Let's Do The News! (September 7, 2013)

James: And now, the news and oh! I heard Rolls-Royce will be showcasing a concept car of some sort and some say, it's going to be based on the Phantom Executive Wheelbase. Here it is...

Rolls-Royce Phantom Executive Wheelbase Celestial concept

Richard: Wha...looks the same but what sort of concept was that?

James: Says here it's called the Celestial concept and this concept is a sheer sign how bespoke the craftsmen from Rolls-Royce are capable of. The Phantom Celestial concept was design following the "nighttime" theme on it and when you get inside...

Rolls-Royce Phantom Executive Wheelbase Celestial concept

(ooohh)

Jeremy: Hold it...That looks rather magnificent for a car like this because what I think of it is a Rolls-Royce Phantom made for the stargazing in mind and what bothers me that if this car had a telescope on it, I wouldn't mind saying, (mockingly) "Hey chaps! Let's look at the stars in my Rolls-Royce!"

(audience laughing)

James: More like...show me the stars. You know, it's hard to find stars on a mostly cloudy night but I think there's another way to see some stars in this kind of climate.

Jeremy: Like what?

(POW!)

(audience laughing)

Richard: Ow! What for?

James: Here you go, punching someone else's face. Another thing you can find some stars.

(audience laughing)

Richard: Knock it off, okay? Would you want me to show you the stars?!

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: Guys...guys...enough about that and let's move on to more serious news. If I said serious, I mean, of course, some (bleep) news coming out from the block.

(audience laughing)

James: Uh...why the long face?

Jeremy: You see there was the news that the the boffins from the NSA inserted backdoors in various forms of encryption and they said it was promised...wait for it....wait for it...wait for it...to spy on everyone around the world.

(huh?)

Richard: I'm sorry, what was that? Snooping or eavesdropping on our activities?!!

Jeremy: That's not all, reports just said that the NSA and its British equivalent unlock encryption programs that EVERYONE uses. If it says EVERYONE, the reports do mean it, just as Edward Snowden prophesied.

(audience laughing)

Richard: Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Slow down, Jeremy! Slow down? What do you mean that the whole thing that Edward Snowden leaked is nothing more than a prophecy that is waiting to be fulfilled by the NSA in terms of destroying America's privacy? I was quite scared by this one but...

Jeremy: Anyway, based on the reports I found on the internet, those secret programs codenamed "Bullrun" or "Edgehill" from Britain's GCHQ took three years spent at least three years trying to crack into protected traffic of the most popular Internet companies, mainly Google, Yahoo, Facebook and Microsoft’s Hotmail.

(ominous voice: The Bells of St. John are ringing...The Bells of St. John are ringing...The Bells of St. John are ringing...)

Richard: Uh...what do they mean...The Bells of St. John are ringing?

Jeremy: Yes. The Bells of St. John are ringing...not just us but on everyone. This whole NSA scandals...it really is the sign that The Bells of St. John are ringing or for worse...well, I was gonna add the whole Metal Gear references here.

James: The PATRIOTS?!

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: Yes. The PATRIOTS. That's the Metal Gear reference I was trying to say. Be warned, change your password, delete your internet history, delete all the cookies, logout after using, and better yet...

Richard: STAY OUT FROM YOUR GADGETS!!!

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: Anyway, moving on to the Syria crisis because I've been bothered about something from the G20 Summit at Russia, even for the US president who says that he will speak to the American people about why the US need to take military force against Syria. Besides, we have to wait until his upcoming speech from the White House next week, regarding about waiting for Congress and the public's response on the military action versus the Syrian government.

James: Well, I am quite bothered by this and guess what? There's more tensions into this and be warned, by the time we're mentioning this, I'm afraid that you'll becoming sleepless because of the tensions.

Jeremy: What was that?

James: Well, sorry, I can't mention that because if I said that, everyone will be sleepless by the time they go to bed tonight.

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: Come on, what is it?

James: No. I don't want to mention this.

Richard: Well, say it!

James: No way. I am not going to mention this.

Richard: SAY IT!!!

James: All right! All right! I'll mention this...and sorry for everyone around here for being restless on your way to bed tonight.

(audience laughing)

James: A report from CBS says that a senator from South Carolina warned that "Nukes In Hands Of Terrorists Could Result In Bomb Coming To Charleston Harbor". This senator says that if America don't response, Iran, which is a rogue state, will not believe America's resolve to block Iran from making nukes and if it fell from the wrong hands will spell doomsday at the Charleston Harbor.

Richard: Well that was one painful warning to South Carolinians.

Jeremy: Yeah. That's a painful one and if it does, I think it will leave a massive crater at the top of the world.

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: You guys don't see Adventure Time, don't you? There was this whole Graybles episode and then the storyteller's babbling about this episode.

Richard: Uh...would you mind?!

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: Anyway, forget about that, moving on to this because the International Olympic Committee are on the meeting about which city will pass the torch after the 2016 Rio Olympics and as of now, three candidates are on the bidding table; Tokyo, Madrid, and now...Istanbul.

James: Istanbul on the bidding table for the 2020 Olympics?! Well, in my theory that if it does became, it will be another one of the emerging nation to take part of the Olympics but Tokyo, Japan...seems to be a decent candidate but with all that issues going on about the leakage of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, I don't think Tokyo's going to be a proper candidate for the 2020 Olympics. That's my point but choosing which city will host the next Olympics is a hard task to do...

Jeremy: Well, you're right. I think Tokyo may not be a proper candidate for this considering the strong yen rate, the economic climate, and the whole Fukushima crisis thing that has been around since the 3.11.11 disaster. What's amusing here that the host city will be announced later and around 100 IOC members will vote after the presentations. So um...what's it gonna be?

(audience murmuring)

Jeremy: Well, I hear Istanbul or Madrid but no sign of Tokyo here...

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: Anyway, Renault announced a new version of the current generation Megane, more like Phase II of the third-generation Megane. Here it is...

2014 Renault Megane range

Jeremy: On sale early next year, to be revealed at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, and it has Renault's new signature front face as seen on the Twingo and the Clio.

Richard: Well, that looks convincing but sadly, feels like I don't like the new front face because it looks a bit too...convincing...

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: Now, as we know, Jaguar makes sedans and coupes while Land Rover makes SUVs. What I didn't notice that Jaguar is on the SUV scene now thanks to this...

Jaguar C-X17

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: This is the concept version of what if Jaguar make an SUV. It's called the C-X17 and as of now, no further details from now but what seems to be misleading because like I said, Jaguar makes sedans and coupes, not to mention a station wagon in the form of the XF Sportbrake but...this sparked a question: does Jaguar ever need an SUV?

Richard: Well, it's a big no for me because well, leave it to Land Rover and Range Rover because SUV is their speciality.

James: Uh...me too. Jaguar doesn't need this because Land Rover has them covered. If they made this, I think it will hurt sales of both Land Rover and Range Rover because...it's an SUV. Why would Jaguar want to make one?

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: Anyway, that is the end of the news and we'll leave you with another one of Bravest Warriors short titled Impossibomb. Yes. This is the fourth out of the five BW shorts before it all leads to a new season to this web cartoon coming this fall in http://cartoonhangover.com/



Richard: Oh yeah, before that, some big news for BW fans because on Saturday, September 7, at the Meltdown, Sunset Blvd., LA, there's going to be a special event just for the fans of Bravest Warriors. Numerous BOOM! Comics' artists, including Hannah Nance Partlow, will be there to draw something for the fans and oh! By 3:00PM to 4:00PM, there will be signing of autographs by the little kid who voiced the fan-favorite Catbug, Sam Lavagnino.

James: Be sure to come at the Meltdown, BW fans in LA because this is a sweet treat. Anyway, here's Minisode 4 of Bravest Warriors titled Impossibomb.

Karylle, IHAW NA!

Karylle is the guest of the day at Septemer 6 2013's Banana Nite's IHAW NA segment. Due to the fact that her real name is so darn long, it can't fit her twitter handle name, Karylle tries to succeed from Zsa Zsa Padilla, and strives herself as a singer. She was appeared in The Kitchen Musical.

Meanwhile in TNT: Tapatan Ni Tunting, Tunting (Ryan Bang) is on a face-off interview with a Nicki Minaj wannabe. Nicki's too fast to talk...

MG MG3

2014 MG MG3

Would you look at that, this is just another one of the ugly cars to come out this year and before you can say "kill it before it lays eggs", let's introduce to the weird-looking supermini that some say it's Britain's answer to the Dacia Sandero, Ford Fiesta, Kia Pride, Mazda Demio, and the Skoda Fabia, in case you're wandering.

It's called the MG3 and although this car maybe a brand new model, it's not new to us because this car's on sale on the People's Republic of China two years ago. Of course, the Chinese version of Top Gear do had a spin on one of these Chinese-British superminis. Talk about dual citizenship here but for this new model, like the MG6 GT and Magnette sedan, it's produced somewhere at Longbridge, which was in Birmingham if you look at the map.

2014 MG MG3

Just one question; how did it came here? Well, don't ask me, ask the folks from MG Motor UK because some say, they wanted to make a low-cost compact car that claims to be "Made in Britain, Sold in Britain" and tries to compete cheap cars made from, let's just say, South Korea or Japan or Romania or India or any other emerging countries you may know.

For the new MG3, I might say that if you drove one of these, people are thinking you came from a retirement home going out at the thrift store and then buy some stuff and then went back home, without realizing that you are labeled as a "hoarder" because of so many stuff inside your house, so much that your grandkids can't get through. Oh geez... If you're a youngster who just got a learner's permit, what can I say? This is rather an unpleasant one, more unpleasant than the prehistoric Daewoo Matiz, perhaps. Hmmm...

2014 MG MG3 interior

2014 MG MG3 interior

I was quite puzzled to see such thing existed because judging by its appearance, it feels a bit "Made in China" especially for a car that was "Made in Britain, Sold in Britain". However, there's a catch, although it maybe not as youth-oriented as it seems, more like another one of the cars your lolo and lola might drive, the starter price is £8,399 or about 581,000 Php, making it one of the cheapest cars available in the UK so that makes it good value on par against its rivals. Standard features include electric windows, stereo, USB connectivity, stability control, hill hold control, tire pressure monitor, daytime running lights, halogen headlamps, and immobiliser. Hmmm, not bad though, not bad, with the list of standard features as well as the fact that it has MP3 connectivity and USB connectivity, that sounds more fun if you're a fashionista going out to the mall listening to too much pop music on the radio. However, for more expensive versions, ranging from 9,299 GBP up to 9,999 GBP, you can have digital radio, Bluetooth, easy electronic air conditioning, and so much gadgetry added to this sub-10,000 pound supermini.

Gee, that sounds acceptable but sadly, the seats are a bit cheap as well as the seat support that should have made it better. What it feels like is like the same feeling you'd expect from a "banger" car from the 90's. Yes, this car's got the 90's feelings when it comes to interior comfort or perhaps, more like seating in the house of an informal settler. It's a good thing it's not like an "informal settler" on wheels but sadly, it feels like...visiting to a house with a very dirty restroom on it. Eeeww... Sadly, if you're as big as mine, I think this is not the best choice of the job because the room's seem to be too small for you and the seating's a bit too low for your back, making it too difficult to get in and get out on a height of yours.

And then there's the way it drives and what can I say? It's not quite bad in terms of handling but still, it feels a bit heavy for a small car and the 1.5L MPi DOHC VTI-Tech engine that develops 106HP of power feels a bit like, what the Earl of Lemongrab might say it, UNACCEPTABLE! I agree on what the folks are saying that the 1.5L petrol engine feels too big for a small car, especially when it was mated with an old-school 5-speed manual gearbox. 0-60mph takes about ten and a half seconds, and top speed, it can do about 108mph or about 174kph.

Of course, being a cheap car, the suspension's rather firm rather than being too classy or more European like the Audi A1, the Citroen DS3, the Renault Twingo, or the Fiat 500 but sadly, it behaves like Asian compacts so it feels a bit jittering and as uncomfortable as a cheap van we've rented on our long trip during a typhoon making havoc last month and if I was on that situation where I'm taking this on the British motorways, I would be scared by this one because for being such a small car, it's worth the risk driving this one on the motorways until you smell some fear coming out from your car. Frenetic, isn't it?

So, what's the good thing about driving the MG3? The pricing, the standard features that will keep you occupied for hours, and it's worth the shot of being a city car. Bad things? Well, it handles like hell, the personalization is a bit lame, the engine's too big for a small car, the suspension's poor, and overall, the design is a bit too unfriendly for me.

Available colors: Red Rose, White on the Tiles, Stuck on Blue, Newton Black, Smokey Blues, Silver Fox, Orange Marmalade, Hello Yellow, Cherry Bomb, and Lady Gray.

Photo: MG Motor UK

Cars GT6 Should Put (Volume 8)

Everyone knows that more and more car gamers everywhere are willing to prefer the upcoming Gran Turismo 6, coming this winter exclusively on the Playstation3 console, than the upcoming Forza Motorsport 5, coming this autumn exclusively on the new XBOX One console. However, despite the 1200-car lineup, there are some cars GT6 should put...

Cars like...

1) Ford F-150 SVT Raptor '10

WHY: The SVT-improved version of the F-150 truck, called the Raptor, is every off-roader's favorite and I do hope this high-performance truck will be featured on this game. If it does, it acts beautifully on dirt and snow courses.

2) Ferrari FF '11

WHY: This is the first ever Ferrari that has four seats and a very clever four wheel drive system that acts differently unlike any other 4WD cars ever driven. This should add some interesting twists on GT6 once this eccentric creation was featured so do please make it happen.

3) Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 '12

WHY: The ZL1 is the performance-oriented version of the Camaro which has a very powerful V8 engine combined with wide-range of gizmos that makes it a track-focused muscle car that was once honed at the Nurburgring. This should make a perfect rival to the 2013 Shelby GT500 if this car appears on GT6. Of course, with the 2013MY GT500 coming on GT6, I hope the ZL1 should come just for the sake of rivalry.

4) Shelby GT500 '67

WHY: The classic GT500 muscle car became famous for its appearance in the car heist movie "Gone in 60 Seconds" starring Nicholas Cage. Come on, we're a bunch of movie buffs here so do please feature Eleanor on GT6 because...WE KINDLY DO MEAN IT so please "Go Baby Go".

5) Lexus GS350 F-Sport '12

WHY: The latest Lexus GS is the first to incorporate Lexus' signature spindle grille and I sure hope this model should have a spot in the GT6 car list but what I was hoping for is the one with the F-Sport trim. When added, I just want to compare this to its Toyota Aristo predecessor.


The results please? So, if Polyphony's still on the rethinking process whether these cars I've mentioned will be featured on Gran Turismo 6, whether in game or as a DLC, you can't say that I didn't had a bit to do with that.

Take that to Kaz Yamauchi!

Threats from North Korea - A Week in Review (September 7, 2013)

And now, the week in review of what's what at the Korean peninsula...

September 2, 2013

- The two Koreas are currently holding the first meeting of the joint committee that will be the charge of ensuring the resumption of the shuttered Kaesong complex.

- China's top nuclear envoy, Wu Dawei has discussed reopening of the ling-stalled six-party talks with North Korea.

September 3, 2013

- Despite a marathon of talks over the resumption of the Kaesong complex, the two Koreas are in limbo.

- With clues that North Korea will be re-engaging in dialogue with regional neighbors, experts worldwide are bullish on the possible resumption of the stalled six-party talks.

September 4, 2013

- The nation's spy agency arrested a leftist lawmaker on charges of plotting to overthrow the government, putting it closer to launching a prosecution probe into the scandal.

- SoKor president Park Geun-hye embarked on an 8-day visit to Russia and Vietnam.

September 5, 2013

- North and South Korea agreed to reconnect the military hotline that has been disconnected since March amid heightened tensions.

September 6, 2013

- President Park Geun Hye addressed the issue of "high unemployment and unbalanced growth" in a lead speech during the second session of the G20 Leaders' Summit.

- US President Barack Obama and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe were united as they expressed mounting concerns about North Korea's nuclear program.

"Simumot"

On the September 6, 2013 episode of Bubble Gang...

- "Sino ka?" Bubble Gags

- Mommy knows what you're instagram-ing at...

- The Adventures of Ruffa Mae Kwento in...Crime Scene

- Guess who's late for the meeting?

- Mr. Assimo in the middle of job interview...

- Bubble Gang does "Chik'n skin ni Mang Juan" by spoofing this commercial as "CHIK'N SKIN NI MANG JOHN". Packed with Sarap ng Pinoy!

- Mommy knows what you're twitting at...

- Special report about Sec. De Anim!!! This is going to be a dramatic one!

- Brod Pete and pals are answering life's hardest questions in ANG BAGONG DATING DOON!

- The Adventures of Ruffa Mae Kwento in...the emergency room!

- Tata Lino is once again helping everyone with some quotes!

- Moymoy Palaboy and Roadfill does Mundo Mo'y Akin in...MUNDO MOYMOY AKIN!

KZ Tandingan, IHAW NA!

For the September 5, 2013 of Banana Nite, X Factor Philippines winner KZ Tandingan was the guest on the IHAW NA segment. Having won The X Factor Philippines and became a singing sensation, KZ's talents really did help her family from Davao. The songs she used on her audition was Ready or Not and Over the Rainbow and most of her songs she used really made a "standing ovation". When she was in high school, she suffered problems from her vocal cords.

Meanwhile on BISTODO (the BISTADO spoof), Julius Baba (Zanjoe Marudo) investigates illegal recruitment and as it turned out, the victim of illegal recruitment, IS an illegal recruiter herself!

Let's Do The News! (September 5, 2013)

Here are some moments that you have missed.

- With the announcement of the all new, third-generation Honda Fit or Jazz, Mugen Power will be providing customization to the new model, ranging from body kits, performance, handling, braking, interior, and other equipment. Check it out at http://www.mugen-power.com/automobile/products/fit/index.html

Mugen Fit

- Grand Theft Auto V, the latest installment of the hit franchise, is almost near and to up the ante, the folks at West Coast Customs created a one-off car based on one of the cars to be appeared on the said game. Yep, it's a real-life version of the GTA car you can hijack anytime, it's the Banshee!

The Banshee from Grand Theft Auto V

- For the Frankfurt Motor Show, Toyota showcased the Vitz-based Hybrid-R concept car, demonstrating what if hybrid cars had the same tech as its Le Mans racecar. It may have some of the tech stuff from the TS030 Hybrid but the Hybrid-R has an uprooted 1.6L petrol engine connected to a pair of electric motors, thus developing almost 400HP of power.

Toyota Hybrid-R Concept

- The September issue of Pucchigumi featured a manga adaptation of the hit TV series, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. No wonder, Japan got succumbed over the Bronies craze given the fact that this show is showing popularity in Japan. Awkward to have it adapted but 20% cool!

- This November 22, 2013, the XBOX One new-generation console will be available in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

- The fourth Transformers movie now has a title. It will be called Transformers: Age of Extinction.

Transformers: Age of Extinction teaser

- Continuing on the news regarding the Syria uprising, it seems that the US Senate Committee approved the resolution regarding the attack on Syria after reports of a deadly chemical attack that killed over a thousand people.

- With news regarding the sex scandal between Wally Bayola and EB Babe Yosh is now on everyone's head now, reports saying that Wally Bayola was suspended from Eat Bulaga.

- On September 14, 2013, a brand new comedy gag show on TV5 is coming to tickle you down until your pants got wet. Yes, Gelli De Belen, former Bubble Gang actor Ogie Alcasid, and some new gang are coming to make some smiles from your everyday stress because there's a new show called Tropa Moko Unli.

- Meanwhile in Russia, there was a young girl who stand out the crowd because of her muscles. Wow...

- MTRCB called the producers of the hit GMA morning TV show, The Ryzza Mae Show, regarding some scenes that are not suitable for very young audiences. Scenes like one of the guests who spit orange juice to Ryzza, while there was one of the guests who called her "malandi".

- The September 2013 issue of Esquire Philippines, dubbed the Fiction Issue, has actress Jessy Mendiola as the cover girl. Sneak peek: http://bit.ly/1fvFoVa

- HURRAH! A figma based on one of the popular characters from Attack on Titan was announced. Yes, it's that feisty Mikasa Ackerman who gets the figma treatment. For preorders: http://goodsmile-global.ecq.sc/maxfigwd00203.html

figma Mikasa Ackerman

TTFN!

Epi Quizon, IHAW NA!

Yet again, Banana Nite's knocking on fame and fortune as another one of A-list celebs is on the hot seat of the IHAW NA segment. Guest of the day for September 4, 2013 is Epi Quizon.

Epi or Jeffrey Quizon is one of the kids of the late comedy legend, Dolphy, playing golf is just one of Epi Quizon's hobbies. Like the others, Epi Quizon tries to follow Dolphy's footsteps and he's one of the most respectable actors in showbizness.

Meanwhile, what's better in situations like fortune telling, whitening, what to wear, had colds, and peeing. SOSYAL? DI SOSYAL?

Third-generation Honda Fit (GK2/3/4/5) and Fit Hybrid (GP5)

2014 Honda Fit

For over a decade, the Honda Fit (or Jazz in other markets) has been the mainstay of the Honda lineup and it has been favored for being one of the most notable hatchbacks to be seen on the roads today. It has been quite a commoner's car, even in Japan, and since the death of the Civic in Japan since 2010, the Honda Fit became every Japanese's Honda car for its costs and fuel consumptions. With so much new stuff changing hands, the Honda Fit is now regenerated for the third-generation and for the new look, it looks rather bizarre rather than the last two generations.

2014 Honda Fit

When I said bizarre, I mean take a look at this rather unpleasant look for the new model and there's a hint of nostalgia here because I just noticed that the new headlamp design looks like it came from the previous generation Accord or Acura TSX. Looks like there's a hint of cost-cutting here or maybe a fair bit of parts-sharing around here. However, the controversial exterior design is not the least of the problems here because for the new model, there are several grades available, made for every personal tastes. On the top, that's the one with the 1.3L i-VTEC engine while here is the one with the 1.5L i-VTEC engine on it. Below, is the speedo-boy favorite RS model offered with the same 1.5L i-VTEC but available gearbox options is either the 6-speed manual or the CVT gearbox, and the main attraction was the Hybrid model, which has its engine size increased from the previous model's 1.3 to 1.5L and the CVT's been thrown away in favor of the new SPORT HYBRID IDCD (Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive).

2014 Honda Fit Hybrid

2014 Honda Fit RS

But first, what is SPORT HYBRID IDCD? This is the second out of third part of Honda's new SPORT HYBRID powertrain and like I said in the past, this significantly advanced lightweight and compact one-motor system developed for Honda's next generation of compact cars combines a 1.5L engine with a seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox containing an integrated, high-output electric motor powered by the car’s lithium-ion batteries. When going and high speeds, both the electric motor and the engine kicks in for combined power while in low speeds, the batteries are in charge. For the all new Fit Hybrid powered with this new kind of hybrid technology, manufacturers claimed that the fuel economy is now bumped up to 36.4km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards. It maybe 30% more than the old one but apparently, that's a higher number than the Toyota Aqua. Just to let you know, the Aqua has a CVT gearbox and the same 1.5L hybrid as this but because the new Fit has a 7-speed double clutch gearbox at hand, this is more engaging to drive than the Aqua.

If you opted for the S Package, you'll receive a couple of rather nice paddle shifters on it so you can let your Toyota Aqua rival do the complaining, saying why can't it be as engaging as the new Fit? Sorry, Toyota, but it seems that Honda's got the upper hand now. However, there are a couple of drawbacks for this one because while the new Fit Hybrid tries to be a better compact than the Aqua, I am struggling to say that having a double-clutch gearbox on a hybrid car is as nonsense as a bunch of pictures of bystanders looking up for no reason. Yeah, you can blame that on your Aling Maliit but be warned, chances are this is just like the whole Ang Joke Ko segment from Eat Bulaga. You got the joke but you almost had it.

2014 Honda Fit Hybrid interior

2014 Honda Fit interior

2014 Honda Fit RS interior

But still, it is as shocking as shocking a nerdy majorette twirler, because apart from its bizarre looks, nooks, and crannies, the Fit tries to be more of a commoner's car. For many, it doesn't matter if this new model has horrendous looks, but what matters most is this. The only reason why they would buy this car is because they want to drive this car. That's it. No ifs and buts. Just the simple reasons. Anyway, while I'd had the talk about the hybrid model, what about the rest of it? For the 1.3L model, you can have either a 5-speed manual, a CVT, or a CVT with a paddle shifters on the steering wheel. On the normal 1.5L model, only the CVT gearbox was offered. On the RS model, both the CVT and the 6MT were offered I'd suggest that an RS model with the 6-speed manual is worth the try if you're a speedo boy.

Oh yeah, for the 1.3L, what you may didn't know that idling stop was offered and with this feature, it shuts the engine off when stopped and then start again when you set off, to save petrol. What a unsuspecting catch though and as for the fuel economy, it reaches about 26km/L. That's about more than the March, more than the Vitz, and more than the Demio but annoyingly less than the Mirage.

For some 1.5L models, the fuel economy can get through 21.8km/L based on JC08 Mode standards.

Surprisingly, the brand new "FIT3" now comes with a clever safety feature called the City Brake Active System and for this one, the radar detects incoming vehicles at about 30kph or less. Also, City Brake Active System has an ability to prevent unintended acceleration, so for this one, safety is now the top priority for the Fit. Just to let you know, sometimes, the City Brake Active System doesn't work at some scenarios so...drive safely. Another safety feature is the Emergency Stop Signal which triggers hazard lights when drivers behind you are approaching and in the case of sudden braking when the vehicle is moving.

So, there you have it. The new Fit maybe as weird as a botched eye operation and as obvious to drive as the whole Ang Joke Ko segment but I think this is how its money well spent. The 1.3L model costs around 1.265 million yen, less than the Vitz's 1.3L model, while the HYBRID model costs less than the Aqua by almost 40,000 Yen. The commoner's car in Japan is now turned to be even more interesting than before and as for the HYBRID model, well, I don't care about it.

Available colors: Vivid Sky Blue Pearl, Attract Yellow Pearl, Premium White Pearl, Milano Red, Light Beige Metallic, Tainted Silver Metallic, Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic, Premium Northern Lights Violet Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, and Sunset Orange II.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

TGUSA S04E01

TGUSA S04E01

Whether you like it or not, the American version of Top Gear has returned on History Channel for its fourth season and for its kickstart, the first episode of the season highlights on the boys comparing three supercars on an American road trip. For this road trip, Rutledge Wood chose the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale while Tanner Foust's on the British-made McLaren MP4-12C and Adam Ferrera's in the 6.4L V10-powered SRT Viper.

At the open runway, it seems that the MP4-12C takes it on the drag race thanks to its launch control technology. Then, the boys are in search for a genuine Amish hat at an Amish village and it looks like both Rut and Tanner had found genuine Amish hats, whereas Adam, found himself a rather flashy hat that doesn't look Amish. Later, the boys are in search for the biggest football field and it seems that Adam and the Viper takes it when he found the Arrowhead Stadium before Rut does. In the tunnel runs somewhere at Colorado, it seems that Tanner's got it, again thanks to its raw power of the MP4-12C. In the final round at LA, the rule is get a pic with a celeb first before heading to the finish. The loser is the one who'll pay the gas bill...and Adam is the one to pay despite he brought himself a celebrity.

Well, that's it for the pilot episode of the new season, next week will be even more for them...

Joem Bascon, IHAW NA!

Yet again, Banana Nite's knocking on fame and fortune as another one of A-list celebs is on the hot seat of the IHAW NA segment. Guest of the day for September 3, 2013 is Joem Bascon.

Known by his real name Joseph Emmanuel Bascon, Joem was first discovered from a comedy TV show, Let's Go, and now he's notable for his villainous roles since Noah. He's going to appear at an upcoming film this month called LIHIS. Yes, for his free time, he's exercising with a kettle.

Meanwhile in TNT: Tapatan Ni Tunting, someone named Justin Bieber Cruz is on a face-off interview.