Renault Twingo III

2015 Renault Twingo

This is the brand new Renault Twingo and it's now on its third generation for Renault's city car that is small enough to do big things even rodents can't do in their spare time. Judging by the looks of it, the new Twingo isn't as good looking as the previous one and what shocked previous Twingo owners looking for an upgrade, the new model is now transformed from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive and the engine is now sitting on its bum rather than on the tummy or in the face. Which means, this compact car is now comes with the same layout as a Porsche 911 because the 911 has a reputation of having its engine placed on the butt.

A hatchback with an engine on the back? Wow, that was a rare sight and I wonder how does it perform well as a tiny car with a big attitude? I'll just talk about that later but for now, let's take a look on the outside first.

It may not be as good looking as the previous generation but the new Twingo is better looking than the first generation, which is the one with the hideous-looking frog eyes that is as creepy as French cars look in the 90's. Renault says that this new boxy look draws inspirations from the two concept cars; namely the Twin'Run Concept and the Twin-Z Concept but whatever you ask, don't think this is more of a spiritual successor to the ancient Renault 5 because both of them are from a totally different league in a totally different time. What's also bizarre is that unlike it's predecessors, the brand new Twingo is now available exclusively as a 5-door judging from the implementation of the secret rear doors that provides access to the rear seats.

2015 Renault Twingo interior

On the inside view, it's not so bad to look at considering that the top-range models will feature a sat-nav for the first time on the Twingo plus Renault's R-Link telematics system. The speedo's now change featuring a very high-tech digital thingy on the middle that tells the driver the fuel consumption, temperature, distance travelled, blah blah blah... And even though it's shorter than the old one, the added wheelbase makes it more roomier for your mates at the back.

Because it's an RR compact and the engine's on the back, you might think that it has room on the front, just like what Porsches and Ferraris do but no. There is little room in the front trunk because of such sizing and because this is rear-wheel drive, the rear boot space really suffers a bit, meaning you don't get to put a certain Ross Kemp on it just like what the previous Twingo did.

The new Twingo isn't like the 5 Turbo or the Clio V6 where the engine occupies the entire back room because for a small car with a 911-ish layout, the engine is located under the boot floor rather than exposing it like what the 5 Turbo and the Clio V6 do. That sounds genius but I had greater fears about putting stuff above the boot floor where the engine is placed under but let's put this fear under consideration for us so in the meantime, the performance.

2015 Renault Twingo

Now you may have wondering how the heck did Renault managed to made a rear-wheel drive city and the main reason why is that possible isn't from Renault but a joint collaboration from Germany's Daimler. Yes, Daimler's collaboration is the main point because thanks to the new Twingo's rear-wheel drive layout, it served as the basis for the next-generation smart car, namely the forfour and the fortwo compacts. These compacts are all developed by Renault and Daimler engineers at Renault's Parisian technical center.

Despite being a rear-wheel drive, the new Twingo feels so mild to drive. You don't get oversteering but it feels so agile, so quiet, so tight, and so nimble in all the right barrels and to explain what I'm on about, kindly refer this to Ridge Racer's Wild Gang. The Wild Gang. It's that little compact with a mild handling but you get the idea while driving the Twingo because...it's like that Wild Gang I mentioned.

For engine choices, there is a 1.0L petrol engine that produces 70PS of power and a smaller and turbocharged 0.9L petrol engine that delivers 20PS more than the bigger one but with lesser emissions as well. For the transmission, it has a 5-speed manual gearbox that does pretty decent in shifting gears, which is nice.

2015 Renault Twingo

So, should you buy it? The new Twingo starts at 10,800 Euros, which is more expensive than the modern city cars of today, especially the Peugeot 108 and the Citroen C1, but let's remember, this is a rear-wheel drive hatchback and you can have fun in the Twingo as much as you like as long as you need to take good care of it, no matter the outcome.

Available Colors: Blanc Cristal, Rouge Flamme, Bleu Pacifique, Noir Etoile, Brun Cappuccino, Bleu Dragee, and Jaune Eclair.

Photo: Renault

The Family Guy Simpsons Crossover episode

This is the first time I've ever witness two of Fox's hilarious animated comedies colliding with each other into one very special episode the whole world ever experienced since...well you know.

The Simpsons, one of the world's animated comedy greats that has been around for 25 years now, and Family Guy, even called a rip-off, it's Seth MacFarlane's biggest attempt to create a TV show that drives people crazy with its toilet humor, strong-ish language, sexual fantasies, and numerous references from other stuff. Now, what happens when they combine these two? The result, in all-out clash of two cartoon comedy greats showing who's boss, although there are a few trespassers popped out during this episode.

And yes, our dream of seeing Peter Griffin and Homer Simpson in a fistfight has finally came true. We've been waiting for this right moment to come in this special episode.

(sigh) I hope that's enough about that. One Family Guy Simpsons crossover is enough for us to satisfy our love for these shows.

Wow Mali! - September 28, 2014

On the September 28, 2014 episode of WOW MALI LAKAS NG TAMA!

- POGI POINTS: On this episode, the POGI POINTS are initiating the compatibility test or face a very wet consequence!

- EMOTE CONTROL - On this episode's EMOTE CONTROL, a celeb's foot massage is facing a bigger problem on foot!

- SIGN KA NATAWA? - The folks from Wow Mali showcased some funny signs around the nation!

- MALINTADONG PINOY - The boys are showing off their crazy talents for the televiewers!

- PHONE-AKIP BUTAS - Looks like girlfriend has cheated on her boyfriend and now he's blaming YOU!

Doctor Who S08E06

Doctor Who S08E06

This has probably one of the most mind-blowing episodes in this season because not only the battle to save Coal Hill from the imminent doom caused by a menacing robot called the Skovox Blitzer but it's the fateful encounter between The Doctor, Clara Oswald, and Danny Pink that got the viewers amazed.

Looks like The Doctor encountered himself a new gadget and it's an invisibility watch. At the touch of the bottom, the wearer will render him into stealth camouflage, but that gadget's too much when the Blitzer heavily spotted The Doctor empty-handed.

However, the Blitzer follow orders without question and while The Doctor managed to imitate as its superior using a clever gadget he made, he managed to shut the Blitzer down by command and send it back to space.

That episode really is action-packed and looks like that love story between Clara and Danny is starting to come unraveled.

Here's the BTS from this episode:

NEXT EPISODE PREVIEW:

VW Golf Sportsvan vs. BMW 2-Series Active Tourer

2014 Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan

The brand new Golf Sportsvan maybe more of a replacement to the old Golf Plus MPV but for the newest version of the MPV version of the new Golf, it's not what you called a proper people mover for bigger families because the Sportsvan is a 5-seater just like the old Golf Plus but unlike the Golf Plus, the new Sportsvan is 134mm longer than the old one. It's also 83mm longer than the normal Golf hatchback but 224mm shorter than the Golf Variant.

2014 Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan interior

Of course with all that added dimensions than the Golf Plus, you might think that the brand new Sportsvan has more room for the family but it can be a yes or no. Although the Sportsvan doesn't have more space than the Golf Variant, the rear seats can slide forwards and backwards and can be folded so you can have 1520 litres of boot space, just enough to fit just two macho-sized balikbayan boxes for keeps but it can be quite as bothersome as littering those undelivered ones in your grandma's house.

2014 Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan

Because it utilizes on the flexible VW MQB platform just like on the regular Golf and most current and future VW Group models, the new Sportsvan is slightly lighter than the old Golf Plus but it is punishingly heavier than the Golf Variant estate, which is kinda of an annoyance but as an MPV with a plan, the Sportsvan is not bad considering the use of multi-link rear suspensions and its wonky electric power steering. Although uncomfortable to drive on the twists or at the spiraling roads like the ones that lead to to the rooftop of some parking lot from the airport, the Sportsvan's mobility and stability is beyond average. Not quite good but not quite bad either so it's more of an okay for the European families.

As for engine choices, the Sportsvan can be offered with two 1.2L TSi petrols, two 1.4 TSi petrols, a 1.6L TDi, and a 2.0L TDi diesel engines. Depending on the engine choices, it can be mated with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG which shifts faster than the manual.

So, what about pricing? The Sportsvan starts at 19,625 Euros, about 200 Euros more than the Golf Variant but for an MPV of that magnitude, it can be a smart buy.

2014 Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan

The Golf Sportsvan may not be a proper alternative than the Golf Variant estate but in the world of MPVs, this German baby MPV tries to fare out from the rest with its legendary VW quality but how German is this when it matches up with its new challenger, only a bit more posh?

2015 BMW 2-Series Active Tourer

This is BMW's first ever, and by no means a plot twist, front-wheel drive vehicle and their first ever baby MPV in the lineup. It's called the 2-Series Active Tourer.

For most BMW fans like us, a true BMW has to be RWD no matter which shape or form will be. Be it a hatchback, sedan, or an SUV, it doesn't matter because being RWD is what BMW's all about. For this new one here, this is a plot twist that we don't like. 

We hate plot twists because while we all want our TV shows to move smoothly as planned, the producers often want to add plot twists to keep the story longer and longer until the edge of the universe. Yes, BMW has a naming structure to have even numbers for two-doors, convertibles, and Gran Coupes while odd numbers for four-doors, estates, and Gran Turismos. When BMW decided to call this the 2-Series Active Tourer, this situation is as confused as what Toyota did when they've used the Mark X name for their front-wheel drive MPV called the Mark X Zio.

2015 BMW 2-Series Active Tourer

Mind you, this isn't like the Mark X Zio because the 2AT is much more good to drive but for a BMW, this is not a good sight. Even though BMW says that they've added some multi-link rear suspension, that's not gotta work, although the 2AT did used the same UKL1 platform as the new Mini.

The new Mini? Isn't the one I called it "Wumbo" because of the added size? Well, while this is just a Wumbo underneath, the 2AT is just nothing personal. Although it doesn't feel like a proper BMW, it still fare well when it comes to its stability. Because this is a front-wheel drive, it feels very much as civilized as a well-behaved student and while most rear-wheel drive BMWs are somewhat afraid to the elements Mother Nature throws at them, be it snow or rain, the 2AT is not quite bad at all.

If you opted for the xDrive model, the 2AT is well prepared for the wet or snowy roads ahead at all cost, although the weight penalty can slightly suffer its mobility but never mind.

2015 BMW 2-Series Active Tourer interior

On the inside, it's much more different than the typical BMW interiors that most models have but only just. Just like the VW Sportsvan, the rear seats can slide forward or backward and it's foldable for added space and it even comes with the hidden underfloor bin where you can store more stuff as much as your want especially discreetly ones that you don't want to expose it to your families.

On the driver's side, it's not so bad, especially the dashboard itself. It's high-tech as it pleases you when you want to use the radio, music player, sat-nav, or whatever it has in its disposal. I can toy around with this as much as I want until someone wants me to get out.

2015 BMW 2-Series Active Tourer

At launch, the 2AT is offered with a turbocharged 1.5L petrol engine for the 218i, 2.0L turbo petrol engine for the 225i, and the 2.0L diesel engine for the 218d. It's a good thing they're all turbocharged just like what most BMWs do now and forever...minus the forever part. On the top range 225i model with xDrive, this engine develops 231PS of power, 350Nm of torque, 0-100kph in 6.8 seconds, and top speed of 235kph. If you're fuel-conscious, the 218d's your best bet because while this have more torque than the petrol equivalent, combined fuel economy is around 24.4km/L. Good stuff though, and depending on the model, it can be mated with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed auto gearbox, although this gearbox has one more than the VW Sportsvan's DSG except it's a little less complicated.

To you, Bimmer fanatics, don't think the nightmare ends here because in the near future, BMW will expand their FWD lineup ranging from a new compact crossover, the next X1, the next 1-Series, and a possible FWD convertible that's going to be as tad dull as the Renault Megane CC. The 2AT is the start of BMW's diminishment as "freude am fahren" but because most models, regardless of powertrain, will always have turbos in their lineup, looks like it's not going anywhere, although there is potential fear that BMW maybe making naturally aspirated engines but hey, aren't BMW put an end into natural aspiration engines? Oh yeah... They really want to make an all-turbo lineup but with some added consequence like those fake engine sounds from the M3, M4, M5, and M6. Did you get me?

Should you buy it? Sadly, nope for this kind because the starting price for the 2AT is 27,200 Euros, meaning that not only it's expensive than the 1-Series hatchback, it's much more expensive than the VW Sportsvan or even the Mercedes-Benz B-Class. Ouch...

To sum up these two, the VW Sportsvan is the better bet because not only it's cheaper to own than the 2AT, it's also sportier to drive, has the most wheelbase, the tallest, the widest, and much roomier. The BMW 2AT may not be a good family MPV for a start because of its pricing and it's going to be hatred by most BMW enthusiasts because of its FWD powertrain but its turbocharged engines surely add some life to it, has some luxury car comforts, and you can do better if you try.

But we don't really want to drive in these two because, let's be honest, we want to stay single because we all have the freedom to do whatever we want because if we got married and had kids, this is what we'll end up with. Bummer...

Photo: Volkswagen Group, BMW AG

Bubble Gang - September 26, 2014

On the September 26, 2014 episode of Bubble Gang...

- "Pakawalan niyo yan" gags

- Lala Ytera's bothering with the hairs

- IKAW AT ANG INA takes on...posting your wounds!

- Istambay, Istambay sa Looban, Handa na ba kayo sa daldalan? Kuwento ng babae sa tambayan, lahat ay...NAKAKALIMUTAN!!!

- Spoof trailers!

- Antonietta still has some drama cliches to bother with...and now she's messing with the staff!

- Namutla

- More wise words from Tata Lino.

- One of the boys are showing his feelings to a girl...

- This man's facing one nutty problem when a nut gets through his ear!

- People are complaining about a businessman ruining their businesses and the businessman defends!

Desk

Gran Turismo 6: FT-1 Vision Gran Turismo

Premiered at the Detroit Motor Show several months ago, the Toyota FT-1 Concept envisions the future of Toyota sports cars following the success of the 86. I once compared it with the final-gen Supra around Fuji Speedway and I strongly believed that with such speed and mobility, it was the suitable candidate as the next Supra or so I thought.



We all love the FT-1 Concept but we are wondering what would this concept be like when it has some involvement in the world of motorsports. Thanks to Vision Gran Turismo, the folks from Toyota created a racing version of the FT-1 Concept.



Here it is and by the looks of it, the FT-1 VGT looks more of a racing version of the said concept and because this is a racing version, it's only suitable for race-day use. It's kinda like a futuristic version of those Toyota Supra used on JGTC (Super GT) races in the past but this is no JGTC racer because while this may be a concept, the FT-1 VGT showcased Toyota's potential and passion in the world of motorsports.



What the folks from CALTY, the design team responsible for the original Toyota FT-1 Concept from the Detroit Motor Show a couple of months ago, did was push their dream machine a step higher by giving their brilliant creation some more added spice. It's like combining the world's spiciest condiments and making it on par with volcanic lava. This racecar isn't a spicy condiment nor a volcanic lava but when the FT-1 VGT shows its true potential as a race car in the world of Gran Turismo 6, it really shows how scorching this monster of a machine is.

That gave me an idea because while this car can be attainable on a time-limited special seasonal event held in Mount Panorama, Bathurst, let's take a moment to consider how I took the challenge and mastering the FT-1 VGT's true capabilities not as a concept racing machine but an ideal waiting to become the truth in the not-too-distant future.



Just like the normal FT-1, no one knows what powers the FT-1 VGT because this concept doesn't even have a proposed powertrain. In the game, it's a turbocharged one but this racing version is powered by a turbocharged-hybrid powerplant. I can't believe I've actually driven a hybrid that doesn't feel like the Toyota Prius but by GT6 standards, it would do 0-100kph by around 3.2 seconds (I think), and a top speed (I think) is around 340kph. I know this data is unofficial but believe me, it's one quick Toyota.

Apart from being a quick car, the mobility or handling is just epic. With all that added aerodynamics on this car and the downforce thanks to the added fixed rear wing, this racing machine is always stuck on the ground and it really doesn't matter when you're not concentrating because this FT-1 VGT always entertains me like a Japanese game show where pain is involved rather than questions and answers. It's like I survived a Japanese game show...but only just.

The gold target time for this event is 2:02.000 but after numerous trials and errors upon trying the FT-1 VGT, I got a hang of it and I set a lap time of 2:01.307, meaning I beat the Gold target time but only just.



Having managed to beat the target time, I am very pleased by what Toyota has done to give the future of Toyota's sports cars the racing credentials it deserves and this FT-1 VGT is their crowning prediction on what comes next to fulfill the Japanese carmaker's "FUN TO DRIVE AGAIN" slogan. It's been such an honor to get behind the wheel of the FT-1 Vision Gran Turismo.



There are still more VGT cars waiting to be unveiled in future updates. Stay tuned for more!