Renault Samsung SM5 Nova

2015 Renault Samsung SM5 Nova

This is the second time the latest-generation Renault-Samsung SM5 has been given a facelift. The first facelift came out in late 2012 as the SM5 Platinum. Now, for 2015, the Renault-Samsung SM5 has been given a facelift once again and is now called "SM5 Nova".

Drawing inspiration from its big brother, the recently-facelifted SM7 Nova, the new SM5 Nova features a brand new front face that looks as conservative as the previous facelift and it looks even better looking than before.

Although the interior's been slightly changed, the software's been changed to accommodate the Smart Mirror system for the first time on a Korean car. This system mirrors the driver's smartphone's display on the sat-nav, allowing the driver to take control of the smartphone's features in the car. This is a breakthrough in the world of in-car connectivity. They can check maps, call and text others, listen to music, and do anything they want just like what they do on their smartphones every day.

It still comes with the same 2.0L petrol, 1.6L turbo petrol, and the 1.5L diesel engine of choice, and depending on the model, transmission types are either the XTRONIC CVT or the dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

There's also an LPi version of the SM5 as well which comes with the same 2.0L petrol engine as the normal one but with the LPG Donut Tank located underneath the boot to maintain boot capacity. However, the LPi version of the SM5 is available only for fleet purposes and not for private ownership.

Prices now start at 22,500,000 Won for the PE model with the 2.0L petrol engine up to 28,900,000 models for the 2.0L RE model. The turbocharged TCE model starts at 27,900,000 Won while the D model (the one with the diesel engine) costs 25,900,000 Won.

Photo: Renault Samsung Motors

Let's Do The News! (January 5, 2015)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- As the weather on the Java Sea improves, the search for the missing "black box" from the AirAsia QZ8501 crash site has been resumed. So far, 37 bodies have been recovered while some of the remains are still inside.

- Meanwhile, the Indonesian transportation ministry revealed stringent measures against those who allowed the crashed AirAsia QZ8501 to take off without permits, especially suspending against the airport's operator and officials in the control tower. According to acting director general of air transportation Djoko Murjatmodjo, the licensed and schedules of all airlines flying in Indonesia will be also examined to see if they're violating the regulations.

- Lebanon placed stringent restrictions against Syrians entering the nation right now. Since then, travelling between the two nations was restricted but now under one of the new restrictions, Syrians entering Lebanon will have to obtain a visa. This move further tightening the flow of Syrian refugees trying to escape the conflict.

- According to Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, the inmates of the New Bilibid Prison that were temporarily detained at the National Bureau of Investigation may have used food to smuggle large amounts of money and mobile phones.

- Japan PM Shinzo Abe will issue a new statement this year to mark 70 years since the end of World War II. He vows to keep Japan as a nation that contributes to world peace and protect the lives and wellbeing of his citizens. He's also determined to create new security legislations to exercise the right to collective self-defense.

- The militant group known as the Boko Haram, those who were responsible for the kidnapping of over two hundred schoolgirls last year, took control of the Nigerian military base at Baga in the northeaster state of Borno after the government troops escaped following a gunfight that lasted for hours.

- Four people died after a car bomb exploded somewhere in Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia. The car bomb was targeting the nation's military convoy and exploded near a column of military vehicles on the road close to the capital's international airport. It's likely be the work of the armed terrorist group al-Shabaab because it was targeting against "pro-US forces".

- THE NEXT SKYLINE COUPE? Infiniti revealed the Q60 Concept ahead of its NAIAS debut next week. This concept car previews the coupe version of the Q50 saloon (known as the Skyline in the Japanese market.

Infiniti Q60 Concept

- Racing driver Franck Montagny of the FIA Formula E's Andretti Autosport team was suspended after he was tested positive for drugs. According to some reports, Franck was waved in for a drug test at the end of the FIA Formula E Putrajaya race last November and he was tested positive for a cocaine derivative, signalling the end of his career. While waiting for the verdict, the Andretti Autosport team just announced that Marco Andretti will be taking over on the upcoming Buenos Aires ePrix coming this 10th of January.

- Because of the loophole from the engine rules, the upcoming F1 2015 season allows manufacturers to introduce running updates and continue improving their engines over the course of this year's season. Yes. Engine updates can be introduced as long as they stick to their 32 development token limit and can't exceed the four-engine per car season limit.

TTFN!!!

Forza Horizon 2: The New Range Rover

The all-new Range Rover is part of Forza Horizon 2's NAPA Chassis Car Pack, on sale now, and I am very delighted to try out the latest generation of Land Rover's flagship SUVs that combines the off-road ruggedness of an SUV with the premium comfort of a premium saloon into one incredible package only the high rollers can afford on.



So, what's it all about the latest generation Range Rover?



Premiered at the 2012 Paris Motor Show and went on sale shortly, the fourth-generation Range Rover features a first for SUVs; an all-aluminum bodywork that results to an incredible 420kg weight loss over the previous generation. Aside from its amazing weight loss thanks to its new bodywork, this new Range Rover comes with the new active suspension system, electric power steering, 8-speed automatic gearbox, and an updated version of Land Rover's Terrain Response system. This updated version comes with a clever feature that can adapt through any terrain the driver is on now.



If I had to remember, there was one episode of Top Gear where presenter James May drove this one against an unmanned TerraMax military truck on the Nevada wastelands and then the Range Rover won, just. That clear win really proved how capable this new Range Rover is as well as its new technology, new bodywork, and everything on its disposal.

But now, how about here? In Southern Europe? Under my care? Well, despite being a big car, it still works just like a sportscar and I can enjoy getting my foot down to listen the sound of its 5.0L Supercharged V8. Whether I take it on or off the road, I going to have as much fun as I want because this is the latest-generation I've been longing to drive one in the world of Forza. Although it's rich with luxury features, the Range Rover is still a Range Rover because it can take on any terrain it see fit and when it comes to navigation, this SUV doesn't need help from maps because it can get through Point A to Point B on the straight line rather than following the curves of the road. I'm feeling like one of Britain's legendary adventurers exploring through the four corners of the world except for me, I'm exploring the four corners of Southern Europe.



Anyway, that's what I want to believe on this new Range Rover and I think that's enough because while continuing on the road to the finale, I've signed this car to a championship suitable for this car and to do that, some extensive improvements have been made.



Aside from performance improvements I made, I also designed something suitable for the my new Range Rover. A low-vis vinyl of Love Live's Eli Ayase and some other stuff around the outside. Since she's a quartet Russian, I've even added a Russian license plate as well.

Now, let's get to work but be advised, it's as hard-hitting as Jean-Louis getting hit.



Me and my Range Rover had finally won the Sports Utility Heroes Championship and the journey to the Finale continues...

#BGGisingSaComa

On the January 2, 2015 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Ligawan strategies!

- Gising Sa Coma gags.

- The Tolpu Bros. are addressing a complaint from a shopper who bought a defective toy on T3 NYO!

- IKAW AT ANG INA takes on...fancams!

- Bubble Gang does Blend 45 Condensada by spoofing this commercial as BLONDE 45 CONDENSADA.

- Boxing referees couldn't get even sweeter...

- Don Cantoni's unhappy with his new and talented recruit...

- Top Secret Ni Annasandro

- This guy thinks he's pogi in every angle...

- Ang Alamat ng Lanzones

Let's Do The News! (January 1, 2015)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- So far, only seven bodies have been recovered from the AirAsia Flight QZ8501 crash site from the Java Sea off Borneo as severe weather hampered the search for the missing passengers from last week's disappearance.

- There has been a stampede occurred at Shanghai's Bund district during the New Year's Eve celebration. Some say the stampede happened when people stopping to pick up "play money" thrown from the balcony of a nightclub. According to reports, 35 people died while 42 are injured. Looks like they never made it to see the New Year through their very eyes.

- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said that he's open to top-level inter-Korean talks while delivering his New Year's speech to present his government's policies for this year.

- Japan PM Shinzo Abe says that he will continue to stabilize Japan's government this year. Following on the Lower House election last month, he says that he has been tasked to continue to take full responsibility of his position with the strong support of his citizens.

- Meanwhile in Quezon City, residents of the Barangay Apolonio Samson faced a horrendous start to the New Year as reports told that over 2,000 houses were burned with the fire reaching General Alarm. The fire started at 0645 hours and the General Alarm was raised at 0810 hours Philippine Time.

- Dutch sportscar maker Donkervoort is teasing a special edition D8 GTO model called the Blister Berg, named after a private circuit.

Teaser for a special Donkervoort model

- Azumi Asakura, the VO behind Yukiho Hagiwara from The iDOLM@STER, has been reportedly being stalked. She moved multiple times to avoid stalker who would follow, find her home, and ambush her. Sheesh...What's going on with the iM@S voice actresses these days?

- Toymaker Hasbro is in deep trouble over their Play-Doh toy that parents got enraged over it because it's shaped like a man's private part. Can't mention the five-word P-word due to legal purposes but Hasbro's looking forward to replace the phallic-shaped extruder tool in its play set.

- If you missed the Liv's song for the New Year from the New Year's Eve episode of Liv and Maddie, check out this clip! It's called "You, Me and the Beat" and it's from the episode titled "New Year's Eve-A-Rooney".

TTFN!!!

Skoda Fabia Mk.3

2015 Skoda Fabia

The Skoda Fabia is now on its third generation and for the latest regeneration of Skoda's bestseller, this new model wants to go back to basics with its new platform, a new choice of engines, and a new design that looks pretty much average for the motorist's eye.

So, what's new? Everything. The design, the performance, the chassis, everything's new, and by the looks of it, it now resembles more like its German twin, the Volkswagen Polo, but with a little more oddball than the previous model. Because it wears the VW Group's MQB platform, the new Fabia is now 90mm wider and 31mm lower than the previous model. It's now lighter as well because of the new engine choices.

Depending on the variant, the new Fabia comes with a 1.0L MPi, 1.2 TSi, and 1.4 TDi. The most powerful in the lineup, for now, is the one with the 1.2 TSi engine developing 110PS of power and 175Nm of torque. With the 7-speed DSG equipped, 0-100kph takes about a moderate 9.4 seconds and a top speed of a not-so-much 196km/h. Not quite as fast as it seems but a little power goes a long way for first-time drivers who got themselves a driver's license for the very first.

Oh, and before you say it, No. There won't be a high-performance version of the Fabia because the previous version's hot model didn't meet up to its expectations.

2015 Skoda Fabia

Like any other commoner's car, the new Fabia feels somewhat average. It may not be brilliant to drive but it's not quite dull either. You can drive one of these for work or for the fun of it and the Fabia really balanced out with the comfort of the sedan, the touring-ness of a wagon, the spaciousness of the MPV, and the sportiness of a sports car. Still, this is a different story because this is a hatchback while the roomier Combi version is to follow but if you can balance that out, the new Fabia is a car with a whole lot of character to portray as. It can be comfortable, it can be spacious, it can be sporty, but overall, the new Fabia is working very hard to fit into any kind of role it sees fit.

2015 Skoda Fabia interior

While the interior is a fair bit average in terms of quality, it still works exactly as what a car should be and for the fun of it, you can fiddle its infotainment system if you have the knowledge because, for the first time, the new Fabia features the new SmartGate function which works like your smartphone as well as the new MirrorLink where your smartphone can be easily paired and use specific apps that both your phone and the car had. Looks like today's going to be a great day for the Fabia thanks to science, after all.

The new Fabia has a techno overload of gadgets. While some provide convenience to the occupants, most of the gadgets are here to make the new Fabia a safer car to be. There's the new Front Assistant with integrated City Emergency Braking Function and the Multi-Collision Brake, Driver Activity Assistant, Speed limiter, Hill-Hold Control, and electronic tire pressure monitor.

2015 Skoda Fabia

Should you buy one? The new Skoda Fabia starts at 234,900 Czech Koruna, which is the equivalent of around 8,500 Euros, so it's more affordable to own than the VW Polo or the VW Golf. It's a smart buy for the first timers but you'll need some more cash if you want to opt-in for some optional extras as well as the sat-nav that comes with MirrorLink and SmartGate just for the fun of it.

Photo: Skoda Auto a.s.

REMEMBERING 2014 (Conclusion)

Welcome back. Let's continue where we left off...

- DongYan wedding - It was early August 2014 during Marian Rivera's self-titled variety show on GMA when one of the celebrity guests, none other than actor Dingdong Dantes, took the spotlight on national television. What he did is very special as both Marian and Dingdong are engaged as seen on public television. Fast forward to now, and the wedding between Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes finally happened since yesterday, December 30, 2014. Everyone witnessed the most exciting day of the showbiz couple's lives.

- Black people vs. white policemen - The killing of Michael Brown and Eric Garner by white policemen that pleaded "not guilty" for their crimes they commit against black people who are law-abiding citizens (or so they thought) sparked anger from the American public where mass protests occurred nationwide demanding justice for the black people killed by white policemen. The city of Ferguson, Missouri, where the shooting of Michael Brown by a white policeman took place, faced violent protests at an unprecedented scale, creating widespread disorder.

The Last Kapit-Bisig - The hit ABS-CBN daytime TV series, Be Careful With My Heart, concluded their two-year run with their final episode aired on November 28, 2014.

The final episode ends at Maya's birthday party where all of Maya's friends and family as well as the Lim family with Sir Chief on it as they said their memorable moments about Maya's life-changing moments that influenced most of the characters in the show. Everyone's together, singing their final Kapit-Bisig song to the very end.

It's been one heck of a wild ride while it lasted and even though this hit TV show ends, we all end up with a slight smile on our faces. Well, the adventures of Maya Dela Rosa and the Lim family have come to a bittersweet end but their KAPIT-BISIG message will live on.

The Be Careful With My Heart finale

Typhoon Hagupit - It was early December 2014 when weather officials reported there is an incoming typhoon approaching in the same region that was devastated by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) last year. Called Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit), it would have further intensified with sustained winds up to 175kph, causing heavy rainfall and storm surges. As it continued to track the Eastern Samar-Northern Samar area as of December 5, 2014, Hagupit packs maximum sustained winds of 215kph near the center and gusts of over 250kph. When it made landfall in Eastern Samar since the 6th of December and continues until it exits the Philippines within a week, it weakens and it was downgraded to a Tropical Depression.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, about 18 people died while the Philippine Red Cross states that 27 people have died in the aftermath of Hagupit. Damage to property has reached over 3 billion pesos while less than a million persons remaining in evacuation centers.

Republicans took over the House and the Senate - The Republicans won control of the Senate in the US mid-term elections since early November, increasing their power in the final two years of Barack Obama's presidency. Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, poised to take over the chamber, said that their victory is a vote against "a government that people can no longer trust".

Wire-walking through two skyscrapers - famed wire walker Nik Wallenda walked between two Chicago skyscrapers on a wire on the 2nd of November, 2014. His death-defying stunt is seen by many people not just in Chicago but on national television.

MMDA enforcers - On the 27th of November, 2014, an MMDA enforcer named Jorby Adriatico was reportedly beaten up by an owner of a Maserati Ghibli saloon after taking a picture of him making an illegal turn in Quezon City. 

Then, on the 19th of December, 2014, an MMDA enforcer named Sonny Acosta was heavily injured after being dragged an run over by a car in Cubao, Quezon City. He died on the 23rd at the St. Luke's Medical Center in Quezon City at about 2:30 PM.

2014 Super GT - For the 2014 Season, the GT500 champion for this season is the #23 MOTUL AUTECH GT-R, driven by Tsugio Matsuda and Ronnie Quintarelli and the GT300 champion for this season is the #11 GAINER DIXCEL SLS driven by Katsuyuki Hiranaka and Bjorn Wirdheim.

The US-Cuban ties - After over five decades of hostility, the agreement between US and Cuba has been normalized. US President Barack Obama said that their policy against Cuba has failed and it's time to move on to work alongside with the Cuban government. Even Pope Francis is very happy to see the two nations working together for the first time. However, the trade embargo that plagued the Cuban economy since the nation turned to communism during the Cold War, lies within the US Congress and with the Republicans taking over, looks like it's a long way to normalize the relations between the two countries.

The Interview - The Interview is a comedy movie which stars comedians Seth Rogen and James Franco as journalists assigned by the CIA to bring down the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Ahead of the movie's release, this film was jeopardized ever since Sony Pictures Entertainment's website's been hacked and threatened to terrorize movie theaters showing that film. Days later despite the risk of cancelling The Interview, Sony decided to resume releasing The Interview at selected cinemas across the US on Christmas Day.

2014 LA Auto Show - Cars like the Toyota Mirai, the new Mustang GT350, the Cadillac ATS-V, the Mazda CX-3, and more were featured at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show which ran from the 21st until the 30th of November at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Takata Airbag Recall - Japanese car parts maker Takata Corporation faced its biggest scandal of 2014 as this troubled company recalled over 17 million vehicles in the US and another 7 million globally due to the airbag's defective inflator and propellent devices that can be highly lethal when in the event of a crash, firing fragments into the occupants. Carmakers have recalled millions of vehicles with Takata airbags over fears of flying shrapnel from exploding airbags.

AirAsia Flight QZ8501 - On the 28th of December, the Air Asia Flight QZ8501 plane carrying 162 people, destined from Surabaya, Indonesia to Singapore have disappeared. So far, the six bodies were found and at least three were recovered during the search. According to reports, they were spotted along with debris floating in the Java Sea off Borneo.

...anyway, there are so many stuff occurred over this year. Some are mentioned, others aren't but I think that's enough for that. Well, I guess this concludes this special segment about things I remembered in 2014. I hope the year 2015 will be a better one for me but I wouldn't waste some time telling some new year's resolution jibber jabber but here's hoping for a happy new year.