Suzuki Wagon R - Fifth Generation - 2015 facelift

Two years ago, the Suzuki Wagon R reached its fifth generation and this generation set the new standards for Japan-only kei cars thanks to the implementation of ENE-CHARGE. With numerous rivals trying to outdo its fuel economy, this Wagon R always find a way and because Suzuki wants to be the most fuel-efficient carmaker in the world, they have a brand new attempt that will have its rivals puzzled into submission.

2015 Suzuki Wagon R

2015 Suzuki Wagon R interior

Well, here it is and at first glance, it looks nearly identical to its pre-facelift model except that now, the 2015 Wagon R now comes with its new secret weapon; S-ENE CHARGE.

What is S-ENE CHARGE? Basically, an improvement from the ENE-CHARGE, the newly developed S-ENE CHARGE takes full use of the lithium-ion battery and the Integrated Starter Generator while joining forces with the improved R06A engine. The ISG provides a motor assist during acceleration and during deceleration, it stores some of its electric power.

The idling stop system has also changed. Within 13kph or less during deceleration, the engine automatically switched off and it has the capability to quietly restart the engine thanks to the implementation of the ISG. The unintentional engine restart is suppressed by implementing a brake stroke sensor.

Thanks to the new fuel-efficient technologies, the 2015MY Wagon R sets a new fuel economy of 32.4kmpl. I repeat, the fuel economy for the 2015MY Wagon R is now improved to 32.4kmpl. Suzuki fans take note of it because it's now more fuel efficient than its rivals like the Mitsubishi eK Wagon, Daihatsu Move, or the Honda N-WGN.

2015 Suzuki Wagon R Stingray

2015 Suzuki Wagon R Stingray interior

It's not just the fuel economy that the latest version stands out from the rest, it's the safety that is on par with any other kei car because the Wagon R has a host of safety features, including the very clever Radar Brake Support system that stops without the driver asking to do and you might think you are going to hit something. If this doesn't work, it's yours to blame, not the car. Be advised.

Also, it comes with a special feature that prevents unintended acceleration, a big issue that was faced by millions of drivers in history, an Emergency Stop Signal that warns drivers from behind, ESP, and so much more.

The new 2015 Wagon R starts at 1,078,920 Japanese Yen for the base model while the stylish Stingray model starts at 1,461,240 Japanese Yen. Customers can even afford one with or without S-ENE CHARGE but there are differences to these models because on the normal Wagon R, you can afford an entry-level model with a 5-speed manual gearbox exclusive to this model while on the Stingray, the 660cc turbocharged engine is available exclusively for that model.

Available colors (Wagon R):  Crystal White Pearl, Mysterious Violet Pearl, Silky Silver Metallic, Bluish Black Pearl 3, Innocent Pink Pearl Metallic, Urban Brown Pearl Metallic, and Fizz Blue Pearl Metallic.

Available colors (Wagon R Stingray): Crystal White Pearl, Phoenix Red Pearl, Mysterious Violet Pearl, Bluish Black Pearl 3, and Steel Silver Metallic.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

Subaru WRX S4 (VAG) and WRX STi (VAB)

2015 Subaru WRX S4

So, welcome everyone to the brand new Subaru WRX, the rally icon returns with two distinct flavors to choose from, depending on which style you're on. For those suitable for daily use, there's the WRX S4, but for those who are speedo boys and a suitable track-day car on a weekend, there's a new WRX STi. Both versions of the WRX are suitable for everyone, and depending on which WRX you're on, you will be greeted by the car famed for its legendary motorsport bloodline, just like what Nissan did when the GT-R name was separated from the Skyline brand, the WRX is fully independent and does not have in common with the current Impreza. In other words, don't call it an Impreza anymore.

2015 Subaru WRX STi

What's the difference between the WRX S4 and the WRX STi? Simple, really. The S4 (bearing the chassis code VAG) is a civilized version of the said model, and you can visualize it as the 4-door counterpart of the LEVORG sport tourer, which is based on. It comes with the same FA20 "Blue Boxer" DIT engine as the LEVORG, as well as the not-so-bad Sport Lineartronic CVT from the LEVORG. Don't forget that the S4 comes with Subaru's Eyesight Ver. 3. The new WRX STi (bearing the chassis code VAB) is somewhat a WRX S4 with some insane movements because the latest model heralds the return of the speedo boy favorite. It carries out the old EJ20 dual AVCS intercooler twin-scroll turbo engine from its predecessor, and it's available only in a 6-speed manual gearbox.

2015 Subaru WRX S4

2015 Subaru WRX S4 interior

2015 Subaru WRX S4 interior

So, let's talk about the S4 first. First and foremost, the S4 is an everyday variant of the WRX. A variant well suited for the city folk who wanted something more of a go-getter rather than being a homestuck. Picture someone living in a condo who has tons of gadgets in his bag. You could notice that it could be a particular person who could be driving this because the S4 is kinda like Subaru's take on the Volvo S60 but don't dare take this one against the S60 because the WRX S4's Sport Lineartronic CVT gearbox can be a bit of a letdown for a driver's car but because Subaru is one of the Japanese carmakers that perfected the CVT gearbox the same way like Nissan do, it's not so bad. The Sport Lineartronic CVT can also be set to different manual modes via SI-DRIVE. When in Sport Mode, 6-speed manual mode is on, and you can take advantage of its paddle shifters for a more enjoyable feel, but to bring out the best of the S4, you can try setting it to Sport Sharp. In Sport Sharp mode, the grip becomes precise and dramatic, and the CVT is now in 8-speed manual mode with good results.

Because the engine is horizontally opposed, the S4 has a low center of gravity, and thanks to its trademark Symmetrical AWD, the S4 is a decent all-rounder suitable for any weather, be it rainy or snowy on a Tokyo afternoon. Looks like the S4 performed well to be a driver's car, although Subaru still needs room for improvement.

With the BLUE BOXER DIT engine and the Sport Lineartronic CVT, the WRX S4 achieves a fuel economy of 13.2 km/pl on the JC08 Mode scale.

Like the LEVORG it was based on, the WRX S4 comes with Eyesight Ver. 3, which is the new and improved version of Subaru's very own pre-crash safety system. For Version 3, it integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning.

2015 Subaru WRX STi

2015 Subaru WRX STi interior

So, what about the new WRX STi? Because the new model is no longer based on the Impreza, unlike the previous generations, it's time for speedo boys to learn one thing. NEVER CALL THIS AN IMPREZA, much like the same way that you should never call the current R35 GT-R a Skyline. This should be a lesson to you all, JDM fans.

Anyway, what's new about the new WRX STi? Well, even though it comes with the same 2.0L 16-valve Dual AVCS twin-scroll turbo engine from the previous model as well as the 6-speed manual gearbox, I wonder what's changed? You know, I tell you what, even with its new look, it still harbors the same spirit.

It still harbors the same heritage that started in the 1990s. After conquering numerous rally courses and surviving through the Nurburgring for a day, the WRX STi has been proven to be the legend that has the respect it deserves, and on this new model, the same STi wizardry remains. Apart from the Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control, and a Brembo Performance Brake System with Super Sport ABS, the new WRX STi now comes with Active Torque Vectoring.

Active Torque Vectoring applies brake pressure to the front wheel while the Vehicle Dynamics Control provides more settings, such as VDC Normal, Traction, and Off, each providing lesser degrees of system engagement. That sounds high-tech, but has it worked? I can't really say a thing about how grip-worthy the new STi is.

If you're asking about the engine, the 2.0L EJ20 turbo engine develops 308PS of power and 422Nm of torque. Fuel economy? A boorish 9.4 kmpl, but who cares about it? Even though it still comes with an engine that is two decades old, it's worth passing to the next generation of Subarists. Because the EJ20 is a boxer engine, it has a low center of gravity.

With its chief rival, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, almost at the end of its lifespan, it looks like the WRX STi has left without a primary rival for now. How pitiful for this car to have no competition...

2015 Subaru WRX STi

And now for the pricing. The WRX S4 starts at 3,348,000 Japanese Yen, while the new WRX STi starts at 3,790,000 Japanese Yen. Overall, they're both cheaper to own than the Volvo S60 per se, and that's the bottom line...except it isn't. The bottom line is that the WRX S4 is a daily driver car that you can use it to go to the shops if necessary while the WRX STi is born to be a rally-and-track fighter that can be a suitable multirole at the hands of a skilled driver, not for the speedo boy because I know what speedo boys do with Japanese sports cars.

Available colors: Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Dark Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Lightning Red, and WR Blue Pearl.

Photo: Fuji Heavy Industries

Let's Do The News! (August 25, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- There was a mass protest going on at Luneta as thousands of people are rallying against the PDAF and term extension of elected officials. They've even started signing a "people's initiative" against the PDAF at the Quirino Grandstand. It's not just ordinary people that joined the protest, even high-profile celebs like former beauty queen Ma. Isabel Lopez as well as famed rock band Kamikazee.


- The 2014 CAMPI Philippine International Motor Show starts this September 18 up to September 21, 2014, at the World Trade Center, Manila. The Philippines' most exciting motor returns with even more surprises for the motoring public!

- Metro Manila's water distributors are on an alarming rate ever since most of the water from the Angat Dam in Bulacan was release despite its below normal water levels. They said that the dam had violated the protocol that water must be released at the normal water level of 180 meters above sea level.

- The leader of Thailand's coup d'etat, General Prayuth Chanocha, is named as the new Prime Minister of this country following a royal endorsement from the country's monarch. He accepted a royal command issued by King Bhumibol Adulyadej certifying his appointment as the 29th premier of Thailand. Prayuth will be retiring from his military duty next month and until then, he will hold both posts.

- A PNR train got derailed from its tracks at Altura St., Sta. Mesa, Manila. Luckily, no casualties were reported.

- Multiple car bomb explosions on Saturday killed 22 people and injured 135 others in the Kurdish autonomous region of Iraq. These car bombs were detonated in three locations in Kirkuk while the next blast occurred in Arbil, destroying a parked car. It is believed to be carried out by the ISIS militants.

- US Journalist, Peter Theo Curtis, the one who was abducted by Islam extremists in Syria two years ago, has been freed.

- FOX ADHD streamed us a funny animated skit in their new SONGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW HAD LYRICS segment. Here comes Super Mario and Yoshi in this funny clip from FOX ADHD. (STOP: The following clip has stuff not suitable for all audiences. Strong Parental Guidance is Advised.)



TTFN!!!

Celeb Daniel Matsunaga is PBB All In Big Winner

The Brazilian-Japanese model and actor, Daniel Matsunaga, is named as the Big Winner at the recently concluded Pinoy Big Brother ALL IN Big Night. Held last night at Resorts World Manila, Matsunaga garnered 11.69 percent net votes from the viewers, edging ahead of 2nd Big Placer Maris Racal, 3rd Big Placer Jane Oineza, and 4th Big Placer Vickie Rushton.

After surviving 119 days at the Pinoy Big Brother house, looks like Daniel Matsunaga's got the fame and fortune he deserved after crowned as the Big Winner and he earned Php1 million and other special prizes, including a condo unit worth Php2 million.

Report: http://www.pep.ph/guide/tv/14352/daniel-matsunaga-named-big-winner-of-pinoy-big-brother-all-in
Image: Pinoy Big Brother Abs-Cbn Facebook page

F1 2014: Belgian GP

Looks like the rookie come first at the end of the grueling Belgian GP of the Formula One 2014 season held at the extremely-challenging Spa-Francorchamps, where F1 aces from all over the globe trying to hone their skills while surviving the twists and turns of one of Europe's finest racetracks regardless of ranks. Despite Nico Rosberg's qualifying pole position, the rookie of Red Bull Racing, Daniel Ricciardo, snagged the checkered flag for the win! That leaves Mercedes' Rosberg to 2nd place and Valtteri Bottas from Williams in 3rd place.

In the Driver's tally, Rosberg's still hanging in his top position at 220 points while teammate and rival Lewis Hamilton still in 2nd place at 191 points. Red Bull's Ricciardo managed to maintained his 3rd spot in 156 points.

The next race will be at Italy this September 7th.

Report: Formula 1

Image: Top Gear

Wow Mali! - August 24, 2014

Highlights on the August 24, 2014 episode of Wow Mali! Lakas Ng Tama!

- BIYAHENG PRESO - Getting squeezed by escaped convicts arrested by cops in the jeep and then...here comes trouble!

- VOICE OVER SA DENTAL CLINIC - Mind the dental bill because this dentist has gone insane!

- BAGAY SA 'YO - Some idiot's making the rounds at the clothing store and he's messing up on to you!

- NADAMAY LANG - Hey you! Have you finished your homework?

- EMOTE CONTROL: HUWAG MATAKOT, MAKIBEKI! - On this episode's EMOTE CONTROL, a foreigner's report gets messy by Hans Mortel!

Doctor Who S08E01

Doctor Who S08E01

So, the eighth season of Doctor Who begins with a brand new Doctor and a brand new adventure that test the mettle of the newly-regenerated Doctor, now played by Peter Capaldi, and his companion Clara Oswald, played by Jenna Coleman. The first episode of the new season, titled Deep Breaths, sees The Doctor and Clara on Victorian London, probably one of his favorite eras, and with Madame Vastra, Jenny, and Strax fighting alongside him, they must take on a deadly conspiracy that left us breathless...literally.

Speaking of breathless, that Half-Face Man is one heck of a cyborg baddie the 12th Doctor worth fighting against and it's even creepy to see his minions armed with blades from their arms. The toughest way to survive against these menacing mechanical foes is to hold breaths. It's hard but that's for surviving against these.

The Eleventh Doctor Matt Smith made a super special appearance on the near end of the episode when Clara received a phone call while at present-day London. That's quite a shocker for fans many but that's how to spice things up for nostalgia's sake.

So, that concludes the first episode of the new season. Next time...