Ssangyong Korando Sports

The now Indian-owned Korean car company, Ssangyong, unexpectedly started the year 2012 with a new model that some say is the production version of the SUT-1 concept car. This is Korando Sports, the evolution of Korea's first pickup truck since the Musso Sports in 2001 and the Actyon Sports in 2006. However, the Korando Sports has no direct relation to the Korando C crossover SUV despite the naming.

2012 Ssangyong Korando Sports

Take a second look at the Korando Sports and you'll see that nearly most of the components were exactly the same as the SUT-1 Concept Car but this is just an Actyon Sports refreshed...or is that a facelift? Well, despite being a replacement for the Actyon Sports, the Korando Sports is just the same old Actyon Sports being sorted out and that's just rubbish. You can't pick a fight against the Volkswagen Amarok with that!

2012 Ssangyong Korando Sports

On the Korando Sports' interior, well that's a coincidence. This looks the same as the Actyon's interior! I mean yes, the dashboard's been derived from the Actyon but refined with a new instrumental panel, and air conditioning, and that's it. This pickup truck has room for five passengers and high-end versions do get an available DMB navigation system and USB connectivity.

2012 Ssangyong Korando Sports

The e-XDi200 engine that powers the Korando Sports produces 155PS of power output and 36.7kg•m of torque. 2WD AT variants can go up to 13.5km/L of fuel economy while 4WD AT variants promise about 12.8km/L of fuel economy. A Korando Sports with a 2WD layout and a 6-speed manual transmission can go as much as 15.6km/L of fuel economy.

For safety, the Korando Sports comes with Electronic Stability Program, a 4WD system that has three modes depending on road conditions, and Depowered airbags.

The Korando Sports has seven colors; Indian Red, Canyon Brown, Marble Grey, Space Black, Fine Silver, and Grand White.

My comment:

About the Korando Sports... Brakes are rubbish, Ride's rubbish, seats are rubbish, THAT'S RUBBISH... Honestly, I still prefer the Korando C SUV for my own tastes. This is a pickup truck that is made with no soul and no flair and oh no! That's horrible!

In terms of pricing, prices start at 20,410,000 Korean Won (about $18,000 or 800,000 Philippine Pesos) for the entry-level variant up to 27,230,000 Korean Won (about $24,000 or 1,050,000 Philippine Pesos) for the CX7 VISION variant, which makes the Korando Sports a very good value.

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company

Toyota Camry AVV50 modified by LX-Mode

LX-Mode Toyota Camry (2012)

The 2012 Toyota Camry is somewhat the most luxurious hybrid car you can afford in Japan. However, if style is your consideration, don't try to overspend it to make it scary because you'll ruin it. Instead, why not spend it to make it more luxurious? A company named LX-Mode provide some modification parts for the 2012 Camry. Customers can modify the 2012 Camry into something gorgeous with some front bumper garnish, black grille garnish, mark-less front grille, colored license frame, side garnish, enhanced lighting, jewelry rhinestone ring surrounding the start/stop button, and most of it. Looks pretty to see but plenty of nuisance for this hybrid sedan.

URL: http://www.lx-mode.jp/lineup/2011/12/toyota-50camry.php

The Power of Presence

2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

The Range Rover Evoque is one of my favorites because of its technology, crossover styling, and luxurious interior. It maybe a "baby Range Rover" but it does well. As you heard, Land Rover Philippines announced the arrival of the all new Range Rover Evoque.

Available in the Philippines is the Evoque Si4 which produces 240HP of power and it comes with direct fuel injection technology. It is mated with a 6-speed paddle shift transmission. The Evoque is priced at 5,350,000 Philippine Pesos while the Evoque Coupe is priced at 5,500,000 Philippine Pesos.

You should know that the Evoque is Motor Trend's 2012 SUV of the Year and 2012 North American Car of the Year.

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/land-rover-philippines-launches-range-rover-evoque

Fourth Bourne movie shooting in the Philippines

The Bourne Trilogy Blu-Ray

As heard, the fourth Bourne movie, titled The Bourne Legacy, as about to start filming at the Philippines and it's not what you think. By January 11 to 15, shooting starts at some portions of San Andres St., then J. Bocobo corner Remedios streets on January 18 to 19. Later, they'll shoot at Leveriza Street from Balingkit to San Andres on January 15, San Adres corner Quirino and Taft Avenue on January 14, Riverside Road, Real and Sta. Lucia Streets in Intramuros on January 25 and February 17-18, Jones Bridge on February 5 and Ramon Magsaysay Blvd. from February 8 to 15.

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/where-to-stalk-actors-in-the-fourth-bourne-film

Word from MMDA is that during the Philippine filming for the fourth Bourne film expect some traffic out there and they'll provide you some alternate routes where you can find out at:

http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/schedule-alternative-routes-during-bourne-legacy-filming

Hope you'll don't mess it up!

New Honda City - Always Ahead

2012 Honda City

Big news! Honda Cars Philippines start the new year with a bang with the launch of the 2012 City (known in South Africa as the Ballade) Minor Change that was introduced in Thailand last year. From here, the 2012 City features a new grille, new bumper, new taillights, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, new instrumental cluster, and some chrome accents on the center console.

It still gets the same 1.5L and 1.3L engines and the same 5-speed transmissions but the pricing starts at 746,000 Philippine Pesos for the entry-level 1.3 S MT variant up to 836,000 Philippine Pesos for the 1.5 E AT variant.

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/updated-honda-city-launched-in-philippine-market

Welcome Back - 2010 Vauxhall Insignia VXR

The Stig gets down and dirty with
this turbo-nutter from Vauxhall!

Vauxhall's turbo-nutter executive saloon car, the Insignia VXR, returned in Forza Motorsport 4 with no major changes whatsoever in terms of tuning. For me, this is one of my favorite Vauxhall models ever featured in this game and the Vauxhall Insignia VXR holds a place in Top Gear history. In one episode of Top Gear, James May test drives the Vauxhall Insignia VXR, and later accompanied by Margaret Calvert, the designer of British road signs. Here on Forza Motorsport 4, it competes against the likes of the Volvo S60 R-Design and the Subaru Legacy B4 (BM9) respectively but can it do any better? Still, it was a good car for keeps and this turbo-nutter hasn't changed at all.

Second-Generation Megane on GT5

Song played in my Personal BGM: Golden Age by Def Tech

From the Album: UP

The Twin Meganes

In the Gran Turismo 5 game, there are two kinds of second-generation Megane you can choose from. Firstly, the 2003 Renault Megane 2.0 16V, which is a Standard Tier car that can be obtained at the Used Car dealer occasionally and the 2008 Renaultsport Megane, which is a Premium Tier car that how can something so wrong feels so right all along,

Renault Megane Smash - Classic Top Gear Total!

I find it somewhat very odd to see those two on GT5 but the second-generation Megane holds a special place in Top Gear history. When Richard Hammond said about the Megane's overall safety, he brings in some stuntman to crash the Renault Megane without the help of safety equipment, proving that this car is very safe. Guess this whole "Megane Smash" part in Top Gear really blown my mind.

Two damaged Meganes at their
fight to the finish

Based on their bios, the Renault Megane 2.0 16V '03 is powered by a 2.0L engine, producing 131HP of power and 141ft-lb of torque, The Renaultsport Megane, on the other hand, is powered by the same 2.0L engine from the original but tweaked by Renaultsport to provide 221HP of power and 221.3ft-lb of torque. It would be ashamed for those if they overcooked the tuning settings for both of these and overall, none of these two surprised me. In fact, we're back at where we started...

Car Darts!!

Okay, time now for the news!! Those world premieres at the 2012 North American International Auto Show are just like darts thrown repeatedly through the dartboard. This is somewhat to be called "Car Darts" and no. We're not talking about the Car Darts game Richard and James played at Top Gear, we're talking about these!

2013 Cadillac ATS

This is the 2013 Cadillac ATS, Cadillac's answer to the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It looks somewhat identical to the CTS but does it fill the gap between the CTS and the upcoming flagship XTS? It will go on sale this summer 2012.

2013 Ford Fusion

The Ford Fusion now gets its first "Full Model Change" and luckily, it will sold in Europe as the new Mondeo. In the USA, it has three kinds; the standard petrol variant, the Hybrid variant and the plug-in Fusion Energi variant. All featured the Aston Martin-style grille which is part of Ford's new design philosophy since the Evos Concept. On sale this Autumn 2012.

2013 Dodge Dart

This is the car which is perfect for a game of Car Darts because this is the 2013 Dodge Dart! The Dart name is back as the Alfa Romeo Giulietta-based sedan, which is like the Opel Astra-based Buick Verano sedan. Available in the second quarter of this year!

2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

Now this is somewhat irrelevant. The Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid is Volkswagen's first hybrid compact sedan that is capable of 45MPG fuel economy. Can Europe sell this? Not sure but they will sell this at the USA this fall.

2013 Acura RDX

Call it a prototype, but what Acura shown is the 2nd generation RDX, the evolution of Acura's compact crossover based on the Honda CR-V. Sadly, the turbo engine was been ditched, in favor of a more powerful V6 engine that produces 273HP of power. On sale this spring 2012.

2013 Buick Encore

This is Buick's compact crossover, the Encore. It will go on sale in the first quarter of 2013 and it was essentially used the platform lifted from the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa (Vita). In Europe, it will sold as the 2013 Opel/Vauxhall Mokka. Mokka, hmmm. What a weird name for that car, it's like Moka Akashiya...

2012 Smart for-us Concept

This is the Smart for-us Concept car. The folks from Smart imagine if they make an off-road roadster. Looks good indeed.

2012 Nissan e-NV200 Concept

This is the Nissan e-NV200 Concept car and this is somewhat a mashup between the Nissan Leaf and the Nissan NV200 Vanette.

2012 Nissan Pathfinder Concept

This is the Nissan Pathfinder Concept and yes, it previews the next Pathfinder (or Terrano what it used to be called) and it undergoes downsizing thanks to its platform based on the Infiniti JX, a refined V6 engine, and the newly-improved XTRONIC CVT. If come this year, this is part of the Nissan Power 88 plan.

2012 Chevrolet Code 130R Concept

2012 Chevrolet Tru 140S Concept

Two Chevrolet sports coupe concepts are shown at the 2012 NAIAS. One is the Code 130R and the other is the Tru 140S. Two concept coupes never looked so hot!

2012 Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept

The Volkswagen e-Bugster Concept is the 21st Century Beetle powered by electricity. 

2012 Audi Q3 Vail Concept

The Audi Q3 Vail Concept is just one thing: Aren't Audi selling the Q3 in the USA? But why did they feature a concept version of a car that they won't sell it in the USA?!

2012 Lexus LF-LC Concept

The Lexus LF-LC Concept is the concept sports coupe that takes a whole new direction on Lexus' L-Finesse design philosophy. We think it's hot.

2012 Acura ILX Concept

The Acura ILX Concept previews the upcoming compact saloon based on the Civic and if come in Canada, it would be a replacement to the Acura CSX.

2012 Acura NSX Concept

The NSX of the future made a world premiere at the 2012 NAIAS with the Acura NSX Concept. Surely, this neo-NSX comes with a Sport Hybrid SH-AWD and a powerful next-generation VTEC engine with direct injection.

2012 Scion FR-S Race Car

The upcoming 2013 Scion FR-S gets a bit wilder in its Race Car version.

2012 Lincoln MKZ Concept

The Lincoln MKZ Concept previews the next-generation MKZ, which was based on the new Ford Fusion/Mondeo sedan. It will feature Lincoln's absurdly weird but new design language.

2012 Toyota NS4 Advanced Plug-In Hybrid Concept

Toyota takes us a glimpse of the future of Plug-in Hybrids with the NS4 Advanced Plug-In Hybrid Concept. This study demonstrates Toyota's take on human connection to the car with technology that considers emotional and rational relationships.

2012 Honda Accord Coupe Concept

The 2012 Honda Accord Coupe Concept previews the next generation, or is it? Is there a possibility for the next Inspire?

2013 Lexus LX 570

Lastly, there is the 2013 Lexus LX 570, a facelifted version of the SUV based on the Toyota Land Cruiser 200 and now, it sports the same grille found in the next generation Lexus GS.

Those are the cars featured at the 2012 NAIAS and those can look like darts. CAR DARTS!!

The passion of the Veloster Turbo

When the Hyundai Veloster came out in South Korea last year, as part of Hyundai's new Premium Youth Lab brand, the Korean automaker really thrown a curve by releasing this eccentric hatchback coupe that opens one door at the driver's side and two doors at the passenger side. Here in South Korea, it is limited to 18,000 units to keep its premium image and for a fact, it was featured on the City Hunter Korean drama starring Lee Min Ho. Because it was powered by a 1.6L GDi engine, the Philippines won't be getting those because of the country's fuel not yet refined for fuel injection technologies. However, some didn't get that memo and hastily bring the Veloster as a grey market import. That is just stupid and made me sad. Why did most Filipinos want the Veloster so much even though the fuel-injected engine not fit for their country?

Well, to shut them up, unless if you're a Filipino living in the suburbs of San Francisco and Los Angeles, the folks from Hyundai Motor Company and Forza Motorsport 4 teamed up to bring the Hyundai Veloster to the game via the "Hyundai Veloster Bonus Pack". What they did bring on Forza Motorsport 4 is the 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo, which recently made a world premiere at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

That Hancars gig wasn't my idea...

A Veloster mated with a Gamma 1.6L Turbo GDi engine is the perfect marriage made in heaven. Just imagine what they did is turning a boring hatchback into a street fighting "come on, you think you're hard enough" road fighter and a Geordie Saturday night attitude to peace and love. (Punching the camera) Clearly, what Hyundai did is take a dreary Veloster hatchback coupe and threw most of it away.

Lee Min Ho proves he's faster than The Stig!

You see that's because the all new Gamma 1.6L Turbo GDi engine is capable of releasing 201HP of power output and 195lb-ft of torque output. Mated with a 6-speed manual transmission, it promises an estimated fuel economy of 38MPG highway thanks to its direct fuel injection. While Hyundai never told about its top speed and 0-60 time, Forza Motorsport 4 told us the figures of the Veloster Turbo but this is a little bit tentative if you ask. It will go 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds, and top speed is limited to 145.5 mph, which in Top Gear math is 146mph.

The Hyundai Veloster's interior

The Veloster Turbo is an addition to the game's Autovista feature but to do that, you have to complete a challenge in order to explore more about the Veloster Turbo in Autovista. I am impressed to be one of the first people who will witness the sound of the Gamma 1.6L Turbo GDi engine and see why the Veloster really is a 1+2 door hatchback coupe. I find it weird about the BlueLink feature but can you play XBOX 360 games on the Veloster's BlueLink telematics system? Oh no...

Hyundai Veloster in Top Gear!

Because the Veloster Turbo weighs under 2800 pounds, I expected to be more lighter than other C-class FWD cars such as Peugeot RCZ, Volvo C30, Volkswagen Scirocco GT, Golf GTi, Mazdaspeed Axela, Seat Leon Cupra, and the Honda Civic Si Coupe but it's heavier than the Mini Cooper John Cooper Works and despite being a hot hatch, it lacks some European-style handling than other European hatchbacks I know.

Yes I know, that hatchback has three doors.

For a soon-to-be-a-Top-Gear-presenter like me, I would say that the Veloster Turbo is just one of the cars the Korean automotive giant's been capable of. The Forza-Hyundai collaboration really made it further since the introduction of the Genesis Coupe at Forza Motorsport 3 as well as Hyundai-sponsored events made for US players to test their skills and their passion for Hyundai. Here in Forza 4, the art of car passion (and also Top Gear passion) really furthered to satisfy this gameplay and this Veloster Turbo really satisfied me that I am one of the only Filipinos living in the USA who are interested to try the Hyundai Veloster. You know what you should do? Start your very own Veloster Relay Mission Show - Forza 4 style! Have your friends readying their Velosters and undergo series of challenges such as a game of Top Gear Car Football, Keep the It, Pass the It, Elimination, Drifting, and the good old classic circuit racing.

And that concludes my first impressions about the 2013 Veloster Turbo on Forza 4. So, if you don't mind before Lee Min Ho knocking on my house and get this car, I'd better get out of here.

Hyundai Veloster, now at Forza 4!

The moment they've been waiting for has come alive! The Hyundai Veloster finally arrived in Forza Motorsport 4 but it's not what you think.

2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

Here it is, the 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo, which is part of the all new Hyundai Veloster Bonus Pack, which was released just in time for the Hyundai Veloster Time Trials. This DLC pack includes not just this but also the Rhys Millen Racing Hyundai Veloster Rally Car as well!

2011 Hyundai Veloster Rally Car

This is the perfect marriage made in heaven. Two cars can now be yours and this DLC is free of charge, making the new Veloster yours to race, tune, and explore in Autovista mode. Don't worry, these Velosters are STIG APPROVED!

As told, the Hyundai Veloster Time Trials take place at Suzuka Circuit - West Section and drive the all new 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo as fast as you can. The top 1000 will advance at the Championship round, where the fastest takes home the all new Veloster.

Scoop: http://forzamotorsport.net/en-us/hyundai_veloster_bonus_pack/

2012 North American Car of the Year is... the Avante and the Evoque!

2011 Hyundai Avante

2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

The Hyundai Avante/Elantra MD and the new Range Rover Evoque, hailed as 2012 North American Car of the Year as announced on the 2012 NAIAS in Detroit, Michigan. Congratulations to Hyundai and Land Rover for such wins!

PRESS RELEASE:

Hyundai Elantra, Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Win North American Car and Truck of the Year

DETROIT, - The Hyundai Elantra is the 2012 North American Car of the Year and the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is the 2012 North American Truck of the Year.

The winners were revealed Monday morning at a news conference at the North American International Auto Show.

The winners were chosen by a jury of 50 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada.

The awards are unique in the United States because instead of being given by a single media outlet they are awarded by a coalition of automotive journalists from the United States and Canada who represent magazines, television, radio, newspapers and web sites.

The awards are designed to recognize the most outstanding new vehicles of the year. These vehicles are benchmarks in their segments based on factors including innovation, comfort, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar.

It is the second win for Hyundai. In 2009 the Genesis won. The Sonata was one of three finalists last year.

It was the first win for Land Rover although Land Rovers were finalists twice before.

The jurors gave the Elantra 174 points, the Passat 161 and the Focus 155.

The jurors gave the Evoque 254 points, the CR-V 142 and the X3 94.

"The Hyundai Elantra is sporty, yet sensible. Luxurious, yet affordable. Spunky, but safe. The Elantra is a series of paradoxes and every one is another argument for the latest, impressive entry in the Hyundai lineup," wrote Jayne O'Donnell, a member of the jury from USA Today.

Another juror, Alex Taylor, of Fortune magazine, wrote: "Range Rover successfully charts a new direction for the venerable SUV trailblazer with a fresh design and advanced thinking about environmental issues."

Domestic automakers have won North American Car of the Year 10 times. Japanese automakers have won three times. European automakers have won four times. A Korean automaker has won twice.

Domestic automakers have won North American Truck of the Year 12 times. Japanese automakers have won four times. European automakers have won three times.

This was the 19th year of the awards and it was the strongest showing by European automakers in 15 years with BMW, Land Rover and Volkswagen each having finalists. In 1997 Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar and BMW were the three car finalists with the winner being the Mercedes SLK.

To be eligible a vehicle must be all new or substantially changed. The jurors considered dozens of new vehicles before sending their ballots to Michelle Collins, a partner at Deloitte & Touche early in December.

On December 15th the three car and truck finalists were announced. But only Ms. Collins knew the winners until she handed over envelopes today to Tony Swan, editor-at-large at Car and Driver magazine and a member of the awards' organizing committee. Mr. Swan announced the winners.

This is the 19th year of the awards, which were inspired by the "Car of the Year" in Europe.

They are administered by an organizing committee and are funded with dues paid by the jurors. There are no paid positions. Automakers do not pay to have their vehicles considered or to use the awards in ads.

The "2011 North American Car of the Year" was the Chevrolet Volt.

Last year's "2011 North American Truck of the Year" was the Ford Explorer.

MORE INFORMATION: More information on the awards -- including names of the jurors, previous finalists and winners -- is available at: www.northamericancaroftheyear.org.

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/hyundai-elantra-range-rover-evoque-named-2012-north-american-ca/

Suzuki XA Alpha Concept has one thing...

2012 Suzuki XA Alpha Concept

As seen on the 2012 New Delhi Auto Expo, the Suzuki XA Alpha Concept is an off-roader design study that questions one thing...

Is this the next-generation Jimny or is it something else? Something's bothering us now...

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/is-this-the-next-generation-suzuki-jimny