Toyota Auris Hybrid (ZWE186H)

Last year, Toyota gave the second-generation Auris, launched since the summer of 2012, a minor change and apart from selling it in selected parts of the Asia-Pacific and Europe, it was made to be sold in North America as a Scion iM. Well, with Scion's untimely collapse, things aren't going so well for the recently facelifted Auris, even if it comes with Toyota's brand new 1.2L 8NR-FTS petrol engine.

2017 Toyota Auris Hybrid

Little did you know that because it's been ten years since the first Auris launch into dealerships since the autumn of 2006, here's a big 10th anniversary offering for the Toyota Auris because it's no longer a Netz-exclusive car because it's now available at both Toyopet and Netz dealerships across Japan. Notice the front view? Same facelifted Auris as last year but the Netz' N logo was now replaced by the Toyota logo on it. Finally, some credit to the sporty hatchback.

Of course, you can still get three petrol types (1.2L turbo, 1.5L, and 1.8L) but because of the Auris' 10th anniversary since 2006, the first-ever Auris Hybrid is now offered for the first time in Japanese markets.

2017 Toyota Auris Hybrid interior

Although, you can still expect the same bits and bobs from the normal Auris, the all-new hybrid variant features a combination of a 1.8: 2ZR-FXE engine, an electric motor, and a conventional nickel metal battery. Delivering a uniquely quiet and relaxing driving experience, the Auris Hybrid offers a top-class fuel consumption of 30.4km/L in the JC08 Mode cycle. Apart from that, its hybrid powertrain is made to eliminate the need for a petrol engine as much as possible during city driving, generating virtually no NOx and Particulate Matter emissions.

Because it can be operated both independently and in combination, the 1.8L petrol engine and the electric motor generate a combined power output of a measly 136PS of power output.

Just like the normal Auris, the Auris Hybrid features Toyota Safety Sense C, comprising of Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, and the Automatic High Beam function. Don't need to repeat how these things work but if you want, it's your loss.

The Auris Hybrid starts at 2,832,545 Japanese Yen before the 100% Eco-Car Genzei benefits kicked into its main pricing. Once crossed into the European streets, the Auris Hybrid is now available for Japanese customers at both Netz and Toyopet dealerships, quite a good way to honor the Auris' 10th anniversary since its 2006 debut.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Sewol Tragedy: 2 years on...

April 16th, 2014 - A Sewol ferry submerged through the southern part of South Korea, leaving 295 people dead with nine remained unaccounted for. Most of the victims died in the submerged ferry were students on a field trip, making this the worst maritime tragedy in South Korean history.

Friends and families of the victims took part on the memorial services at the Jindo Island, near the scene of the accident that occured 2 years ago.

The South Korean government plans to salvage the ship by this summer but bad weather conditions hamper the effort.

About last year, the South Korean Supreme Court upheld a life sentence for the ship's captain, who is held liable for negligence, homicide, and other charges.

URL: http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160416_21/

Dozens died in a powerful Ecuador quake

Following the series of powerful quakes struck the Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan, a powerful M7.7 quake struck the coastal part of Ecuador.

According to the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, the quake, which is the strongest in history, occurred near Ecuador's northern coast at 2359 hours UTC and its focus was about 10km deep. A tsunami warning as high as one meter could hit the coast but three hours later, the warning was lifted.

So far, about 28 people died in the quake. Ecuadorian VP Jorge Gias said he is mobilizing military and police to clarify the extent of the damage as soon as possible.

Report: http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160417_15/

Detective Conan: Junkoku no Nightmare

Detective Conan:
Junkoku no Nightmare

The year 2016 marks the 20th anniversary of the Detective Conan franchise. From the pages of Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, over eight hundred TV episodes and counting, a slew of feature films, live-action specials, video games, and tons of merchandising rights, kids from Japan and all over the world became part of the never-ending crime-solving adventures of Shinichi Kudo or Conan Edogawa as he takes on the most ruthless criminals, solving puzzles, gaining evidence, and apprehend the culprit. With his array of gadgets and a little help from his friend Ran Mori and the Detective Boys (comprising of Genta, Mitsuhiko, Ayumi, and Ai), everything's possible in Conan's perspective.

To honor the franchise's 20th year, this year's Conan film will be the biggest mystery yet for everyone's favorite junior detective. The franchise's 20th anniversary offering; Junkoku no Nightmare (The Darkest Nightmare), sees Conan and pals ventured to a newly remodeled aquarium in downtown Tokyo, when suddenly, Conan's encounter with a mysterious woman changes everything. The woman Conan encountered suffered a tragic memory loss and the gang will do everything they can to help her, even if they were in pursuit by Conan's longtime foe; the mysterious organization known as the Black Organization.

In true Conan fashion, this film features a colorful mix of action, suspense, mystery, romance, and a pinch of humor that will keep the whole family enjoy 'till the end. As the story deepens, this film gets more and more interesting just as what you expect from the past Detective Conan films. Having been on the block for over 20 years, Conan's used to desperate situations to pin down the smoothest of criminals but this film is the most extreme yet because he had to use whatever means necessary to unmask the truth even if it costs his life or his friends. 

Whatever the risk is, this film is fun-filled with excitement the kids will surely love. Of course, since this is a family movie made in honor of the franchise's 20th year, fans of all kinds are more than welcome to celebrate Detective Conan's 20th anniversary by enjoying this film.

My rating: 3.8 out 5

Buick Cascada and Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible

We have two guests who are either late to the party or came here for the very first time. One is somewhat Euro-American and the other is quintessentially British on the other side. So, let's meet up with the open-top slowpokes who came to the open-top party too late or too early.

2016 Buick Cascada

First, let's meet with the latecomer known as the Buick Cascada. Well, basically this is imported from Europe's Opel division and Australians can expect this as a Holden sometime. Anyway, when the Euro-sourced Cascada arrived in America, it seems that its welcoming party got cancelled. VW's Eos and Golf Cabriolet are long dead as are Chrysler's old 200 Convertible. Which means, this car is running unopposed you can't even compare this one to a Mazda Roadster because...that's too cheeky.

Anyway, while Buick's open-top newcomer came here on its own free will, let's get some answers while this car catches some fresh air. Like its European equivalent, the Cascada has the same underpinning as the Verano, meaning that its got some clever Euro-tuned dynamics for a sporty handling that gets the driver into grooves. Under the hood?a 1.6L turbocharged petrol engine generating 200HP of power and 206lb-ft of torque while delivering an EPA-estimated Fuel Economy Highway of 27MPG. Of course, it's mated with a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Other features? Well, this open-top Buick comes with a host of tech such as Buick Intellilink, rear park assist, automatic headlamps, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, RainSense wipers, and so much more.

The price? It's 33,990 Dollars for the base 1SV while the top-of-the-range Premium costs 36,990 Dollars. Like I said, it's running unopposed because there are no front-wheel drive convertibles in the market that can compete against the Cascada in the North American market. It's a shame really because while it maybe late for the party, the Cascada tries to reinvent itself from the ground up. So, what about the newcomer who came to the party for the first try?

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible

The world's first open-top convertible from Land Rover, called the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, and remember, you saw this one first because I'm not mentioning about the Cr_ssC_br__l_t (vowels blocked for search query reasons) from a distant past because the Evoque Convertible is the first of its kind and that's the end of it.

Based on the recently-facelifted Range Rover Evoque Coupe, the Convertible features similar stuff from the coupe with the clever Z-folding roof system which can be operated at speeds of up to 30mph. Think of this first-ever convertible crossover is a mixture of a visit to the Caribbean beach to the African safari because this crossover changes everything...well, sorta.

The Evoque Convertible maybe heavier than its hardtop equivalent but its offroad capability still works its charm even with the roof up, meaning this sport utility convertible loves to play rough, rain or shine. On the road, it looks pleasantly head-turning because despite being hunky, the Evoque Convertible still looks attractive, roof up or down. In rough terrain, drivers wouldn't mind getting muddy or wet while driving with the roof open. For a stylish, yet adventurous, luxury convertible, the Evoque Convertible is available with either a 2.0L TD4 diesel or a 2.0L Si4 petrol engine, all mated with the brand new 9-speed automatic gearbox as seen on the facelifted Evoque range. The petrol variant is capable of reaching 0-60mph at 7.8 seconds and onwards to 130mph.

The Evoque Convertible starts at £47,500 OTR and just like the Cascada from Buick, it's running unopposed. It's kinda shame really but when you are going to compare these guests who are either late to the party or came here for the very first time, it will be humorous enough to see the late bloomers edging out together. So, which of those late bloomers would you choose? These convertibles maybe late for the party but it would be a blast to give them a try.

Strong quakes continue in Kumamoto

Early Saturday morning, a powerful 7.3 quake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, the same area where two quakes occured for the past two days, leaving over forty people reported dead and caused harsh damage in the infrastructure.

Right now, officials from Kumamoto and neighboring Oita advised about 240,000 people to evacuate to avoid landslides caused by this Sunday's torrential rainfall.

URL: http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160416_24/

AlDub's 9th Monthsary!

Photo: Official Eat Bulaga
Facebook Page

Today marks the 9th monthsary of the Philippines' favorite love team, AlDub, and in that very event in the recent Kalyeserye segment on GMA's longest-running noontime variety show, Eat Bulaga, the love team uncovered the big revelation inside the box they got yesterday. So, what's in the secret box? Keys to a house and lot? A sketch for a wedding dress? A baby doll? No, no and no. The biggest surprise is none other than...a movie announcement! You heard that right, AlDub will star in their very own movie soon!

With surprises come in all sizes, it seems that all surprises come with great results for AlDub and thanks to such surprise, their road to their "tamang panahon" is closer to perfect! Keep watching Eat Bulaga every weekdays for more Kalyeserye antics!