Peugeot 308 series Minor Change

Since its launch at 2007 as the successor of the Peugeot 307, the Peugeot 308 advances that the previous 307 can't do. It comes with the hatchback, station wagon, and a convertible, which leaves customers a wide variety of choices to choose from. Now, this year marks the second phase of Peugeot's 308 range sporting a new trademark look that brings the "Motion and Emotion" tagline come closer to reality.

2012 Peugeot 308

The 308 hatchback is the standard choice for beginners. On its second phase, only the 5-door hatchback is offered. The 3-door hatchback was dropped, making it an unpleasant drawback for the hardcore Peugeot fans. A decent rival to the Citroen C4, Volkswagen Golf, Honda Fit, and the Renault Megane Berline.

2012 Peugeot 308 SW

If excursion is the French families' type, the 308 SW is offered with some extra space at the rear. It chooses the Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon, Renault Megane Sport Tourer, Opel Astra Sport Tourer, Mazda Atenza Sport Wagon, or even the Volkswagen Golf Variant as the rivals.

2012 Peugeot 308 CC

The disappearance of the 3-door hatchback does not need to worry about hardcore Peugeot fans because a quick alternative, the Peugeot 308 CC, is offered. With the 308 CC received a minor change, most fans will love it even further because of its open-top fun riding. It targets the likelihood of the Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet.

The latest addition to the new 308 range is the all new 1.6 litre HDi FAP 112 bhp Euro 5 engine with e-HDi micro-hybrid technology and the latest generation idling stop system, worthy enough to call the 308 Minor Change a full-fledged eco-car. As an eco-car, the new 308 consumes 4.5L/100km, CO2 emissions weighing 118kg/m, top speed of 190km/h, and it is equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission. If it's not your thing, you can also try a wide variety of lineup to choose from;

1) 1.4L VTi 16v 98 bhp BVM5
2) 1.6L VTi 16v 120 bhp BVM5
3) 1.6L VTi 16v 120 bhp BVA4
4) 1.6L THP 16v 156 bhp BVM6
5) 1.6L THP 16v 156 bhp BVA6
6) 1.6L THP 200 bhp BVM6 (exclusive on the 308 GTi 5-door hatchback)
7) 1.6L HDi 8v FAP 92 bhp BVM5
8) 2.0L HDi 16v FAP 150 bhp BVM6
9) 2.0L HDi 16v FAP 163 bhp BVA6

My comment:


The Peugeot 308 minor change is ready to show its character lines that will stand the rest. Aside from that, the new 1.6L e-HDi engine with the innovative Micro Hybrid Technology is made to show its true eco-car character. Three body types; the 5-door hatchback, the SW, and the CC, received its minor change that will make customers love the new 308 even further as if it was from the pre-minor change model. This car is ready to play in the rainy plain in Europe.

Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen

Aston Martin Virage and Virage Volante

2012 Aston Martin Virage and Virage Volante

Back in 1989, Aston Martin launched the Virage as a replacement to the Aston Martin V8 sportscar. Production is ended in 2000 but in the year 2011, Aston Martin decided to give the Virage another try as the new Virage, the latest debutante in the Aston Martin lineup consisting of the DB9, DBS, V8 Vantage, V8 Vantage S, V12 Vantage, and the Toyota iQ-based Cygnet compact.

On the exterior design, playboys have a high chance to be confused because the new Virage looks more the same as the Aston Martin DB9 or DBS. The front, the rear, the side, everything looks the same but to help them obtain the Virage, look for the Virage badge on it.

This also applies to the interior as well, the new Virage really looks the same as the DB9 or the DBS. To solve this, look for the Virage marking on the interior. Looks like Aston Martin wants us to play the guessing game, figuring out which is the DB9 or the 21st century Virage.

The 21st century Virage comes in two forms, the coupe and the open-top Volante, and both of these variants come with the high-performance 6.0-litre V12 engine that has the power output of 490bhp/6500rpm, torque output of 420lbs-ft/5750rpm, and it comes with the 6-speed Touchtronic Auto transmission. This V12 engine complies with Euro V emission standards.

My Comment:
Reviving the Virage name can be a tough act to follow from the premiere Kuwaiti-owned British sports car maker but despite the revival, the 21st century Aston Martin Virage looks more like a carbon copy of the Aston Martin DB9. Can the Virage replace the DB9? Aston Martin says no because the DB9 still lives on despite the addition of the Virage in the list of Bond cars ready to be commissioned for Her Majesty's Secret Service. If James Bond meets the Virage face to bumper, will he accept the offer from Her Majesty's Secret Service? If he does, this is going to be a wild ride.

I can always think that this is the spiritual successor to the V12 Vanquish...

Photo: Aston Martin

Konami recalls Otomedius OST for track listings...

Scoop: http://www.konamistyle.jp/info/important_otome_x?style=topnews0418

In Translation: Konamistyle recalled the Otomedius Original Soundtrack, which was launched in late March 2011, because of faulty track listings. This was issued since April 18, 2011.

Otomedius Original Soundtrack

Those who owned it got themselves a recall notice. Those who didn't buy this CD yet, the timing's just right.

Next generation Subaru Stella leaked via leaflet! Will be based on Daihatsu's TNP27 Move!

Leaked leaflet of 2012 Subaru Stella

So, Fuji Heavy Industries stop making their own kei cars, making the current Stella the last of its kind but the Stella name lives on as an OEM of Daihatsu's TNP27 Move!

A certain Minkara blogger showed a leaflet obtain from a Subaru dealer, stating that the next generation Subaru Stella is the Pleiades' version of TNP27 Move. Class-leading fuel efficiency, possible idling stop feature, and two flavors (standard and Custom), this could be what the next Stella would look like.

According to the leaflet, sales of the TNP27 Stella commence this late May 2011.

Source: Minkara

Bulilit road trip puns!

What just happened on the April 24 episode of Goin Bulilit?

- Ano daw "egg" ang...

1) sumasabog? - EGGsplovie

2) hinahanap pag may sunog? - fire EGG-sit

3) ayaw ko? - EGGsercise

4) may libag? - le-EEG

5) masamang galitin? - EGG-kredible Hulk

6) malamig? - EGG-loo

7) basa? - tub-EGG

8) halimbawa? - EGG-sample

9) tinalo? - nada-EGG

10) pinakamalaki? - EGG-ante

- Jokes that made hassles before the long vacation

- In another Check Check Check (Checklusibong Checkplosibong Checkpose), beware of the granny who locked up her daughter. Turns out her daughter from the cage was the monster and attacked Henry Omega Diaz. Remember, stay indoors because the monster is on the loose!

- Payabangan ng mga magician

- "Nasiraan ang kotse" gags

Toyota Corolla Altis in a
Goin Bulilit episode

- Goin Bulilit x Johnson & Johnson's Presko Play campaign collaboration! Are you all set for futkal?

Futkal relay all the way!

- Goin Bulilit music video of Jennifer Lopez's On The Floor

- Remembering the good old sari sari store jokes on another Rekolilit

The "One Piece" navi for adventurous pirate drivers

Dinos One Piece Car Navi

Get lost no more with the heroic Straw Hat Pirates!

Dinos announced a special One Piece navigation system packed with the Straw Hat Pirates, helping you to guide your way on your next destination. If you want to go somewhere at the park, shortcuts to your office building, going at the restaurant, or you want a family vacation in Japan, the Straw Hat Pirates are ready to help you!

Scoop: http://www.carview.co.jp/news/0/145612/

Nami will lead your way via turn-by-turn navigation while Luffy and Chopper guide you on the navigation system's options!

QUICK ADVICE: Do you have a JDM Nissan Serena C26? Is it audioless? Audio but no navigation attached? You come to the right tool for a very limited time. This One Piece Navi looks great with your Serena C26 because the anime One Piece made a team up with the Nissan Serena C26 last year...

Nissan Serena C26 with One Piece

The Melancholy of Hankook Porsche...

Haruhi Racing Hankook Porsche sketch

It seems that the Ferrari LMP Motorsport Ika-Musume F430GT is not the only itasha racer invaded the Super GT 2011 season, joining to the list of Super GT itasha racers consisting of that, Evangelion Racing Corolla Axio, Good Smile Racing Porsche, and the Hatsune Miku BMW Z4, there will be a Haruhi Racing Hankook Porsche joining the ranks.

Scoop (Japanese): http://carview.co.jp/news/0/145642/

Another Super GT overkill for the racing fans and anime otakus alike. The new Haruhi Suzumiya light novel "The Surprise of Haruhi Suzumiya", South Korea's tire company Hankook Tires", and a souped up Porsche 911 Super GT all mixed up to create such a mega eccentric chemistry of WTF (What the fudge?) and WOW.

What do you guys think about Haruhi Racing? Feel free to ask.

CONFIRMED: Nissan's version of Mazda's third generation Premacy is... the 2012 Lafesta Highway Star!

2012 Nissan Lafesta Highway Star

Those JDM fans wondering what would the Nissan version of Mazda Premacy (Mazda 5) CWEFW will look like finally met their answer. The Nissan version of the latest Mazda Premacy/5 is the 2012 Nissan Lafesta Highway Star.

Scoop (Japanese): http://www.carview.co.jp/news/0/145527/

Details remain slim for now but what I'm guessing is that the second-generation Nissan Premacy, I mean, Lafesta Highway Star would be equipped with the idling stop function and the 2.0L LF-VDS engine found on the Premacy. We'll have to wait more for details on the Nissan version of the Mazda Premacy such is the new Lafesta Highway Star.

Also, the previous Lafesta will have to keep it under the new name, Lafesta Joy, which means that there will be two kinds of Lafestas to choose. Sales of the new Lafesta Highway Star commencing this summer 2011.

GM Korea Chevrolet Cruze

2011 GM Korea Chevrolet Cruze

The GM Korea Chevrolet Cruze (쉐보레 크루즈) is the new name of GM Daewoo's Lacetti Premiere as part of changing the name GM Daewoo Auto and Technology into GM Korea Company and it's not part of the eight new vehicles to be launched in South Korea this year. This is the response from 50% of the Lacetti Premiere customers the option to change nameplates to Chevrolet Cruze according to GM Korea CEO, Mike Arcamone.

What retains are the 1.6L petrol engine and the 1.8L petrol engine. The 1.6L petrol engine offers 124ps/6,400rpm of power output, 15.7kg.m/4,200rpm of torque output, and it can go for about 13.0km/L for the 6AT grade to 15.0km/L for the 5MT grade. The 1.8L petrol engine, on the other hand, offers 142ps/ 6,200rpm of power output, 17.8kg.m/3,800rpm of torque output, and 13.7km/L of fuel economy. The 6-speed auto is standard on this one.

COLOR VARIATION:
1) Gunsmoke Gray
2) Olympic White
3) Velvet Red
4) Pewter Grey
5) Switchblade Silver
6) Carbon Flash Black

My Comment:
Get used to more Koreans, because this is what you demanded for. The GM Korea Chevrolet Cruze can always look at its best. It is a world-proven medium sedan. The North Americans, Europeans, and Asians are already indulged with the Cruze's global success. Now it's the Koreans' turn to fall in love with the Cruze because this is the response from 50% of the Lacetti Premiere owners the option to change their badges into Chevrolet Cruze, that's what Mr. Arcamone said.

Photo: GM Korea Company

GM Korea Chevrolet Spark

2011 GM Korea Chevrolet Spark

The GM Korea Chevrolet Spark (쉐보레 스파크) is the new name of GM Daewoo Matiz Creative as part of replacing the name GM Daewoo Auto and Technology into GM Korea Company, using the fastest growing Chevrolet brand as a front according to the company's CEO, Mike Arcamone. Despite its name change, it is not counted as one of the eight new vehicles to be launched in South Korea. It is Mike Arcamone's response to 38% of the Matiz Creative customers swapping badges into the Chevrolet Spark. This decision is done under the demands of South Korean customers. As of now, most Matiz Creative customers in South Korea have the option to change nameplates into the Chevy Spark.

What retains is two engine types; the 1.0L gasoline engine and the 1.0L liquefied petroleum gas (LPGi) engine. The 1.0L gasoline engine provides 70ps/6,400rpm of power output, 9.4kg.m/4,800rpm of torque output, and in can go for about 21.0km/L for the 5-speed manual and 17.0km/L for the 4-speed auto. The Spark LPGi drops 5ps of power, 1kg.m of torque, and can travel up to 17.0km/L for the 5MT grade and 13.6km/L for the 4AT grade.

SPECIAL EDITION:

2011 GM Korea Chevrolet Spark
Special Edition

As a welcome treat in South Korea, GM Korea Company offered the Chevrolet Spark Special Edition, which sports Camaro-like stripes, piano black paneling, and sporty 15-inch rims.

COLOR VARIATION:
1) Iceland Blue
2) Havana Green
3) Santorini Blue
4) Monaco Pink
5) Belgian Brown
6) Barcelona Red
7) Prague Black
8) Sapporo White
9) Manhattan Silver

My Comment:
The Spark is a world-proven compact car packed with world-proven size, world-proven space, world-proven performance, and world-proven fuel economy customers will love. This response from 38% percent of Matiz Creative customers changing their badges into Chevy Spark sounds demanding but this is a cause for the Korean market.

Photo: GM Korea Company

Quick rewind - Genesis Coupe vs. Camaro at a Top Gear Philippines issue

Camaro vs. Genesis Coupe

I'm sure most of you read the full comparison between the 5th-generation Camaro and the Hyundai Genesis Coupe at a Top Gear Philippines issue last year.

In case you want to see it again, here:

http://www.topgear.com.ph/drives/big-test/bad-to-the-bones-chevrolet-camaro-vs-hyundai-genesis-coupe

In my understanding, despite the Camaro being more expensive than the Genesis Coupe, it packs more performance than the Genesis Coupe.

XV Concept - The next Impreza XV?

Subaru XV Concept '11

"Could that be the next Impreza XV?!"

At the Auto Shanghai 2011, Fuji Heavy Industries unveiled the Subaru XV Concept, hinting a possible crossover at Subaru.

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/auto-shanghai-2011-subaru-s-crossover-concept-unveiled

In my understanding, the XV Concept in Shanghai is actually a crossover hatchback version of the Subaru Impreza Concept as seen on Los Angeles late last year. With the next Impreza making its New York debut this year, my understanding is, could the XV Concept be possibly be the next Impreza XV?!