Report: Mazda to stop producing CX-7

2010 Mazda CX-7

Some reports say that Mazda will stop producing the Mazda CX-7 crossover because of its poor sales and the upcoming Mazda CX-5 crossover with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY will replace the poorly recognized CX-7 soon. When the Mazda CX-7 released in Japan since December 2006, it ushered in to a new age of Mazda crossovers and by 2007, it sold over 5,000 units in Japan. However, as of this year, it sold over 400 units, which is bad because of the March 11 disaster and the strong Yen.

So, I guess this poorly recognized Mazda CX-7 is about to get axed...

Source: http://www.chugoku-np.co.jp/News/Tn201111250020.html

マツダが近く、スポーツタイプ多目的車（ＳＵＶ）「ＣＸ―７」の国内向け生産を中止することが24日、分かった。ＳＵＶは、小型で低燃費のタイプを求める人が増えており、来年発売する一回り小さな新型ＳＵＶ「ＣＸ―５」に実質的に引き継がれる。販売は在庫がなくなるまで続ける。

　ＣＸ―７はＳＵＶ人気の高い北米専用車として２００６年５月に米国、カナダで発売。国内では同年12月に販売を始めた。07年には国内で年５千台強を販売。しかし翌08年以降は、当初の月販目標である３８０台を下回っていた。

　ＣＸ―７はマツダの国内唯一のＳＵＶで、高出力の２３００ｃｃターボエンジンや、全幅１・87メートルと比較的大きな車体が特徴。価格は２９５万円からで国内のマツダ車では最も高く、ガソリン１リットル当たりの走行距離は10キロに満たなかった。

　ＣＸ―７は本社宇品工場（広島市南区）で生産。10年は過去最高の約９万台を生産した。北米では人気を維持しており、海外向けは生産を続ける。

Citroen DS5

2012 Citroen DS5

2012 Citroen DS5 interior

This is what happens when this kind of Citroen was been beamed down from another world. Premiered at the Shanghai Auto Show in April and at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, this is positioned to be the flagship of the Citroen DS range. With the success of the three-door DS3 and the five-door DS4, the new Citroen DS5 is the flagship vehicle that will suit their everyday lifestyles.

When most people saw this on the news portion of Series 17 Episode 2 of BBC's Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson once said that the DS5 is a good-looking hatchback. It's true that the Citroen DS5's design flow is really captivating but it the top is somewhat resemble of a straw hat worn by most Chinese. Possibly though, the design is rather too Chinese rather than being a French luxury shooting break.

The Citroen DS5 offers a first-class interior that is well-trimmed, well-balanced, and touching to accommodate five passengers. This is an all-original interior made specifically for the executives who wanted to take some time off from work. However, it seems that there are so many buttons on the dashboard that some find it confusing, few find it very unique. This is like some kind of a concept car that Citroen created for everyday lifestyles. Like a well-tailored suit, the DS5's interior is accommodated to the owners' unique needs. For the best sound experience, Citroen teams up with Denon for their unique Hi-Fi system and 10 speakers to create realistic sound quality that is truly a work of art. This Denon Hi-Fi option is available at some DS5 variants.

The Citroen DS5 is not essentially based on the C5 because of the naming, it uses the platform lifted from the Peugeot 3008. Depending on three lines; Chic, So Chic, and Sport Chic, customers can choose either a 1.6L THP 200, 1.6L THP 155, 2.0L HDi 160, and the 2.0L e-HDi 110 engine with micro-hybrid technology lifted from the new Citroen C4. However, the crowning glory of the Citroen DS5 is the HYbrid4 technology, first applied on the 3008 HYbrid4. With the 2.0L HDi diesel engine and the electric motor combined, it produces 200PS of power, 450Nm of torque, 0-100kph in 8.6 seconds, 211kph of top speed, and combined fuel economy of 24.4km/L (4.1L/100km). It is mated with a six-speed paddle shift transmission. The DS5's HYbrid4 has four modes to choose from at the twist of the knob. First is the Auto mode that makes the whole system automatically controlled for balance. Second is the ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mode that allows the DS5 to run only in Ni-MH battery, providing a cleaner driving on the road. Third is the 4WD mode that makes the DS5 go anywhere from tarmac, gravel, and snow. Lastly is the Sport Mode that provides maximum engine response, making it more fun to drive than conventional hybrids.

Available in eight colors: Gris Hurricane, Noir Perla Nera, Gris Galena, Hickory, Gris Aluminum, Bleu Philae, Vapor Grey, and Blanc.

My comment:
This is the second diesel-hybrid vehicle PSA Peugeot-Citroen has ever made since the 3008 HYbrid4! Looks like this flagship model has high potential to challenge against the conventions of hybrid vehicles and this DS5's shaping up to deliver first-class comfort, first-class performance, and all-round economy that you would trust it. It's cool if you bring the DS5 on a midnight trip on the roads of Shanghai, China...



Photo: PSA Peugeot-Citroen

Mercedes-Benz kisses Maybach goodbye in 2013.

Maybach

In the year 2002, Mercedes-Benz resurrected the Maybach brand to compete against elite luxury brands like Bentley and Rolls-Royce but sales are not like what it seems. As the brand's fate is gone on the downfall and even the sale to Aston Martin ended in a failure, a report from AutoWeek said that Benz will going to kill the Maybach brand at the end of 2013, moments after the next-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class come out in the open.

Scoop: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20111125/CARNEWS/111129952

Der Neu BMW 1er

2012 BMW 1-Series

This is "ONE WAY TO JOY"

Asian Carmakers, official BMW distributor in the Philippines, launched the all new BMW 1-Series F20 and for the first time, this new model is available in two different lines that suit your personalities: The Urban Line and the Sport Line.

Either way, they're equipped with a four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 143hp of power, 320Nm of torque, and 0-100kph in 8.9 seconds. Prices start at 2,290,000 Philippine Pesos.

My verdict:

Things I like about the new 1 Series F20 is its new interior, diesel engine, and a perfect hatchback suited for everyday lifestyle. This is the last rear wheel drive hatchback they'll ever build. Things I don't like is the exterior design, which looks psychotic.

Are you the one?

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/asian-carmakers-introduces-new-bmw-1-series-lines

"Wash away bad odors in the air with Ambi Cure Air Pa-Effects!"

What just happened on the November 25, 2011 episode of Bubble Gang?

- Those Bubble Gags want our concert tickets!

- Ogie Alcasid explains the advantages of having body odor.

- The gang got stranded in The Road 1-4! Kalye ka ba? Kasi ang English ng kalye ay...THE ROAD!

- Cheche & Bureche are out for caroling!

Cheche Bureche

- OH MY GOD! EEW! IT'S SO DIRTY! IT LOOKS SO MABAHO BUT IT REALLY SMELLS SO WONDERFUL! Bubble Gang does Ambi Pur Air Effects by spoofing this commercial as Ambi Cure Air Pa-Effects! Wash away bad odors in the air with Ambi Cure Air Pa-Effects!

Bubble Gang does Ambi Pur Air Effects!

- Cue the Voltes V theme song please because your questions are answered by Brod Pete and the gang in ANG DATING DOON!

Ang Dating Doon

1) Ruffa Mae asked "Totoo po ba ang pagsakay sa ferris wheel ay nakakangongo?"

Ang Dating Doon said that it was from the book of Perya 4:24. Don't worry, ferris wheel don't make you feel ngonog. I DON'T MEAN MAYBE...

2) Antonio asked "Totoo po ba ang Full Moon nakakaapekto sa utak ng tao?"

Ang Dating Doon said it was from the book of Eclipse 6:9. Isang Gabi sa liwanag ng buwan. Sa liwanag ng buwan, naglilinis, naglalagas ng kanyang bakokang sa ilalim ng buwan. Alien? Alien!

3) Bitoy asked "May nasusulat po ba sa sex change?"

Ang Dating Doon said "Do mi mi Mi Sol Sol Re Fa Fa La Ti Ti".

- Ayt! Ayt! Katahimikan! Katahimikan! The best pick-up lines by Bagwis, Bagoong, and Boy Pick Up are here to spit it out for Neneng B!

1) Ang buhay ko'y parang sirang lapis pag wala ka. Kasi ang buhay ko, pointless.

2) Hindi ka dapat nandito. Kasi ang mga anghel ay dapat nasa langit!

3) Buong taon, good boy ako! Para ibigay sa akin ni Santa ngayong pasko!

4) Hindi ko alam kung keilan ang mahal na araw. Kasi mahal kita araw araw!

5) Hindi na ako mahuhulog sa iyo. Kasi lumulutang ako pag kasama kita!

Pick Up

6) Tricycle ka ba? Kasi, may kuto ang lola ko!

7) Nawawala yata ako. Kasi hinahanap ko ang daan sa puso ko!

8) Alam mo bang bagay sa akin? Kasi, diesel ang kotse ni Mang Pedring!

- This guy's escaping from the woman's husband, shirtless...

- IyoTube in You Drive Me Crazy

Suzuki adds IDLING STOP on the Solio. Releases special edition "BLACK & WHITE"

2012 Suzuki Solio BLACK & WHITE

Most people love the all new Suzuki Solio probably because of the commercial starring famous J-POP male group, KAT-TUN. We couldn't confess it but because of such popularity, the new Suzuki Solio won the 2011 Good Design Award. To commemorate its popularity, Suzuki launched the much awaited idling stop variant for the Solio.

The idling stop system equipped on the Solio's K12B engine will provide a maximum fuel economy of 21.2km/L JC08 and 24.5km/L 10-15. So far then, the Solio's ecology is shaping up well.

Also, Suzuki released a special edition Solio "BLACK & WHITE", which is available in two titular colors; Pearl White and Bluish Black Pearl. Special amenities include a smoke-colored grille, black interior, checkered seats, special 15" rims, BLACK & WHITE emblem, and loads of extras. This variant is all about unpredictability.

Scoop: http://carview.co.jp/news/0/157178/

URL: http://www.suzuki.co.jp/car/solio_bw/index.html

Mitsubishi Minicab MiEV (U67V)

2012 Mitsubishi Minicab MiEV

The second MiEV that follows the success of the Mitsubishi i MiEV, the Minicab MiEV, can be an ideal small electric van for the small business owners across Japan and this promotes zero tailpipe emissions, which is very crucial in the eyes of eco-conscious small businesses that are doing their best to cut their carbon footprint.

The Minicab MiEV offers a seating capacity of two or four people, which is not an ideal family mover who want to go out for a stroll in a quiet Japanese roads, but business owners may find it very unique. The delivery boys, newspaper boys, postmen, or any other employees would be happy to drive the Minicab MiEV to keep their small businesses competitive in today's difficult times.

With an electric motor that produces 30kW of power output and 196Nm of torque output, it is possible for the Minicab MiEV to accumulate 150km JC08 in one full charge via the CD 16.0kWh variant and 100km JC08 in one full charge via the CD 10.5kWh variant.

Available in three colors; White Solid, Cool Silver Metallic, and Titanium Gray Metallic.

My comment:
The new Mitsubishi Minicab MiEV is all about "building your own business" and it's ideal for a Japanese entrepreneur to start his own Zero Emission small business not only that keeps his business happy but also keeping the world happy because of the wondrous ecology.

e:S killer! Suzuki launches ALTO ECO!

2012 Suzuki Alto ECO

This is Suzuki's answer to the Daihatsu Mira e:S, the 2012 Suzuki Alto Eco. Unlike the Daihatsu Mira e:S that accumulates a record-breaking fuel economy of 30.0km/L JC08 and 32.0km/L 10-15, the new Suzuki Alto Eco accumulates, and this will put the Mira e:S "on notice", 30.2km/L JC08 and 32.0km/L 10-15! That's a .2km/L gap between the 2012 Daihatsu Mira e:S and the 2012 Suzuki Alto Eco!

You see, that's because the new Suzuki Alto is equipped with the new R06A engine lifted from the third-generation Suzuki MR Wagon but with the improved CVT and Idling Stop system that provided an impressive fuel economy that ousted the Mira e:S' rule of being the most fuel efficient gasoline-fed vehicle.

Available this December 13, 2011, prices start at 895,000 Japanese Yen for the Alto ECO-L variant and 995,000 for the Alto ECO-S variant. Those guys who made the Daihatsu Mira e:S has one word about the new 2012 Suzuki Alto ECO:

"You're Welcome"

Scoop: http://carview.co.jp/green/news/0/4457/

Official Site: http://www.suzuki.co.jp/car/alto_eco/index.html

The first bite of the 2013 Ford Focus ST

The evolution of the Focus

The all new 2013 Ford Focus ST was premiered at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show and it doesn't go on sale until next year but that doesn't stop a game like Forza Motorsport 4 to feature this global performance vehicle that was under the One Ford approach.

This hatchback has the heart of the Mustang

Firstly, when Forza 4 came out last month, most players are getting curious about the mystery car appeared on the North American Autocross C-Class event. Players knew that it was the 2013 Focus ST and complaining to Turn 10 how did such an easter egg happened in the Event List section. The problem has been resolved with the launch of the November Speed DLC and thanks to this DLC, the 2013 Ford Focus ST was there. Problem solved, everyone can try it first before the actual model come out soon. Unfortunately, the 2013 Focus ST not classified as a C-class car but it was a B-class car. That makes it a weird gap how did that thing happened. Never mind, what matters is that we finally tried the third-generation Focus, in ST form.

The Stig tries out the prototype Focus ST
on The Top Gear Test Track!

Surprisingly though, the handling of the 2013 Focus ST is very awful even though it was a a turbocharged hot hatchback built for the world. Tuning it can even worsen the handling and if I'm not careful, this would be a devastating opportunity for me to drive this car. I guess I should ask Ford why did they're not careful about the new ST but don't worry. What we seen here on Forza 4 was just a pre-production model. You should better thank the guys that they brought the new 2013 Focus ST here before the actual model arrives next year for evaluation purposes.

Ford Focus ST-R works out at Laguna Seca

So, the 2013 Ford Focus ST is a perfectly balanced blend of refined engineering and undliuted adrenaline, but this turns out to be not so balanced blend of unresponsive handling, redundancy of being a FF hot hatch, and it signifying nothing. Maybe for those who own it on Forza 4, they should need to think the good setup to perfect the 2013 Focus ST's handling so they will stop ending up the same experience as I am.

*Pre-production Model Shown. Actual model may vary.

Driving Music (What is the name of the song on car commercial?) Volume 18

This is like a mob threat. Those car enthusiasts really know how to launch their own well-orchestrated attack when it comes to new car commercials aired, that is, asking what was the music played on the car commercial. An unknown assailant, for example, cyber-attacked my website with the words "song new mercedes b class w246". Agh, every time when a new car has its own TV commercial, you guys really sure know how to launch your own "well-orchestrated" attack, that is, asking for the song played on the TV commercial! Can't you guys have enough for one day? Just one day, okay?

For this, I have my own "well-orchestrated attack for you, that is, another set of five Driving Musics (Car Commercial Songs) that would be rushed on your car audio.

5) THIS IS IT! YOU'RE THE ONE! I KNEW IT! by Dreams Come True - as heard from the 2004 Honda Odyssey Japanese TV Commercial.

4) Tonight's The Night by Rod Stewart - as heard from the 1995 Subaru Legacy Japanese TV Commercial.

3) You're Beautiful by James Blunt - as heard from the 2006 GM Daewoo Tosca Korean TV Commercial. Also heard from the 2006 Toyota Vitz Japanese Commercial starring Rie Miyazawa.

2) Sunglasses At Night by Corey Hart - this is from an old Kia Sephia Korean TV Commercial.

1) I'm Gonna Be Around by Michael Learns To Rock - song heard from the 1997 Kia Sephia II Korean TV Commercial.

My well-orchestrated attack stops here for now. If you car enthusiasts ever try to attack me with your words related to "song" and "car commercial", you better watch out.

Metal Gear Solid HD Edition

Metal Gear Solid HD Edition

In the year 2001, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty was released for the PS2 and since its launch, over 7,000,000 copies were sold worldwide. It even achieved a Guinness World Record Gamer's Edition 2008 recognition for being the best selling video game for the PS2. In 2004, the beginning of the Metal Gear story happened with the debut of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater.

Now, in 2011, experience these two award-winning titles now in stunning yet remastered 1080p HD resolution for perfect picture, perfect sound, and perfect quality. Both of these were remastered courtesy of Bluepoint Games.

Here on the HD version of MGS2, play the entire Manhattan Tanker Incident as Solid Snake and the Big Shell Incident as Raiden, VR Missions, Variety Missions for added fun, and five Snake Tales to challenge your wits. On the HD version of MGS3, relieve the beginning of the tale as Big Boss, watch the Demo Theater, or even play Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2 Solid Snake. There are lots of trophies or achievements to collect!

LIMITED EDITION:
The "limited availability" PREMIUM PACKAGE not only features the game itself, but also a special booklet called "The Art of Metal Gear Solid The Original Trilogy" and a bonus CD called "METAL GEAR SOLID ： The Original Trilogy ～Vocal Tracks～". The KONAMISTYLE PREMIUM PACKAGE, available at Konamistyle for a limited time features the specials mentioned, a special headphone, and two original mug cups.

Give and Take: Suzuki mulls own version of Mitsubishi Minicab MiEV

Mitsubishi Minicab MiEV

It's a give and take situation. After Mitsubishi teams up with Suzuki for the Delica D:2, which is essentially a rebadged version of the Suzuki Solio, it seems that Suzuki are teaming up again with Mitsubishi for their own rebadged version of the upcoming Mitsubishi Minicab MiEV. Once approved, it will happened. The Mitsubishi Minicab MiEV is scheduled to go on sale before the end of 2011.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/11/suzuki-in-talks-with-mitsubishi-for-oem.html