Second Generation Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback

2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback

Up front, it looks like the latest generation of the Chevrolet Cruze. It has the same front view as the saloon, the same five-seater capacity, the same grim reality of having a touch-screen with added connectivity standard, the same peppy 1.4L turbo engine as before, and the same premium amenities you can expect on the latest generation. But look behind and you can see that the Chevrolet Cruze got a different back. In other words, it's a hatchback.

What it is is not a Chevrolet Cruze as we know it and with that striking rear view reminiscent of the Kia K3 Euro, this is the future. This is the first-ever Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback. The most obvious difference you can observe on this model is the extra space on the back and with the rear seats folded, the Cruze hatchback provides 47.2 cubic feet of boot space, more than enough to fit whatever activities they want. 

So, why the Cruze hatchback? In the beginning, the Cruze hatchback sold exclusively in Europe, South Korea, and Oceania, with some countries except the United States. However, with Chevrolet pulling out from the European market and with numerous stuff I don't really understand, looks like they made the perfect timing to introduce the hatchback version of the second-generation Cruze to the American market. If Europeans come across through this car, this is something they would really miss ever since Chevrolet departed from the European market for good to make room for Opel. Hmmm....

Sadly, today's Chevrolet Cruze is available only in the North American market and looks like the South Koreans won't be having this kind of Cruze any day now unless GM Korea Company changed their minds into selling the latest Cruze in sedan and hatchback forms. The rest of the world are begging to have this kind of car but for now, the second-generation Cruze, in saloon and hatchback forms, will remain exclusive to North America (well, save for China because they had one, only different) and for the hatchback version, starting at 22,115 US Dollars MSRP, it sounds reasonably priced but the whole world's going to beg for this kind of car which has the same tech, the same 1.4L turbocharged petrol engine, and the same world-class quality they expect for a Chevrolet. Sadly, the world should wave hi to the hatchback from far between the Atlantic and the Pacific. That's a shame...

Photo: General Motors

Let's Do The News! (December 21, 2016)

- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas yesterday released the first batch Peso bills with signatures from President Rodrigo Roa Duterte worth 8.75 million pesos. BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said the 27 million pieces of P20, P50, P100, P200, P500 and P1,000 new generation currency (NGC) bills were released to banks in the National Capital Region and areas outside NCR.

- Although President Duterte supports family planning, he clarified that he's opposed to abortion. Duterte believes that cutting population growth can help improve the country's economy, which grew by 7.1 percent in the third quarter.

- Conglomerate Alliance Global, Inc. pledged on Tuesday to allot 1.2 billion pesos for the construction of drug rehabilitation centers in the country as part of the government's ongoing war on drugs. With this, AGI committed to build a new drug rehabilitation facility in Taguig, the second following the Davao facility.

- The evacuation of the Syrian city of Aleppo could be completed by tomorrow. Civilians trapped in battle areas are evacuating and insurgents are withdrawing after the rebels agreed to surrender the remaining areas under their control. The International Committee of the Red Cross says about 25,000 people have left the city.

- Authorities in Germany, France, and other European countries have tightened security in the wake of the Berlin truck attack. Germany has deployed more police officers across the country. Paris has blocked vehicles from an area of the Champs-Elysees where a Christmas market is underway. So far, German investigators detained a Pakistani and later released him, citing lack of evidence.

- A massive explosion has ripped through a fireworks market in Mexico, killing 31 people and hurt 72 others. Authorities say over 40 people remained missing. The blast occurred at an open-air market in Tultepec, sending plumes of smoke high into the air and causing people to flee.

- The facelifted Skoda Octavia can now be offered in either a high-performance RS variant or a Scout crossover wagon.

2017 Skoda Octavia RS

2017 Skoda Octavia Scout

- Felipe Massa returns to Williams F1 team for the 2017 season.

- No. This is not a terrorist attack occurred at a mall in Dubai. The footage of an military vehicle ramming through the mall in Dubai was just one of the footage for an upcoming episode of Amazon's The Grand Tour.

TTFN!!!

Mitsubishi eK Space and Nissan Dayz Roox (2017 Minor Change)

2017 Mitsubishi eK Space

2017 Mitsubishi eK Space Custom

2017 Nissan Dayz Roox

Having been returned from the lineup numerous months after the fuel efficiency fiasco that forced Mitsubishi to temporarily suspend most of their kei car sales after Nissan discovered what's wrong with their fuel efficiency numbers and then sparked a takeover on Mitsubishi Motors following the wrongdoing, looks like the taller equivalents of the Mitsubishi eK and Nissan Dayz, the eK Space and Dayz Roox, has been given a facelift and let's hope that these latest versions are as honest as this morning's newspaper.

On the Mitsubishi side, the redesigned front face makes it well-civilized and cozy for the normal eK Space while the eK Space Custom gets it all futuristic and sharp. On the Nissan side, both the normal and the Highway Star variants received Nissan's corporate V-motion grille to make it more welcome to the family. Although the new look makes them more updated, they're still the same thing, although they are finally come clean with their fuel efficiency numbers.

For all models, it comes with the 660cc engine producing 49PS of power and 59Nm of torque. Turbocharged models get around 64PS of power, in case you missed it. Fuel efficiency? They're at a very honest 20.4 to 22.2km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards. This is as fuel efficient as these wagons go, otherwise, they would exaggerate it against its fuel efficient rivals from Daihatsu and Suzuki and then cause any trouble again. Not in this case, it ain't because customers who bought this car will have to keep an eye on its fuel efficiency in the hopes that they don't get deceived by its exaggeration.

Anyway, some safety tech is loaded in both models such as the autonomous braking system called FCM-City, Active Stability Control, Emergency Stop Signal System, ABS brakes, and much more, all in the name of being one of the safest kei minivans in the market, as if those cars like the Tanto and the Spacia can do the job better than those but that's not the case for those kei minivans trying to come clean and win back the motoring public after that fiasco that sent them homespun.

At a Mitsubishi dealership, the eK Space starts at 1,239,840 Yen while the eK Space Custom starts at 1,568,160 Yen. At a Nissan dealership, meanwhile, the Dayz Roox starts at 1,306,800 Yen and it comes with different variants ranging from the normal, Highway Star, Bolero, and Rider. Both the Bolero and the Rider are made courtesy of Autech Japan. So, with everything's come clean for these facelifted models, can the new eK Space and the new Dayz Roox win back the motoring public? Only time will tell.

Photo: Mitsubishi Motors/Nissan

Let's Do The News! (December 20, 2016)

- Senator Ralph Recto said that President Rodrigo Duterte's independent foreign policy should mean maintaining friendship with all nations. Recto stressed that the Philippines should maintain its alliance with world superpowers for trade and aid.

- Philippine National Police Director General Roland "Bato" dela Rosa said big cash bonuses for high-ranking police officials will no longer released, adding cops might instead get sacks of rice. Earlier, officials would be receiving big sum of cash gifts from President Duterte.

- Department of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II yesterday claimed there was a plot to oust him from his post, but the plotters failed as he has the trust of President Duterte. Aguirre said he already knows who the people behind such plut were and hinted that group includes people from both the government and private sector.

- Despite statewide protests, US President-Elect Donald Trump has won the Electoral College vote by racking up the 270 electoral votes needed to send him to the White House. The Republican-controlled Congress will certify the results on the 6th of January and Trump will be inaugurated on the 20th.

- Late Monday night, a truck filled with steel beams rammed into the crowded Christmas market in Berlin, killing at least 12 people and injuring dozens, Police arrested the suspect near the scene after the driver escaped. A passenger of the truck, a Polish national, was found dead inside the cab, police said. The German police will investigate if the Berlin truck attack is an act of terrorism.

- The Lamborghini Aventador S, the updated version of Lamborghini's flagship sportscar, has been unveiled, featuring an added 40PS of power output on its 6.5L V12 engine,

2017 Lamborghini Aventador S

- Actor and environmental advocate Leonardo DiCaprio was named as the brand ambassador for China's car company BYD. As a Chinese car company that leads the electric car market, BYD currently offered three electric vehicles such as the e5, e6, and Qin EV300, as well as numerous hybrid models in their range.

- Tokyo District Public Prosecutor's Office junked charges against musician Aska from the duo Chage and Aska, for allegedly using stimulants in violation of Japan's drug control laws. The office couldn't obtain evidence to indict Aska and was released.

TTFN!!!

Second-Generation Mazda CX-5

Since 2012, the Mazda CX-5 changed the midsize crossover market forever with its groundbreaking performance and efficiency that makes it a clear win for customers worldwide. Through the years, Mazda couldn't manage to perfect the already perfect attributes of the CX-5 crossover especially when it gave numerous updates to see how propagating this crossover is but now, just before this crossover reaches its fifth year in 2017, Mazda finally done it and introduced the second-generation Mazda CX-5 at a crowd in Los Angeles and it's destined to hit stores in Japan this February.

2017 Mazda CX-5

2017 Mazda CX-5 interior

The all-new Mazda CX-5, by the looks of it, looks pretty much the same as the outgoing model, as well as the choice of engines, but what's underneath it is worth of a change of heart for Mazda's strong-selling crossover. Although the design looks pretty much the same, it's now wider than the outgoing model, and the new Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint for this new model really adds some vivid look to the new model.

Step inside the new CX-5 and you are greeted by Mazda's now trademark interior look commonly seen in most models like the Axela, Demio, CX-3, and the Roadster. While the signature Mazda design interior is mainly driver focused, there are brand new stuff you can check on its inside such as the brand new Active Driving Display on the windscreen. Once more, the dashboard is all talk and no show, and while basically a five-seater, it's now slightly spacious than the outgoing model by about two liters. All the more reasons why someone would want to save some cash on the crossover with a driver focused interior and practicality fit enough for work and weekend nightlife with mates.

2017 Mazda CX-5

While this is new, the engine choices remained the same, meaning you still have a choice of either a 2.2L SKYACTIV-D, 2.0L SKYACTIV-G, and the more powerful 2.5L SKYACTIV-G with 184PS of power output, all mated to a 6-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic gearbox and that's it. No questions and further explanations asked, although fuel efficiency by JC08 Mode standards can be ranged from 14.6 to 18km/L, depending on the variant.

Now, what's new on the CX-5 is i-ACTIV AWD and G-VECTORING CONTROL, features that remained unknown to those who haven't taste it on the road. The i-ACTIV AWD system adapts control of the driving force distribution between the front and rear wheels while the new G-VECTORING CONTROL  varies engine torque in response to steering inputs, subtly controlling lateral and longitudinal acceleration forces, which works like a traction control but it modulates the throttle to optimise vertical control on each wheel. The updated Mazda models had that kind of stuff, well except for the Roadster per se, and this CX-5 really knows how to take it very easy and very seriously for the driver who understands its hidden potential.

2017 Mazda CX-5

To keep it civilized on the city streets, the new Mazda CX-5 is offered with Mazda's i-ACTIVSENSE suite of safety systems such as Smart Brake Support, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Smart City Brake Support, Hi-Beam Control System, Lane Departure Warning System, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Monitoring. With these features, you'll be sure that you're in safe hands unless you got some explaining to the insurers about how safe is your driving record. Worse, you could getting too much of those safe driving bonus checks from the insurers because of the car's safety tech armed on the new CX-5. How are you going to explain that?

Prices for the new CX-5 starts at 2,462,400 Japanese Yen for the 2.0L petrol variant while the 2.0L clean diesel variant starts at 2,775,600 Japanese Yen. Of course, while the clean diesel promises to be the fuel-efficient variant for this new model, recent woes over diesel engines would add worry to those who are willing to buy this because there could be the sudden case of cheating its fuel efficiency just like what any Volkswagen did in its time before it was uncovered to the public. Still, while the inevitable is imminent, let's take time to assume that the new CX-5 is an overall improvement to the last model, although the looks and the performance are stale if I'm honest. With all the tech and the G-Vectoring Control explored, there's one major reason why the CX-5 is a great crossover in this category and because...it's a Mazda and this is what makes you "be a driver."

Available colors: Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Machine Grey Premium Metallic, Jet Black Mica, Titanium Flash Mica, Sonic Silver Metallic, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Eternal Blue Mica, and Snowflake White Pearl Mica.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

Let's Do The News! (December 19, 2016)

- Following China's seizure of a United States oceanographic drone at the South China Sea, a Kabayan representative said both countries didn't act in ways that respect the rights of the Philippines following this incident. Harry Roque noted that it was within the Philippines's exclusive economic zone, 50 nautical miles off Subic Bay.

- Meanwhile, China can return the drone back to the US but President-elect Donald Trump wants them to keep it.

- Once the death penalty is revived, President Rodrigo Duterte wants to executive five or six death row convicts daily.

- Contrary to popular belief, a Catholic bishop says that completing nine days of simbang gabi won't grant anyone wishes.

- Demonstrators from across the USA held peaceful vigils to urge electors to reject Donald Trump. Unite for America held a bi-partisan rally on the capitol steps to ask the Electoral College not to vote for Donald Trump.

- Evacuations have resumed of people trapped in the war-torn city of Aleppo in northern Syria. Last week, Syrian government forces regained control of almost all of Aleppo, the rebel forces' biggest stronghold. This represents a major advance for the government forces after almost five years of fighting.

- The Islamic State militants claimed responsibility from the suicide attack near a military camp in Yemen on Sunday in the southern city of Aden, killing at least 49 people and 60 are hurt. The bombing occurred as soldiers were lining up to collect their salaries near the camp for government forces.

- Toyota showcased their next-generation taxi for the Japanese motoring public and it will be powered by a 1.5-litre LPG hybrid powertrain. It will be set to be launched this 2017.

Toyota's next JPN TAXI 

- Chevrolet teases their next-generation Traverse crossover before its unveiling at next month's North American International Auto Show.

Teaser for the next Chevrolet Traverse

TTFN!!!

Forza Horizon 3: Living like The Rock

See this hunk of metal I got from this weekend's Forzathon challenge? That's the Terradyne Gurkha LAPV and you are probably familiar with this behemoth as the one Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson drove on Fast Five. Yep. The wrestler turned action star played federal agent Luke Hobbs. The muscle who tries to gun down Dom and his crew on Fast Five, then later assists the gang on Fast & Furious 6 and Furious 7, and now a fierce rival who will stop at nothing to bring down the betrayed Dom on next year's The Fate of the Furious.

However, the Gurkha seen here isn't the same as the one Hobbs drove in Fast Five. This is the normal Terradyne Gurkha LAPV. Made by the Ontario-based armored vehicle company, the Gurkha is a tactical vehicle based on the Ford F-350 pickup truck. Apart from the LAPV shown here, there are other Gurkhas offered in the lineup such as the MPV for military purposes and a civilian-spec RPV pickup.

The LAPV is powered by a 6.7L V8 turbodiesel engine from Ford, which produces 300HP of power and 660lb-ft of torque, while mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Because it weighs 15,000 to 19,000 pounds, the top speed is limited to 110kph. Not that quick by modern standards but because it's made to get through the roughest terrains like most military vehicles do, the Gurkha can get through points A to B with just a minor scratch but in one piece without worrying about the personnel onboard. Because it uses CEN B7/STANAG 2 armoring on the bodywork, even shrapnels of bombs can't hurt the Gurkha on the move. Now that's intimidating for a Canadian-made military vehicle based on a Ford F-350.

Driving one of these will make anyone think you're Dwayne Johnson except you're not The Rock. You're just the genius confabulator ready for some script rewrites to make actors a lot more miserable. If I were a genius confabulator, I would do a script rewrite to make use of The Rock's favorite beast from Fast Five, and that mean't I should take the Gurkha to...Blizzard Mountain!



The freezing temperatures, the severe blizzard warning, that's perfect to test out the Gurkha's toughness, even though its armored bodywork can sustain against the harshest elements that climate change can throw at it. Now, I want to see if the Gurkha lives up to The Rock's role. Otherwise, it would be just another one of The Rock's roles that doesn't look tough like...um...who was that again? Oh well...



On the scale of which The Rock role am I, feels like I'm not on the same level as Hobbs from the Fast & Furious series but rather...hmmm...nope, not The Scorpion King because I'm driving on ice. Perhaps, I feel like the hero from a disaster flick San Andreas! Nope, no. This isn't California. Sorry. Still, driving the Gurkha gives you an impression that you're living like The Rock in so many ways and no matter where you're taking this hunk of metal on it, it feels like it's another day for The Rock as he gets off from his luxury home and into the movie set to do some action star stuff. This car, like the actor, always have The Game Plan, which I should have said it in the first place.