Fifth Generation Daihatsu Move and Move Custom (LA100S/LA110S)

Since its debut in 1995, the Daihatsu Move is Japan's most respectful small compact cars that can compete with Suzuki's fastest selling Wagon R. The Daihatsu Move underwent four full model changes from 1998, 2002, and 2006, with the addition of the Custom variant that appeals to the young drivers looking for an edge of style. Now, just in time before Christmas 2010, the fastest selling Daihatsu, the Move, is now evolved to its much anticipated fifth-generation model.

2011 Daihatsu Move

2011 Daihatsu Move Custom

Even when the Move is now on its fifth model change, it still offers two styles that depends on the Japanese customers' personal tastes. If they want it more simpler, the normal Daihatsu Move is offered, but for those who think that style is an option, the Move Custom fits their personal preferences.

Aside from its new model change, the new Daihatsu Move made even more economical and eco-friendly thanks to Daihatsu's first idling stop system, dubbed as Eco Idle, that allows the engine to be automatically shut off when the car stopped, for instance; stopped at the red light or at the stop sign. The Eco Idle is somewhat similar to Mazda's i-stop (found in the Mazda Axela, Biante, and the new Premacy) and Toyota's Smart Stop (iQ Go 6MT and the upcoming third-generation Vitz/Yaris). With the Eco Idle equipped on the newly upgraded 658cc KF engine, the new Daihatsu Move has the maximum fuel economy of a majestic 27.0km/L (in 2WD variants). I got to say it, the new Daihatsu Move's fuel economy is greater than the new Nissan March K13 and the upcoming third-generation Toyota Vitz/Yaris combined. For those looking for power, there is a turbocharged KF engine available exclusively on the new Daihatsu Move Custom RS that has the power output of 64PS and the fuel economy of 22km/L (Custom RS 2WD). Both the new Move and Move Custom are equipped with the Continuous Variable Transmission for optimized fuel efficiency.

2011 Daihatsu Move interior

2011 Daihatsu Move Custom interior

On the standard Daihatsu Move, the exterior seems to be aggressive but simple. On its interior, there's a simple touch and contrast between the beige colored seats, simple scooter-like tachometer, and a relaxing atmosphere. Most women would love to take advantage on this variant. On the Daihatsu Move Custom, this kind of Move is the most aggressive kei car ever expected aside from the front headlamps resembles like the previous model and the bumper similar to the Tanto Exe Custom. Step inside and this one's too manly for its own right. Looks like the enthusiasts' choice not always the Move Custom, but the Move Custom RS because of the RS exclusive Momo steering wheel armed and ready to take flight.

My thoughts about the Move:
The Move might have been defeated by the Suzuki Wagon R in terms of sales, but now its back with a vengeance and its ready for its payback to claim its "kei number one" status from the Suzuki Wagon R (in regular and Stingray). Now that the Suzuki Wagon R is equipped with the idling stop, the new Daihatsu Move comes ready with the Eco Idle system, which means the new Move's fuel efficiency could really crush the Suzuki Wagon R for good. Can the new Move claim back its number one status once and for all?

Adopting the new concept "TNP27" (TNP means Teinenpi, which is Japanese for fuel economy) referring to the fuel economy of a majestic 27.0km/L, the new Move is now reborn, retouched, and renewed to become one with nature thanks to its eco-car status and the qualification of Japan's "eco-car genzei" system, which receives a tax deduction of 75% off.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

VW USA - Fender Collaboration (There's a Mio or Azu-nyan in your 2012MY V-Dub!)

Hmm, it seems that Volkswagen USA teams up with the legendary brand behind the famous Jazz Bass and Mustang, Fender, for their premium sound system for MY2012 models, including the next generation Beetle, New Midsize Sedan, and the latest Jetta.

Scoop:

http://www.insideline.com/volkswagen/jetta/2012/vw-and-fender-hook-up-on-premium-audio-system-for-2012-models.html

In other words, um, how can I put this, when you remember the Fender brand, you will always remember two famous products from this brand; the Fender Jazz Bass and the Fender Mustang. Not only these two are a guitarists' favorites, they're also an otakus' favorite because both of these Fenders were appeared in K-On (Jazz Bass for Mio, and Mustang for Azusa Nakano). To put it simply because VW USA teams up with Fender for their exclusive sound system the result would be this:

There will be

Inside your

The Fender name will come to North American Volkswagen cars, meaning there's a Mio or Azu-nyan in your 2012MY V-Dub! Ah, the heart of the Jazz Bass and the Mustang coming to VW as an audio system. If that happened, could we listen to some K-On songs while driving a Volkswagen or better yet make an itasha out of these?

New Regal vs. New Mark X

Buick's Regal

Toyota's Mark X

They have no chance for them to encounter, but both of these were executive medium sedans built for the executive class. Both of these executive medium sedans were my favorites but I wonder which one is my pick?

CASE ONE:

The Regal name on the Buick lineup returned after years of absence and its now an OEM of the Opel Insignia. Although based on the Opel Insignia, the Buick Regal has a striking design that makes other executive medium sedans such as the Honda Accord Euro (Acura TSX), Volkswagen Passat CC, and the Volvo S60 to shame. Although the front face seems to have more pogi points than others, the lineup of the Buick Regal consists of two available engines; one is the 2.4L Ecotec engine and the second is the high-performance 2.0L Turbo engine. Most are fitted with the 6-speed automatic but the turbo variant comes with the 6-speed manual. I guess my favorite Regal is the Regal CXL Turbo because not only it has a turbo engine on it, it also has a manual transmission on it. Turbo and MT combined to make this a fun to drive Regal for the American Autobahn.

CASE TWO:

The Mark X is the replacement of the legendary Toyota Mark II since its debut in November 2004. In October 2009, the Mark X gained its massive model change from inside and out. The design of the new Mark X is razor sharp. That's why this was called "Samurai X" thanks to the commercial with Koichi Sato and the Samurai Code mini drama aired in TV Tokyo from January to March 2010. The Toyota Mark X comes with two engines; a 4GR-FSE (2.5 V6) engine and a 2GR-FSE (3.5 V6) engine. It comes with three styles to choose from; the Standard Type, the Premium Type (loaded with safety features), and the Sports Type (armed with paddle shifters).

For styling, the Toyota Mark X is my pick, but for the performance side, I would go for the Buick Regal because of the turbo+MT variant. Both of these executive medium sedans aren't made for passion, they are made for performance.

BS at Enchanted!

What just happened at the December 11 episode of Banana Split?

- Fresh batch of Showbiz news at Balitang Siksik Showbiz Edition

- Jokes at Enchanted Kingdom!

- Meet your new superhero that has a letter to solve your problem, Alpha Beth! LOL, that's Melai... If there's ubo, there's ube!

- Kuya Keem (John Prats) and Igor Stojokovic Krystic (Ryan Bang) set to the extreme when they ride something extreme at Enchanted Kingdom!

- Rizza Masahista (RR Enriquez) massages the wrong client

- Aha! Banana Split spoofs SOCO (Scene of the Crime Operatives)

A German star is born...

2011 Audi R18 Race Car

WOWIES! Audi made a new Le Mans Prototype! This new Audi Le Mans Prototype is called the R18.

Wow! This Audi LMP has a meaner look. This meaner look will scare the opponents out of the 24 Hour Le Mans Race for good, but is this greater than other Audi Le Mans Prototypes?

Scoop:

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/10/audi-r18-le-mans-prototype-unveiled-with-full-roof-epic-leds/

Final three K-On!! Character CDs debut! Commercialization starts at January!

Who've enjoyed five K-On!! Character Image CDs, from Yui to Azusa? You know, CD number 1 to number 5?

Don't think it's done because Pony Canyon unveiled the last three of the K-On!! Character Image CDs, based on the second season of K-On!!

Character Image 6: Ui Hirasawa (CV: Madoka Yonezawa)

Character Image 7: Nodoka Manabe (CV: Chika Fujito)

NEW! Character Image 8: Jun Suzuki (CV: Yoriko Nagata)

I'm serious because this was confirmed from the official site.

Commercialization starts at January 19, 2011. Hurry up and pre-order it.

Citroen C-ZERO

2011 Citroen C-ZERO

Zero, meaning none or a blank, which also means no value. In hybrid car terms, the number "zero" refers to zero emissions, a huge step for the clean future of the automotive industry. At the center of the number zero, the Citroen C-ZERO is born to be a zero, zero emissions for Europe.

Under the partnership between PSA Peugeot Citroen and Mitsubishi Motors, the Citroen C-ZERO is based on the Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric hybrid compact. Aside from that, Peugeot also uses the i-MiEV platform for its European OEM, the Peugeot i0n.

As a 100% Electric Vehicle, the Citroen C-ZERO is powered with the magnet synchronous motor, capable of releasing a power output of 64 bhp EEC/3,000-6,000 rpm and the torque output of 180 Nm/2,000 rpm. This motor is powered with the 330-volt lithium-ion battery system, which was sourced from Mitsubishi Motors in Japan.

Recharging the C-ZERO is simple as charging your portable devices. The C-ZERO comes with the 220-volt plug that can be charged to about 30 minutes to six hours.

My thoughts about the C-ZERO:
Since both the Citroen C-ZERO and the Peugeot i0n were made by Mitsubishi Motors, responsible for the i-MiEV, both of these eco cars were equipped with the YF41 electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. Both of these were offered exclusively for the European markets. Consider these a European-Japanese agreement when it comes for the future of the automotive industry going green.

Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen

An automotive recall like a Korean drama... [UPDATE]

Check this scoop:

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/12/2011-hyundai-santa-fe-and-2011-kia.html

Hyundai's Santa Fe:

and Kia's Sorento

Both of these Korean SUVs are a favorite among Philippine car enthusiasts because of the CRDi R eVGT diesel engine. It seems both of the Philippines' favorite crossovers are suffered from a major recall due to defective brakes!

Only the latest versions (built from September to November 2010) were affected by this said recall. Seems sad but this recall is much more of a Korean drama...

Hurry up and better get these two fixed! Owners, get these fixed at your dealers. I'm not sure if both the Philippine distributors of Hyundai (HARI) and Kia (Columbian) made an announcement about this recall...

Well, back to watch some Korean dramas...

Update: Turns out only those made in North America were affected by the recall. The ones we had were made from South Korea, so in other words, we're safe.

Limited-edition, Japan-only, Renault Sport Clio (Lutecia) marks the end...

2011 Renault Lutecia Sport Complete (J)

It's been great that the Renault Sport Clio (Lutecia in Japan) was been the most enjoyable Renault hot hatch ever made. This car may be sold in other countries but in Japan, this is the climax.

For that, Renault Japon offered a special edition called the Renault Sport Lutecia Complete and its limited to just 30 units. This special edition doesn't seem to be special, especially when the interior comes with the RS monitor (found on the Renault Sport Megane).

Why call it Complete? European countries still sold the Renault Sport Clio but why try to end its Japanese sales of the Renault Sport Lutecia? Is it because it will give way to the Japan launch of the new Renault Sport Megane?

Source (Japanese only):

http://news.kakaku.com/prdnews/cd=kuruma/ctcd=7010/id=13701/

"No more brushing!"

What just happened on December 10 episode on Bubble Gang Kin-Z?

- Nightclub gags raided by cops

- Blind date with a proxy

- On another episode of Cheche Bureche; Bureche (Michael V) got some kind of a manicure/pedicure kit because she wants to be manicure or pedicure (or whatever) for the Christmas party, but Cheche (Ogie Alcasid) doesn't know how to. The result, total pain to Bureche's feet! AAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHHH!!!

- Emotions perfume for sale!

- Bubble Gang spoofs the commercial of "Most Powerful Surf Bar with micro brushes", and gagged as "the most powerful Burf bar!"

- Rap Caroling (Rap Battle Christmas style)! A Rap Battle between Target & B2Y (Michael V) versus Batas & Snoop Ogie Doogie (Ogie Alcasid) fusing rap and caroling for fun. We got choked by these rappers!

- some reality show got the host divorced

- Who needs Santa Claus when they got the Santa Clown!

Bata, Bata, Tayo'y Tumula once again...

What just happened on the December 10 episode on TV5's Lokomoko U?

- Christmas gags are more fun to give than gifts

- It's time to bring the Kinder Two students on the stage for the third time as Bata, Bata, Tayo'y Tumula is here again for some tula jokes! Seems that the ibon and the pagong has one ending sentece; "Huwag lang ibabaon baka lumabas ang sipon!" This is one heck of a kinder riot on Lokomoko U!

- The mice and rats from Keso City come caroling with us with the mousy versions of their Christmas songs.

- another episode of Bahaw Ikalawang Hain. After Ampy (Valeen Montenegro) and Blue (Empoy) arguing each other, it seems that Blue tries his best to win Pinky's heart. Whoops!
He even mentioned Zombies, Plants vs. Zombies (a popular Facebook game), but who will be the father of Pinky's newborn child? Tune in next week...

- Is it Adam? An Apple? Naked in the garden? Mechado? Menudo? Cooking Oil? Mang Tomas? Monay? Mangosteen? No, it's another round of laugh trip with JC and Rainier on Pinoy Brainless! ROFL

Fuga Hybrid vs. Crown Hybrid

Nissan's first hybrid luxury sedan, the Fuga Hybrid (known as the Infiniti M35 Hybrid)

Toyota's Crown Hybrid

Both are premium JDM VIP luxury hybrid sedans built for wealthy Japanese executives. Yes, these were VIP hybrids for the Japanese VIPs. I wonder which of these hybrid knights is my pick?

CASE ONE:

Based on the Nissan Fuga (Infiniti M) Y51, the Nissan Fuga Hybrid is the first of Nissan's kind and part of the Nissan Pure Drive range. What surprises me is the VQ35HR engine with the added electric motor. As a hybrid, the Nissan Fuga Hybrid has the best fuel economy in its class thanks to the fuel economy of 19.0km/L. It is fitted with a 7-speed Semi-Automatic Transmission. With that fuel economy, imagine how far can you go with the new Fuga Hybrid. In the interior side, the new Fuga Hybrid boasts exceptional hospitality and relaxation because of the forest aircon, BOSE Surround Sound System, and the optional VIP Package to up the ante on the brougham's comfort zone for the executives. A hybrid brougham I want to get my hands on it...

CASE TWO:

When the 13th generation Toyota Crown was launched in February 2008, this generation marks the debut of the Crown Hybrid variant. The Crown Hybrid was based on the 2007 Toyota Crown Hybrid Concept at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show and it was on sale since May 2008, following with the minor change at February 2010 (along with the Athlete and the Royal Saloon). Sadly, the Crown Hybrid's fuel efficiency of 15.8km/L was not good enough against the Fuga Hybrid. The interior is a bit fine for me but I personally prefer the inside of the Fuga Hybrid because its is far more luxurious than the Crown Hybrid. The only good point for the Crown Hybrid is the CVT.

As they said, the Nissan Fuga Hybrid is the most fuel efficient in its class. My big advantages for the Fuga Hybrid is the fuel economy, the comfort, the style, and the brougham spirit only executives can offer. The Crown Hybrid is a bit less of a luxury and the interior is a bit cheaper by the dozen. So I'll go with the Fuga Hybrid.