Celebrity Samurai

Audi A1 Samurai Blue

As seen in 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, the special Audi A1 Samurai Blue is the luxury German brand's commemoration of the Japan National Football Team. That's why, it was named after the "Samurai Blue" nickname that became the identity of Japan National Football Team.

Hey! How come there's no such thing as a "Nadeshiko Japan" special? They did the credit too but why the Audi A1 Samurai Blue is a tribute to the boys who pushed Japan through the ranks of the soccer world? Still, this concept is the PRIDE OF JAPAN. Remember, that Audi is the sponsor of the Japan National Football Team, they deserve the credit.

Looks like this one's a CELEBRITY SAMURAI, ready to play some ANGRY BALLS!

ICHI! NI! SAN! GO! KABUTE!

Scoop: http://paultan.org/2011/11/30/tokyo-2011-audi-a1-samurai-blue-slices-its-way-in/

Subaru New Impreza Sport (GP2/GP3/GP6/GP7) and Impreza G4 (GJ2/GJ3/GJ6/GJ7)

Back in the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, Subaru unveiled the Impreza Concept, which they refer that this is the next Impreza, then on the following, at the 2011 New York Auto Show, the fourth-generation Impreza was revealed in sedan and hatchback form. With the concept "New Value Class", the all-new fourth-generation Subaru Impreza provides customers with new value design, new value performance, new value safety, and new value economy.

2012 Subaru Impreza Sport

2012 Subaru Impreza G4

The 5-door Impreza hatchback is labeled as "Impreza Sport" while the 4-door Impreza sedan is called "Impreza G4". In case we're wondering what's up with the G4 name in this 4-door version, there's a huge possibility that you may end up mistaking this as G4U, which is a limited edition IDOLM@STER video game where you can take pictures of your favorite 765 idols.

This car is not all about "Gravure four You", but the new Impreza uses Subaru's new signature design as seen on the Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept with some hints derived from the 2010 Subaru Impreza Concept. This new design really adds sportiness and glamour at all sides.

2012 Subaru Impreza G4 interior

2012 Subaru Impreza Sport interior

The new interior provides better refinement than the previous Impreza thanks to the improved wheelbase while retaining the same height and width as the original. What drives the attention of the new Impreza's interior is the new Center Display that checks real-time information, which is essential for the drivers. However, even if the interior is all new for the new Impreza, you'll regret that it's not somewhat of a big clarity because it looks rather dull and lacks luxury features. Oh well, that's the way this new Impreza's capable of. As for the Impreza Sport model, the rear seats can be folded for luggage capacity, which is great for today's lifestyles.

Firstly, the new Subaru Impreza is fitted with the newly-developed FB16 and FB20 engine, in natural aspiration guise. The new FB16 engine produces 115PS of power and 148Nm of torque. The FB20 engine, lifted from the Subaru Forester, produces 150PS of power and 196Nm of torque. Most models come with the Lineartronic CVT lifted from the fifth-generation Subaru Legacy series. This Subaru-developed CVT with 6-speed Manual Mode provides smooth operation, fuel efficiency, improved response, and (it claims to be) fun to drive. When equipped with this transmission, it promises to accumulation of 17.6km/L JC08 of fuel economy on 1.6L variants and 17.2km/L JC08 on 2.0L variants, making the new Impreza the most fuel-efficient car in its class, beating out the likes of the Mazda Axela (especially with SKYACTIV Technology). This is the first model that comes with a Subaru-developed idling stop system that shuts off the boxer engine automatically when stopped, reducing emissions and optimizing fuel economy. There's also a 5-speed manual transmission offered at some models but it'll cost you.

Like most Subarus, the trademark SYMMETRICAL AWD is the driving force of the Impreza, providing better distribution of power, enhanced stability, and traction that is beyond compared to conventional 4WD layouts. For the first time ever, the Eyesight Ver. 2, lifted from the fifth-generation Legacy, is now offered on the new Impreza Sport and Impreza G4. The "Eyesight Ver. 2" is a driver assistance system that provides Active Cruise Control, Emergency Braking, and Lane Departure Warning systems.

Available in seven colors; Satin White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, Obsidian Black Pearl, Camellia Red Pearl (Sport only), Deep Cherry Pearl, and Plasma Blue Silica.

My comment:
What we've seen now on this new, 4th-generation, Subaru Impreza (in Sport & G4 guise) is the future of Subaru. To sum up, we are impressed with its fuel efficiency, new look, and that's it. What we're not impressed that the interior's a bit more similar to the Mazda Axela and there are no turbo versions yet. So what we're saying is that this new Impreza is now focused on practicality than performance. It's no longer the rally-born sports car we adorned for, it's now just a baby Legacy.

Sales start this December 20, 2011, at all Subaru dealerships in Japan!

Photo: Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Honda N BOX (JF1/JF2)

This is Honda's answer to Daihatsu's Tanto and Suzuki's Palette. This is known to be as the Honda N BOX, it's their next best thing since the Vamos.

2012 Honda N BOX

2012 Honda N BOX Custom

Two styles are offered on the N BOX; first is the standard Honda N BOX which features simple styling that is perfect for the housewives of Japan. Lastly is the stylish Honda N BOX Custom which is a "mini-me" StepWGN Spada because of its sporty front view you may find it very intriguing.

2012 Honda N BOX interior

2012 Honda N BOX Custom interior

No matter how simple or cool the interior is, both the Honda N BOX and the N BOX Custom seems to be somewhat very intriguing indeed. The red "ENGINE START STOP" button as seen on the new, 4th-generation, Honda CR-V, was included on the inside of the N BOX. It seems that customers find the inside very easy to relax because of the 173cm of legroom, 218cm of length, 140cm of height, and various seating arrangements.

There is a new engine developed specifically for the N BOX, which is known as the S07A engine. This new 658cc engine produces 58ps of power, 65Nm of torque, and 22.2km/L JC08 of fuel economy thanks to its CVT mated on it. Exclusive on the N BOX Custom is the Turbo Package that provides 64ps of power, 104Nm of torque, and 18.8km/L JC08 of fuel economy, thanks to the CVT with 7-speed Manual Mode. Some variants come with REAL TIME AWD system for enhanced traction and steering. The Honda N BOX is the first Honda vehicle to come with the idling stop system that allows the engine to be shut off automatically when stopped. Ideal to reduce carbon emissions.

The normal Honda N BOX comes in eight colors; Premium White Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Premium Deep Rosso Pearl, Cool Mist Metallic, Premium Bronze Pearl, Hidamari Ivory Pearl, and Cherry Shell Pink Metallic. The Honda N BOX Custom comes in seven colors; Premium White Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Premium Deep Rosso Pearl, Polished Metal Metallic, Premium Dynamic Blue Pearl, and Premium Gold Purple Pearl.

My comment:
You may refer to this as a StepWGN in a Vamos' body but this Honda is all about ecology and this is the first Honda to be ever equipped with the brand's first Idling Stop system that allows its new S07A engine to shut off when stopped at the red light, giving 22.2km/L JC08 of fuel economy.

The new N BOX lineup will be on sale this December 16 at all Honda Cars dealerships nationwide. It will pick the Suzuki Palette and the Daihatsu Tanto as its rivals.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Kia Ray

2012 Kia Ray

2012 Kia Ray interior

Nope, that's not a Daihatsu Tanto and that isn't the Suzuki Palette either. It's not the upcoming Honda NBOX as you see it. What you see is not a kei car but this is a Korean compact car that draws inspiration from kei cars from Japan. This here is called the Kia Ray.

The "RAY" name from Kia was derived from the Kia Ray concept car as seen at Chicago last year but unlike the Ray Concept, which is a plug-in hybrid sedan, this new model has no relation to the concept car as seen in Chicago. This is just a box car that draws inspiration from the Daihatsu Tanto. Think of it as a Daihatsu Tanto with the Tiger Nose on it. Get it? Because the Kia Ray steals the ideas from the Daihatsu Tanto, expect seeing a sliding door on the passenger side but it's pillar-less. There's no need to explain what's what with the pillar-less part of this Kia Ray because this was familiar from the Tanto and the Toyota Isis. What's that thing they called? Oh yeah! It's called PANORAMA OPEN DOOR! Why the Kia Ray featured the PANORAMA OPEN DOOR?!

On the interior, this is somewhat intriguing but a little bit rubbish in design terms. The instrumental panel looks similar to the Citroen DS4 and hey, there's the steering wheel as seen on the Kia Pride/Rio UB or the new Kia Morning/Picanto! Well, don't get a little bit excited about the Ray's interior but for a Ray with full options, you'll get climate control, heated seats, navigation system, and USB connectivity. The Ray can accommodate up to five passengers and the seats can be folded for luggage capacity.

The Kia Ray is powered by the 1.0L gasoline engine that produces 78ps of power, 9.6kg-m of torque, and it has 17km/L of fuel economy while on the Kia Ray Bifuel, which comes with the 1.0L LPG engine that has the same power and torque, can go up to 16.6km/L in Gasoline mode and 13.2km/L in LPG mode. It is mated with a rubbish 4-speed automatic transmission, which sounds lousy but it feels like it's shooting an episode of Bonanza while driving.

The Kia Ray comes in 10 exterior colors; White, Milky Beige, Silver, Titanium Silver, Aqua Mint, Celestial Blue, Aries Blue, Signal Red, Coffee Mocha, and Black.

My comment:
Sold exclusively to the Korean market, the new Kia Ray is the Korean's take on Japanese kei cars, but because this has a body of a kei car with a 1000cc engine on it, it's not classified as a kei car but this is somewhat a big rival to the Suzuki Solio. Still, it's too rubbish to bring it on us, even some direct importers from the Philippines such as Pitstop Motors or HANCARS can't consider bringing the Kia Ray directly to the Philippines. Watch out though, this car may end up handled and looked like a pig. In fact, this new Kia Ray compact van is rubbish, and I do mean rubbish.

Photo: Kia Motors

Toyota Prius S Touring Selection G's

2012 Toyota Prius S Touring Selection G's

The much awaited Toyota Prius G's has arrived and this is the latest Toyota ever to be modified by Gazoo Racing since the Noah, Voxy, and the Vitz RS. The new Prius S Touring Selection G's (G Sports) features an aggressive exterior design that changes the way this hybrid behaves forever. Now, that's how they call it "mean grean". As for the interior, it's all nested in black color with some red stitching on the seats and the steering wheel. Once more, the paneling is a resemblance of carbon fiber, making this Prius G's the darker side of the world's first mass-produced hybrid car.

Like most G's models, no engine tweaks occurred. As for the Prius G's, nothing's changed on the 1.8L 2ZR-FXE engine and 60kW 3JM electric motor that produces 136PS of power and 207Nm of torque. For this model, it comes with tuned suspension for precise handling that is really tuned and engineered for Fuji Speedway conditions.

Available in six colors; Super White II, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Black, Red Mica Metallic, and Bordeaux Mica Metallic.

My comment:
The new Prius G's really is the darker side of Prius because of its aerodynamics, dark interior, and tuned suspension that makes it a well precised hybrid car that is great when you're cruising around Hakone, Hiroshima, Haruna, Akagi, Ura Rokko, Myogi, Usui, Omote Rokko, Shiga Kusatsu, Nikko, Zao, or Aso. Sales for the Prius G's in Japan starts this December 26, 2011!

Forza Motorsport 4 December IGN DLC!

Let's just say that the November Speed DLC was a complete success. The Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 was a fan favorite for this DLC. Now, Forza Motorsport 4 collaborates with IGN for the new December IGN DLC pack, on sale this Tuesday, December 6, 2011.

Cars to be featured:

2011 Monster Sport Suzuki SX4 

2011 Mazda RX-8 R3 

2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor 

1967 Chevrolet Chevelle SS-396 

1977 Ford Escort RS1800 

1981 Volkswagen Scirocco S 

1986 Alfa Romeo Spider Quadrifoglio Verde 

1988 Pontiac Fiero GT 

2010 Maserati GranTurismo MC GT4 

1957 Maserati 300 S 

Scoop: http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/121/1213496p1.html

Verdict: This DLC will be on sale this Tuesday at the price of 2400 Microsoft Points. Those who already have the Season Pass got them covered. Just remember, the Ford SVT Raptor and the Pontiac Fiero were featured in Top Gear USA. So, what would Tanner Foust react when he see these rides he driven in Top Gear USA on FM4?!

Toyota Prius (ZVW30) Facelift

2012 Toyota Prius

When the third-generation Toyota Prius was launched in May 2009, this third-generation model is remarkably an evolution of the world's first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. Now, after being on service for two years, the third-generation Prius deserved a mid-life facelift to keep it updated for the road ahead. Well, it's a start.

The facelifted Prius is now gaining a new exterior design. Expect a new front bumper, front grille, under grille, rear combination lamp, 15-inch rims, and a new rear view that makes this third-generation different from the previous model.

2012 Toyota Prius interior

Inside, the shift knob and the steering switch base is now paneled in silver and there are new seat colors available, especially two-tones such as "Blue & Black" and "Brown and Black". Once more, the instrumental panel's now change to something more vivid and colorful for added accessibility but still, this is the same Prius interior from before.

No changes on the 2ZR-FXE engine that produces 99PS of power and 142Nm of torque. The power output can be increased into 136PS if the 60kW 3JM electric motor is active. It still uses the Nickel Metal Hydride Battery for EV Mode purposes only. As for the fuel economy, nothing's changed and still remains the 32.6km/L JC08 fuel economy at the entry level 1.8 L variant while most models remain the 30.4km/L JC08 fuel economy.

Pre-Crash Safety System is available for the new Prius as this system provides safe braking in an event when this car approaches the car's behind. There is also Radar Cruise Control that maintains speed while cruising on the highway, Steering-assisted Vehicle Stability Control, Antilock Brake System, Traction Control, Hill Start Control, and the new Pedestrian Warning system that emits noise on incoming passengers, especially the approaching blind.

Available in eight colors;Super White II, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Black, Red Mica Metallic, Bordeaux Mica Metallic, Frosty Green Mica, and Light Purple Mica Metallic.

My comment:
The third-generation Prius' minor change has the same Prius experience with the new look, just to keep this new model updated after the third-generation was released since May 2009. As of now, there are so many Prius models roaming around the streets of Japan and this new model will drive sales even further but how can it keep up because it was heavily affected by the March 11 disaster and the Thai flooding?

Sales for the facelifted Prius starts this December 19, 2011 at all Toyota dealers across Japan.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation