New Skoda Rapid and New Seat Toledo

This is the first of one of today's offerings. It's the new age of Skoda, the first of its kind, a compact sedan. The Skoda Rapid. It maybe essentially a production version of the MissionL concept car as seen on 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show but this one though is a bit more clever than that...

2013 Skoda Rapid

Now, if you're from India, then to you, your India's Rapid is different from our Rapid. As I want to say, the real Skoda Rapid we'll talk about is the new one. The real one. The made-in-Mladá Boleslav one. The one from the Paris Motor Show. Not the poor man's Rapid which was made in Pune. Indian Rapids had the old Skoda badge on it while the Rapid that was made in Mlada Boleslav, Czech, has the new Skoda trademark front as well as the new Skoda logo. See the difference? Yep, it stays true to its brand slogan; "Simply Clever".

Hopefully, I don't want anyone from India reading this article or searching for it. Anyway, this new Rapid is coming back fighting and the most powerful version as of now is the 1.4 TSi model that produces 122PS of power, 0-100kph time of 9.5 seconds, and top speed of 206kph. Most fuel efficient is the one with the 1.6 TDi engine mated with the 5-speed manual that promises combined consumption of 23.8km/L (4.2l/100km). There are other engine types available such as the 1.2 MPi, 1.2 TSi, and a 1.6 TDi with 105PS power output and whichever engine you're on, transmission offerings will be a 5-speed MT, 6-speed MT, or a 7-speed DSG.

Prices start at about 289,000 Koruna or about an estimated 11,500 Euros for the basic Skoda Rapid Active 1.2 MPi 5MT varnat up to 459,900 Koruna or about an estimated 18,210 Euros for the top of the line Skoda Rapid Elegance 1.4 TSi 7-speed DSG model.

2013 Skoda Rapid interior

It looks nice though and somewhat practical because what's underneath the Rapid is a chassis from the current generation Volkswagen Polo, which means there's a bit of cleverness going on. Sure, Skoda is the Czech subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, the Germans have done it again to keep the new Rapid well-made for the developing markets, even China's going to get one of these soon.

2013 Skoda Rapid

It may look like a saloon car but it is essentially a 5-door liftback promising a luggage capacity of 550 litres. That makes it a good compact car all-round for everyday use and I think the all new Rapid could claim to be Czech's first of its kind.

However, it must now face this. A car that seems to be the identical twin of the Skoda Rapid...

2013 Seat Toledo

The se habla español SEAT Toledo. It's back. The compact saloon is back and now it uses the same aesthetics from the Skoda Rapid. It might be more of the production version of the concept version as seen from the 2012 Geneva Motor Show but by the looks of it, the Seat Toledo's dramatic design blows the Rapid out of the water. It looks even more premium and stylish unlike any other compact saloons in this category.

2013 Seat Toledo interior

Even though the new Toledo, like the new Rapid, comes with the same engine choices such as the 1.2 MPi, 1.2 TSi, 1.4 TSi, and the 1.6 TDi engine but when it comes to dimensions, the Toledo is longer than the Rapid thanks to its long wheelbase.

2013 Seat Toledo

However, there are a couple of chinks behind the Toledo's elegance; while the Rapid costs about an estimated 11,500 Euros for the entry-level grade, the entry-level grade for the Toledo will cost you 13.990 Euros, that's more than the Rapid even though they are made at the same line and they used the same A05+ platform. Also, the Toledo's less wider than the Rapid. You really can't tell which one has a wide stance.

But still, the Toledo is much more better looking than the Rapid because while the Rapid is focused to be more simple but the new Toledo is very stylish, very practical, and very emotional in every corner. These two compact saloons is what the Czech and the Spanish are capable of in the midst of the Euro Debt Crisis that hampering European carmakers for days but would they work in today's economy? You'll have to find that out soon...

Photo: Skoda Auto, SEAT

Toki Onjouji is 2012 Anime Saimoe Tournament winner

The winner of the 2012 Anime Saimoe Tournament from our pals from 2channel, well...is this...

Toki Onjouji

Toki Onjouji from Saki Achiga-hen episode of side-A.

She's voiced by Yui Ogura, she knocked down one of the Achiga-hen lead characters in the past Saimoe rounds, and overall, she knocked down Kuro Matsumi by a 20-pt gap.

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-11-03/2ch-forum-anime-saimoe-tournament-2012-semifinals-finals

And that is the end of this year's Anime Saimoe Tournament! Thank you very much for those characters who participated. Good-bye! Woo-hoo!!!!

"Sa totoo lang..."

On the November 2, 2012 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Cheering practice gags

- Once again, Tata Lino returned with more quotes for you to live by...

- This whole Cybercrime Law fiasco is headed to Bubble Gang too...Unless what you met from Facebook isn't what it seems...

- Bubble Gang does Luna Blanca in LINO BLANCO!

- Sa totoo lang...Bubble Gang does Novuhair Scalp Lotion by spoofing this commercial as HUKVOHAIR SCALP LOTION! Nature's answer to hair loss! Na-try mo na lahat?

- The search for the big prison break is on in PROTEJAIL!

- Dahon, Bagoong, and Boy Pick Up are here for some Pick Up Lines!

- How to deal with someone who has been addicted to lotto?

- IyoTube in You Belong With Me

What’s in our Car Town garage now? (November 2, 2012)

So, what's in our garage this time?

2012 Volvo S60 Polestar TTA

The S60-based touring car was made in collaboration with Polestar Racing to compete for the TTA Racing Elite League. Powering this touring cars was a 420HP V6 engine mated to a six speed sequential gearbox and boosted with some KERS technology as applied by most F1 racers.

2012 Volvo S60 Polestar TTA

1993 Lancia Delta Integrale Evoluzione 2

The Delta Integrale is somewhat Lancia's last resort when this Italian carmaker is in the brink of financial ruins due to some marketing disaster right before it became a division of Fiat. What made the Lancia Delta Integrale so special is that it participated and won six WRC titles on the trot! It follows the footsteps where the Fulvia, the Stratos, and the 037 left off.

1993 Lancia Delta Integrale Evoluzione 2

2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Thanks to the new 3.8L Lambda V6 Gasoline Direct Injection (GDi) engine, this new version is quicker than the old Genesis Coupe and also, it's even faster than V6-powered muscle cars and the Infiniti G37S in the track test conducted by AMCI testing. We're expressing our sympathy towards to its rivals.

2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

2013 Nissan GT-R - 第三世代の進化へ

2013 Nissan GT-R

Another year, another improvement for the R35 GT-R. So, what is it this time though? For starters, the VR38DETT engine now has sharper mid-range engine response and improved high-end acceleration. Not only that, the 2013MY (US 2014MY) GT-R now has increased body rigidity, and specification changes to the shock absorbers, springs and front stabilizer. The Premium Edition now comes with rich Semiarinin leather and custom-colored interior as fashionable interior package.

Judging from its improvements, 0-100kph time is now 2.7 seconds and it lapped the Nurburgring in 7:18.6 seconds, faster than the 2012MY Corvette ZR1 or even the 2009 Dodge Viper ACR! All that 24HR Nurburgring race payed off to have the necessary modifications applied for this update.

VIDEO:

Full Story:  http://www.netcarshow.com/nissan/2013-gt-r/

Rumor: Next Nissan Skyline to have turbocharged engine?

Nissan Skyline Coupe (V36)

Recently, I've just picked up a rumor from a website that the next generation Nissan Skyline (Infiniti G) would have its engines downsized.

A website car-research.jp told that for this latest rumor, the 13th generation Skyline (due next year) would be downsized and have its 3.7L V6 engine be thrown away and be replaced by a turbocharged 3-litre engine. We don't know that but here's the full scoop:

V37スカイラインに搭載されるエンジン候補、ハイブリッド見送りの可能性

V37スカイラインに搭載されるエンジンをめぐって多くのタイプが候補に挙げられている。より上級なエンジンから見ていくと、まずフーガと共通のV6 3.5Lハイブリッドがある。ただ前述の通り、V37スカイラインはフーガと相当近いボディデザインになることが予測され、差別化のためスカイラインにはハイブリッドが設定されないという話もある。現時点では採用の可能性は50%といったところだろう。

次に考えられるのが、V6 3.0Lターボである。V37開発当初から重視されていたダウンサイジングターボエンジンで型式はVQ30VDT。現行V36スカイラインの3.5Lモデルに置き換わる燃費性能の高い新開発エンジンである。気がかりなのは、日産がベンツ（ダイムラー社）とV6エンジンについての業務提携を発表してから、このVQ30VDTエンジンの話題が少なくなっていることだ。日産の自社開発が中断している可能性も指摘されている。

そして、メイングレードとして考えられているのが、V6 3.0Lの新型エンジンである。これは日産開発のもので従来のVQ系エンジンと比較して大幅に燃費性能を向上させたエンジンになりそうだ。

さらに、エントリーグレードとして直4ターボモデルが後追い投入されるだろう。これはベンツとの共同開発エンジンで、先日のレポートでお伝えした次期シルビアへの搭載も想定されているものである。ただし、このエンジンは排気量がいくらになるのか明確な情報が出ていない。1.8～2.4L程度とされているが、小さな排気量が選ばれた場合、V37スカイラインへの搭載はミスマッチとなってしまい実現は難しいだろう。

Scoop: http://car-research.jp/nissan/v37.html

Is there a possibility for a turbocharged engine in the next Skyline? Hope our fingers crossed because if this come to fruition, it will sound like the good old days of the Skyline. As of now, we still have the 12th Generation Skyline. Launched in 2006 and it spent six years of its tenure right now.

New SM5 Platinum revealed!

2013 Renault Samsung New SM5 Platinum

Here it is...This must be the facelifted version of the Renault Samsung SM5 (known in Europe as the Renault Latitude). Kudos to the official Renault Samsung Facebook site (http://www.facebook.com/RenaultSamsungM) for revealing the whole look for what we might think that is this the Renault Latitude facelift. Besides, this New SM5 Platinum borrows some of its design from the All New SM7 flagship sedan.

Stay tuned. More to come as the New SM5 Platinum hits showrooms this month.

Honda's N BOX+ is Japan Automotive Hall of Fame 2012-2013 Car of the Year

2013 Honda N BOX +

Congratulations to Honda Motor Co., Ltd for having the Honda N Box+ (plus) won Japan Automotive Hall of Fame's 2012-2013 Car of the Year. Not only that, the Volkswagen supermini, the up!, hailed not only as 2012-2013 Japan Automotive Hall of Fame Import Car of the Year but also 2012-2013 Japan Automotive Hall of Fame Car Design of the Year. Also, the Mazda CX-5 with SKYACTIV-D engine hailed as 2012-2013 Japan Automotive Hall of Fame Car Technology of the Year.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Scoop: http://www.jahfa.jp/JAHFA_PR_2012.pdf

Let's Do The News! (November 2, 2012)

Time now for the news. As you may know, it's one heck of a sem break for our students in the Philippines. Yep, a sem break from October 29 to November 4 for them, meaning I'm sure somebody went out in October 31 for some Halloween and then Undas in November 1 to pay respect to the deceased loved ones.

Tell you what, shortie. Have you been out in Halloween?

Exactly. Most of them are bats, black cats, devils, Frankenstein, ghosts, witches, mummies, zombies, just the usual scary things to wear for Halloween. Not just that, it's whatever they want to be. Most oddity was the child with the gas mask, you may remember back in the first Doctor Who series back in 2005. The one with "Are You My Mummy?"

(audience laughing)

Gas Mask Zombies? Sure, these evildoers that go "Are You My Mummy?" every time. There's been Daleks, Cybermen, Silurians, Ood, Silence, Weeping Angels, Autons, any DW monster those youngsters they want to be for Halloween. Speaking of which, have you seen a kissogram out there?

Uh...nope.

(audience laughing)

Hey! Jezz! What happened to you? Where have you been?

That Sandy. Hurricane Sandy. She karate chopped by man parts, then my back, I got a black eye, fractured bones, ouch....

Whoa. Seems that you've got karate chopped by a powerful hurricane named after the squirrel character from Spongebob Squarepants eh?

(audience laughing)

I guess this is how our East Coast pals thought of it when they got battered by Sandy. It's like...this.

Uh...I can explain...

(audience laughing)

Imagine that happened to you when Hurricane Sandy blown your house and then you said "Uh...I can explain...". You'd never known this happened to you! (breaks back) Ow!!!! My back!

Are you okay?

Seems that I'm not feeling well in the wheelchair....Ugh....

Look, I think you better go home for a while. You know how much cuts, scrapes, blisters, fractures, and all that how much damage Hurricane Sandy done to you.

Thank You James.

Anyway, while our friend is on a sick leave before he's better soon, there's something we forgot to mention. Sure, The Idolm@ster Shiny Festa is already here on the PSP but it seems that the PS3 version of The Idolm@ster 2 is not giving up without one last hurrah.

Is it the DLC Catalog 13?

Exactly. What to expect on that Halloween-themed DLC Pack developed exclusively for the PS3 version of THE IDOLM@STER 2 is simple. A new outfit called the Halloween Tricker and three outfits derived from the XBOX 360 version such as Visitor From Space, Snaky Showgirl and Happiness Lupinus. Also, a song titled "魔法をかけて！" is included on this DLC Catalog.

Here's the clip of what you might expect on the DLC Catalog 13 of the PS3 version of iM@S 2.

Scoop: http://www.bandainamcogames.co.jp/cs/list/idolmaster/im2/ps3/dlc/catalog13.php

See?! Oh wait! There's someone who messaged me. Says here...it's from our old friend who left us because of sick leave!

What he said?

He said, he enjoyed playing NFSMW on the PS3. He got all of the 10 Most Wanted Cars such as the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept, Shelby Cobra, Mercedes SL65 AMG Black, Lexus LFA, McLaren MP4-12C, Porsche 918 Spyder Concept, Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, Pagani Huayra, and the Koenigsegg Agera R. Well done, mate. But can you hang your Most Wanted status? This game is all about being competitive and if you have a friend playing NFSMW, see if your speedpoints stack up against your friends. That's how NFSMW was made to be.

I see. You may have done that but is your standing still standing? Keep playing to earn more.

Right! He said, he spent nearly 12 hours to complete that game! Really? Oh geez...Must have spent playing that game online with other NFSMW players worldwide. E he he he....

(audience laughing)

By the way, has anyone saw Suddenly, It's Magic?

What's that?

It's the one with Erich Gonzales with Thai actor Mario Maurer on it.

Oh geez....Pairing with a famed actor from the ASEAN region. Here we go again. Do you remember back in 2008 that there was the TV drama from ABS-CBN that stars Jericho Rosales and famed Malaysian actress Carmen Soo?

Uh, yeah. I remember that.

Now, ABS-CBN is having a trend again to pair a famed Philippine personality with someone from the ASEAN region. This time, a movie with the actress from the Philippines and a famed actor from Thailand. Seems that different cultures are getting the best of them...

Yeah, seems that Mario Maurer, who is from Thailand, is going to be guested on Gandang Gabi Vice this Sunday.

Really?

Brace yourselves, kiddo.

Yeah, and speaking of which, many of them are inquiring is there going to be a new season of Luther soon...

Luther? Oh yeah. It's the crime drama with that Idris on it...

Idris, what Idris?

Nope. Not that one who has the heart and soul of the TARDIS. It's that dude Idris Elba on it.

Oh....

(audience laughing)

Idris Elba played as John Luther, the titular main character who deals with some psychological issues while solving crimes. Anyway, BBC uploaded a video filled with some Q and A regarding the next season of Luther.



As announced. Oh yes. Luther is back soon. They've began shooting this month and BBC said that there will be four perfectly dark, chillingly-formed episodes that Luther may face with. You may never know what comes next but I'm sure it's quite a thrilling ride.

Indeed and oh! Word from this year's Istanbul Motor Show is that Renault revealed the updated version of the Fluence sedan. Here it is...

2013 Renault Fluence

Wait a minute? How come it looks different from the facelifted Samsung SM3? How come this facelifted version now has a Clio-styled nose instead of the one we saw from the new SM3?

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/11/2013-renault-fluence-sedan-goes-under.html

I don't know but we'll gonna have to find out, right? This facelifted 2013 Fluence will go on sale next year and it comes with the new 1.6-liter 115PS petrol engine mated to a new X-Tronic CVT automatic transmission that offer a significant reduction in fuel consumption, which is down by 1.3 liters/100km to 6.4 liters/100km, while CO2 emissions fall 15 percent to 149g/km.

Would that engine be work in France?

I don't know but we'll just wait, okay?

Right. Anyway, this month, Subaru will reveal the all new, fourth generation Forester, which I think this is much better looking than the new Outlander we tackled last month. Here's the full view...

2013 Subaru Forester

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/11/2014-subaru-forester-officially.html

This is it! This is the 2013 (US 2014MY) fourth-generation Subaru Forester! It's now been regenerated to look like...oh wait! This is somewhat a fatter version of the Subaru XV, eh?

(audience laughing)

Oh geez...The new Outlander is like a whale but this new Forester is...like a Galapagos tortoise in running shoes...

(audience laughing)

Even though this Galapagos turtoise in running shoes comes with the 146hp (148PS) 2.0-liter flat four connected to either a 6-speed manual or a CVT, and a 276hp (280PS) 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer matched exclusively to a CVT.

Oh my gosh....

Anyway, the Mini Countryman, which our wounded friend didn't like it because it was "more fun in Gran Turismo", is now on its 2013MY model year.

What to expect on the 2013 Countryman range is simple; a three-seat rear bench is now standard while a pair of individual seats will be available as a no-cost alternative. Also new are the trim elements, upholstery colors, the redesigned rings surrounding the Center Speedo and four air vents, new door inserts, remodeled door armrests that now house the relocated controls for the electric windows, and a larger storage compartment under the center console.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/11/fresh-colors-materials-and-ergonomic.html

I was surprised by this...surprised and annoyed to have the Countryman updated for more.

(audience laughing)

Anyway, that's the news and check out Richard Hammond's Lotus Excel converted to a proper James Bond-like submarine car. As seen from the Top Gear James Bond special.



As announced, it will also be aired on BBC Knowledge Asia this November 4, Sunday at 9PM (Bangkok Time); 10PM (Singapore and Hong Kong time); 11PM (South Korea time). No word when will this be aired on BBC America soon.

Anime Saimoe Tournament 2012 update (November 2, 2012)

Ladies and gentlemen, here are the last two characters duking it out for the crown as 2012 Anime Saimoe Tournament winner. Both of them are from Saki Achiga-hen and yes, they're ready for the final round.

Toki Onjouji

Kuro Matsumi

So, who would it be? One Vision or Dragon Magic? Err...I should be saying Toki Onjouji or Kuro Matsumi instead but never mind? Question is, who's going to be hailed as the 2012 Saimoe Tournament winner? On November 3, 2012, we'll find out who's deserving that crowning glory. Until then, good luck to the two of them...

Honda N-ONE

Can I talk about the Honda N360 now? Good. You see, over the years, Honda's first ever kei car, the N360 is quite a charm when it was launched in the 1960's. Now however, Honda Motor Co., Ltd made themselves that what we called it "the Honda N360 of the 21st Century"

This isn't it. It's still the N360...

Actually, the one we've pictured above isn't it. This is the Honda N360 from the 1960's. Produced from 1967 to 1972, the N360 is the brand's first kei car; small in size but big on fun. The N in the N360 name stands for norimono, which is Japanese for vehicle. The design of the N360 though looks similar to the classic and original Mini, perhaps this is more of a Japanese take on the Mini Cooper in the 60's.

2013 Honda N ONE

2013 Honda N ONE

This is the new version. Honda says that they took some inspiration from the old one. This is known as the N-ONE, the next chapter of the Honda N series kei cars since the Palette-rival N BOX and the more convenient N BOX+. The N stands for "New Next Nippon Norimono" and that's because Honda's trying to change the kei car paradigm. Come to think of it, when you put the classic N360 to the modern N-ONE together, they look exactly the same, except for one thing.

The old car, the N360, is smaller, which means, within my height, I can't fit inside because the N360 has 1346mm of height. Happily, the new N-ONE is taller than the N360, meaning I can fit myself in and take it for a joyride. Bye!

I've actually saw one of these in last year's Tokyo Motor Show but that was just a concept. This is the 1,150,000 Yen finished product that Japanese customers would actually buy. Under the hood lies the 660cc inline 3-cylinder water-cooled horizontal position (S07A), which produces 58PS of power, mated to a CVT and an idling stop system that promises a JC08-rated fuel consumption of 27.0km/L. That's a Daihatsu Move territory if you know what I mean. Get it? It's TNP27! It has the same fuel economy of the Daihatsu Move! Don't get too conscious though, because they did have a different variant of the N-ONE called the N-ONE PREMIUM, a more stylish version of the N-ONE and also, both the standard and the Premium variants does offer a turbocharged version of the S07A engine.

2013 Honda N ONE interior

2013 Honda N ONE interior

Just like the old N360, this is like a college student who realized a dream of becoming a representative of the  famed basketball team of his college. It feels a bit more civilized inside and out. And it's easy to park too as well because it's small. Considering it as a poor man's modern Mini, the N-ONE still looks like the modern Mini and when you parked them together, it does look a bit similar. Sure, because of its 1,150,000 Yen pricing for the entry-level model, that's about pricey-wicey than the entry-level Mira Cocoa and the Suzuki Lapin but they're like fashion statements from Shibuya. Eccentric, strange, odd, and cool.

If I'm driving one of these with optional features, especially the one with the i-MID on it, I would never ever get out of it right until the part that I ran out of petrol. Still, I love this modern version and I would never ever get out of it. A modern take of the N360 with the TNP27 fuel economy. Simply clever for this norimono.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Forza Horizon announces November Bondurant Car Pack

How's the party in Forza Horizon? Achieved the status of being a champion or you're just getting started? Hold it right there because your journey is just the beginning because Forza Horizon announces the November Bondurant Car Pack, where six new cars are made to make some party in Horizon. Meet six new cars welcoming to the party:

2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Spyder Performante
2012 Shelby 1000
2010 BMW M3 GTS
1965 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C
1994 Nissan 240SX SE
2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Scoop: http://forzamotorsport.net/en-us/news/November_Bondurant_Car_Pack

Available this November 6 for 400MSP or as part of the Season Pass. Those who have the Season Pass will get a bonus car at the third Tuesday of November.