Since this is the rival to the latest Subaru Legacy Outback, the A4 allroad quattro combines the grand touring quality of the A4 and the ruggedness of the Audi Q7, giving this sports utility wagon a change of pace, conquering different roads at different places. Perhaps, we have to wait until PGA Cars will bring the A4 allroad quattro to our shores, and when it happens, it will be more than enough to spend your 5,000,000 pesos on this grand touring crossover. Just how the pricing goes, if you can't afford to buy the A4 allroad quattro, buy the Outback instead, but if you really do not like the Outback because it is not your type, you can give the A4 allroad quattro a go-go.

Skoda Yeti

When most of the adventurous people think about the yeti creature, they know that the yeti (abominable snowman) is yet the scariest creature travelers in snowy places feared of its appearance. From Volkswagen's Czech automaker, Skoda, the Yeti crossover is one small SUV other SUVs may fear of its ruggedness.






Despite the Yeti name, which the yeti is mostly scary for children to think of, the design of this Czech utility crossover did not scare most of the European families, but the ruggedness is the only monster of this caliber. What captures the Yeti's presence is the interior of this intimidating beast.






The interior of the Yeti is a beauty within the beast's exterior, aside from being practical for the whole family or individuals looking for some adventure. Take a closer look on:

1. Those who navigate through lost areas with the help of an optional navigation system,

2. Using the air conditioning to cool down the whole family through hot summer nights or warm themselves through breezy nights everywhere,

3. Watch the birds flying high with the panoramic sunroof,

4. Listen to their favorite music with the use of the sound system with MP3 connectivity,

5. Moreover, arrange the seating arrangements suitable for their schedules, such as placing heavy boxes and put them all up for some recreational fun on their camping trip through the woods.






There are several points of the Yeti to take part for its dependability:
1. A choice of available engines o choose from, such as the 1.2 TSI, 1.8 TSI, and 2.0l TDI diesel engine.
2. 5-star safety rating by the Euro NCAP
3. Bi-xenon headlamps,
4. Nine airbags,
5. Electronic stability program,
6. Hill Driving Assistant,
7. ABS Off-road,
8. ASR and EDS Off-road,
9. Starting Assistant allows the Yeti to start the car on difficult situations, from tarmac, gravel, snow, mud, sand, rocky roads, and so on.
10. Lastly, the Yeti has the choice of a 6-speed manual transmission and Volkswagen's 7-speed DSG auto transmission.
Without these main points, the Yeti would be nothing but a weak creature that cannot scare most of the thrill-seeking adventurers.

The ups of the Yeti: The families and adventurers' high on the road, innovative features, best safety features, it brings out the beauty within the beast.

The downs of the Yeti: It looks cute, not cool.

Source: http://leopauldelr.multiply.com/reviews/item/189