Let's Do The News! (June 9, 2017)

- At least 230 individuals will face arrest by authorities due to links with the Maute Terror Group. DND Secretary and Martial Law Administrator Delfin Lorenzana issued an arrest warrant against the said personalities.

- The Philippine National Police Region 7 declared the abduction and serial killing to Bien Unido, Bohol Mayor Gisela Boniel as case closed. The PNP made the statement based on the admission of passengers of the motorboat who saw how Board Member Niño Boniel killed and threw in the sea his wife.

- The Philippines was ranked 2nd least peaceful country in Asia according to the Global Peace Index, sitting above Myanmar, China, and Thailand, but behind North Korea, which ranks 1st. The ranking is allegedly due to President Duterte's war on drugs campaign and the Martial Law declaration in Mindanao due to Marawi Siege

- Ousted FBI director James Comey testified at the Senate hearing about his so-called loyalty issues on US President Donald Trump and why did Trump fired him. He testified every conversation he had with Trump but one question he didn't answer is Trump's connection with Russia interfering with the 2016 presidential elections.

- Qatar dismissed allegations of backing terrorism after four Arab states cut ties with Qatar with week, blacklisted as terrorists dozens of people with alleged links. The announcement by Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and Bahrain increases pressure on the wealthiest Arab state over allegations that it interferes in the affairs of its neighbors by supporting and financing Islamist groups.

- Australian Olympic swimmer Thomas Fraser-Holmes will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to overturn a 12-month ban for missing anti-doping tests.

- The second-generation Honda N-BOX has been unveiled prior to its Autumn release. It will be the first Honda kei car to come with Honda Sensing safety tech.

2018 Honda N-BOX

- SEGA's Shenmue III game has been delayed to second half of 2018.

- Actress Zhang Ziyi joins the MonsterVerse franchise and will be star in 2019's Godzilla: King of Monsters film.

TTFN!!!

Nissan X-TRAIL T32 Minor Change

Nissan's best-seller SUV in the world, the current third-generation Nissan X-TRAIL, has been given a much-needed facelift to keep it updated, and what's even more surprising for the latest minor change is that it was gifted with the same semi-autonomous tech as witnessed from last year's new Serena minivan. That's right. We're talking ProPILOT.

2018 Nissan X-TRAIL

2018 Nissan X-TRAIL

2018 Nissan X-TRAIL

First and foremost, the recent facelift sees the application of Nissan's signature V-motion grill on the front view as well as the addition of LED lights on the front and the back and some new alloys in store for the new X-TRAIL. On the inside, you will notice that the steering wheel looks suspiciously similar to the Serena's and if you pay close attention, you will notice that it now comes with a button that engages ProPILOT.

2018 Nissan X-TRAIL interior

2018 Nissan X-TRAIL interior

As you are aware by now, ProPILOT controls the steering, acceleration, and braking in a single lane on highways during heavy traffic and high-speed cruising. Because this is version 1.0, much like from the Serena's, it's set for single-lane traffic use in the meantime but you should know that the ProPILOT is on a self-propagating phase as when it features it on future Nissan vehicles, its tech gets evolved even further. Easier said than done.

Part of Nissan's Intelligent Mobility campaign that promotes safe cars with future-ready driving tech for the drivers of today and tomorrow, the X-TRAIL is accompanied by Nissan Safety Shield technology such as the Intelligent Around View Monitor, Intelligent Emergency Brake, Lane Departure Warning, and a collision prevention assist. With these and ProPILOT, there's no doubt that this is the most technologically advanced X-TRAIL ever built. It's here today, ready for tomorrow.

The 2018 X-TRAIL still offers the MR20DD engine like last time, in normal and hybrid with the Intelligent Dual Clutch Control system capable of delivering now up to 20.8km/L of fuel economy based on JC08 Mode standards. All of these engines are mated with a smoother XTRONIC CVT. Let's not forget that it comes with Active Ride Control, Active Engine Braking, and the available ALL-MODE 4x4-i made to tackle any surface and weather with ease. Best of all, it still offers either a 5-seater or a 7-seater for long family hauls, and finally, the new remote control auto back door that can be opened automatically at the lift of your foot. Now that's convenience done right for the most demanding of times.

2018 Nissan X-TRAIL

The 2018 Nissan X-TRAIL starts at 2,197,800 Japanese Yen and it's available in many variants including the special XTREMER X and Mode Premier variants, including the new NISMO Performance Package with NISMO exterior touches and handling updates courtesy of NISMO themselves. With its autonomous tech implanted, this X-TRAIL is ready to take on the roads of today and tomorrow, no matter what's happening right now.

Available colors: Premium Corona Orange, Garnet Red, Olive Green, Galaxy Gold, Imperial Amber, Shining Blue, Brilliant White Pearl, Brilliant Silver, Dark Metal Grey, Diamond Black, Burning Red, and Titanium Khaki.

Photo: Nissan Motor Company

Toyota Harrier (XU60) - 2018MY Facelift

Toyota's luxurious midsize crossover, the Harrier, is now offered with additional luxury but you won't find it on its newly revised exterior, more luxurious interior, refined dynamics, and a suite of safety tech because what you will find now in the new Harrier is its new turbo power.

2018 Toyota Harrier

2018 Toyota Harrier

At first glance, you may see some minimal changes on the front and back as well as the inside but rest assured that with the 2018 Toyota Harrier retained the similar choice of 2.0L 3ZR-FAE engine with VALVEMATIC and Toyota Stop&Start System mated to a Super CVT-i, as well as the the same 2.5L 2AR-FXE engine from a Toyota Camry connected with two electric motors for the Hybrid variant, the new turbocharged variant makes a surprising addition to the new Harrier, making this the first luxury turbo crossover from Toyota.

2018 Toyota Harrier

It comes with the 8AR-FTS 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder D-4S engine which produces 231PS of power and 350Nm of torque and with the 6-speed Super ECT, fuel economy is expected at around 13km/L based on JC08 Mode standards. Although not as good as any expensive European imports, the turbocharged variant is expected to swoon most drivers by the way it performs, which isn't so bad for a Toyota, and while on the subject of having Toyota's first ever turbocharged luxury crossover, you can even get one in with Dynamic Torque Control 4WD system that works very well in any road and weather conditions. Plus, it comes with performance dampers exclusive to this model, which improves roll rigidity and suppressing body deformation, maintaining straight-line stability at high speeds. 

Other noteworthy driving stuff you can find not just in the turbocharged model include Steering-Assisted Vehicle Stability Control, Electric Power Steering, Anti-lock Braking System, Traction Control. and Frequency Adaptive Damping shock absorbers, Overall, the driving performance for the Harrier makes it an inch close to those European imports and that is a good thing they done it right to ensure its satisfactory for the drivers of today.

2018 Toyota Harrier interior

2018 Toyota Harrier interior

Speaking of drivers of today, the 2018MY Toyota Harrier now offers Toyota Safety Sense P, featuring a more high-tech millimeter wave radar which detects pedestrians and vehicles alike, and Radar Cruise Control which detects preceding vehicles and determines their speed. Couple that with other driving assists including the Panoramic View Monitor, and the new Harrier is a more senseful luxury crossover that fits to the urban climate.

The new 2018MY Toyota Harrier starts at 2,949,480 Yen up to 4,604,040 Yen (around $30,000 to $47,000), ranging from ELEGANCE, PREMIUM, and the new top-of-the-line PROGRESS; in non-turbo, hybrid, and the new turbo. With such choices to choose from, there's no doubt that Toyota's luxury crossover is on a roll due to the increasingly strong demand and a long waiting list for some variants. Although available only to the Japanese market, the new 2018 Harrier, with its turbocharged engine added, promises to deliver world-class luxury and performance to the motoring public, if it can.

Available colors: White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Black, Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine, Dark Red Mica Metallic, and Dark Blue Mica Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Let's Do The News! (June 8, 2017)

- The Philippine government are confident that the siege in Marawi City will soon be over because the logistics of the Islamist militants holed up there have been disrupted and they have been reduced to a “small resistance”.

- The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters strongly denies ties with the Maute and Abu Sayyaf Groups in assaulting Marawi City. According to a radio interview, BIFF Spokesperson Abu Misry Mama stressed that they do not know any leader from Maute Group nor spoke with and have no contact with each other. However, they support Maute but will not help them in the ongoing clash.

- Militant group Bayan is preparing for a protest at this coming Independence Day celebration on the 12th of June.

- Activist group Common Cause urges House Speaker Paul Ryan to enforce House Intelligence Committee Chair Devin Nunes' recusal from the committee's investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election. Last week, Nunes ignored his recusal and used his power as committee chair to subpoena intelligence service materials related to the “unmasking” of Trump campaign officials for their contacts with Russian government officials and intermediaries.

- Yesterday, a military aircraft vanished over the Andaman Sea with 122 soldiers, family members, and crew on board after a takeoff from the coastal town of Myeik on a weekly military flight.

- The United Kingdom general elections has begun and reports predict that ongoing PM Theresa May will win by a landslide against Jeremy Corbyn.

- Amazon original motoring TV program, The Grand Tour, will return for their second season this October.

- Sherlock actor Andrew Scott hints on the show's timeline update, using UK's general elections as hints on possible return.

- In Game 3 of the 2017 NBA Finals, the Golden State Warriors leads the game at 3-0 after defeating Cleveland Cavaliers at the score of 118-113.

TTFN!!!

Forza Horizon 3: The first Holden in history

In Forza Horizon 3's Mountain Dew Car Pack, here's the car Aussies forever worshipped for because to them, this is the genesis of what is known as "Australian's Own Car," Holden, and this is how it all began, the Holden 48-215, known by the chassis code as FX.



I knew this moment will come because as car production in Australia is nearing its end within a few months, it's a clear reminder that we should look back at the cars that became the forefront of Australian car production and nothing is more important than the FX Holden, the car that started it all. So, where did it all began? Let me go back to the beginning.

The year was 1945, in the climax of the Second World War, when the Australian Government urges the establishment of full-scale Australian motor manufacturing history and while Ford's presence in Australia is all in all at the moment, they demand Australia to have its own car maker and once such thing that steps up to the challenge is none other than General Motors Holden's. Two years later, in November 29th, 1948, Prime Minister Ben Chifley launched "Australia's Own Car," Holden.

The first Holden would officially be known as the 48-215 but they decided to call it just Holden and when it was replaced by its FJ successor, it was unofficially known as the FX Holden because it was never been used by Holden in such purpose. Since it was launched in 1948, General Motors Holden's managed to produce 10 Holdens a day, and over 75 million Australian Pounds were spent for expansion programs to enlarge and improve their facilities across Australia.

Despite being influenced by American styling, the Holden is 99% Australian through and through because nobody understands Australian driving conditions more than GMH. Under the bonnet lies a 132.5cu (2.2L) cast-iron 6-cylinder engine mated to a 3-speed manual gearbox. It produces 60HP of power and does a 0-97kph time of 18.7 seconds. Because this car is suitable enough to tackle Australian driving conditions, it's rugged enough to tackle the remote outback because of its dust-proof body and unique dynamics capable to handle such conditions.



I already driven the ute version of the Holden FX and with the saloon version of the very first Holden ever made, it all makes sense now that for a country that loves football, meat pies, and kangaroos, almost every Australian in the Land Down Under considered Holden to be the nation's favorite car because it really is Australia's driving future.

It's hard to say that if Holden celebrates its 70 anniversary next year, it will be sad because with car production well and truly over and their range is mostly imported from all parts of the world, including the next Commodore which is now based on the German-made Opel/Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport, what would Aussies think about Holden now since they have no Aussie-made car on their lineup, but the important thing is that without it, Holden will not exist as a carmaker and Australia became heavily influenced by Ford.



I guess it's time to owe this first Holden a heartfelt thanks by calling out anyone who loves the FX Holden for a little gathering of some sorts. Holden has been with us for almost seven decades thanks to this car built for Australian driving conditions and to celebrate, let's take the FX Holden for a race against other FX Holden lovers while dealing with typical Australian driving conditions. This should be very interesting.



I may have overcooked a bit but I am very proud that I feel like an Australian with the knack for football, meat pies, kangaroos and Holden cars and it all makes sense to me now that this is the car that made Australia became part of the globally-competitive environment, helped Australia through its industrial maturity, stepped up engineering standards, and made "Made In Australia" a new status symbol among the nations of the world. It really is "Australia's Own Car" with the look and leadership wherever they go.

Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in and Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid

As South Koreans demanded for some fuel-efficient vehicles in tough times, Hyundai and Kia responded to these times with their latest PHEV offerings for the general public. For Hyundai, they have the Ioniq Plug-in for those who are living the urban lifestyle. For Kia, they have the Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Korea's first PHEV crossover made for the outgoing people. Let's take a look at these two PHEVs offered for the Korean motoring public and why they are significant to them.

2017 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in

First off, let's look at the Ioniq Plug-In, the third addition to the Ioniq range consisting of the normal hybrid model and the electric model that runs only on electric power. With prices start from 33,730,000 Korean Won until privileges applied to its pricing to make it 27,300,000 Won his is by no means the best of both worlds for the third Ioniq because with this one, they can do both things; refuel and recharge, and this is the future done right by the Koreans.

With the Kappa GDi 1.6L petrol engine producing 105PS of power coupled with the 44.5kW electric motor and a 6-speed Double Clutch Gearbox unheard from most PHEVs, this Ioniq can get through 0-100kph in 10.6 seconds and 80-120kph in 7.6 seconds, so this PHEV is very spritey with life. In EV mode, it can travel up to 46km of driving range, and fuel efficiency, it promises a combined rate of 20.5km/L. Not bad for a PHEV that weighs around one and a half ton. Because this is an Ioniq, its aerodynamic styling plays a crucial role in attaining its fuel efficiency status and that is a good thing. Even though this is just Korea's take on the Prius PHV, the Ioniq Plug-in handles like a dream and once you get a hold of it, it feels like you can forget about the stubborn image of what a PHEV looks like because the world needs a better one, not another one as you may.

Of course, because this is one of the most advanced PHEV vehicles ever made, the Ioniq Plug-in comes with Hyundai Smart Sense consists of Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist System, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Smart Cruise Control. Simple as that.

2018 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid

Now, let's take a look on the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid, Korea's first PHEV crossover SUV ever built. With prices start at 33,050,000 Won before government subsidy applied, the Niro Plug-In Hybrid might be the ideal fuel-efficient crossover fit enough for your quiet Sunday drives.

Like the Ioniq Plug-in, the Niro Plug-In Hybrid is powered by a Kappa GDi 1.6L petrol engine producing 105PS of power coupled with the 44.5kW electric motor and a 6-speed Double Clutch Gearbox, and like the Ioniq Plug-in, you can refuel it or recharge it with the available 220V charger.

In EV mode, the Niro Plug-In Hybrid can travel up to 40km of driving range and with both the engine and the electric motor armed, it can travel up to 840km of driving range. In other words, that gives it 18.6km/L of combined fuel efficiency. Easier said than done.

With these PHEVs offered to the Korean motoring public, fuel efficiency and ecology never felt so alive and when the Japanese offered us fuel efficiency PHEVs that are too regular to drive on a day-to-day basis, the Koreans sure know how to liven it up with a little bit of driving fun that is unheard of from most PHEVs and with cars like the Ioniq and Niro, they really are heading on the right direction.

Let's Do The News! (June 7, 2017)

- Now that the gunman behind the attack on Resorts World Manila last week has been identified, the House of Representatives grills officials and security team of the said establishment over their security lapses that allowed gunman Jessie Carlos to barge into the casino with a rifle and torch the casino tables, leaving 38 people dead.

- The Supreme Court disapproved the proposal of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II to create special courts outside Mindanao. The special courts were suggested to handle cases that will be filed against anyone involved in the attack on Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur.

- The Bank of Philippine Islands announced that it is currently experiencing glitches due to an internal data processing error. Some ATMs from their branches went offline and can only receive, accept over the counter transactions.

- Paris authorities shot and injured a man who attacked an officer outside the Notre Dame Cathedral on Tuesday.

- Israeli troops opened fire at Palestinians who were throwing stones near the border fence in the Gaza Strip, killing one man and wounding seven others.

- A prison riot in Mexico's Tamaulipas state left three police officers and one security guard dead and another six people injured, according to authorities.

- Uber fired 20 employees and was improving management training  following an investigation by a law firm into sexual harassment allegations and other claims at the highly controversial ride-hailing company.

- Nickelodeon's hit cartoon show, SpongeBob SquarePants, has inspired a Broadway musical

- Major PokeMon announcements! At the recent Pokemon Direct presentation, they've announced Pokken Tournament DX coming to Nintendo Switch this September 22. DX features new battle rules as well as new playable Pokemon such as Scizor, Darkrai, Croagunk, Empoleon, and especially Decidueye from Pokemon Sun and Moon. Also, the Alola adventure continues on Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, coming on the 3DS this November 17.

TTFN!!!