Volkswagen Golf VII

Nur wer die Menschen kennt, kann das Auto bauen.

2013 Volkswagen Golf

2013 Volkswagen Golf

For almost four decades and for six generations, the Volkswagen Golf is one of the key vehicles of the Volkswagen lineup and as of 31st July 2012 - exactly 29.13 million units sold since 1974, the Volkswagen Golf, is one of the most successful motorcars in the world. Now though, with its seventh incarnation, a new chapter of the Golf storyline is about to begin, like a new chapter for a big movie.

As I speak, this is the first new model to incorporate Volkswagen Group's new MQB platform, a new generation platform that allows access to new powertrains and technologies, including innovations in the areas of safety and infotainment, which until now were reserved for vehicles in higher segments. This new platform was currently on the latest version of the Audi A3, and the upcoming Seat Leon and hopefully, this new platform will be applied in future models the Volkswagen Group's been diddling about.

As a car made for people by people, the Golf is a well-civilized vehicle that targets any age demographic. It doesn't matter if you're 20's, 30's, middle-aged, senior, or whatever. This is the other people's car since The Beetle and this is not just a car, it's a religion of some sorts and this new model is on the whole new testimony for the next generation of Golf owners.

For this new model, it's now 56mm longer than the previous incarnation. Even the wheelbase is longer, making it possible to accommodate more interior space. The enhanced dimensions of the new Golf courtesy of the MQB platform generates 0.27cD of drag coefficient. About as similar as using a hair blower on your face.

Even though the new chassis is proven a worthy contender, there's one thing I'm not particularly fond of and it was the new Golf's look. Even though this was the improvement of Walter de Silva's VW design DNA, this new look kinda looks like some pensioner who lives in a retirement home in Yorkshire. Yes, it looks like a senior aged retiree who is wearing bicycling outfits and that looks a bit...well, corny. However, when you get inside the interior, this is far more different from conventional VW interiors of other models.

2013 Volkswagen Golf interior

I wouldn't say much about the interior but it seems that not only the new chassis made it lighter, the inside did take some SENSA and a bit of Zumba, therefore most of its components like the dashboard, module, air conditioning, seats, and others also contributed to the almost 40kg of weight loss to the superstructure. That's an amazing achievement here but what about the engine types offered on the new Golf that had been taken too much SENSA and Zumba?

We're expecting a 1.2L TSI, 1.4TSI, 1.6 TDI, and 2.0 TDi engines, each with different characteristics and specs that affects the Golf's behavior. Either way, they can be fitted with either a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual, or the DSG Doppelkupplungsgetriebe for quicker shifting than manuals, well this is just only a hunch. Most of the engines come with BlueMotion Technology that promises to be economical and yes, it do come with the feature that shuts the engine off when you stopped at the red light and then start again when you set off. Idling stop for short. That's what I'm saying.

The one with the 1.6 TDi engine is the efficient of the range with 3.8L/100km of fuel economy while the one with the 2.0 TDi engine is the most powerful Golf in the range with top speed of 216kph. It all seems fine but next year, the seventh Golf will be having high performance versions, especially the one that we're not going to mention it because of search engine issues. You get me?

Besides, with Ayala Corporation is now the OFFICIAL distributor of Volkswagen in the Philippines, I really had my fingers crossed that this new seventh-generation Golf will be on their portfolio. This car is on sale in Germany for 16,975 Euros for the entry-level version while next year, it will arrive in other parts of the world such as North America, Middle East, and Asia. Because the fact that China is one of VW's biggest customers, I think that the new Golf VII would get some high stakes here.

Oh and one more thing...they're available in 3-door and 5-door. Thanks...

Photo: Volkswagen AG

Goin Bulilit goes to Malaysia

On the November 11, 2012 episode of Goin Bulilit, the kids are goin' Malaysia. Of course, they're not here for some sightseeing at Petronas Towers, Kidzania, Legoland, or any other famous Malaysian landmarks. They're here to mess it up, Bulilit style! What they did there is simple;

- USE IN THE SENTENCE jokes with everything Malaysian!

- Theme park gags in Berjaya Times Square

- In "That's A Lasa Nonsense", Mutya Orquia tastes the street foods of Jalan Alor.

- Gags in Kidzania

-A visit at Malaysia's Papa John's Pizza...

- The corniest jokes in I'M CORNY!

- The ASK Girls tells us on how to TRAVEL IN FASHION

- Sketch courtesy of Moose Gear

...don't worry. There's still more Malaysia fun with the Goin Bulilit kids next week for Part Two. See you soon!

Forza Horizon: This is the all new BMW M6. Period.

A grand tourer made for the well-sophisticated bachelor

So, here I am, playing a game of Forza Horizon, talking about the all new BMW M6 (F13) that was featured on this game. Yep, this is the first time they've featured this latest M6! No one bravely does. This is the only video game in the world for you to taste the all new BMW M6 F13 Coupe.

Anyway, about the all new BMW M6, this new model is getting a bit more tamed than wild because for starters, the glorious V10 engine was been thrown away and replaced by a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine from the BMW M5 F10. It seems that downsizing is now a trend of today because of strict emission regulations but despite that, all that downsizing leads to bigger power. The old V10 of the M6 E63 has almost 500HP of power, this 4.4L V8 engine with turbos on the new M6 F13 though, has 552HP of power. That's a lot of power and more torques. A lot more torques. And it's quick!

With all that new features, especially the carbon-fiber roof, is the all new BMW M6 compromised some of its thrills in favor of being a well-mannered grand tourer in running shoes? I think it's a big no because even though it's a grand tourer, the new BMW M6 sure knows how to dance. It maybe challenging at first but when you get the hang of it, my oh my, it's a deserving one.

Nice job on that treasure hunt!

I like this one better than the new Bentley Continental GT or the Jaguar XKR-S but I think it's better than almost anyone. It's a soon-to-be-a-classic BMW in the making, turning the heads of almost any driver who sets foot on this one and it's impossible to think what's next to this new model. I've been waited for this moment to come.

Forza Horizon: The New Bentley Continental GT

A spectacular combo between a geyser and a Bentley

This is another one of the cars that are new in the world of Forza and this is rather different than what you've expect to be. What this is is the new Bentley Continental GT, a grand tourer from Crewe, redefined for the next generation.

A grand touring epic masterpiece

Being one of the most advanced grand tourers in the world, the Bentley Continental GT is a bit half-cocked and pretty dry when you take it for a spin. It maybe bulky than other grand tourers in Horizon and maybe a bit overpowered by its 6.0L W12 engine but when you get it right, the new Continental GT sure knows how to make better obligations against your rivals. Also, thanks to its advanced all-wheel-drive systems, ensuring that all the power the 12-cylinder engine generates is utilized, that makes it perfect when you play a game of king or infected. I once tried one and I gotta say that its 4WD layout really knows how to outturn and outrun any kind of A-class car in a playground game of their choosing.

I really like this, even though it looks the same as the old Continental GT from my other game. An epic grand touring masterpiece like this is truly one of the reasons why the new Continental GT loves to do a little soul searching in Colorado but on the downside, it's somewhat not quite as good as the all new BMW M6 F13 that I'm tackling soon. It may have more power but it's heavier. Period.

Forza Horizon: The star of the show!

The Star of Horizon is here!

Allons-y! As I knew, the all new 2013 SRT Viper GTS is the hero car of Forza Horizon. Reason why this is the hero car of Horizon? It's in the cover, get it? In the front cover!

Anyway, the reason why they picked the SRT Viper GTS is because the producers said that this car's a fitting take to the roads of Colorado. With legendary Forza DNA in free roam driving and incredibly fluidic graphics, it seems that this car never felt so alive. It really has the soul in motion within.

It's also BAD TO THE BONE because with the 8.4L V10 engine that generates 640HP, 0-60 in 3.3 seconds, and 220 mph top speed, the SRT Viper is one heck of a brutal sportscar which is great for show-offs. 

Overpowered, great on straight lines, dynamic and challenging handling, that's how I like most about the SRT Viper and this hero car is all about being the hero of the Horizon Festival.

"Bring Madyik into your life!"

On the November 9, 2012 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Gags at the office...

- Once again, our wise Tata Lino's back for quotes;

1) "Kung kasalanan ang maging maganda, huwag kang mag-alala. Malinis ang iyong konsensya"

2) "Huwag kang magkaporma-porma na parang magaling kung ang amoy mo ay parang galing-libing"

3) "Kung magkazombies man sa Pilipinas, hindi dapat mangamba ang barriong ito. Sa dami ng nagtatanong sa akin humihingi ng payo at naniniwala, tiyak mamamatay sa gutom ang mga zombies."

4) "Huwag kang masyadong kiligin. Pwedeng ang ibig siyang sabihin dahil ikaw ang droga, ikaw ang sisira sa buhay niya."

- Pickup Lines courtesy of Push Back, Bisugo, and Boy Pick Up!

- What will a man do to bring Magic into his life? Bubble Gang does Jack 'n Jill Magic Flakes by spoofing this ad as Jack 'n Poy Madyik Pleyks. Bring Madyik into your life!

- Brod Pete and pals are back in ANG BAGONG DATING DOON!

1) Meron po bang naisusulat diyan kung naiinlove ang mga alien?

From the books of Katy Perry's E.T. 123 - Kiss me, kiss me, infect me with your love and feel me with your poison. Take me in love, wanna be a victim, ready for abduction.

2) Betong Sumaya asks "may naisusulat po diyan tungkol sa mukha ni Diego"?

Nakasimangot ka na lang palagi, parang ikaw na lang ang nagmamay-ari ng sama ng loob. Pagmumukha mo ay hindi maipinta. Nakalimutang mo na bang tumawa? Eh, sumasayad na ang nguso mo sa lupa.

3) Someone who PM'ed the Facebook page (ibrodpete) said "bakit dito lang sa Pilipinas may mga manananggal?"

Why? Because they can't get this far. Even going to the airplane won't work, that's why manananggals stay in the Philippines.

4) Someone said "sino po ang robot na magaling kumanta?"

Michael Voltron

5) Someone from UP said "sino po ang active PBA player na pulitiko pa?"

Rico Mayor Harper - player pa, mayor pa! He he he....

6) Someone from Bulacan says "lahat po ba ang akala ay mali?"

No. Akala mo mali?

- Mr. Assimo encounters some promotions around the corners...

- Nakatikim ka na ba ng Pechay Baguio?

- Please stop taking pictures of yourself while you're on a picnic...

- IyoTube in It Might Be You...

What's in our Car Town Garage today? (November 10, 2012)

What's in our Car Town Garage today?

2013 Carbon Motors E7 Concept

This is what the future of America's cop cars would look like thanks to the E7. So what's it all about the Carbon E7? This next-generation law enforcement vehicle is powered by a more efficient clean diesel engine and fuel system that promises an estimated 40% improvement in fuel consumption compared to today's law enforcement vehicles. Also, it comes with the next-generation of high-tech gear fit for officers who want to take down criminals.

2013 Carbon Motors E7 Concept

1984 Toyota Indestructible Hilux

In one episode of Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson tries to wreck the Toyota Hilux pickup using whatever means necessary; especially the tidals, wrecking balls, head-on collision, anything! However, despite numerous tortures, the Hilux's still standing! Not even when James May placed the Hilux to the top of the building set to be demolished! No one knows what's got into that Hilux but still, it's all part in the Top Gear Studio as of now.

1984 Toyota Indestructible Hilux

1989 BMW M3

The story of the BMW M3 begins in the E30 model. The first BMW M3 comes with the S14B23 2.3L engine, which was based on various BMW parts: basic block layout from the M10 4-cylinder (found in the 2002 and 320 series) overbored and reinforced to similar specifications of the BMW M88 inline-6. Pair this one with the current generation M3 and you can see how did this whole M3 began from the past and present.

1989 BMW M3

The DataBlitz Vs. X-Play Fiasco regarding NBA 2K13

NBA 2K13 (PS3)

Last month, the latest installment of the NBA 2K series, NBA 2K13, which was executive produced by JAY-Z, is one of the best NBA 2K games ever played because NBA fans love to play as one of their favorite teams, especially Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Charlotte Bobcats, Detroit Pistons, and many others.

However, there's been a trouble out here because a gaming retailer in the Philippines, DataBlitz, sold one of the NBA 2K13 copies (yes, they're original, not pirated like what you see on some shady stores in the malls) until DataBlitz has been raided by the CIDG for unauthorized distribution of copies of the hit game NBA 2K13. This was caused by X-Play Online Games, Inc.

X-Play Online Games is the exclusive distributor of BLIZZARD games (Diablo and World of Warcraft) and NBA video games in the Philippines and they said that DataBlitz's action of distributing the game is a violation.

Back then, DataBlitz and X-Play Online Games made a partnership regarding the NBA 2K13 sales but sadly, the whole partnership was nixed.

Here's the statement from X-Play Online Games:

 

It is unfortunate that businesses had to be disrupted by the incident that

transpired yesterday. While we sympathize with other individuals dragged on

by this issue, we stand by our ground to be vigilant in dealing with illegal

activities to protect our rights, our partners and our local gaming

community.

This is not a knee-jerk reaction from X-Play. In fact, meetings were held

with Datablitz President, Winston Lim and his team to become X-Play's

primary partner for NBA 2K13. Datablitz key executives Sandra Lu and Orpha

Oambas even participated in X-Play's distributor conferences and got all the

marketing and distribution plans of the company.

Datablitz's decision to acquire and distribute NBA 2K13 through unauthorized

means despite these efforts, leaves X-Play no other option but to report

this to the proper authorities, in which CIDG and the Regional Trial Court

took immediate action on.

The action of Datablitz was not only detrimental to X-Play but also affected

other smaller retailers, game stores and entrepreneurs.

We hope nothing more but to resolve this predicament but will hold firm in

protecting the industry from smugglers and illegal operators.

 

Scoop: http://www.xplay.com.ph/article/?t=OFFICIAL+STATEMENT+OF+XPLAY

Later on, DataBlitz stroke back with their press release:

To Our Beloved Gaming Community & Friends,

Monday, Nov. 5, 2012, will be remembered as a day of infamy and shame for the gaming industry with XPlay initiating a disgraceful harassment action against DataBlitz for alleged selling of "unauthorized" stocks of NBA 2K13.

Yesterday, XPlay released an official statement listing down various details of meetings between XPlay and DataBlitz in the weeks leading to the launch of NBA 2K13. In spite of all that's been said in their press release, they've conveniently omitted the most pertinent details:

1. All the meetings that took place between Xplay and DataBlitz were initiated at the request of XPlay. DataBlitz has never asked to meet with XPlay and were only asked to participate in meetings and/or to join XPlay's so-called "marketing programs" (which are really nothing more than just glamorized parlor game events). DataBlitz participated in the meetings and "marketing programs" out of courtesy to XPlay and no such thing as "primary partnership", whatsoever was ever discussed, offered, nor penned on paper, whatsoever.

2. Apart from just saying that they will be distributing NBA 2K13, XPlay has never indicated in any form of writing or communications whatsoever to DataBlitz that they are the exclusive distributor of the game.

3. Thirdly, and this is the most important and glaring omission in XPlay's press release: in spite of the above, the fact is that DataBlitz still went ahead and purchased a considerable quantity of NBA 2K13 stocks from XPlay as a gesture of goodwill towards XPlay, even knowing that they are still very new to the industry of console games, without any proven track record whatsoever to speak of along this front.

However, it is the understanding of DataBlitz that XPlay is just another reseller of the game, and as we still live in a free country the last time we checked, DataBlitz reserves its right to buy stocks of the game from other sources, apart from XPlay, so long as these are legitimate, genuine, brand-new, original games, that are and always have been the hallmark of our product offerings to our customers.

DataBlitz has been in the gaming industry for over 17 years now, and our record speaks for itself, we have always maintained a pristine reputation as the one reliable source for original and genuine games at reasonable prices. From the very beginning when piracy dominated the market 17 years ago and up to this day that we have been able to steadily educate our consumers (without harassing anyone) about buying and patronizing original games and software, we have remained steadfast in our core belief of looking after the welfare of the gaming public first and foremost.

If there suddenly are now parties out there who see the vibrancy of the gaming industry as a way to profit immensely by using sham claims of being the only party that possesses "authorized" stocks (whatever that means) in order to shove overpriced games down the throats of the gaming public, this kind of modus is just against the core principles of DataBlitz and something we just cannot and will not go along with.

At the end of the day, we have the welfare of our customers at heart, not the twisted desires of these opportunists. Even if it means this will be a lonely battle, as Monday's events have shown that we were very obviously the only one unjustly and unreasonably singled out, we shall always remain as the one beacon of light and hope for gamers everywhere and carry on the good fight to stop such forms of profiteering through harassment.

Scoop: https://www.facebook.com/DataBlitzPH/posts/163682207107791

With all that fiasco, it seems that gamers in the Philippines are in favor with DataBlitz's because what X-Play did was wrong and unlawful, therefore boycotting the games offered by X-Play.

Story: http://www.fhm.com.ph/techie/features/article/17119

Renault Samsung SM5 Platinum

2013 Renault Samsung New SM5 Platinum

Now I have to admit it that this facelifted version of the Renault Samsung SM5 could give us a hint of what a facelifted Renault Latitude could look like but sadly, because of the Renault Fluence facelift gaining a Clio-styled nose rather than the one from the facelifted SM3, chances are that this kind of thing that we're talking about now won't be applied to the facelifted Latitude soon and instead go on with the Clio-style nose because this is the new trademark for Renault.

Anyway, this here is the New SM5 Platinum, the updated version of the SM5 executive midsize saloon car that has been around for two years since this generation was released in South Korea since January 2010. For this latest version, the New SM5 Platinum draws some inspiration from the All New SM7 so the exterior kinda looks like it, except the rear lamps which is still an SM5, only refined. I think that this facelifted version is getting more of a matured 25-year-old businessman who wants to stand out against his rivals.

2013 Renault Samsung New SM5 Platinum interior

On the inside though, it's not that desperately impractical and it's getting more matured to cater someone in a coat and tie. What's new here is the sat-nav that now checks your average fuel consumption and also, SMart Connect first applied on the latest version of the SM3. This feature allows this navigation system's firmware to be updated via Wi-Fi and not just that, it gets you access to SK Telecom's MelOn mobile music portal service. That name is familiar for K-POP fans many because of the MelOn Music Awards but for those, MelOn is SK Telecom's mobile music portal service which is the world's first wired and wireless interworking music service that allows you to enjoy your favorite tunes anytime and anywhere. It's legal, you are first to listen the world's best songs, and SK offers real-time streaming and downloads through its Music Rental Service.

Although, no mechanical changes were made on the 2.0L CVTC-II L4 engine capable of releasing 141PS of power, the new generation XTRONIC CVT helped propelled the New SM5 Platinum's fuel economy of 14.1km/L. That's an improvement from the previous 12.1km/L. Sadly, the 2.0L engine is the only engine available on the New SM5 Platinum. Period.

The New SM5 Platinum tries to keep it fresh during its two-year tenure and I think that now, it's becoming one of the best executive midsize sedans in South Korea. It maybe built to compete against the Malibu, the K5, and the Sonata but in every intangible way, the New SM5 Platinum shows who's the boss. It shows who's in charge of everything. It always tries to woo the crowd from Gangnam...Er, am I saying that loud am I?

Anyway, it's now well-mannered, well-tailored, and surprisingly elegant to drive if you are the kind of man who thinks that his life is like a Korean drama.

Available Colors: Black, Mars Gray, White, Ebony Brown, Ultra Silver, and Pearl White.

PRICE LIST:

PE - 21,800,000 Won

SE - 23,070,000 Won

SE Plus - 24,650,000 Won

LE - 26,120,000 Won

RE - 27,590,000 Won

The Mitsubishi Delica family

For several years, the Delica name remains sacred to the Mitsubishi history because it's the series of vans coveted by Japanese families because of its practicality and versatility. It's the 21st Century, and the Delica story has been changed since the arrival of the Mitsubishi Delica D:5 in 2007. Yes, we had this around for five years but haven't aged a bit. Mitsubishi kept themselves busy to keep the Delica name alive and hey, in 2011, they have another Delica models only this time borrowed from other Japanese car manufacturers. The Delica D:2 is essentially a Suzuki Solio with a Mitsubishi badge on it while the Delica D:3 is a triple-diamond star version of the Nissan NV200 Vanette.

Question is, how does these Delica models compare?

Mitsubishi Delica D:5

Mitsubishi Delica D:5

PRICE LIST:

2.0 M 8-seater - 2,330,000 Yen

2.0 G Power Package 7/8-seater - 2,661,000 Yen

2.4 M 8-seater 4WD - 2,772,000

2.4 G Power Package 7/8-seater 4WD - 3,072,000 Yen

2.4 G Premium 7/8-seater 4WD - 3,619,000 Yen

The Mitsubishi Delica D:5 may look stodgy and old, but still catching up in today's trends. 2WD variants come with the 2.0L 4J11 4-cylinder SOHC MIVEC engine that produces 150PS of power and 191Nm of torque while mated with a CVT. Fuel economy based on the JC08 cycle is 13.6km/L.

Meanwhile, 4WD models come with the 2.4L 4B11 DOHC MIVEC engine that generates 170PS of power and 226Nm of torque. Fuel economy is 11.2km/L based on the JC08 test cycle.

Mitsubishi Delica D:2

Mitsubishi Delica D:2

PRICE LIST:

1.2 X - 1,542,000 Yen

1.2 S - 1,656,000 Yen

1.2 S AS&G - 1,747,000 Yen

1.2 X 4WD - 1,667,000 Yen

1.2 S 4WD - 1,779,000 Yen

The Delica D:2 is powered by a K12B engine that generates 91PS of power and 118Nm of torque. For 2WD models, it has a fuel economy of  20.6km/L but if you're opted with the Auto Stop & Go function, this will have the fuel economy raised to 21.8km/L. For 4WD variants of the D:2, this will get up to 18.8km/L.

Mitsubishi Delica D:3

Mitsubishi Delica D:3

PRICE LIST:

1.6 M (5-seater) - 1,889,000 Yen

1.6 G (7-seater) - 1,984,000 Yen

The Delica D:3 is powered by a 1.6L HR16DE engine that produces 109PS of power and 152Nm of torque. 5-seater variants of the D:3 will have a fuel economy of 13.2km/L while the 7-seater D:3 has a fuel economy of 12.8km/L.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

Well, the Delica D:5 is the top of the Delica family because not only it carries up to either 7 or 8 people but also it has tons of features that you are expecting for a minivan. Also, it has INVECS-III 6-speed Sport Mode CVT to make things a little bit smoother. The Delica D:3 and the D:2 are just borrowed from different carmakers. The D:2 maybe the baby of the Delica range while the D:3 is a workhorse suitable for a simple Japanese family. Sadly though, I don't need some more explanations because for me, I think that the Delica D:5 is the better bet because unlike the D:2 and D:3, it's the best Mitsubishi minivan for the average Japanese family. I may gonna say that the Delica D:5 is a Japan-only car but what I heard, it's available also in Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, and that's it.

Report: Land Rover to launch 16 new models in 8 years

2013 Land Rover Range Rover

Heh, this is just like Nissan's Power 88 plan but it's different. It seems that Land Rover plans to launch 16 new models for the next eight years. This will help sales of Land Rover to reach more than 600,000 cars a year.

Scoop: http://cars.uk.msn.com/news/land-rover-to-launch-16-new-cars-in-next-8-years

Report: Lexus trademarks "RC 350" name

2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport

A couple of weeks ago, Lexus trademarked the "NX 200t" and "NX 300h" for their future crossovers. Now, that Toyota's luxury brand trademarked another name and this one's a bit too timey-wimey. I heard that they've trademarked the name that they'll be using on their future sports coupe based on the LF-CC concept car...wait for it...wait for it...wait for it...RC 350.

RC? 350? RC 350? Oh my gosh, this is too timey-wimey because it rhymes with the fictitious and hero car of Ridge Racer 7, the Kamata RC 410. That's a Ridge Racer name. RC. You know? RC 410. The aggressive Nissan GTR-esque star of RR7!

While this case is getting too timey-wimey, we'll leave you with a reaction of what might have been...

Sorry, that's just Ritsuko Akizuki startled...