Driving Music Vol. 131

Thought you forgot about this segment? My Driving Music segment is back in time for a long weekend because tomorrow is Halloween. The next day, Undas. What a weekend touring to the nearest memorial to pay respect to your departed loved ones, am I right? With heavy traffic mostly expected, it's time to jot down the latest batch of Driving Music to listen to while getting stuck in an Undas-related traffic jam.

1) Alone Again (Naturally) by Gilbert O' Sullivan - from the Mitsubishi Motors GDi commercial

2) The Motion of Stars by Vangelis - from the Kia Capital commercial

3) Walking in the Air by Nightwish - from the Kia Retona Cruiser commercial

4) Chariots of Fire by Vangelis - from a certain Hyundai commercial

5) Thunderbirds Theme - from the Toyota Tercel commercial

6) Here's to the Heroes by Mario Frangoulis - from the Ssangyong Rexton II commercial

7) Gaiete Pariesenne: Can Can - from the GM Korea Chevrolet Aveo commercial

8) Fundamentum by Lesiem - from the Kia Optima commercial

9) Ameno by Era - from the Hyundai Trajet XG commercial

10) The John Dunbar Theme by John Barry & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra - from the Hyundai New Grandeur commercial

Driving Music from Leopaul's Blog is the segment that solves every car enthusiast's question about the song's title in car commercials, with the risk of MATCHED THIRD PARTY CONTENT on their status. It's your jam. Drive to the Music You Love.

Let's Do The News! (October 30, 2025)

                

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

- Philippine President Bongbong Marcos announced that a new Philippine embassy in Busan, South Korea, will open in 2026. He made his remark during his state visit to attend the APEC Summit.

- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has welcomed the signing of the law by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., permanently banning Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), according to Acting PNP Chief P/Lt.Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., Republic Act No. 12312 or the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, is a major step towards permanently stopping this type of illegal activity.

- More than 1,500 police officers from the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) have been deployed to major roads, cemeteries, and crowded areas in the country as part of security and traffic management for the commemoration of Undas 2025.

- US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks during their South Korea visit for the APEC Summit as both countries edge closer to a new trade deal.

- UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves admits breaking housing rules by "mistake" after renting out home without a license.

- The US SNAP fundings will run out by the end of October as the government shutdown prolongs.

- Five new suspects were arrested over the Louvre jewelry theft.

- The Seat Ibiza and Arona received a minor change for the 2026 model year.

2026 Seat Arona and 2026 Seat Ibiza

- The Proton e.Mas 5 was unveiled.

- Nissan teased an AUTECH version of the next-generation Elgrand luxury minivan.

- Marco Andretti announced his retirement from motorsports.

- The FIA has confirmed nine teams in compliance with the F1 cost cap.

- The Hello Kitty movie will hit theaters this Summer 2028.

- Atlanta's MomoCon 2026 will have America's first-ever Wonder Festival.

- Court rules NJZ's contracts with ADOR to be valid, and members will appeal to the decision.

- NCT's Doyoung and Jungwoo announce their military enlistment schedule.

- Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry drew flak against LSU athletic director Scott Woodward over the football coach shake-up, saying he'll let President Donald Trump handle the rest before Woodward.

TTFN.

Ikizulive! 1st Solo Single Series

With Love Live, fans are becoming familiar with the Ikizulive girls from "IKIZULIVE! LOVE LIVE! BLUEBIRD." Here comes the next step to familiarize the members with the Ikizulive! 1st Solo Single Series.

The Ikizulive! 1st Solo Single Series is a range of solo singles with each member performing two songs and the solo version of "What is my Life?"

Polka Takahashi (CV: Honon Ayasaki) performs the songs "浅草Guilty Girlの歌" and "オドルポルカ".

Mai Azabu (CV: Rina Endo) performs the songs "Public Style" and "ひっさつマイマイモード".

Akira Goto (CV: Seri Miyano) performs the songs "いつか碧" and "ジェットスターター".

Hanabi Komagata (CV: Kokoro Fujino) performs the songs "HIBANA―火花―" and "First Ride".

Miracle Kanazawa (CV: Aiha Sakano) performs the songs "HomeRun Queen!!" and "マジカル♡レシピ・シルブプレ！"

Noriko Chofu (CV: Ria Seko) performs the songs "恋のワンタイムパスワード" and "センチメートル・ランデヴー".

Yukuri Harumiya (CV: Yuki Okumura) performs the songs "Pray for love" and "二人はいつでもHappy End".

Aurora Konohana (CV: Akane Amasawa) performs the songs "キミは夜のポラリス" and "クラリトブライト".

Midori Yamada (CV: Honoka Kotomori) performs the songs "Little Green委員会" and "LOVE♡YOU♡Save the EARTH!!"

Shion Sasaki (CV: Aoi Suzunose) performs the songs "イキタクナイevery day" and "Trick or Toxic".

Which one is your favorite? Anyway, be sure to collect or stream the Ikizulive! 1st Solo Single Series at your most comfortable time. Either way, as Love Livers, there's no other choice.

Let's Do The News! (October 29, 2025)

               

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

- Three of Zaldy Co's air assets have fled to other countries.

- The situation in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan, is slowly returning to normal, according to the Philippine Army.

- The COMELEC has suspended voter registration activities from October 30 to November 2, 2025, in observance of Undas.

- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. is leaving it up to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to decide whether or not to livestream its hearings. According to the President, livestreaming of their investigations will not affect the credibility of the ICI, but it is the commission's duty to set clear policies before implementing it.

- Anti-corruption groups have prepared the November 30th National Day of Protest.

- Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III stressed the importance of following the law amid the investigation into anomalous flood control projects.

- World leaders have gathered in Seoul for the APEC Summit. Leaders include U.S. President Donald Trump, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and others.

- Hurricane Melissa brought catastrophic winds and flooding to Jamaica. It's now heading towards Cuba and the Bahamas.

- Amazon laid off overall corporate workforce by at least 14,000 jobs.

- Honda unveiled the Super One and 0 Alpha prototypes as well as the CR-V e:HEV at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show.

- Toyota showcases the Corolla Concept, the Hiace Concept, and the Century Coupe Concept at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. Lexus, meanwhile, showcased the LS Concept, the LS Coupe Concept, the Sport Concept, and the LS Micro Concept at the same venue. Daihatsu showcased the Midget-X Concept, K-OPEN Concept, and the K-VISION Concept.

- Mitsubishi unveiled the Elevance Concept and the facelifted Delica D:5 at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show.

- Mazda unveiled the third-generation CX-5, the rotary-powered Vision X-Coupe Concept, and the Vision X-Compact Concept at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show.

- The fourth-generation Nissan Elgrand made its world premiere at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show.

- Subaru showcased the Trailseeker, the Forester Wilderness, the STi Performance-B Concept, and the STi Performance-E Concept at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show.

- Starting April 2026, the TV anime One Piece will run 26 episodes per year. Meanwhile, the live-action Netflix series will return in March 2026 for Season 2.

- The second Osomatsu-san live-action movie's release got delayed following Jyushimatsu actor Keita Richard Kusama's arrest.

- Red Velvet member Wendy cancels the Atlanta leg of their W:EALIVE world tour.

- BBC confirms that Doctor Who will return on Christmas 2026. A cartoon series is in the works.

TTFN

Honda N ONE e:

The Honda N ONE e: is the company's second kei EV since the N VAN e:, and it can be yours with an MSRP of 2,699,400 Yen plus additional costs. Let's get to know more about this latest Honda EV kei car on the block.

2026 Honda N ONE e:

2026 Honda N ONE e: interior

The first-ever Honda N ONE e: shares a resemblance with the current-generation petrol-powered N ONE, but there are significant differences. It features a distinctive front design that includes charging ports, along with an interior layout that is completely different from its gasoline counterpart. 

The design is surprisingly charming for a kei car, and Honda has embraced sustainability by using recycled materials in its construction. For instance, discarded Honda bumpers are collected, cleaned, and crushed to create the vehicle's front end. This innovative design not only sets the N ONE e: apart but also reflects Honda's history, creating a lasting connection to the brand. 

The instrument panel is crafted from DURABIO, a bio-based resin known for its soft luster and color. This material also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the insulators are made from old Honda work clothes.

Asked about its EV powertrain, the N ONE e: runs on a 64PS MCF7 front electric motor connected to a 29.6kWh lithium battery, giving a driving range of a modest 295km by WLTC standards. As a city car that weighs a ton, it works rather well thanks to its Rack & Pinion power steering, front MacPherson struts, rear axle, front ventilated discs, and rear leading/trailing brakes.

The N ONE e: is loaded with Honda SENSING safety tech, post-collision braking system, emergency stop signal, hill start assist, agile handling assist, and others.

Another kei car with a so-so value for money, the N ONE e: may not be the ideal replacement for the cult classic Honda e, but common sense managed to find its way to this electric kei car for the masses. Whether you're a city mouse or a country mouse, consider this your travel buddy.

Available Colors: Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Cheerful Green, Fjord Mist Pearl, and Seavet Blue Pearl.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

My GT7 Log: Yes, of Corsa!

If there's one foreign carmaker that deserves to come back to the Japanese market, it's gotta be Opel. This latest entry to the Vision Gran Turismo project that made its way to Gran Turismo 7 is making fans beg Stellantis to bring back Opel to Japan.

Unveiled at gamescom 2025, Europe's biggest gaming showcase, the Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo joins the list of the ever-growing Vision Gran Turismo concept roster. It showcases what the next-generation Corsa looks like, and by the feel of it, it might spawn a GSE variant with power figures similar to those of 1990s Japanese sports cars.

It's too early to tell what the future Corsa would look like, but anyway, let's focus more on the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo. This concept embodies Opel's new-era GSE sub-brand, bringing performance and fun-to-drive mantra to the age of electrification. Staying true to Opel's current design language, donning the new Opel logo in this concept really is in tune with the times.

The electric powertrain is composed of two electric motors, one on each axle, for a combined output of 788HP and 800Nm of torque. Thanks to its 4WD drivetrain, it does 0-62mph in two seconds and has a top speed of 199mph.

One notable feature is its boost system, which can only be used four times per race. This limitation on the electric vehicle (EV) boost requires drivers to adopt a strategic approach while racing. It is essential to be mindful of when to activate it.

To showcase the features of the Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo, I visited Spielberg, the site of the F1 Austrian Grand Prix. Opel has seen better days during its DTM heyday. Times have certainly changed. Perhaps a lap around the Red Bull Ring could reignite its spirit, reflecting Opel's perseverance and determination in the world of DTM racing. No time to get sentimental, let's get on with this experiment.

Having used the limited amount of boost well, I've posted a 1m27.046s lap time around Styria. Not the fastest I've done, but it's a clear demonstration of the Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo's capabilities as an all-electric touring car that tries to reflect Opel's touring car success.

The Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo Concept demonstrates the true colors of Opel's new GSE sub-brand, blending the lines between electrification and performance in the name of satisfaction. This is what touring cars of the future should look like, and with the GSE VGT, it's possible.

Hey Stellantis, Japan is calling. They want their Vita back. THEY WANT OPEL BACK TO JAPAN.

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

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 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

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