Epi Quizon, IHAW NA!

Yet again, Banana Nite's knocking on fame and fortune as another one of A-list celebs is on the hot seat of the IHAW NA segment. Guest of the day for September 4, 2013 is Epi Quizon.

Epi or Jeffrey Quizon is one of the kids of the late comedy legend, Dolphy, playing golf is just one of Epi Quizon's hobbies. Like the others, Epi Quizon tries to follow Dolphy's footsteps and he's one of the most respectable actors in showbizness.

Meanwhile, what's better in situations like fortune telling, whitening, what to wear, had colds, and peeing. SOSYAL? DI SOSYAL?

Third-generation Honda Fit (GK2/3/4/5) and Fit Hybrid (GP5)

2014 Honda Fit

For over a decade, the Honda Fit (or Jazz in other markets) has been the mainstay of the Honda lineup and it has been favored for being one of the most notable hatchbacks to be seen on the roads today. It has been quite a commoner's car, even in Japan, and since the death of the Civic in Japan since 2010, the Honda Fit became every Japanese's Honda car for its costs and fuel consumptions. With so much new stuff changing hands, the Honda Fit is now regenerated for the third-generation and for the new look, it looks rather bizarre rather than the last two generations.

2014 Honda Fit

When I said bizarre, I mean take a look at this rather unpleasant look for the new model and there's a hint of nostalgia here because I just noticed that the new headlamp design looks like it came from the previous generation Accord or Acura TSX. Looks like there's a hint of cost-cutting here or maybe a fair bit of parts-sharing around here. However, the controversial exterior design is not the least of the problems here because for the new model, there are several grades available, made for every personal tastes. On the top, that's the one with the 1.3L i-VTEC engine while here is the one with the 1.5L i-VTEC engine on it. Below, is the speedo-boy favorite RS model offered with the same 1.5L i-VTEC but available gearbox options is either the 6-speed manual or the CVT gearbox, and the main attraction was the Hybrid model, which has its engine size increased from the previous model's 1.3 to 1.5L and the CVT's been thrown away in favor of the new SPORT HYBRID IDCD (Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive).

2014 Honda Fit Hybrid

2014 Honda Fit RS

But first, what is SPORT HYBRID IDCD? This is the second out of third part of Honda's new SPORT HYBRID powertrain and like I said in the past, this significantly advanced lightweight and compact one-motor system developed for Honda's next generation of compact cars combines a 1.5L engine with a seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox containing an integrated, high-output electric motor powered by the car’s lithium-ion batteries. When going and high speeds, both the electric motor and the engine kicks in for combined power while in low speeds, the batteries are in charge. For the all new Fit Hybrid powered with this new kind of hybrid technology, manufacturers claimed that the fuel economy is now bumped up to 36.4km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards. It maybe 30% more than the old one but apparently, that's a higher number than the Toyota Aqua. Just to let you know, the Aqua has a CVT gearbox and the same 1.5L hybrid as this but because the new Fit has a 7-speed double clutch gearbox at hand, this is more engaging to drive than the Aqua.

If you opted for the S Package, you'll receive a couple of rather nice paddle shifters on it so you can let your Toyota Aqua rival do the complaining, saying why can't it be as engaging as the new Fit? Sorry, Toyota, but it seems that Honda's got the upper hand now. However, there are a couple of drawbacks for this one because while the new Fit Hybrid tries to be a better compact than the Aqua, I am struggling to say that having a double-clutch gearbox on a hybrid car is as nonsense as a bunch of pictures of bystanders looking up for no reason. Yeah, you can blame that on your Aling Maliit but be warned, chances are this is just like the whole Ang Joke Ko segment from Eat Bulaga. You got the joke but you almost had it.

2014 Honda Fit Hybrid interior

2014 Honda Fit interior

2014 Honda Fit RS interior

But still, it is as shocking as shocking a nerdy majorette twirler, because apart from its bizarre looks, nooks, and crannies, the Fit tries to be more of a commoner's car. For many, it doesn't matter if this new model has horrendous looks, but what matters most is this. The only reason why they would buy this car is because they want to drive this car. That's it. No ifs and buts. Just the simple reasons. Anyway, while I'd had the talk about the hybrid model, what about the rest of it? For the 1.3L model, you can have either a 5-speed manual, a CVT, or a CVT with a paddle shifters on the steering wheel. On the normal 1.5L model, only the CVT gearbox was offered. On the RS model, both the CVT and the 6MT were offered I'd suggest that an RS model with the 6-speed manual is worth the try if you're a speedo boy.

Oh yeah, for the 1.3L, what you may didn't know that idling stop was offered and with this feature, it shuts the engine off when stopped and then start again when you set off, to save petrol. What a unsuspecting catch though and as for the fuel economy, it reaches about 26km/L. That's about more than the March, more than the Vitz, and more than the Demio but annoyingly less than the Mirage.

For some 1.5L models, the fuel economy can get through 21.8km/L based on JC08 Mode standards.

Surprisingly, the brand new "FIT3" now comes with a clever safety feature called the City Brake Active System and for this one, the radar detects incoming vehicles at about 30kph or less. Also, City Brake Active System has an ability to prevent unintended acceleration, so for this one, safety is now the top priority for the Fit. Just to let you know, sometimes, the City Brake Active System doesn't work at some scenarios so...drive safely. Another safety feature is the Emergency Stop Signal which triggers hazard lights when drivers behind you are approaching and in the case of sudden braking when the vehicle is moving.

So, there you have it. The new Fit maybe as weird as a botched eye operation and as obvious to drive as the whole Ang Joke Ko segment but I think this is how its money well spent. The 1.3L model costs around 1.265 million yen, less than the Vitz's 1.3L model, while the HYBRID model costs less than the Aqua by almost 40,000 Yen. The commoner's car in Japan is now turned to be even more interesting than before and as for the HYBRID model, well, I don't care about it.

Available colors: Vivid Sky Blue Pearl, Attract Yellow Pearl, Premium White Pearl, Milano Red, Light Beige Metallic, Tainted Silver Metallic, Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic, Premium Northern Lights Violet Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, and Sunset Orange II.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

TGUSA S04E01

TGUSA S04E01

Whether you like it or not, the American version of Top Gear has returned on History Channel for its fourth season and for its kickstart, the first episode of the season highlights on the boys comparing three supercars on an American road trip. For this road trip, Rutledge Wood chose the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale while Tanner Foust's on the British-made McLaren MP4-12C and Adam Ferrera's in the 6.4L V10-powered SRT Viper.

At the open runway, it seems that the MP4-12C takes it on the drag race thanks to its launch control technology. Then, the boys are in search for a genuine Amish hat at an Amish village and it looks like both Rut and Tanner had found genuine Amish hats, whereas Adam, found himself a rather flashy hat that doesn't look Amish. Later, the boys are in search for the biggest football field and it seems that Adam and the Viper takes it when he found the Arrowhead Stadium before Rut does. In the tunnel runs somewhere at Colorado, it seems that Tanner's got it, again thanks to its raw power of the MP4-12C. In the final round at LA, the rule is get a pic with a celeb first before heading to the finish. The loser is the one who'll pay the gas bill...and Adam is the one to pay despite he brought himself a celebrity.

Well, that's it for the pilot episode of the new season, next week will be even more for them...

Joem Bascon, IHAW NA!

Yet again, Banana Nite's knocking on fame and fortune as another one of A-list celebs is on the hot seat of the IHAW NA segment. Guest of the day for September 3, 2013 is Joem Bascon.

Known by his real name Joseph Emmanuel Bascon, Joem was first discovered from a comedy TV show, Let's Go, and now he's notable for his villainous roles since Noah. He's going to appear at an upcoming film this month called LIHIS. Yes, for his free time, he's exercising with a kettle.

Meanwhile in TNT: Tapatan Ni Tunting, someone named Justin Bieber Cruz is on a face-off interview.

RSM revises SM5 and SM7 for 2014 model year

Renault Samsung New SM5 Platinum

 Renault Samsung SM7

Renault Samsung Motors, the SoKor-only Korean affiliate of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, lightly revised two of the luxury sedans from their lineup, the SM5 and the flagship SM7, for the 2014 model year.

Starting with the 2014MY SM5, newly designed 16-inch alloy wheels and black faux leather were added on the PE trim while the SE trim had is price now 600,000 Won lowered. On the LE trim, it now comes with blind spot information system  and for the SE trim, LED lighting package was added. For the LE and RE trim, a class-first ABS front seat headrest trim was applied.

Now onto the 2014MY SM7, the addition of the blind spot information system and forward warning system has been implemented for added safety. On the RE and RE35 trim, dark chrome 18-inch wheels, silver and piano black interior trim are implemented.

As for pricing, the 2014MY SM5 now starts at 24,500,000 Won for the SE Art model (the special one) up to 28,700,000 for the RE Art model. The 2014MY SM7, on the other hand, now starts at 30,280,000 Won for the SE model up to 38,650,000 Won for the RE35 model.

Let's Do The News! (September 4, 2013)

Here are some moments that you may have missed:

- The fourth Transformers movie will feature a...Chinese car?! Well, a Chinese concept car called the GAC E-Jet is going to be featured in next year's Transformers. Yes, really. That's a new mix for the next Transformers movie...

- It seems that the whole Syria issue is still pretty much into us right about now and just for the pain of it, I just heard that not only the US but also the French and the Turkish are on the offensive side against Syria. Ouch. Right now, the Department of Foreign Affairs issued a mandatory repatriation for OFWs stuck in war-torn Syria. Over three thousand Filipinos remained in Syria as of now...

- Scion will be updating the FR-S sport coupe (better known to you and I as the Toyota 86) for the 2014 model year and as of now, I heard that for the 2014MY FR-S, Scion will be adding new knee cushions in their signature FR sports coupe. These cushions, located on the center console and door panels, will provide added comfort on the road.

- Apple will be announcing their next iPhone on September 10 but what is it? Will this be the one with the long-rumored iOS7 on it?

- Microsoft bought Finnish-based cellphone company Nokia, as announced by Microsoft themselves and they're on the verge to provide better quality and service for the customers.

- Toyota Motor Corporation updated the Camry hybrid saloon for the 2014 Model Year and for the 2014MY Camry, a new "Dark Blue Mica" color was added, giving a total of 8 exterior colors available. Also, three-point seat belt, pretensioner, and force limiter function were added for added safety. There's now a special edition  G Package PREMIUM BLACK model offered for a limited time. The special model offers dark brown wood grain, fabric and synthetic leather combination, inner auto-dimming mirror, soft leather door trim, smoke-like extensions on the LED head lamp and fog lamp, and super chrome metallic paint 17-inch wheels.

Toyota Camry

- Another celeb to be hit by another scandal is none other that Eat Bulaga's own Wally Bayola. Reports said that there was a video featuring Wally himself and Yosh, one of the EB dancers. No word ever came out from the two about the recent scandal.

- Land Rover will showcase an updated 2014 Discovery at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show and for this new one, it has more driver aids and new engine types as well as its new look.

2014 Land Rover Discovery

Let's Do The News! (September 2, 2013)

Stranded on the island for days? Here are some moments that you have missed!

- The hit anime TV series based from the manga serialized from Kodansha's Shonen Magazine, Attack on Titan, is almost reaching its climax and it seems that the producers really want Attack On Titan to go out with a bang. A really big bang perhaps because the finale will be screening at the Marunouchi Picadilly 1 theater in Tokyo during a special event on September 28. This finale will be screened at 9:00 PM Japan Standard Time, hours before it airs on TV.

- The people at Studio Ghibli are sad to said this that the founder of Studio Ghibli and anime filmmaking legend Hayao Miyazaki retires at the age of 72. After years of creating some of the finest Studio Ghibli masterpieces such as Howl's Moving Castle, Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Kiki's Delivery Service, and most of the timeless classics a Ghibli fan would mention, it is confirmed that our beloved Miyazaki-sensei retires from producing feature films. That was explained during this year's Venice Film Festival.

- Moments after the Japan debut of the new V6-powered Lotus Exige S, it seems that the new Exige S will be making its first-ever Japanese debut at the 2013 Japan Lotus Day this October 27, 2013 at the Fuji Speedway. The Japan Lotus Day was started back in the Autumn 2009 and it's a gathering of Japanese Lotus owners to show their passion of the Lotus name, from historical models such as the Elan, Elite, Europa, and Esprit, to current models such as the Elise, Exige, and the Evora.

- The Nissan Juke NISMO, the first from the newly revamped NISMO range, has reached worldwide sales of 3700 units from the first seven months since its debut in January 2013. NISMO president Shoichi Miyatani commented that they are pleased that the NISMO car has been accepted in the market and this was made to provide the thrill and excitement the customer wants.

2013 Nissan Juke NISMO

- As we all know that Paul McGann is somewhat a one-hit wonder in the history of Doctor Who and he's what George Lazenby is to James Bond but question is, how did he managed to nabbed that role? This low-quality audition tape, as part of the DVD format of the 1996 Doctor Who TV film and now streamed from the official Doctor Who Youtube channel, will explain what's what.

- Whether you like it or not, Season 4 of Top Gear USA is coming on History this Tuesday and here's a sneak peek of fourth series. We can see Tanner in the MP4-12C, Rut in the Gallardo, and Adam in the Viper go all out.



- Hey girls, are you tired from all the Frizzies on your hair? Stuck in the same situation like what Isabella did at the end of the Robot Rodeo episode of Phineas and Ferb? Don't worry because there's a video clip about how to treat the frizzies. Click here.

- On another one of Doof's Daily Dirt, Dr D. makes a joke about the Auto-Correct function that your smartphone had. Watch this clip and find out why you should better turn off your smartphone's Auto-Correct function or else...

- It's September 2, 2013. Countdown to Christmas? It's 114 days left. Look, to avoid forgetting this countdown, might as well, left a countdown widget on my blog, okay? Its to your left.

TTFN!