Cadillac SRX -Second Generation-

Derived from the Provoq crossover concept, and mostly targeted for well-experienced adults everywhere, the second generation SRX from Cadillac provides a whole variety of features and conveniences adults would love to enjoy, especially for the whole family.





This stylish crossover utility vehicle is no gimmicks for car enthusiasts like you; the new SRX looks more like a Cadillac CTS than the previous-generation model resembles like an Escalade. What makes the SRX stands out the rest is the strikingly aggressive design that gives this crossover the commanding presence adults would love to take at look at it.

From the SRX's striking design, the performance comes great with the choice of two six-speed automatic transmissions (Hydra-Matic or Aisin Warner with Eco Mode), and a choice of two engines (3.0-litre V6 or 2.8-litre V6 turbo). We might think the turbo engine looks great for adrenaline junkies, but the 3.0-litre V6 engine is a fresh start for first timers. The SRX also comes with an optional all-wheel drive, so you can go anywhere you want, all the time.

If you are concerned about the SRX, the safety features from this crossover got your back always. With airbags, daytime running lamps, traction control, StabiliTrak, anti-theft system, anti-lock braking system, keyless entry, tire pressure monitor system, fog lamps, and rear-parking assist, you can rest assured that you are safe in this vehicle always.





The SRX's comfort zone looks somewhat focused on hospitality and passion adults never faced from the previous-generation SRX. The accented French stitching that covers all the SRX's seat adds a nice touch to this crossover. It has an impressive paneling, entertainment system, AM/FM/CD/MP3/DVD player with navigation system as an option, and loads of accessories, including the optional noise canceling wireless headphones for the best sound experience, it might be best for everyone to take control of the SRX's interior features that treat them with the premium touch.

DOES IT RING A BELL?
When compared to other luxury crossovers, such as the Lexus RX, Audi Q5, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the chances may vary for the crossover enthusiasts who wanted to take the verdict. It does not matter how well is the SRX's design, quality, and performance, the SRX is built mostly for the experienced drivers who are willing to take advantage of its premium features. Without those premium features, the new Cadillac SRX would be nothing, a ship without a water.


Photo: Autoblog

Mazda Carol HB25

2010 Mazda Carol

If you don't know what in the world is the Mazda Carol, then I'll explain more about this before explaining this latest model change.

Back in the 60's the Mazda Carol was a mini 4-door sedan built by Mazda. With the introduction of the Autozam brand in the 90's the Carol name has been revived as a cute kei car, but it's just a 3-door kei car. In 1995, the Autozam Carol received a full change way before Mazda stopped making Carol cars in 1998. In 1998, Mazda brought in the new Carol, but it was an OEM of the Suzuki Alto. When the Suzuki Alto reached its 6th generation, the Carol was followed on a 5th generation basis.

When the seventh-generation Japan-spec Alto (not to be confused with the Maruti Alto sold worldwide, including the Philippines as the Suzuki Celerio), the Mazda Carol follows its model change as well.

Under the chassis code of HB25, the sixth-generation Mazda Carol tries to be more cuter as the Suzuki Alto. Since the Mazda Carol is the OEM of the Suzuki Alto, you can experience the same characteristics. The DOHC 658cc VVT engine, the available transmissions (CVT, 4AT, and 5MT), the same optional 4WD drive-train, and the same interior.

2010 Mazda Carol

My thoughts about the Carol:

With the Suzuki Alto (Japan-spec, not the Celerio) updated, the Mazda Carol is updated as well, but I think there's nothing much to say about the latest model. With the smiley face (or Nagare) in front of the new Carol, the other views are the same as the seventh-generation Japan-spec Alto. In other words, this car is still boring for me so leave this one to Japanese women who had a liking for kei cars.

Peugeot 5008

In South Korea, they have the Ssangyong Rodius (Stavic) and the Hyundai Grand Starex. In Japan, they have the Honda Stepwgn, the Toyota Noah & Voxy twins, and the Nissan Serena. In France, Peugeot's new multipurpose passenger vehicle brings out the best for the European families everywhere. This is the 5008, the newest people carrier from one of hardest working French automobile brands, Peugeot.






Borrowed from the new platform used from the 3008 crossover utility vehicle, you can examine the design flow of this new family mover from the front, side, and the back. Most European car enthusiasts can feel the love-it-or-hate-it decision, once they tried the 5008 for the very first time.

Since the arrival of the 5008, there are two gasoline-powered engines and four diesel-powered engines available as of press time. From the 1.6-litre VTi engine to the 2.0-litre HDi FAP diesel engine, drivers can choose which engine type is suitable to the 5008. Only on the manual transmission-equipped variants is the gearshift indicator, which allows the car to determine the best time for the driver to shift gears.

On the safer point of view, the 5008 is equipped with six airbags, which provide maximum protection for everyone inside, intelligent distance alert system determine the right speed on the right road, anti-skid system, traction control, electronic handbrake, and hill assist. An optional phone added in the 5008, providing the most of the emergencies when needed.






With the interior features, such as the optional rear-seat entertainment system, panoramic roof, optional navigation system, USB connectivity, air con, heads-up display (same as the 3008), and many storage features, you can rest assure that these features are made to be almost premium. Aside from calling it a premium multipurpose passenger vehicle for adults, the 5008 is built for everyone, even kids who are enjoy watching their favorite movies at the passenger side.

THINK ABOUT IT:
Most Pinoy Peugeot fans would wished that this brand would not be abolished from the Philippine market, despite poor reputation, because there are more Peugeots to come in the Philippine market, such as the 3008 crossover, all 207 and 308 variants, the 407 sedan, estate, and coupe, the Mitsubishi Outlander OEM, known as the 4007, or even this 5008 MPV.

With the 5008, most parents cannot wait to take advantage of these rich features suitable on most occasions. Not only the families trying this new French MPV, but also people with great interests would love to witness the 5008 for their first test. Whether you favor it or not, the 5008 designed and engineered to be almost a premium, with the pricing most likely to credit for the drivers.

Source: http://leopauldelr.multiply.com/reviews/item/171

Volkswagen Scirocco R

Therefore, it starts... The Volkswagen R-Line introduced a newest addition ever since the Scirocco was come back last year. Known to be the best of the Volkswagen R-Line models ever told, the Scirocco R is here.





With the sportier look than the regular Scirocco, the Scirocco R explodes the Autobahn with its performance, quality, styling, and packaging available for the German monster that brings out the gracefulness within.





What brings the beauty of this Autobahn beast is the new engine that was similar to the Golf R, the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, TSI engine equipped in the Scirocco R explodes over 265ps of power at the top speed of over 250km/h. Not only the Scirocco R armed with a manual transmission, but also this monster is equipped with Volkswagen's 6-speed DSG semi-automatic transmission with paddle shifters as an available option. Aside from these, the Scirocco R comes with the performance features that keep adults trying this car for some more, such as the XDS electronic transverse differential lock, electronic stability program, DCC Dynamic Chassis Control, and double-flow exhaust system.

YOU LITTLE DEVIL...
Despite this Scirocco R will not come to the United States or even in the Philippines, regarding no announcement of taking over the Philippine distributor of Volkswagen, the raw power of the Scirocco R is exploding with fun and excitement for adults hitting the thrills on the Autobahn. With the estimated price of about 3,000,000 pesos, there is no doubt this monster would take a heavy toll on the car enthusiast's budget. Only a wealthy adult would take the chance of driving the Volkswagen Scirocco R and tear down the streets of Metro Manila, even on the Saturday night at the Metrowalk. Still, the Scirocco R is the perfect road mauler for the major adults who are looking for some real thrills on the road.

Source: http://leopauldelr.multiply.com/reviews/item/170

HiNA

Meet Hinagiku Katsura, she is just your average teenage girl, charming, sweet, aggressive, wonderful, and daring enough to take your heart down! And above all, aside from being the Hakuo Gakuin Student Council President, she is the perfect "president of student government" and Hayate the Combat Butler's number one character among fans everywhere! And you can have her too in her first single album, sung by the voice over behind the tsundere student council president, Shizuka Ito!

This album is jam-packed with ten Hinagiku Katsura tunes, including "Power of Flower" found at Hayate the Combat Butler Character CD four and "Steppin'“, the ending theme song from the Hayate the Combat Butler original video animation. (if fans know what this is) So when you are a die-hard Hinagiku fan sure enough to admire her, and for those who wanted to be just like the "president of student government”, this music CD is for you!

Track Listings:
1. Steppin'
2. Power of Flower
3. スクールDays
4. 愛と情熱のカルナバル
5. 100点満点なんかじゃない!
6. 微熱
7. 想い絶ちがたく、初恋なりがたし
8. NOTICE
9. あしたのわたし
10. Heart of Flower

WE LOVE HINAGIKU!
If you realize why the heck they choose Hinagiku, it is because she is just perfect for fans everywhere. Take her advice for it, this CD might rock your heart over Hinagiku-ism forever and ever. Get your wooden swords ready because she is here to rock your life!

Opel Astra - Fourth Generation

It has been moments since General Motors decided to axe the Saturn brand by next year and keep the Opel/Vauxhall brand to the European GM division. But the differences ascend to the boiling point since the new Opel Astra came to the public and soon reaches to the world market either this, as a Vauxhall Astra in the United Kingdom, or as the Buick in China and if possible, the United States as the replacement for the evaporating Saturn Astra.





Available as a 5-door variant only, following with other variants filling up the new Astra range sometime, the quality of this Opel provides exceptional design, unmatched quality, and the performance that is well-made for the premium hatchback for adults. At the first rate, the new Astra looks similar to the sports variant of the Mazda Axela (Mazda 3), with the headlamps shaped like the Kia K7 premium sedan, but the heart of the Astra truly bred in the Autobahn.

The new Astra has a list of engines available as of press time. From the 1.4-litre, ecoFLEX engine to the 2.0-litre, CDTi ECOTEC diesel engine, there are nine available engines to choose from. Aside from the engine choices, the new Astra comes equipped with the FlexRide switch, providing the feel of the luxury car, a compact car, or a sports car, all in one package. Choose which mode, and feel free to drive the new Astra any way you want. The Compound Crank with Watt's Link rear axle suspension provides improved control and stability, giving the new Astra's driving control enjoyable for adults.





The Astra's interior design still carries Opel's new design language ever since the Vectra's replacement, the Insignia, provided the new look of Opel. With the comfort of the sports car with the spaciousness perfect enough to carry luggage, the exceptional interior of the new Astra is truly a modern living for adults who wished to try this new hatchback.

IS IT PERFECT ENOUGH?
With the new look of the Opel Astra; there is no difference between the words "luxury" and "sporty" all at the same time. The new Astra is a rival to the Mazda Axela, the Toyota Auris/Blade twins, and the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis (Lancer) Sportback. Promise this car, it will be perfect enough for adults to try this new hatch on the road.


Photo: GM Europe

Nissan Roox

The cousin of the Suzuki Palette that was premiered at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show is known as the Nissan Roox, a newest addition of the Nissan Kei Car line-up consisting of the Mitsubishi eK Wagon-based Otti, Suzuki MR Wagon-based Moco, Mitsubishi Pajero Mini-based Kix, and the Mitsubishi Town Box-based Clipper Rio.

There are two distinctive styles to choose from the Nissan Roox; the base variant (E & G) offers a simple taste for budget-conscious customers, while the flagship Highway Star variant offers an extreme taste of style just like the Suzuki Palette SW.

On the inside, the Roox has an interior tall enough to fit in four passengers, and it is arrangeable to suit your luggage needs.On the base variant, it offers both bright and dark colors, while the Highway Star variant offers the darkest interior color you will ever see.

Under the hood, the Roox comes with either a 660cc or a 660cc turbo engine (HIghway Star only) that comes with the Suzuki-sourced CVT for improved fuel efficiency. Most Roox variants may come with an optional 4WD for all-round fun on the go.

My thoughts about the Roox:

The Roox name combines the word "room" and "max", which means this kei car has a maximum interior room to fit in because of its tall shape. As an OEM of the Suzuki Palette/Palette SW, the Roox truly stands out the crowd of kei-car fanatics. Its turbo engine makes a cool addition for the Roox.