Toyota Prius α "Alpha" (ZVW40W/ZVW41W)

The third-generation Toyota Prius, launched since May 2009, became a sensational hit because of its top-tier fuel economy of 38.0km/L (10-15 mode, 32.6km/L on JC08 mode), making it the ultimate hybrid car for the masses. Now, the Prius family gets a lot bigger and with the addition of the first hybrid MPV, the Prius α "Alpha" (known in the North American market soon as the Prius V and in Europe as the Prius + "Plus"), Toyota created the plural form of Prius, which is officiallyPrii. If you're disagree with this plural form of Prius, well you're fired, kuha mo?

2012 Toyota Prius α

2012 Toyota Prius α

The Prius Alpha is Toyota's first hybrid MPV that uses the platform based on the third-generation Prius. With the concept of "Hybrid×Space" the Prius Alpha provides the same ecology power from the third-generation Prius now with the extended wheelbase and space that suits your lifestyle. This will go head-to-head with the upcoming Honda Fit Shuttle Hybrid, coming soon this June. Normally the Toyota Prius Alpha is set to launch since late April 2011 but due to the sourcing problems because of the March 11 sinking of Tohoku, Toyota pushed the launch schedule straight to this date; May 13, 2011, the date that the Prius Alpha is set for its Japan debut! This is similar to the Honda Fit Shuttle that it was originally set for March 18 launched but delayed through the June 2011 release date with that same reason.

2012 Toyota Prius α

The Toyota Prius Alpha is the most ambitious creation from Toyota Motor Corporation, using the same 2ZR-FXE hybrid engine from the third-generation Prius, providing a standardized 99PS/5,200 rpm of power output and 142Nm/4,000rpm of torque output. However, the additional 3JM electric motor that produces 60kW of power output makes the Prius Alpha's 2ZR-FXE engine a direct response, accumulating up to 136PS of power output when you need it. The standard Continuously Variable Transmission is equipped for optimized fuel economy. As for the fuel economy, the Prius Alpha accumulates 26.2km/L on JC08 mode and 31.0km/L on 10-15 mode, With gas prices rising uncontrollably, it's good to know that the Prius Alpha is your only people carrier needed. Once more, you can set it to EV mode that allows the Prius Alpha's battery, sourced from Sanyo, to work and with the regenerative braking system, charging the Alpha's battery takes a single brake away.

2012 Toyota Prius α interior

The Toyota Prius Alpha has a choice of either a 5-seater or a 7-seater variants. As a multipurpose passenger vehicle, the Prius Alpha is bound to have seating arrangements. Pick your arrangements carefully depending on which situation you're on. There is a special grade applicable for the Prius Alpha 7-seater variant that features a panoramic roof (called Skylite Roof), giving them a perfect view to the blue skies and the blue moon. This makes it an adventurous hybrid MPV fit for the next Japanese summer vacation!

The Prius Alpha 5-seater and 7-seater comes with 8 exterior colors such as Super White II, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Black, Red Mica Metallic, Clear Stream Metallic, and Dark Blue Mica.

My comment:
The Prius family gets a lot bigger and starting from the addition of Prius Alpha MPV, the official plural word for Prius is Prii. Get it? PRII! If I hear you guys saying Priuses, not Prii, well you're fired, kuha mo?

Anyway, the Prius Alpha is finally here at Japan after its major major problem caused by the March 11 sinking of Tohoku, the Fukushima crisis, and parts shortage. With recovery takes place, Toyota's getting bullish about the Prius Alpha since gas prices keep going up uncontrollably just like radiation from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Well, the "new problema" is, with Best Motoring gone for good, we may never see the Prius Alpha test drive at Tsukuba Circuit. If you want to test drive the Prius Alpha at Tsukuba Circuit, it's up to you.

The Prius Alpha will soon come in North America as the Prius V and in Europe as the Prius + "Plus", Asian arrival, especially the Philippines remains uncertain and I hope I'll have one as a grey market at Subic since this is an MPV.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Citroen DS4

2012 Citroen DS4

With the success of last year's Citroen DS3, the first of Citroen's new DS (Different Spirit) line that characterizes more of a "premium youth" sub-brand, (much like Hyundai's Premium Youth Lab), the second book of the Citroen DS line begins and this time, it was based on the second-generation Citroen C4. Called DS4, the second runner of the Citroen DS range was heavily based on the Citroen DS High Rider Concept as seen at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Unlike the Citroen DS High Rider Concept, which has three doors on it, the Citroen DS4 is essentially a 5-door hatchback, noticeably the secret rear doors similar to the Alfa Romeo Giulietta hatchback. Is this what they called the successor of the axed Citroen C4 Coupe? The French car enthusiasts said "non" (French for no) because one hint at the Citroen DS4's secret rear door and they'll be ready to burst out their POV (points, opinions, violent reactions) why the production version of the DS High Rider concept added an additional two doors. Is the DS4 suppose to be the three door version of the Citroen C4 II? Forget about it, but still it was worth it because the DS4 is all about premium styling targeted for the "premium youth" in France.

2012 Citroen DS4 interior

The premium interior of the new Citroen DS4 is outstanding because of the high-tech features loaded on it. Although it was heavily derived from the Citroen C4 II, the DS4 made some modest order-made touches, and also take note, the highly luxurious front seats on the DS4 Sport Chic, in order to bring out its premium sedan-like amenities at the heart of this prestigious French 5-door hatchback. Now, if only France-tan would love to see this.

With France-tan steals the show with its gorgeous exterior, the Citroen DS4 offers six engine types such as the VTi 120, THP 150, THP 200, HDi 110, HDi 165, and the all-new e-HDi 110 loaded with micro-hybrid technology sourced from the Citroen C4 II. The micro-hybrid technology loaded on the Citroen DS4 e-HDi 110 provides the exceptional Idle Stop and Go function, which allows the diesel engine to be automatically shut off when stopped at the red light. There are three kinds of transmissions available on the DS4, depending on the variant, such as a 5-speed manual for those who are getting a head start at the DS4, a 6-speed manual transmission applicable for the hardcore DS4 owners, and the electronically controlled 6-speed manual transmission with paddle shifters.

My comment:
Despite it was a production version of the Citroen DS High Rider Concept, the Citroen DS4 was essentially a 5-door hatchback because of the secret rear doors similar to its biggest opponent, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. This is becoming a bad news for those who want to know that the DS4 is the replacement of the Citroen C4 coupe. As I thought, it was a "promise unfulfilled" for the enthusiasts but despite that, I'm really impressed about the DS4's elegant exterior that makes it more luxurious than the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Consider it a good choice but for the pricing, the DS4 takes a minor damage against the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. It's up to you to decide how far the DS4 goes.

Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen

Kia Motors and Philippine AZKALS

Kia Motors and Philippine AZKALS

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/local-kia-distributor-is-now-the-azkals-official-transport-provider

Columbian Autocar Corporation, the official distributor of Kia Motors in the Philippines, announced their partnership with the world famous Philippine AZKALS. Wish that your favorite AZKALS members, especially James and Phil Younghusband were riding in which Kia models? The Philippine AZKALS' official Facebook and Twitter page will tell.

I think James and Phil Younghusband from the AZKALS would love to see this as part of the KIA-AZKALS collaboration. This was set by AZKALS team manager Dan Palami and CAC president Ms. Ginia Domingo.

Based on that photo, the Kia Sportage R is teased again and we're still waiting when will the Kia Sportage R arrives to the Philippines soon. Feels like nobody at CAC got the response and going AWOL.

Photo: Top Gear Philippines

Peryahan ng katatawanan!

What happened on the May 13 episode of TV5's Lokomoko U?

- Perya gags

- Puppet Manny, led by guest ventriloquist Wanlu, tells all!

Wanlu and Pacquiao

- Our favorite joke-bursting Lola (Valeen Montenegro) on our ever-loving Talentadong Family segment got sick but despite her sick nature, she still fires more jokes on her mouth to our laugh box;

1) Arowana - Ayoko na dito sa hospital! AROWANA be here!

2) clumsy - Ayoko ng pagkain dito sa hospital. Ang pancit nila, kulang ng CLUMSY!

3) Cubao - Bakit ganun? Sinunod ko ang lahat ng payo ni doc, bakit ako nandito? May kasalanan CUBAO?

4) statue - Minsan sa sobrang labo ng mata ko, hindi ko kayo makilala. Serafin? STATUE?

5) Venetian - Alam mo ba kanina nong nakahubad ako, dumating ang isang gwapong nurse pero di pa nya akong na-VENETIAN.

For a little bonus since you guys want more of Talentandong Family from this episode, here are the words Nanay (Tuesday Vargas) said were understood by Jojong Bingi (JC De Vera)

What Nanay said > Jojong Bingi understands

1) Lola > Bola

2) Kondisyon > Tuition

3) Mag-alala > Tulala

- Another round of Whose Line Is It... Anyhow?! hosted by Ms. Tuesday Vargas! Check out those lines;

1) May mata ka nga di naman nakakakita!

Answer: Pigsa

2) Ako ang laging handa!

Answer: Pansit

3) Hindi lahat ng pink pa sweet

Answer: MMDA

4) Pag isinaksak mo nag iinit ako

Answer: Plantsa

5) Dahil ba sexy ako, kalabit ka ng kalabit?

Answer: Gitara

6) Kaylan kaya puputi ang lahi namin?

Answer: Uling

7) Lagi mo na lang akong tinutulugan

Answer: Unan

8) Oo pinipilahan ako at isa akong bayaran

Answer: Cashier

New Problema...

Art Throb does charcoal art

We got another art class with Kuya Art, the Art Throb, on the May 12 episode of Banana Split. This time, he teaches us how to make a "Charcoal Art" with the use of canvas, gloves, charcoal, and a buddy you can use as a subject. First, pour charcoal on the subject's face, pour as much as you can and then put a canvas. Make sure it goes completely like a portrait.

Major Problem in NEW PROBLEMA

Everyone knows that there is a solution to a problem, but what if your solution might end up creating a new problem? Ryan Bang as Major Problem showcases these examples on the new segment called NEW PROBLEMA.

Case One: You can't sleep and you have to resort drinking sleeping pills but when you wake up, you're late for work.

Oh no! I'm late!

Case Two: Throwing away trash but the trash turns out to be "important documents"

Where's the documents?

Case Three: You have electricity at home but the house is burning because you used a jumper

The price of stealing someone else's electricity

The lesson is, think twice before problem solving because solving a problem could cause another problem and that's NEW PROBLEMA!

ANG TV PATROL TEXT JOKE OF THE DAY:

"Si Manny tumakbo sa pagka-congressman sa Gensan.

Sabi ng reporter: Manny anong masasabi mo sa peace and order sa inyong lugar...Gensan?

Sagot ni Manny: Ah, yun ba? Uhmm..eh...ang masasabi ku lang dyan ay maraming fish sa Gensan pero wala masyado umo-order!"

About 1,894 people are favored by this joke while five said WALEY. Those five who said WALEY were Manny Pacquiao and his family.

Mang Ben in automatic sliding door mishaps

Mang Ben can't get through the sliding door

Jayson Gainza, as Mang Ben, is here again on the May 11, 2011 episode of Banana Split Daily Servings. This time, Mang Ben deals with the automatic sliding door. This explains why the heck people get through the automatic sliding door but Mang Ben can't. No matter how many procedures Mang Ben does, he still can't get through the sliding door until the security guard approaches Mang Ben and explains why. IT'S AN EXIT! WHOOPS!!!

Art Throb's shining art

We got ourselves another art lesson with Kuya Art, the Art Throb, and this time Kuya Art teaches us how to make a "shining art" that requires glue and lots of glitters. It's all that glitters.

Alpha Bert makes PLANCHADO by
combining PLANT and MECHADO

Alpha Bert to the rescue! When a man is worrying that his clothes are not ironed yet and the angry housewife yells at him, Alpha Bert is here and he helps him by making the word "PLANCHADO" by combining the words PLANT and MECHADO. Uh, wait. You said PLANCHADO, how can his sleeves not ironed yet? Then who? His wife's hair got PLANCHADO! Whoa there!

Another lucky-unlucky scenarios featured by Natasha alyas Ansha on ANG SWERTENG MALAS.

Case One: You are fully healed just in time for the outing but you're friends got sick

What do you mean my friends are sick?

Case Two: It's good to be a senior citizen because of the senior citizen discount but they're letting you pay for all the treats

It's good to be a senior citizen

Case Three: Survived the killer highway but caught by the cops for jaywalking

Surviving the killer highway

ANG TV PATROL TEXT JOKE OF THE DAY:

Mag-asawang nag-aaway;

Sabi ng babae: Mas ok pa yata kung nagpakasal ako sa demonyo!

Sagot ni lalake: Wehhh! Bawal kaya magpakasal sa kamag-anak!

5,234 viewers said HAVEY while seven viewers said WALEY. As suspected by Melai Cantiveros, those seven viewers who said WALEY were the wives whose kamag-anak were demons.

Most vandalized car in Britannia is the Lexus IS! (This could mean trouble for Cecilia Alcott! xD)

Lexus IS '11

According to some article found at Carscoop, the most vandalized car in the United Kingdom (or you can call it Great Britain or Britannia if you're an otaku) is none other than the Lexus IS! 2nd place goes to the BMW Z4, third goes to the Mini One, fourth goes to the jurassic Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class, and the Audi TT scored 5th. This is bad news because car vandalism in Britannia is a common threat to British drivers who are owners of luxury cars.

What I'm also worrying that there was a vandalized Lexus IS in the form of an itasha of everything Cecilia Alcott (セシリア・オルコット) from IS -Infinite Stratos-, which makes it a overacting editorial for me because Cecilia is British and she's a cadet representative. I could find a chance that a vandalized Lexus IS in the UK could possibly be an itasha that is loaded with IS' Cecilia Alcott. (-_-;)

Cecilia Alcott from
Infinite Stratos