Challenge: A New Microwave

We kinda do apologize for the photo quality...

 

Now earlier, we decided to buy a new microwave oven as a replacement to the broken black Haier microwave. Our first option was in Lowe's, where the branch was just a few blocks near McDonald's. We look around for some microwaves sold on that area and turned out....most of the Haier microwaves were sold out. We asked someone and it's all bad news. Yep, bad news because of the shipments. Papa thinks that Haiers are cheaper and the previous one we bought is a bit 30-ish dollars.

Papa said that there is a microwave oven available at Fry's, which is somewhat the most rubbish electronics store in the Northwest. I said rubbish because of the selection of items. At Fry's, papa found one and it costs a 50-ish dollar price tag and amazed that it was a Daewoo!

IT WAS A DAEWOO!!!

It was a Daewoo KOR-6L0B microwave oven! It maybe a bit more pricier than the old Haier we have but some say, this was the cheapest in Fry's. Who cares about it? But still, we now have a new microwave oven.

We now have a new oven that does well than the old Haier microwave oven. What can you say about our new microwave oven? Post your comments below!

Active Life Vehicle Chevrolet Orlando, now with LPGi!

2012 GM Korea Chevrolet Orlando

GM Korea's Chevrolet Orlando was the Active Life Vehicle designed and engineered in South Korea and it was the first out of the eight new Chevrolet models to hit South Korea as part of renaming GM Daewoo Auto and Technology into GM Korea Company. Since it made a preview at the 2011 Manila International Auto Show last April, along with the Traverse, we're still waiting when will TCCCI bring the Chevrolet Orlando to the Philippines soon (before the end of 2011 perhaps?) and if it does, it will pose a huge threat to the Toyota Avanza, Mitsubishi Fuzion (known in Taiwan as the Zinger), and the Nissan Grand Livina.

Now, the Chevrolet Orlando is added with the new variant called Orlando LPGi. The Chevrolet Orlando LPGi is powered with the ECOTEC 2.0 LPGi (Liquefied Petroleum Gasoline injection) engine. This is the world's first from General Motors because the ECOTEC LPGi engine is the first from the company and the Chevrolet Orlando was the first to have one. It packs with features like FICM (Fuel Injection Control Module), DIS (Direct Ignition System), and D-CVCP (Dual-Continuous Variable Cam Phaser).

The ECOTEC 2.0 LPGi engine has a power output of 140PS/6000rpm, torque output of 18.8kg-m/4600rpm, and the fuel economy of 8.7km/L. It is mated with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Not quite fuel efficient than the diesel-fed Chevrolet Orlando but whatever.

GM Daewoo (GM Korea) Chevrolet Orlando

2012 GM Korea Chevrolet Orlando

When GM Daewoo is still in the process of renaming it into GM Korea Company, the Korean division of General Motors launched the first of the eight Chevrolet vehicles to the South Korean market. Six of them will be made from Bupyeong-gu, Incheon, while the two Chevrolet models are imported from the North American market. The first Korean-made Chevrolet that will mark the beginning of Chevrolet and the countdown of renaming "GM Daewoo Auto and Technology" into "GM Korea Company" is the Active Live Vehicle known as the Chevrolet Orlando (쉐보레 올란도).

Made for the global market except the United States and Japan, the Chevrolet Orlando is the first Korean Chevrolet that will help revolutionize the Korean division of General Motors and to bring out the best for Korean families. With the concept of "Active Life Vehicle", the Orlando marks the new category because of its ruggedness of an SUV, sedan riding comfort, and spaciousness of a minivan. Think of it as the Korean-American take on Mitsubishi Fuzion/Zinger MPV.

GM Korea's Chevrolet Orlando is powered with the 2.0L DOHC Turbo Diesel engine, capable of releasing a fresh power output of 163hp and the torque output of 36.7kg-m. The 2.0L 6-Speed Automatic variant has a fuel economy of 14.0km/L while the 2.0L 6-Speed Manual variant has a fuel economy of 17.4km/L. In other terms, driving a manual variant of the Orlando takes you further if you are planning a trip from Manila to Cabanatuan.

My thoughts about the Chevrolet Orlando:
The Chevrolet Orlando marks the first of the eight Chevrolet vehicles to be launched in the Korean market. As always told from GM Daewoo CEO, now GM Korea Company CEO, Mike Arcamone said that six Chevrolet models are domestic while two are North American imports. As it gets near, the GM Daewoo Lacetti Premiere and the Matiz Creative will be branded as Chevrolet Cruze and Spark, planned to rename existing models while retaining the GM Daewoo brand on vehicles such as Damas, Labo, and the Alpheon premium sedan.

The Orlando is intended for the global market and it's not coming to the United States and Japan. If The Covenant Car Company Inc. plans to launch the Korean-made Orlando to the Philippines soon, the Mitsubishi Fuzion, Toyota Avanza and Innova, and the Nissan Grand Livina might be shocked to see such a worthy Korean-American contender stepping on the competition. Also, if someone plans a Philippine commercial for the Orlando, leave it to Ryan Agoncillo because he's the brand ambassador for Chevrolet Philippines. If Ryan Agoncillo's going for a joyride in Orlando, he'll bring the whole family for an entire trip around the country with the new Orlando, Chevrolet's Active Life Vehicle created from GM Korea (formerly GM Daewoo). Sales for the Orlando starts at March 2011 in South Korea and soon worldwide except USA and Japan.

Now on, Daewoo Matiz and Lacetti will be known as GM Korea's Chevrolet Spark and Chevrolet Cruze!

GM Korea Chevrolet Spark and Cruze

GM Daewoo's Lacetti Premiere (launched since late 2008) and GM Daewoo's Matiz Creative (launched since Autumn 2009), will be renamed as GM Korea Chevrolet Spark and GM Korea Chevrolet Cruze (differentiating from the US Chevrolet Cruze, launched since Autumn 2010) as part of the Korean launch of Chevrolet and the renaming of "GM Daewoo Auto and Techonology" into "GM Korea Company" starting late March 2011.

Despite renames, they are not counted as one of the eight new Chevrolet models coming to South Korea this year, ranging from the Orlando ALV, Aveo Sedan and Hatch, the Camaro (CBU from America), Captiva SUV, new midsize sedan, an unnamed imported Chevy model, and something that will built at the Bupyeong plant.

We already have these two in the Philippines so the new naming will take effect to South Korea this March.

Goodbye Daewoo, Hello Chevrolet

What a shocker! When GM Daewoo CEO, Mike Arcamone , announced the Chevrolet brand in last years Busan International Motor Show, he's not joking, this is the real deal!

Scoop (Korean):

http://www.megaauto.com/contents/view.php3?menu_id=10&id=53109&cur_page=1

2012 Chevrolet Sonic (coming late 2011)

2010 Chevrolet Camaro Transformers edition

Officially official! The historic American brand behind the Camaro and Corvette (and also the Volt) is coming to the land of favorite Korean dramas, replacing the Daewoo nameplate once and for all! Cars like the upcoming Sonic sedan and hatch and the Camaro, are coming to South Korea this early 2011! Other cars which are GM Daewoo Lacetti Premiere and the Matiz Creative will be renamed as Chevrole tCruze and the Chevrolet Spark. The not-for-USA Chevrolet Orlando may come in South Korea too and built it here!

It is an unfair truth that the U.S.A. may not get the Orlando MPV, the Cruze Hatchback, and the Captiva's Minor Change but only the Sonic sedan and hatch may come in the U.S. this Autumn.

From now on, GM Daewoo Auto and Technology will be known as GM Korea Company. There will be eight Chevrolet models coming to South Korea including Camaro, Orlando, Sonic, the minor change Captiva, Cruze hatchback, and a new sedan replacing the Daewoo Tosca.

Now what?! Can these new ones come to the Philippines too? Remember, we already got the Camaro, and the Cruze sedan. Now we are waiting for the Orlando MPV, the Captiva's face lift, the Cruze hatchback, and the Sonic.

I hope that TCCCI got that memo...

Chevrolet Cruze -U.S. Spec-

Chevrolet Cruze

While most countries, including the Philippines, enjoying the breathtaking experience of Chevrolet's new compact sedan, the Cruze, it seems that North American Chevrolet fans are finally getting a piece of action on a true global cars. I am glad this global car finally reached its home market, even when sourced from South Korea as the GM Daewoo Lacetti Premiere.

By gaining a world-level reputation, the Chevrolet Cruze will not be beaten by the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla in terms of style, packaging, and performance. I am glad that this car made the right move against Japanese compact sedans.

Two engine choices are available for the Cruze, such as the high-performance 1.4L turbo engine and the high-end 1.8L engine. Most variants are offered with 6-speed automatic transmission but the high-end Cruze 2LS grade offers not only the 6AT but also the fun-to-shift 6-speed manual transmission. If I were to choose between those, I would start with the 1.4L turbo engine because it is a wild ride but unfortunately, this variant does not have a manual transmission. Only the 1.8L Natural Aspiration engine comes with that kind of transmission.

When approaching to the Cruze's interior, it offers a wide array of technology you will never find it on the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla. The Cruze offers Bluetooth connectivity, USB connectivity, available Turn-by-Turn Navigation, XM Satellite Radio, and Pioneer Premium Audio System. With these features, you will never turn back from your boring old sedan ever again because the Cruze was made to be premium compact sedan for the world market.

My thoughts about the Cruze:
Now on sale on the world market, from Korea, Europe, Asia Pacific, and now the North American market, the Chevrolet Cruze will always maintain the reputation as the excellent premium compact sedan. In the Philippines, the Cruze amazed us with its intuitive design, unquestionable packaging, and superb performance. Coming late 2010, there will be a Cruze Eco, engineered to be the world eco-car for the masses.


Photo: The Covenant Car Company Inc. (Asian model shown, US Version will vary)

GM Daewoo Alpheon

GM Daewoo Alpheon

Slated for Korean sale this late summer following the entry-level grade this October, GM Daewoo's newest luxury sedan, the Alpheon, is truly the main target of the new Kia K7 and the upcoming Hyundai Grandeur HG, despite the pricing Koreans want to know more about this medium-sized premium sedan.

Do not be hasty just because the Alpheon is the OEM of the second-generation Buick LaCrosse, this would be different from what you used to the new LaCrosse. Pretend you will learn more about this car for the first time, readers. The Alpheon delivers a gorgeous exterior that makes its rivals mow down before the might of the Alpheon's prestige design which is simply a Korean-American flair. It is equipped with adaptive headlamps so whenever you turn the steering wheel from the left to the right, the Alpheon's headlamps will also turn left or right, for a safer night driving in any direction.

The Alpheon's interior shows its true beauty with its swooping lines scattered around the premium interior. At night, the Alpheon shows its Ice Blue lighting that shows its aura of elegance with an exquisite contrast, leaving the Kia K7's interior mowed down before its might. With an 8-inch navigation system equipped on the Alpheon, this premium Korean-American sedan shows the right way and the enjoyment on the go thanks to the Digital Media Broadcasting (DMB) feature so you will never miss a thing when it comes to sports, music, news, and entertainment.

The Alpheon comes with the 3.0L V6 SIDI engine that has a power output of 265 PS/ 6900 RPM and a torque output of 29.6 kg-m/ 5600 RPM. On the downside, this engine spec was not good enough to outsmart the Kia K7's 3.5L V6 engine, but with the entry-level 2.4L engine (coming this fall) with the 185 PS of power output, the Alpheon declares checkmate against the K7's 180 PS 2.4L engine because it has 5 PS more.

My thoughts about the Alpheon:
Since GM Daewoo planned to bring the Chevrolet brand to Korea next year, would the GM Daewoo branded cars be branded as Chevrolet in the Korean market? The answer will be revealed in the near future. As for that, we have to make do with the latest offering that slots between the Holden Statesman-based GM Daewoo Veritas premium sedan, and the Buick LaCrosse-based GM Daewoo Alpheon are made for the Korean alpha males suitable for their luxury lifestyles. The Kia K7 seems to be catchy enough to topple against the Alpheon but if all else attacks, the Alpheon will strike back, just as the LaCrosse dubbed as the "Lexus Fighter" by the press when General Motors has resurfaced despite the never-ending Lehman Shock. That Lehman Shock claimed many of everyone's favorite car genres, will the Alpheon pay it back from them?

GM Daewoo Matiz Creative

Does everyone remember Skids from Transformers Revenge of the Fallen?You remember how this super-cool Autobot look like in car form. Well, the point is that Skids character in car form was the sign of the new compact car created by General Motors via the GM Daewoo division. To tell the truth, Skids will be a take-home car on one name: the new generation Matiz (now with the Creative moniker on it).





Do not upset over the wonderful features seen on the new Matiz because these looks can bring the term "fashionista" to the next level! When the outside has based on the Chevrolet Beat concept compact car as seen on the 2007 New York Auto Show, there are new exterior features that leave owners to inch closer than other compacts. On the front view, the diamond headlamps shine like a 24-karat diamond. When others say that these headlamps shine like a diamond, which is because of the High Intensity Discharge headlamps that shine through the dark roads. Imagine how our pal Skids would like to see it through his own eyes! On his side view, where can passengers find a door that leads them to the rear seats? Just like the Nissan Pathfinder or the Armada, a secret rear door leads you to the rear seats. Skids really do have a secret entrance for other passengers to seat on the back.

On the inside the Matiz Creative, the others think that someone hit an instant jackpot on the inside. From the stylish seats that made professionally for customers, dashboard adds a bold finesse that best served with the new dynamic meter cluster that displays real-time information and the performance the Matiz done for.

The big question is, what kind of engine that powers our pal, Skids, all the way to the danger zone? Here is the answer: the Matiz Creative has powered with General Motors' new 1.0-litre S-TEC II DOHC engine capable of releasing a nimble power of just 70ps at 6000rpm. Available transmission is a 4-speed automatic transmission.

IT IS A PLEASURE TO MEET YOU, SKIDS.

Hearing out about how our Autobot friend, Skids, became the take-home car for sale, what would our Chevrolet Camaro friend, Bumblebee, would react about this? With General Motors emerged as a new GM after long weeks of Chapter 11 Bankruptcy filing, the Matiz became the perfect global car in different GM brands. Is there a chance of becoming a success or a failure for our Autobot pal, Skids? Be prepared because Skids will come at different countries to achieve total popularity thanks to its diamond headlamps, secret rear door and the dynamic meter cluster that you can see on the Matiz Creative! Moreover, when it hits to our shores as a Chevrolet, it will be bigger than our acts of Transformers-ism the same way we did to Bumblebee!