BMW X3 F25

The first generation BMW X3, launched since 2004, seems to be a good-looking crossover SUV set to rival the Lexus RX in a mild-mannered way. As years pass by, most people would not get a hold on the X3's outdated look with the appearance of the new BMW crossover, the X6, the X1, and the refreshed X5. To solve the X3 dilemma, BMW decided to turn from the boring to the bright by evolving the X3 from dull to drop dead gorgeous.

2011 BMW X3 F25 front

On the design side, the new BMW X3 F25 sports a front view similar to the X6 and the rear view that looks similar to the X1. Beyond that, this crossover finally gets a royal makeover, well tailored enough for the adventurous and the fearless to take on almost chaotic but fun.

2011 BMW X3 F25 rear

Two available engines are offered in the new BMW X3 F25, such as the 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder engine and the 2.0-litre diesel engine. On the 35i variant, only the eight-speed automatic transmission is available, while the 20d variant offers not just the eight-speed auto, but also the six-speed manual transmission as well. Keep that in mind that both of these engines are Euro5 certified, meaning they are all clean and good to go for the new X3. On the other side, the XDrive system is standard on all X3 variants for all-round traveling no matter where you want.

2011 BMW X3 F25 interior

On the comfort side, the new BMW X3 remains the same as for the older generation model. Which means, there is nothing more special about the refined luxury interior except for the separating net part that once you folded the rear seats, you can set that thing, separating you, as the driver, and the luggage space behind you.

My thoughts about the X3:
The new X3's exterior takes the boredom away from its rugged personality as a crossover, but the new interior is pretty much the same as other BMW models. With two engines available as of press time, you may notice that there will be a slow start for the new model, but do not fret, BMW plans more engine line-up for the new X3 soon, and also, we cannot wait for BMW to declare an Activehybrid or the M version of the new X3. Once more, the M Sport package is an optional feature to bring the star factor to the new X3. With sales start in Europe at the end of 2010, following in other continents next year, I expect that this new model will be declared a so-so. Even when the exterior sports a fascinating personality, there will be flaws around the corner.

Photo: BMW

K-On! Houkago Live!!

K-On! Houkago Live!!

Moments after the second season of K-on (日本名：けいおん!) ended in a not so major major way, there is a major major surprise for those who enjoyed the anime and listened to the songs from K-On. K-On Houkago Live is here and bringing the K-On fever to your PSP wherever you go.

The gameplay is much more similar to the Hatsune Miku Project Diva game, because you have to press consecutive buttons shown in the screen and be as accurate as you can while enjoying the song. K-On! Houkago Live!! features 19 songs such as the opening theme and closing theme of the first season, songs from the Hokago Tea Time album, or even songs from the Character Image Song series. Depending on the choice of five characters; Yui Hirasawa (CV: Aki Toyosaki), Mio Akiyama (CV: Yoko Hikasa), Ritsu Tainaka (CV: Satomi Sato), Tsumugi Kotobuki (CV: Minako Kotobuki), and Azusa Nakano (CV:Ayana Taketatsu), and depending on the difficulty setting, enjoying your favorite K-On song while accurately pressing buttons can be somewhat of a challenge. The better you play, the higher your rank and score is and you'll score some numerous items, some are useful, some are just for fun, or even something else.

Did you know, you can have up to 5 players via Ad-hoc to enjoy playing Houkago Time as a group and play cooperatively to gain a higher score.

There is also a surprise part, this game turns your PSP into a clock featuring one of your Hokago Tea Time girls; Yui, Mio, Ritsu, Tsumugi, and Azu-nyan, I mean, Azusa. At a random time, you will hear a dialog from your favorite character. Not much of a surprise but it's fine for the fans.

LIMITED EDITON:
A limited-edition item includes not just the game itself but also 5 UMD Cases, a PSP pouch, and a guitar-designed Cover to personalize the PSP just for you. There is another limited edition in a form of six PSP stickers to put it at the rear of the PSP to play Houkago Live in style. Hurry up because these are in a limited quantity basis. First come, first served!

3DS coming in 1st Quarter 2011?!

Recent news flying around from the guys at Nintendo at they will be launching the much-awaited Nintendo 3DS early next year.

Scoop: http://www.pcworld.com/article/206550/8_things_we_know_about_the_3ds_launch_so_far.html?tk=hp_new

I'm really preparing for this! With the launch date coming early 2011, and tons of new 3DS exclusive games, including Snake Eater (originally on PS2, now revised for 3DS), I'm sure most Nintendo fans will get into that. It will come this year! Now all it needs is some 3DS version of Loveplus as other otakus speak.

Daily Servings also enjoying Baguio madness!

Not only last Saturday enjoying Banana Split's 2nd Year Anniversary at Baguio, this weekday afternoons, Banana Split gets cooler and cooler for this special week with more Baguio jokes, Mutanglawin trivia, exploring Korean culture in Baguio with Ryan Bang, more Krissy for you, more, and more for this special week!

Hope I'll catch up with these Baguio-filled fun only on Banana Split!

Spend a date with Yururi... a Passo Yururi special edition that is...

2011 Toyota Passo Yururi

At September 29, 2010, Toyota unveiled a special Passo with the special exterior color that was once available only from the Passo +Hana variant. Called the "Yururi", this special edition features a bench seat (once I can commonly see it in a two-tone color from the Passo +Hana variants) wrapped in some plain gray color. For convenience, a key-free system is added for easy access.

Seems the color seems to be bland, but OK for the eyes of a female driver. Aside from the colors offered from the original Passo, the color "Azuki Mica" is available. Great, what girls want is the Uguisu Metallic color as found on the Passo +Hana.

If I was a schoolgirl, I would gladly get my hands on such a girl magnet car. Expect limited availability for this car!

Eh? Toyota mulls Daihatsu-sourced kei cars?

Recently, I bumped into some news coming out in some Japanese car sites.

Scoop: http://autoc-one.jp/news/609523/

In translation: In 2011, Toyota will start selling kei-cars sourced from Daihatsu, or in another reason, Toyota mulls OEM kei cars from Daihatsu, starting from the Move Conte, the Hijet (anyone remembered that?), and another one that will be soon to be launched from Daihatsu.

Toyota plans kei cars from Daihatsu? Keep that in mind that Subaru already sells kei cars sourced from Daihatsu such as the Dias Wagon (based on the Atrai Wagon), the Lucra (based from the Tanto Exe), and the second-generation Pleo (sourced from the Mira), due to the partnership between Toyota Group and Fuji Heavy Industries. Seems that the partnership between Toyota and Daihatsu takes on a new level.

Eh? Blackberry takes on the iPad?

Recently, I picked up some news that Blackberry, famous for their cellphone range, launched their take on the fastest-selling Apple iPad with the new Blackberry PlayBook.

Scoop: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/afp/20100927/ttc-us-canada-it-company-telecom-compute-0de2eff.html

Slated for sale next year, will this new gadget be a hit against the iPad? I think not because my first dent will be the sizing. The Apple iPad's screen is way bigger than the Blackberry PlayBook.

Guess I won't be expecting to see it when it arrives next year. I'll go stick with the iPad because this is way better.