Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Kia PV5

From concept to reality, Kia's first dedicated multipurpose PBV (purpose-built vehicle), the PV5, wants to be a modern-day successor to Kia's legendary passenger vans, such as the Bongo, the Besta, and the Pregio, and you can have one for 45,400,000 Won plus additional costs. So, what's it all about, the PV5?

2026 Kia PV5
2026 Kia PV5

2026 Kia PV5
2026 Kia PV5

One look at the first-ever Kia PV5 and you'll know almost everything from the concept car has been passed on to this mass-produced model. Unlike its ICE-powered ancestors, the PV5 goes for the semi-hood look rather than the box-type for "health and safety reasons" because this is the "new normal" we live in.

2026 Kia PV5
2026 Kia PV5 interior

The same applies to the interior. While its ICE-powered predecessors, such as the Bongo, Besta, and Pregio, offered numerous seats, the PV5 opts for a two-row, five-seater layout. This configuration doesn’t quite fit the definition of a multipurpose van. On the plus side, the foldable seats showcase their multitasking capabilities for business and leisure, not to mention the hidden storage compartment at the back, which is sure to come in handy. Other notable features include the new i-PEDAL feature, which works similarly to today's Nissan Leaf, and Steering Wheel Grip Detection, which detects the firmness of your grip on the steering wheel.

If interested, you can add various amenities to the PV5, such as a luggage leveling deck, an LED tailgate lamp, cup holders, magnetic holders, an umbrella stand, sunglasses case, a roof rack, an electric water system, a smart card key, a steering wheel table, a display phone stand, a car camping sunshade, air mattress, and an umbrella.

2026 Kia PV5
2026 Kia PV5

Running on a signature E-GMP.S platform dedicated to PBVs like this, this five-seater Passenger version of the Kia PV5 is offered exclusively in Long Range with the 71.2kWh battery generating 120kW of power through the front wheels. It has 358km of combined driving range.

The PV5 is packed with numerous safety features, such as pedal misoperation safety assistance, Highway Driving Assist with Lane Keeping Assist 2, rear monitor, navigation-based smart cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, and rear parking collision avoidance assist.

The Kia PV5 may have a long way to follow the footsteps of the Bongo, the Besta, and Pregio, but this PBV is on the roll to change the meaning of mobility, the Kia way. Post-launch, the PV5 will be expanded with various variants such as the seven-seater variant and the taxi variant. It's a good start.

Available Colors: Clear White, Steel Grey, Aurora Black Pearl, Frost Blue, Cityscape Green, Soft Mint, and Lakehouse Grey.

Photo: Kia

Let's Do The News! (October 28, 2025)

              

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Over 16 senators in the Philippines have publicized their SALN.

- China's aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea are ongoing, according to the National Maritime Council.

- Dennis Hain, who won the Cabuyao City, Laguna mayoral elections, got disqualified by COMELEC for vote buying.

- Ricky Quezon Avancena, the grandson of the late Philippine President Manuel Luis Quezon, has criticized actor Jericho Rosales and filmmaker Jerod Tarog over the Quezon biopic movie.

- The 2025 ASEAN Summit in Malaysia ends with the baton pass to the Philippines as next year's host country. Philippine President Bongbong Marcos vows the continuity of the ASEAN vision and the Philippines' preparation for next year's ASEAN summit.

-  US President Donald Trump is en route to Seoul to attend this week's APEC Summit. Earlier, Trump met Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and signed a new trade and rare earths deal.

- Hurricane Melissa is storming through Jamaica.

- Actress Prunella Scales, known for playing Sybil Fawlty in the comedy series Fawlty Towers, dies at age 93.

- The Kia PV5 has set a new Guinness World Record by travelling 430 miles fully loaded.

- The Nissan Skyline 400R Limited was unveiled. Limited to 400 units, it's the swansong for Nissan's last surviving sedan. It is offered with the exclusive Wangan Blue exterior paint.

2026 Nissan Skyline 400R Limited
2026 Nissan Skyline 400R Limited

- Rina Ito, who participated in the KYOJO CUP from 2017 to 2023 when it was a prototype championship, will participate in the 2026 season tryouts this December 23, 2025, in Fuji Speedway.

- THE BOYZ member Kevin will take a hiatus due to health reasons.

- GMA-7 news reporter Emil Sumangil admits fear for his family's safety.

TTFN.

Monday, October 27, 2025

Audi A6 C9

Thanks to Audi's rollback in the naming structure, the A6 is here to stay. The all-new C9 model will co-exist alongside its unrelated A6 e-tron range. So, what's it all about, the all-new sixth-generation Audi A6?

2026 Audi A6 Avant
2026 Audi A6 Avant

2026 Audi A6
2026 Audi A6

The Audi A6 C9 starts at €55,500 for the sedan model and €58,000 for the Avant model, not including additional costs. It's impressive that Audi chose to retain the A6 name for this latest full model update, rather than giving it a new name as they did when they transitioned the A4 to the A5. It's a long story, but what's it all about, the Audi A6 C9?

2026 Audi A6
2026 Audi A6 Avant

2026 Audi A6
2026 Audi A6

Beginning with the design, the A6 C9 looks more like an enlarged A5 B10, judging by Audi's latest design language. It features a more streamlined, elegant yet sporty design, which contributes to its improved aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of 0.23.

2026 Audi A6
2026 Audi A6 interior

Still packs a similar Audi interior, just like its siblings, the A6 C9 is packed with the digital stage cockpit that features an 11.9-inch digital instrument display, a 14.5-inch central touchscreen that controls the entire vehicle, and an available 10.9-inch passenger display. Although complicated at first drive, the passenger comfort surprisingly improved compared to the C8 model. As for the Avant model, it's good for 503 liters of boot space with the rear seats present and up to 1534 liters with the passenger seats folded down.

Under the hood, the A6 C9 offers a wide range of powertrain choices such as the 2.0L TFSi, a 2.0L TFSi e-hybrid, a 2.0L TDi MHEV, and the range-topping 367PS 3.0L V6 TFSi MHEV. All are mated to a 7-speed S tronic gearbox. Depending on the variant, the A6 C9 is offered in either a rather regular front-wheel-drive or a signature quattro all-wheel-drive. Asked about the driving experience, the A6 C9 in its quattro setup is still as Audi as any Audis can be. Nothing special about it, even though it can be equipped with the available all-wheel steering for better dynamics.

As for safety, the Audi A6 C9 is packed with a broad suite of driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, lane guidance, parking assist, and more.

While it may be considered standard for luxury cars, it's beneficial that Audi revised their naming structure to keep the A6 designation for this latest version. Although not as enjoyable as today's BMW 5-Series and Mercedes' E-Class, the all-new Audi A6 tries to keep it cool even when things get tense. Any questions?

Photo: Audi AG

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: BTS’s RM To Deliver Keynote Speech At APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025

 

RM of BTS will become the first K-pop artist to deliver a keynote address at the APEC CEO Summit!

According to the APEC program, RM is scheduled to speak on October 29—the second day of the CEO Summit—on the theme “Cultural and Creative Industries in the APEC Region and the Soft Power of K-culture.”

APEC introduced him by saying, “As a creative powerhouse and avid art enthusiast, RM is renowned for crafting profound lyrics often inspired by various art forms. His flexible and philosophical approach to music and ability to push creative boundaries with cutting-edge collaborations has led him to work with a diverse range of artists” He is the first K-pop artist to appear as a speaker at this event.

Meanwhile, HYBE is participating as an official sponsor of the APEC CEO Summit, being the only entertainment company to do so.

Source: Soompi 

Opel/Vauxhall Mokka GSE

GSE goes electric, and the second-generation Mokka crossover is the first to get the new-era GSE treatment. So, what's it all about, the first-ever Mokka GSE?

2026 Opel Mokka GSE
2026 Opel Mokka GSE

2026 Vauxhall Mokka GSE
2026 Vauxhall Mokka GSE

The first-ever Opel/Vauxhall Mokka GSE starts at 47,300 Euros EU-wide (36,995 Pounds UK-wide) plus additional costs, and what you get is an FF-only Mokka boasting the same power as a 90's Japanese sports car. While it's not what you call sporty, it's the fastest you can get from Opel or Vauxhall during the Stellantis age.

While it works and feels just like a normal Mokka B, the GSE features unique touches such as a sporty front face, GSE lettering on the lower side view, 20-inch sport alloy wheels, and performance seats, among others. Like the normal Mokka B, it's good for 310 litres of boot space with the rear seats present and up to 1060 litres with all passenger seats folded down. That's multi-tasking in a nutshell.

The standout feature of the Mokka GSE is its electric drivetrain. Equipped with a 54kWh Lithium-Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt battery, the electric motor drives the front wheels and generates an impressive 281 PS of power—comparable to the performance of a 1990s Japanese sports car. It accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in just 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of 200 kph, making it the fastest-accelerating Mokka ever produced.

Asked about the driving range, the Mokka GSE is good for 336km based on WLTP standards.

Stellantis says the Mokka GSE draws inspiration from the rally car it was based on, but being an FF-only crossover, it feels nothing special even behind the wheel, even though it's packed with motorsport-tuned steering, Torsen LSD, Alcon brake discs, and available Goodyear F1 Eagle sports tires for improved distance and dynamics.

There are numerous safety features in the new Mokka GSE, such as IntelliLux lights, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, 180-degree Rear View Camera, Advanced Park Assist, and Automatic Emergency Braking.

The Mokka GSE is a front-wheel-drive crossover that doesn’t perform like the rally car it was inspired by. However, it offers impressive performance that makes it deserving of the new GSE badge. We hope this badge will be applied to other models in the future, regardless of the reason.

Photo: Opel/Vauxhall

Let's Do The News! (October 27, 2025)

             

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Students have rallied outside Camp Crame, demanding that the Philippine National Police stop intimidating and harassing students and youth.

- A low-pressure area was spotted near Palawan, according to PAGASA.

- The Department of National Defense (DND) said that the majority of Filipinos' opposition to military interference in politics is a demonstration of full democracy.

- The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now collaborating with its foreign counterparts to help Filipinos in Myanmar who are victims of overseas job scams.

- Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. confirmed the release of SALN copies alongside Senators Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, Loren Legarda, Pia Cayetano, Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino, Erwin Tulfo, Lito Lapid, Joel Villanueva, and JV Ejercito.

- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says the migrant sex offender will be deported after he was arrested following the manhunt in London.

- Ferrari showcased a virtual concept car called the F76.

- A Super Mario float will display in next month's Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.

- A Granny live-action drama is in the works, and it's coming soon to Netflix.

TTFN.

Sunday, October 26, 2025

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - Xfinity 500

It's the penultimate race of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series. The Xfinity 500 race in Martinsville will decide who will make it to the Championship 4. Who will it be? Time to find out.

As the green flag waved. The penultimate NASCAR playoff race has begun. As William Byron takes Stage 1, Stage 2 saw Carson Hocevar spinning on Lap 216, followed by a loose wheel from the #51. With Byron taking Stage 2, the final stage saw Denny Hamlin go behind the wall with mechanical issues, followed by a spin by Erik Jones. With 15 laps left, Carson Hocevar suffered mechanical failures.

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - Xfinity 500
Screengrab from NASCAR

William Byron wins the Xfinity 500 of the NASCAR Cup Series!

With the Championship 4 finally complete, will Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, William Byron, and Chase Briscoe take home the championship title? Don’t miss the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship this November 2, 2025. Don’t miss it!