Driving Music Vol. 132

It's the start of the New Year, and while most of you are spending the final days of your winter vacation, it's time now for another batch of Driving Music to listen to.

1) Play Sick by Yorushika - From the Daihatsu Move Canbus commercial

2) Don't Fence Me In by David Byrne - From a certain Mitsubishi Motors Australia commercial

3) Shaddap You Face by Joe Dolce - From a certain Mitsubishi Motors Australia commercial

4) Go (Woodtick Mix) by Moby - From the Daewoo Nubira Spagon commercial

5) Brandenburg Concerto No.6 in B-Flat, BWV 1051: III. Allegro - From the Efini MPV commercial

6) September '99 (Phats & Small Remix) by Earth, Wind, and Fire - From the GM Daewoo Matiz commercial

7) Blue Tango by The Columbia Ballroom Orchestra - from the Isuzu Gemini commercial

8) A Song For You by Leon Russell - from the Mitsubishi Legnum commercial

9) Pirates of the Caribbean theme music - from the Ssangyong Kyron 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! (January 1, 2026)

                        

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

- Over 14,000 NCR police will be deployed during this year's Traslacion, taking place on January 9, 2026.

- Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III considers the new year an opportunity to correct the mistakes made in 2025. Sotto noted that in the past six months, the Senate and the entire country in general have faced a variety of national issues, from the impeachment issue to anomalous flood control projects.

- An explosion at a bar in a Swiss ski resort kills several people and injures more, according to police.

- Almost 60 female Japanese lawmakers, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, have submitted a petition calling for more toilets in the parliament building to match their improved representation.

- Daihatsu launched a Move Canvas Hatsune Miku Edition.

- Seiyuu Tomori Kusunoki announces her marriage. Kusunoki made headlines in 2023 when she announced that she would step down from the role of Setsuna Yuki of Nijigasaki High School Idol Club and would be replaced by Coco Hayashi.

- The operating company name of MNL48 was renamed to P.O.S Inc. The group renaming is scheduled to be made this month.

- MTV's music channels were officially shut down after 44 years. The main MTV channel remains, but its programming is now mostly reality TV, not music videos.

TTFN.

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: WINNER’s Song Mino Indicted Without Detention For Alleged Violations Of Military Service Act

 

WINNER member Song Mino has been indicted without detention on charges related to allegations that he failed to properly fulfill his duties while serving as a public service worker.

On December 31, prosecutors announced that the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office had indicted Song Mino and a supervisory official, identified as A, on December 30 for violations of the Military Service Act.

Song Mino is accused of repeatedly neglecting his duties while serving as a public service worker at a facility in Mapo District from March 2023 to December of last year, including failing to report to work without authorization.

The official responsible for overseeing his service has also been indicted on charges of aiding and abetting the misconduct by failing to properly manage or intervene despite being aware of Song Mino’s repeated absences.

During the investigation, prosecutors secured evidence through mobile phone forensic analysis and reviews of GPS data, conducting additional inquiries beyond the initial police referral. As a result, authorities determined that Song Mino had committed further unauthorized absences not included in the original charges.

Police launched the investigation in December of last year at the request of the Military Manpower Administration and referred the case to prosecutors in May. It has been reported that Song Mino largely acknowledged the allegations of unauthorized absences during the police investigation.

A prosecution official stated, “We will do our utmost to maintain the indictment so that appropriate punishment is imposed in accordance with the charges, and we will continue to respond strictly to violations of military service obligations.”

Source: soompi 

Let's Do The News! (December 31, 2025)

                       

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

- Senator Imee Marcos called the 2026 national budget ratified by Congress a "grind budget" because projects that could still be considered pork barrels still slipped through. This came after the senator announced that she was opposed to the national fund that was created, which is why she did not sign the bicameral conference committee report and the ratification of the national budget.

- Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has proposed adjusting the schedule for the start of the discussion of the 2027 national budget. Gatchalian admitted that due to some implemented changes in the budget process, they missed the time to approve and ratify the 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB).

- Eurostar passengers advised to postpone travel plans after power supply problems.

- Queen Camilla praises John Hurt and his daughter, telling the BBC their bravery after murders prompted her to share the assault story.

- More Silent Hill games will come out following the success of the 2024 Silent Hill 2 game and the recent Silent Hill f game.

- Japanese streaming service ABEMA launches a project for indie animators.

- Actor Ahn Sung Ki is reported to be in critical condition.

- Actress Kim Jin Kyung announces her pregnancy.

TTFN.

Aston Martin Vanquish III Volante

The open-top version of the third-generation Aston Martin Vanquish, the Vanquish Volante, has been introduced, maintaining the same powerful performance as the coupe version and ready to challenge the Ferrari 12cilindri Spider.

2026 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante

2026 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante interior

Priced nearly half-a-million-pound just like its hardtop equivalent, the all-new Vanquish Volante is everything you know about the all-new Vanquish, now with the foldable roof that can be opened or closed at the push of a button.

Like its hardtop equivalent, the Volante is powered by an all-new 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo engine, which produces a historical 835PS of power and 1000Nm of torque. Because of its foldable roof mechanism, the weight has only gone up by 95kg, slightly increasing its 0-62mph time to 3.4 seconds, but retaining its 214mph. The Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider should be slightly worried about taking this one on.

With its bonded aluminum structure, front double wishbones, rear multilink suspension, a heavily advanced ABS, and Corner Braking 2.0, among other sport-tuned dynamics outlandish for Super GT standards, it takes a Fernando Alonso-level driver to master the Vanquish Volante on the track, but no need while on the road because it drives extremely beautifully. Dynamic as expected, but like the 12Cilindri Spider, it's too addictive to be ignored to be fully satisfied.

Even with its convertible option, the Vanquish remains the king of V12-powered Super GTs. The Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider's luck just ran out, spectacularly.

Photo: Aston Martin

MGS6 EV

The big brother of the MGS5 EV, the MGS6 EV, is here. This 36,995-pound EV crossover managed to arrive ahead of its Japanese rivals, the Toyota bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra, which are yet to unleash their longer equivalents.

2026 MGS6 EV

2026 MGS6 EV interior

One look at the first-ever MGS6 EV and you'll know that this is basically the longer version of the MGS5 EV, meaning it's easy to confuse them, but the wheelbase makes it easy to tell them apart.

Step inside the MGS6, which boasts a 12.8-inch HD touchscreen and a 10.25-inch display behind the steering wheel. The Trophy variant also includes a wireless charging port. This vehicle can comfortably seat up to five people, and when the passenger seats are folded down, it offers a maximum boot space of 1,910 liters—plenty of room to accommodate your everyday needs.

Running on the same MSP as the MGS5, the MGS6 features an ultra-thin 77kWh battery pack with up to 329 miles of WLTP combined driving range courtesy of its Integrated Braking System and F1-derived Kinetic Energy Recovery System. The 266KW all-wheel-drive Dual Motor variant sprints from 0-62mph in just 5.1 seconds, and it features five driving modes - Normal, Sport, Eco, Snow, or Custom.

Whether it's rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), the MGS6 EV delivers an average driving experience. However, it excels in providing a comfortable ride on normal roads and demonstrates a strong sense of practicality. Speaking of practicality, the MGS6 is equipped with MG Pilot, which includes a wide range of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), such as Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The Trophy variant also features a 360° HD Surround View Camera, utilizing four wide-angle cameras to give a complete view of the surroundings.

Many people refer to it as "big brother," but the truth is that the MGS6 is the most capable all-electric SUV that MG has ever produced. While it may not be perfect, it brings a practical approach that makes the MGS6 a compelling option for anyone looking to buy an affordable electric crossover. That is the bottom line.

Available Colors: Arctic White, Piccadilly Blue, Black Pearl, Camden Grey, Cosmic Silver, Stratford Gold, and Dynamic Red.

Photo: MG Motor UK

MG IM5 & IM6

From the Chinese-run British carmaker MG comes the IM5 and the IM6, the two models represent the all-electric MG IM Range, delivering luxury electric performance without breaking the bank, making them a bargain find of 2025.

2026 MG IM6

2026 MG IM5

The all-electric IM5 saloon is priced at £39,450, plus additional costs, while the IM6 crossover is priced at £47,995, also plus additional costs. Although they may look identical at first glance, it is actually quite easy to differentiate between the two models. You can tell them apart by examining the designs of the bumpers and the differences in ride height.

2026 MG IM6 interior

2026 MG IM5 interior

The interior of both the IM5 and IM6 tells a similar story, featuring an interconnected design that includes an ultra-wide 26.3-inch immersive touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, a 10.5-inch Central Vertical Display screen, and 20 speakers. The seats are crafted from ultra-soft leather-style material, and both models come equipped with a Panoramic Glass Roof, among other features. The IM5 offers up to 457 liters of boot space, while the IM6 provides up to 665 liters of boot space.

Although the IM5 is offered exclusively with an entry-level 75kWh variant with 217PS of power and 304 miles of driving range, both the IM5 and IM6 are equipped with the 100kWh battery pack. The Long Range variant can get up to 441 miles of driving range (388 for the IM6), while the range-topping Performance variant with 751PS of power and 591Nm of torque, has up to 357 miles of driving range (313 for the IM6).

As the most powerful MG model ever made, the Performance variant accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds, with a top speed of 167 mph for the IM5. The IM6 achieves 0 to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds and has a top speed of 149 mph.

Although not as sporty as expected for these "made in China" EVs, both the IM5 and the IM6 feature the one-touch iAD precision driving technology, Surround Sight, and Rainy Night Mode. It even features high-performance brakes with Intelligent Comfort Stop technology, ultra-tight turning capability, and Hydroplaning Stability Control, which reduces the chance of losing control in extreme weather conditions by 80%.

The MG IM5 and MG IM6 may not be the most thrilling electric vehicles (EVs) to drive, but they excel in providing luxurious features at a competitive price, making them excellent value for money. It appears that MG has successfully created two affordable luxury EVs with these models. Tesla should take note; they have some competition.

Photo: MG Motor UK