Opel/Vauxhall Crossland X

Opel and Vauxhall are now part of Groupe PSA, the parent company of Peugeot, Citroen, and DS Automobiles. What does it mean? It's the end of the road as we know it for General Motors in Europe and "change is coming" for the used-to-be Euro subsidiary of the General because they will be providing all the R&D provided by PSA in their vehicles. One such example is the all-new crossover known as the Crossland X and it's time to examine what's what.

2018 Opel Crossland X

2018 Vauxhall Crossland X

Known by many as the replacement to the Meriva MPV because, ahem, crossovers prevail over MPVs and minivans alike in the automobile race, the new Crossland X hints to everyone the "Change Is Coming" scenario from Opel-Vauxhall following their departure from General Motors and their arrival to Groupe PSA. Why? With a little sense of cognitive cross-examination, you will examine what's underneath the new Crossland X. It's basically a Peugeot 2008 underneath, meaning it's a clear sign that "change is coming" for the car makers who used to belong with the General.

First off, what's it look like on the outside? For a crossover that bears the same size as the 2008, the Crossland X incorporates the signature front grille as seen on its big brother, the Mokka X, as well as the new Insignia range, while the side view looks very stylish, yet conspicuously familiar, and the rear view looks like a Nissan SUV that used to live in its home market before it left.

2018 Opel Crossland X interior

2018 Vauxhall Crossland X interior

On the inside, the Crossland X, despite the 2008 connection, looks pretty much as roomier as the Meriva it replaces. Good rear space as well. On the gadgetry side, the Crossland X features smartphone connectivity good enough to be Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible so your sat-nav will behave just like smartphones, only different. With so much good stuff around here, the Crossland X is just pretty much like the one your sis drove during the after-hours, only different.

2018 Opel Crossland X

2018 Vauxhall Crossland X

Even though the Crossland X looks like an SUV, it still behaves like an MPV indeed and because of the 2008 connection, the Crossland X is powered with a choice of a 1.2L, 1.2L turbo, and a 1.6L diesel engine, all sourced from Groupe PSA. The most powerful version will be the 1.2L Turbo with 130PS of power and 230Nm of torque and with the 6-speed manual, it does 0-100kph in 9.1 seconds and onwards to 206kph, quicker than those Japanese compact MPVs it may come across on the highway. The most fuel-efficient, meanwhile, is the one with the 1.6L ecoTEC diesel variant mated to a 6-speed manual with 3.8L/100km of combined fuel economy.

Handling-wise, the Crossland X no longer feels like a Chevrolet Orlando, which is no longer on European roads for quite some time now, and because it's now underpinning the same platform as the Peugeot 2008, it has a French flair to its driving character. It no longer has that sauerkraut feeling but rather a souffle when you taste its handling traits. On a normal work day, the Crossland X feels not so bad to drive but on your day off with the kids, this is where the Crossland X gets even more challenging and because this is a five-seater crossover, the biggest threat of all is the invasion of the child seats on the second-row seats and therefore, not a great choice for a family mover so the Crossland X should be better off as an after-hours car to drive with your mates or use it to fetch other people when you got joined to a certain ride-hailing company as a driver, as long it's not UBER.

To get the Crossland X ready on the road ahead, it comes with a wide array of driver aids such as Adaptive Forward Lighting, a head-up display, 180-degree Panoramic Rear View Camera, Advanced Park Assist, Forward Collision Alert with pedestrian detection and Automatic Emergency Braking, Driver Drowsiness System, Lane Keep Assist, Speed Sign Recognition, and Side Blind Spot Alert.

The price? The Crossland X starts at 16,850 Euros (£17,755), which sounds more affordable than the Peugeot 2008 it's based upon, making it a great value for money in a world dominated by crossovers like this. Although the Crossland X is an ideal alternative to MPVs, it's not an ideal measure as a family car due to its five-seater capacity and when child seats raided the entire second-row seats, it's your loss. As a city car to drive with your mates, it feels good and on a day-to-day basis, the Crossland X is a revelation. In fact, this is a revelation to Opel/Vauxhall's change following its acquisition by Groupe PSA from General Motors and now that they're under French control, expect the best and worst to come in the future of Opel/Vauxhall.

Photo: Opel/Vauxhall

Audi SQ5 (Typ FY)

Now based on the second-generation Audi Q5, the all-new SQ5 shows that even a mildly high-performance crossover like this can be a lot more enjoyable to drive as a sportscar while maintaining its daily driver usage as a crossover. So, is the new model better than the previous one? Let's investigate.

2018 Audi SQ5

2018 Audi SQ5

Ever since the second-generation Audi Q5 crossover arrived on the scene several moments ago, I have strong belief that it's amazingly more affordable to buy than the Mercedes GLC, your auntie's next favorite luxury crossover, while it behaves pretty much like the GLC. In this new SQ5 though, this car wants a piece of that action with Mercedes-AMG's GLC43 by doing some similar stuff the GLC43 does in its spare time.

In comparison with the normal Q5, the SQ5 features a much mild and tangy exterior design which is as sharp as a soccer mom in a gym outfit, going out to do some MMAs with some sparring partners or even her next-door neighbor who brings them nothing but Danishes on the silver platter. On the inside, it still feels like a normal Q5. The five-seater capacity, the generous boot space, the MMI navigation plus with MMI all-in-touch, the Virtual Cockpit dashboard, it's all there to keep them waiting.

Time for something that is worth surprising because in the old SQ5, it has a 3.0 TDi engine with two turbochargers that produces 313HP of power and 650Nm of torque. In the new one though, in tune with the times, the diesel engine has been off to the great junkyard in the sky and in place, there is a new 3.0L V6 TFSi petrol engine that powers it, sacrificing torque for added power, 354PS of power and 500Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. With this powerplant along with its quattro permanent AWD, it does 0-100kph in 5.4 seconds and top speed normally limited to 250kph. It may sound quick for an SUV but it's less pulley compared to the previous SQ5 and it's slightly less fuel efficient as well, 8.3 l/100km compared to the old SQ5's 7.2L/100km. When compared to the similarly-sized Mercedes-AMG GLC43, the SQ5 will be getting left behind in the dust bowl in a red state and looks like now it's not the time to explain these two for the time being.

Because the latest Q5 utilizes the same new platform as the latest VW Tiguan, it's now more nimble and more durable compared to the last one, and for the SQ5, the quattro all-wheel drive and its sport-tuned dynamics makes it as lean and as sharp as an Audi S4 in every tangible way. It maybe great to use in any road condition and it can as addicting as a weekend at the arcade but understeering is very likely and even if you try to hard to get this round the corners, it's a distant struggle to get it right and with so much grip, have it your way because it can be very mild and menacing for a crossover like this.

In terms of overall enjoyment as a sportscar, the SQ5 is a royal pain in the arms because it has so much grip in it but as a everyday car, the SQ5 is not half bad, especially when it comes with the same driver assistance tech as the standard Q5.

Should you buy it? The new Audi SQ5 starts at 65,400 Euros, which is four grand more than the more superior Mercedes-AMG GLC43 and for such pricing, it's no doubt that this new SQ5 won't be cutting against its rival to the teeth but it's a fair start. While the transition from diesel to petrol is quite a surprising feat because Audi's had enough of the diesels following scandals that ruined its reputation, how much more does the SQ5 lose apart from its torque? No one knows but explanations are a lot harder than sampling this new model that despite its transition, it never lost some of its impish character from its predecessor and while the GLC43 can beat it in the game of "top trumps", the SQ5 can cheek squeak its way through the end of a week like MMAs in a pajama party. See if I care about it.

Photo: AUDI AG

Bubble Gang - August 11, 2017 #BGWasakKotse

In the August 11, 2017 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Wasak Kotse gags

- In tonight's top stories...

- One man told everyone about his weird powers

- An interview with Addy Raj and Mahal!

- Istambay, Istambay Sa Looban, Special Ang Inyong Matitikman, Dahil Ang Tindera Sa Tambayan, Special Ang Dala Sa...TINDAHAN?!

- A doctor's sexy way to treat illnesses.

- The trouble with gambling...

- Basa-basa-pik!

Subaru Levorg and WRX S4 - 2018 minor change

Subaru's Levorg and WRX S4, Japan's cut-price answer to Volvo's V60 and S60, are now updated for the 2018 model year and apart from having slight cosmetic and mechanical changes aside, the 2018MY Levorg and WRX S4 introduced us to Subaru's brand new version of the award-winning Eyesight safety tech.

2018 Subaru WRX S4

2018 Subaru Levorg

Before explaining more about Subaru's updated version of the Eyesight safety tech. Let's find out what's new on these two, starting with the outside of these cars as you can see with those redesigned hexagonal-shaped grilles, new front bumpers, and new wheel designs, there is a stark comparison between these two relatives; the Levorg is designed as a comfortable day-to-day car for work and for leisure while the WRX S4 is designed to be as sporty as its hi-po derivative.

2018 Subaru WRX S4 interior

2018 Subaru Levorg interior

On the inside, both the WRX S4 and the Levorg come with the new, larger high-definition multi-function display, as well as the new auto climate control on the dashboard to keep it fresh and accommodating for both of these models. Seats aside, both the WRX S4 and the Levorg feature Ultrasuede, a suede-like artificial leather made by Toray, intertwining bundled ultrafine fibers, giving these interiors a touch of class. It even comes with the driver's seat position memory function that can memorize up to four seating positions, giving occupants a customized seating position comfortable enough for the long journey ahead.

2018 Subaru WRX S4

2018 Subaru Levorg

Under the hood, both models do come with the same 300PS 2.0L DIT boxer-four engine mated to a LINEARTRONIC CVT and SI-DRIVE which promises 13.2km/L of fuel efficiency based on JC08 Mode standards and improved driving feel because of the tinkering of the dynamics. In the Levorg, though, it still offers an entry-level 1.6L turbocharged boxer engine with 16.0km/L of fuel efficiency.

Now, we get to the real part of these two updated models in terms of safety, and for the new 2018MY WRX S4 and Levorg comes Eyesight Touring Assist. Improving the safety credentials of their award-winning safety tech, Eyesight Touring Assist operates by using Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Control, and a stereo camera to monitor lane markings as well as vehicles ahead of the car, greatly reducing the driver burden by taking control of acceleration, braking, and steering while traveling on highways. In other words, these can make the WRX S4 and Levorg drive by themselves, which is surprising and awkward among Subarists.

So, now that we get to know about Subaru's new Eyesight Touring Assist, what do you think? Is this tech predicting the future of Subarus or it means something more? Whatever it is, new tech aside, the new WRX S4 and the new Levorg are trying to play "top trumps" against Volvo's S60 and V60, although even with the upgrades, these Volvo's can still mince these two because of the performance in terms of pricing, especially when the Levorg starts at 2,829,600 Japanese Yen and the WRX S4 starts at 3,369,600 Yen, they're great value for money for a change. So there you have it, with these new tech and features, both these new Subaru models may never make the grade against its Volvo rivals due to their performance but when it comes to getting ready in today's traffic conditions, their new Eyesight Touring Assist is right here when they need it the most.

Photo: Subaru Corporation

Let's Do The News! (August 11, 2017)

- A magnitude 6.1 quake was felt all over Metro Manila and parts of Central Luzon on Friday, Aug. 11 at 1328 local time. According to PHIVOLCS, the epicenter of the earthquake was located 5 km southwest of Lian, Batangas, at a depth of 173 km.

- President Rodrigo Duterte has declared a state of calamity in Ormoc City, and Kananga town in Leyte a month after a M6.5 quake rattled it. President Duterte singed Proclamation No. 283 last August 7 to speed up rescue, recovery, relief, and rehabilitation efforts of the government, private sectors, and the several international humanitarian assistance group.

- Senator Leila de Lima will remain in her prison cell, according to the President. in response to the European Union lawmakers who requested that De Lima be placed under house arrest.

- The Commission on Higher Education announced its plan to implement H.B. 5633 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act by the next school year. CHED Commissioner Prospero de Vera III explained that the agency will finish the implementing rules this week.

- For four months, texts from the government pinged into every mobile phone in Saudi Arabia ordering “illegal expatriates” to leave the kingdom before the end of an amnesty that expired in late July.

- Daihatsu displayed two concept cars at this year's Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show such as the DN Multisix and the DN F-Sedan.

2017 Daihatsu DN Multisix concept

2017 Daihatsu DN F-Sedan concept

- The 2018 Acura RLX minor change has been unveiled. Donning Acura's new precision grille as seen on last year's MDX minor change as well as the recent TLX minor change, the new RLX features a recalibrated Sport Hybrid SH-AWD inspired by the NSX, new 10-speed gearbox for the normal 310HP V6 variant with P-AWS, and AcuraWatch safety tech with new Traffic Jam Assist.

2018 Acura RLX

- Chevrolet unveiled their 2018 Camaro Stock Car, which will replace the SS for next season's Monster Energy NASCAR series.

- Forza teams up with HOONIGAN for the Hoonigan Car Pack, coming on Forza Horizon 3 next week and on Forza Motorsport 7 at launch.

TTFN!!!

Torchwood: Aliens Among Us 1

Captain Jack Harkness and Gwen Cooper are back to confront a new powerful threat emerging through the streets of Cardiff in the first batch of this new Torchwood adventure by Big Finish Productions, which is known to be the true sequel to the Torchwood saga set moments after the Miracle Day incident.

Torchwood: Aliens Among Us 1

To the words of Big Finish Productions, Aliens Among Us is officially known as the fifth series of the Torchwood saga and it picks up where Miracle Day left off in an amusing way to keep the spirit of Torchwood alive and kicking. No one knows why but we're fine by that.

The Miracle is no more. Captain Jack and Gwen faced The Miracle head on and triumphed. Now, in the aftermath, the two revived Torchwood from the ground up at an undisclosed location as they face the terrible consequences of their actions. Tyler Steele, a disgraced journalist, arrives in Cardiff for his new beginnings while investigating the so-called Red Doors movement, who allegedly claimed responsibility for the terrorist attacks on immigrants, stirring up racism and hate in this Welsh metropolis. Delving deeper into this new kind of conspiracy, Tyler finds out that the secret organization known as Torchwood is back online and he will do everything to join the ranks and solve this new kind of threat that plunges Cardiff into a "sea of chaos."

In addition to returning cast of characters such as John Barrowman as Captain Jack Harkness, Eve Myles as Gwen Cooper, Kai Owen as Rhys Williams, and Tom Price as Sgt. Andy Davidson, Aliens Among Us introduces listeners and fans alike new characters joining forces with Captain Jack and Gwen in their newest mission such as ex-military Mr. Colchester (played by Paul Clayton), journalist Tyler Steele (played by Jonathan Green), and a valuable new recruit named Ng (played by Alexandria Riley).

The first part features four missions you will be experiencing in this new Torchwood saga; from Tyler's arrival in Cardiff, the Ro-Jedda conspiracy, a mysterious agreement between a contractor and an alien race in question, and the last one is very relatable in today's times where the lines between the rich and poor have been blurred out of the question. Needless to say, the people behind this new chapter of Torchwood have drawn inspirations from today's world affairs ranging from the Trump presidency, the Brexit, the ongoing terrorist attacks, the migrant crisis, and so on while blending with the classic Torchwood chemistry to gap the line between fact and fiction and by mixing factual world affairs with science-fiction stuff, Aliens Among Us gives listeners a serious nightmare fuel with a dose of Torchwood thrills to balance it out to make it more enjoyable for devotees of the hit Doctor Who spinoff program.

Don't miss part two of Aliens Among Us coming this October 2017 and part three this February 2018 and they can be ordered as a bundle starting at 75 GBP on CD or 60 GBP on download. Best to pick the download one because you can be the first people to listen to this true sequel of the hit Doctor Who spinoff.

Let's Do The News! (August 10, 2017)

- COMELEC chairman Andres Bautista denies rumors that he is allegedly a homosexual, a playboy, and having a personal sex dungeon. Also, Bautista also rebutted his wife’s claim of him having accounts on several pornographic websites.

- The Armed Forces of the Philippines announced the mounting of a hundred thousand peso bounty against members of the New People's Army, either dead or alive. According to the general, the initiative was enacted upon by the local government, especially in areas where the rebel forces are rampant.

- Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte is offering a two million peso bounty for the arrest of every policemen involved in the mass killing and drug operations linked to former Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog.

- The US government imposed sanctions on eight Venezuelan officials for their role in creating an all-powerful legislative body loyal to President Nicolas Maduro, while a mayor-turned-fugitive called for more anti-government protests.

- Meanwhile, Mexican soccer star Rafael "Rafa" Marquez was sanctioned by the US Treasury Department as well as over 20 others for suspected links with an accused drug kingpin, tarnishing the reputation of one of Mexico’s sporting giants.

- Scientists named a legendary sea-going crocodile that menaced coastal waters about 164 million years ago during the Jurassic Period after the heavy-metal rocker Lemmy, the late front man for the British band Motörhead.

- Mercedes-Benz teases their new concept car set to unveil at this month's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.



- Former late night show host David Letterman returns to work for a new Netflix show.

TTFN!!!