Mercedes-Benz CLA (C174)

Now in its third generation, the Mercedes-Benz CLA is officially the only compact Mercedes you can buy, and it's yours for 46,273 Euros plus additional costs.

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class interior

By the looks of it, the third-generation CLA nearly inherits the design from the Vision CLA Concept two years ago, incorporating present-day Mercedes-Benz design direction to this compact saloon that picks fights with the Audi A3 and the BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe. Yes, they were front-wheel-drive luxury bargains, but out of the three, the CLA is the most expensive. Consider the pricing as its Achilles' Heel, but that's the start of the story.

Inside, the all-new CLA features a 26cm driver display and the 35.6cm central display that controls nearly the entire vehicle. It's powered by the new MB.OS with the rather noticeable MBUX virtual assistant with generative AI for those who like to "ask questions now, drive later". The optional MBUX Superscreen adds a 35.6cm display on the front passenger side.

Thanks to improved dimensions, the all-new CLA is slightly more spacious than the previous model. The boot space is now 405 litres, but the EQ model has an additional 101-litre frunk space. It's the first Benz car with the frunk after nine decades.

The ICE-powered CLA is powered by a turbocharged 1.5L 4-cylinder M252 engine with mild hybrid technology mated to an 8G-eDCT gearbox. The lesser one, the CLA 180, has 156PS of power, while the most powerful one, the CLA 220, has 211PS of power. With the available 4MATIC four-wheel-drive system and the said gearbox, it does 0-100kph in 7.1 seconds and has a top speed of 231kph.

The electric CLA EQ is available with two battery pack options: a 58 kWh and an 85 kWh, both mated to a two-speed gearbox. Unlike the petrol version, which comes standard with front-wheel drive, the EQ model features rear-wheel drive as standard. This design gives it dynamics similar to those of other Mercedes vehicles. Customers also have the option to add an extra electric motor for four-wheel drive.

In the case of the top-tier model, the CLA 350 EQ 4MATIC, it delivers a power output of 354 PS, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 210 kph. The driving range for this model is approximately 770 km, according to the WLTP scale.

The all-new CLA comes equipped with a wide range of safety features and the Distance Assist DISTRONIC system as standard. Its technical specifications include eight cameras, five radar sensors, and twelve ultrasonic sensors. Additionally, it is powered by a water-cooled supercomputer that has ample resources for future functions and allows for regular over-the-air updates. Customers can go for extra safety features from the DRIVE ASSIST and DRIVE PARKING ASSIST packages.

The all-new third-generation Mercedes CLA may be the most expensive in its class, but with the choice of petrol and EV, the route customers will choose will surprise them. Welcome to the new normal.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Let's Do The News! (November 13, 2025)

                           

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

- Juan Ponce Enrile passed away at the age of 101. He made history as the oldest-serving politician in the Philippines. Enrile held significant roles during the Marcos dictatorship, serving as both the Minister of National Defense and the Secretary of Justice. His final position was as Senate President and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel. He was infamously known as one of the main architects of the 1972 Martial Law declaration.

- The Makabayan Bloc is asking the House Committee on Public Accounts and the Committee on Public Works and Highways to investigate the ₱4.4 billion worth of allegedly anomalous flood control projects in Davao City from 2019-2022. The requested investigation is stated in House Resolution Number 464 filed by Representatives Antonio Tinio of the ACT Teachers Party-list, Renee Co of the Kabataan Party-list, and Sarah Elago of the Gabriela Women’s Party.

- Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Ping Lacson quickly dismissed Senator Imee Marcos' statement that the "very important witness" who will appear in the committee's hearing on anomalous flood control projects is former Congressman Zaldy Co. Sen. Imee earlier said that based on information he received, Co is the very important witness who will appear tomorrow in the hearing via zoom on the ghost flood control projects.

- The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has forwarded to the Office of the Ombudsman the referral case of 37 individuals allegedly involved in anomalous flood control projects. According to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., the recommended criminal charges include graft and corruption, malversation, falsification, and plunder, which are now facing several lawmakers, former DPWH and COA officials, and contractors.

- US lawmakers passed the bill to end the historically lengthy government shutdown, and US President Donald Trump signed it shortly.

- The council tried to check on Sara Sharif on the day before she was killed by her father and stepmother, but went to the wrong address, according to reports.

- The UK economy is expected to grow at a slower rate of 0.1% in the three months to September, the last figures before the Budget.

- Audi showcased its R26 Concept, previewing Audi's F1 2026 livery.

Audi R26 Concept

- Mercedes-Benz previews its next-generation GLB SUV with its all-new interior.

- Jack Aitken joins the JOTA Cadillac hypercar team for the 2026 campaign.

- The Super Mario Galaxy Movie hits cinemas this April 3, 2026. The sequel movie casts Brie Larson as Rosalina and Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr.

- The Death Stranding franchise is getting the "Isolations" anime coming in 2027 on Disney+.

- Disney's Twisted Wonderland anime series got renewed for Season 2.

- Min Hee Jin released a statement regarding NewJeans' decision to return to ADOR.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (November 12, 2025)

                          

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

- Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte visited the grave of those who were killed by Super Typhoon Uwan at Liloan Central School in Cebu.

- Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno warned that the controversial "Pharmally scandal" could happen again if the State of National Calamity declared by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is not carefully monitored.

- The Cebu Province has formed a leptospirosis task force in preparation for a possible increase in cases of the disease due to Typhoon Tino.

- Senator Erwin Tulfo called for increased protection of the Sierra Madre mountain range. In Tulfo's privilege speech, he asserted that the Sierra Madre is like a mother who always protects her children from dangers.

- The Taal Volcano triggered a minor phreatomagmatic eruption early morning, according to PHIVOLCS.

- Asylum seekers can continue to be housed at a hotel in Epping, UK, after a local council lost a legal battle.

- A cryptoqueen who fled China for a London mansion was jailed over a five billion pound Bitcoin stash.

- A decision to reject compensation for UK women affected by changes to state pension age is to be reconsidered by ministers.

- Katie Wilson's lead increases in the Seattle Mayoral Race, and she's on the brink of becoming Seattle's next mayor.

- Rick Hendrick and Roger Penske will be deposed in the NASCAR antitrust lawsuit as ordered by the judge.

- The DragonSpeed team will be racing in Corvette Z06 GT3 machines for the 2026 IMSA GTD PRO campaign.

- Genesis Magma Racing begins performance testing of its GMR-001 LMDh race car.

- A challenging Gran Turismo 7 paid DLC Pack, called the Power Pack, will be available this December 4, 2025. It will feature new races, including 24-hour endurance races, practice and qualifying sessions, and challenging GT Sophy 3.0 AI. The DLC includes 5,000,000 in-game credits.

- In the world of Pokémon, the PokePark Kanto attraction opens this February 5, 2026. Meanwhile, the Pokémon Pokopia game arrives this March 5, 2026.

- Actor Tatsuya Nakadai dies at 92.

- Disney released a teaser trailer for Toy Story 5, coming to cinemas this June 19, 2026.

- ATEEZ member Mingi injured his finger after falling off the stage at Waterbomb Macao, but he will still perform at the KGMA.

- Roy Jones says he'll work with Errol Spence as his comeback looms.

TTFN.

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X

The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X has made its grand debut as the ultimate model in the C8 Corvette lineup. The team behind this vehicle has experienced their "Oppenheimer moment," demonstrating that the world will think twice before anyone dares to challenge America's latest engineering marvel.

2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X

2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X

Starting at an ultra-expensive $205,400 plus additional costs, the Corvette ZR1X, in coupe and convertible configurations, is now officially America's ultimate hypercar. It showcases its Republican character against the world's demanding racetracks, making it a true emblem of American performance.

Beginning with the exterior design, the ZR1X is very similar to the non-hybrid ZR1. It's packed with wide-side air inlets, carbon-fiber elements, and a multitude of airflow and cooling features inspired by its Corvette Z06 GT3 race car, resulting in the highest downforce of any production Corvette. Coupled with the Carbon Aero Package, you've got yourself a historic downforce of 1200lbs, the most downforce on any production Corvette.

2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X interior

Effective on the 2026 Model Year, most C8 Corvettes, from the base Stingray to the ultimate ZR1X, now come with a new interior layout featuring three new screens and the deletion of the infamous "wall of buttons". It even comes with the Enhanced Performance Data Recorder and the Performance App for track day essentials.

We now arrive at the main concern: the performance of the ZR1X. The LT7 5.5L DOHC V8 twin-turbo engine is now paired with an enhanced Electric Drive Unit from the Corvette e-Ray, resulting in a staggering 1250 horsepower all-wheel drive powerhouse. Mated to an 8-speed dual clutch transmission, it will sprint from 0-60mph in two seconds and a quarter mile under nine seconds. The Europeans should think twice before taking this Republican Space Ranger on.

General Motors' leading engineers, alongside the Corvette Racing team, have dedicated significant resources to developing the ZR1. With aerodynamics and track-tuned dynamics inspired by the Z06 GT3 race car, the Performance Traction Management with PTM Pro Mode, Regen Brake Torque Vectoring, and Front Axle Pre-Control, the ZR1X closely resembles a race car without restrictions, designed to push its limits on the track. Given these advanced dynamics, it’s no surprise that it completed a lap at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 6:49.275, making it the fastest American-made production car to conquer this iconic circuit.

Now elevated to an almost god-like status, the Corvette ZR1X is America's latest weapon of mass appeal that is set to dominate the automotive world. This hypercar has established itself as the ultimate contender, and it seems many U.S. Republicans, including figures like Donald Trump, are eager to add the ZR1X to their car collections.

For Team Corvette, the ZR1X is liberation in the making.

Available Colors: Sebring Orange Tintcoat, Roswell Green Metallic, Blade Silver Metallic, Arctic White, Black, Competition Yellow Metallic Tintcoat, Riptide Blue Metallic, Torch Red, Red Mist Metallic Tintcoat, and Hysteria Purple Metallic.

Photo: General Motors

Let's Do The News! (November 11, 2025)

                         

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

- The PH Senate's "user-friendly" official website was opened.

- The PH Department of Energy is urging gas companies to postpone the oil price hike in the wake of Super Typhoon Uwan.

- The DILG was thanked for its immediate action for local governments in preparation for Super Typhoon Uwan.

- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) expedites repairs to the damaged floodgate at Paco Pumping Station in Manila.

- The Philippine National Police have scrambled police officers for the three-day protests by the Iglesia Ni Cristo this weekend.

- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has extended until 2028 the transition period for the full transfer of some functions and projects of the national government to local government units (LGUs). Under Executive Order No. 103, it is stated that LGUs are being given more time to strengthen their funds, personnel, and systems before fully assuming additional functions from the national government.

- Katie Wilson is taking a 91-vote lead against Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell as the vote-counting continues.

- US President Donald Trump threatens the BBC with legal action over the Panorama-edited January 6 speech.

- UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves is about to face questions from the BBC ahead of this month's Budget.

- Several people were reportedly killed after a car explosion near a major landmark in Delhi.

- The all-electric Porsche Cayenne will be unveiled this November 19, 2025.

- The Needy Streamer Overdrive TV anime will air this April 2026.

- Starting February 12, 2026, the premium subscription fees for Pixiv, the art-sharing website, will increase to 590 yen per month.

- In a legal filing against LSU's board of supervisors, Brian Kelly's attorneys state that LSU has claimed it has not "formally terminated" Kelly as the head coach of the Tigers football team.

TTFN.

Jeep Cherokee KM

America's original influencer returns for its sixth generation. The all-new Jeep Cherokee promises to influence its owners to get up and go out for more with new ways to get them hooked on touring.

2026 Jeep Cherokee

Starting at $35,000 plus additional costs, the all-new Jeep Cherokee wants its followers not to call it a comeback because having come back from its two-year hiatus, this full model change is all about regaining traction from its fans since the previous KL model.

2026 Jeep Cherokee

2026 Jeep Cherokee interior

Although distinctively crossover from top to bottom, the all-new Cherokee sports a squarish styling that harks back to the GOAT of the Cherokee lineage, the XJ model, but with a more modern take to comply with the new normal. This model is all about moving forward and remembering the classics at the same time.

Step inside, it's business as usual for the all-new Cherokee. On the driver's side, it features a new 12.3-inch touchscreen with Uconnect service and smartphone connectivity, an available digital rear view mirror, a wireless charging pad, and others. As for spacing, the all-new Cherokee has up to 68.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded down, more than enough for almost different situation, from business to pleasure. It even comes with the available Foot Activated Liftgate for added convenience.

2026 Jeep Cherokee

The new model excels in convenience; however, its performance has some drawbacks. The Cherokee KM is exclusively equipped with a 1.6L 4-cylinder turbo hybrid powertrain, paired only with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combination delivers 210 horsepower, achieves 37 miles per gallon combined, offers a driving range of 500 miles, and provides a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. On the upshot, the all-new Cherokee, like all good Jeeps, has 4x4 as standard, giving it all-weather capability even on tarmac, gravel, or snow.

For safety, the all-new Cherokee is packed with numerous safety features such as a 360-degree surround view camera, Full Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection, Intersection Collision Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Driver Drowsiness Detection, among others.

The all-new sixth-generation Cherokee may not surpass its predecessors, but it still embodies the true Cherokee spirit, encouraging its owners to venture outdoors. It aims to compete strongly against its Asian rivals, setting its sights on them. Ultimately, it remains America’s original influencer.

Available Colors: Bright White Clear-Coat, Diamond Black Crystal Pearl-Coat, Hydro Blue Pearl-Coat, Red Hot Pearl-Coat, Silver Zynith Clear-Coat, '41, and Sting-Gray Clear-Coat.

Photo: Jeep

Let's Do The News! (November 10, 2025)

                        

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

- An estimated 312 public schools nationwide were damaged by Super Typhoon Uwan, with Bicol and CALABARZON among the worst-hit regions. In the Situation Report of the DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS), as of 12 noon, 1,182 classrooms suffered minor damage, 366 were severely damaged, and 261 were completely destroyed. The number could increase as verification continues, as additional reports come in from regional and divisional offices.

- Parts of Metro Manila were flooded because of the Super Typhoon Uwan, according to the MMDA.

- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will investigate several local officials in Cebu for their scheduled trips to London and the United Kingdom amid the devastation of Typhoon Tino last week.

- Over 8,000 homes were damaged by Super Typhoon Uwan, according to the Office of Civil Defense.

- 26 police stations were damaged by Super Typhoon Uwan, according to the Philippine National Police.

- Fear and panic gripped Puerto Princesa, Palawan at 10:56 this morning after a loud explosion was heard in the area. According to the Western Command, the explosion was connected to the launch of China's Long March 12 rocket from Hainan. According to the Philippine Space Agency, debris from the rocket may have fallen 29 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa and 20 nautical miles from Tubbataha Reef.

- The US Senate passed a deal to end the lengthy government shutdown.

- A facelifted Suzuki Carry and Super Carry trucks were teased.

- The new Toyota Hilux was unveiled, and it's coming to Japan around mid-2026.

2027 Toyota Hilux

- Nissan sold off its Yokohama headquarters, but the car company won't be moving anywhere.

- Ott Tanak will retire from the WRC after the Rally Saudi Arabia.

- TOEI and TV Asahi have announced that Maya Imamori, who portrayed Sumino Ichikawa/Gozyu Unicorn in the TV series No.1 Sentai Gozyuger, has withdrawn due to a violation of Japan's underage drinking laws.

- HyunA reassures fans after fainting on stage during WATERBOMB MACAO.

TTFN.