Showing posts with label japanese. Show all posts
Showing posts with label japanese. Show all posts

Thursday, November 14, 2024

PriPara Song♪ Collection Melody Moments

Although the PriPara series concluded with the finale of Idol Time PriPara, its reputation as the greatest of all time (GOAT) in the Pretty Series remains strong. Fans attending past Pretty Series concerts were surprised by the performance of never-before-heard songs from the PriPara universe.

PriPara Song♪ Collection Melody Moments
PriPara Song♪ Collection Melody Moments

The PriPara Song♪ Collection Melody Moments album features 13 songs that made their debut from past concerts including SoLaMi Smile's ウィー・ラブ・プリパラ!, DressingPafé, Breaking Bloom!!!, DARK NIGHTMARE's DARKNESS SOUL, Cosmo Hojo's Burn! Cosmic Liberty, and more.

This album is proof that PriPara is Pretty Series' GOAT and what a way to wrap up PriPara's 10th anniversary celebration. As the saying goes, they're not done yet...

TRACK LISTINGS:

01.ウィー・ラブ・プリパラ!

02.Breaking Bloom!!!

03.ストロベリー・バレット・ナイト

04.DARKNESS SOUL

05.オレーザービーム

06.Burn! Cosmic Liberty

07.NonSugar × Age

08.以心伝心パンチライン

09.L'amour en Tricolore ~ラムール・アン・トリコロール~

10.パルプス・ノンフィクション♪

11.ぽわぽわ♡NURSE?

12.シリアル・ドリーマー!!!

13.Stay Tuned

Idol Land PriPara Song♪ Collection OPEN DREAM LAND!

The Idol Land PriPara app game's anime segments saw Laala Manaka and Amari Katasumi join forces to truly save Idol Land from its impending doom. Throughout their adventures, they've reawakened Shuka Hanazono's PriPara career as well as Yui Yumekawa, made a chance encounter with a giant vocal doll named Pololo, a showdown between Amari and Mario, and ultimately, saving Idol Land. That's everything.

Having enjoyed the songs heard from the Idol Land PriPara app game's anime segments, a mini-album featuring full versions of the Idol Land PriPara songs has arrived with some of it.

Idol Land PriPara Song♪ Collection OPEN DREAM LAND!
Idol Land PriPara Song♪ Collection
OPEN DREAM LAND!

This mini-album features some of the songs as heard from the Idol Land PriPara app game such as the theme song titled "OPEN DREAM LAND!" by SoLaMi Smile, Chaotic Hurricane by Amari, Chocolate Ice Cream Tornado by Mario, and more.

It's a way of saying thanks for watching the anime segments of the Idol Land PriPara app game. The story may be finished but the fun continues while you're still around IDOL LAND so make the most of it!

TRACK LISTINGS:

01.OPEN DREAM LAND!

02.カオティックハリケーン

03.チョコレートアイスクリーム・トルネード

04.My Way Star☆

05.リープ・トゥ・ザ・ゴールデン・イヤー!!!

06.ポォロン♪あまやどりのうた

07.究極合神アマリオン -破滅と創造の狂想曲-

Bubble Rise / Special Color

In the opening stages of the final season of *Love Live! Superstar!!*, Wien Margarete's plot for revenge against Liella came to fruition when Kanon Shibuya announced that she would no longer be part of the group and had defected to join Margarete. Along with the newly enrolled Tomari Onitsuka, the trio formed TomaKanoTe to prove their worth. However, even without Kanon, the now leaderless Liella fights back.

The songs heard from episodes two and three from the final season of *Love Live! Superstar!!* has arrived and this is your only way to listen to the first two insert songs from the latest adventure.

Bubble Rise
Bubble Rise

Special Color
Special Color

Episode 2 of *Love Live! Superstar!!* saw the TomaKanoTe trio perform the song "Bubble Rise" while Episode 3 saw what remains of Liella perform Special Color. The full versions of these songs are yours to listen but there's more because the Bubble Rise cover version features the song いつものピースサイン while the Special Color cover version features the song ファイティングコール.

Will the Liella girls do all means to bring back Kanon in the face of Margarete's adversity? The third season of *Love Live! Superstar!!* airs every Sunday night on NHK ETV.

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (GN0W) - 2025 facelift

Launched at the end of 2021, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (GN0W) was a game-changer that promises to turn Mitsubishi's fortunes around with its PHEV drivetrain. Sadly, only a few are taking notice of it. Now is the ideal time to reintroduce the Outlander PHEV to the world in a revamped approach.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (GN0W) - 2025 facelift
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Now starting at 5,263,500 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, a huge price hike compared to the previous model, the updated Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GN0W promises to be an even more game-changer than before with its recalibrated PHEV drivetrain along with some retouches in store for this minor change.

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV interior

The 2025 model features some slight retouches, such as the front grille to accommodate its front shutters, revamped wheel designs, the new 12.3-inch touchscreen sat-nav system with smartphone connectivity, and the available Yamaha 12-speaker sound system, which replaces the Bose unit from the pre-facelifted model. It's still offered with the choice of a five-seater or a seven-seater and can carry up to 1404 liters of boot space with the passenger seats folded down. Ideal for various walks of life from business to leisure.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (GN0W) - 2025 facelift
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Now's the ideal time to talk about its recalibrated PHEV powertrain. While the 4B12 2.4L petrol engine remains unchanged, the electrical bit is now powered by the 22.7 kWh lithium battery with a new liquid cooling system and a heat pump system, making greater efficiency to its twin motors that supplement its Super All-Wheel Control system. Overall, it now produces over 300PS of power, and mated with a single-gear automatic, it sprints from 0-100kph in less than eight seconds and flat-out in 170kph.

Its fuel efficiency is now 17.6 km/L, and its EV driving range is now 106km based on WLTC Mode standards.

Mitsubishi also recalibrated the Outlander PHEV's dynamics using lightweight and high-rigidity aluminum on its suspension setup to make it slightly more enjoyable to drive everywhere as well as its revamped steering layout and larger ventilated disc brakes.

The new Outlander PHEV prioritizes safety with its MI-PILOT single-lane driver assistance technology. This system combines Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist to help keep the vehicle centered while navigating Tokyo's highways. Additionally, it features the capability to read speed limit signs, which may surprise other drivers on the road.

Now that we’ve had a chance to get acquainted with the new features of the refreshed Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, let's discuss whether or not this refresh has successfully made it the ideal time to take notice of this improved model.

Photo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

Friday, November 8, 2024

FUUTO PI: Kamen Rider Skull no Shouzou

FUUTO PI, the animated continuation of the 2009 Kamen Rider TV series, Kamen Rider W, returns, this time at the cinemas as the trio are facing their most daring case yet.

FUUTO PI: Kamen Rider Skull no Shouzou

FUUTO PI: Kamen Rider Skull no Shouzou, the movie continuation of the FUUTO PI anime series, picks up moments from the TV anime where Shutaro Hidari and Phillip are gripping themselves in the shadows of Shokichi Narumi, better known as Kamen Rider Skull.

The most shadowy Rider from Kamen Rider W finally made his anime appearance. Apart from his long-awaited return to the world of FUUTO PI, the suspense and drama truly overshadowed the duo's hard-boiled atmosphere, where the fun stops and the terror begins. For Kamen Rider W fans, this movie is the ultimate in suspense and action.

As the FUUTO PI manga series nears its climax, this movie clearly reminds them that it is a blessing and a curse for those who are extreme fans of the Kamen Rider W saga. It is a sign of things to come.

Sunday, November 3, 2024

Autobacs Super GT 2024 Series Round 8

Mobility Resort MOTEGI was originally meant to be the final destination for the AUTOBACS SUPER GT's 30th-anniversary celebration. However, because the Suzuka race was postponed to December, it became the penultimate destination for the 2024 season. However, that didn't stop the drivers from getting their last spurt to the title fight.

Autobacs Super GT 2024 Series Round 8
Screengrab from Super GT

The #36 au TOM'S GR SUPRA won the Motegi round of the 2024 Super GT season while the #8 ARTA MUGEN CIVIC TYPE-R GT finished 2nd and the #38 KeePer CERUMO GR Supra finished 3rd. In the GT300 class, meanwhile, the #88 VENTENY Lamborghini GT3 is the winner while the #65 LEON PYRAMID AMG finished 2nd and the #18 UPGARAGE NSX GT3 finished 3rd.

The postponed Round 5 of the Autobacs Super GT Series in Suzuka Circuit will be this December 8, 2024. Who will be the champion? Don't miss it!

Friday, November 1, 2024

My FH5 Log: 500 miles a day

The Subaru Alcyone SVX is the final prize car of Forza Horizon 5's Back to the 90s update and it's obtainable in this update's Spring Season Playlist. Now that I have one, it's time to get to know the last Alcyone ever made.

Alcyone

Introduced in 1991, the Alcyone SVX stands as Subaru's flagship grand tourer coupe, famously advertised with the slogan "500 miles a day." This remarkable vehicle combines striking Giugiaro-inspired styling with an eye-catching glass-to-glass round canopy, making it a true head-turner.

Under the hood, the Alcyone SVX boasts a robust water-cooled 3.3L boxer-six engine, featuring Subaru's pioneering variable torque distribution electronically controlled four-wheel drive (VTD-4WD). With an impressive output of 230HP and 228 lb-ft of torque, it pairs exclusively with a smooth 4-speed automatic transmission. The strut suspension on both the front and rear wheels, combined with ventilated disc brakes, ensures an exhilarating driving experience.

Despite its substantial weight, the SVX embodies the essence of a luxury grand tourer, delivering unparalleled comfort and responsive handling tailored for those long, enjoyable journeys ahead. Experience the legacy of the Alcyone SVX; it’s more than just a car—it’s a statement of performance and style.

Alcyone

With its introduction done, it's time to give the last prize car of the decade a challenging duel against a top driver in a certain EventLab creation made by a player named "VeIxity". Let's roll the tape.


Well, it may be a performance flop because it's only mated with a 4-speed AT but the SVX is nostalgia shaken and stirred.

And that’s it for Forza Horizon 5’s Back to the 90s. What a way to revisit our childhood memories the Forza way. And with the next update imminent, let’s hope the prize cars will be better than these.

Sunday, October 27, 2024

My GT7 Log: Beyond Competition

Japan and South Korea are known as “frenemies.” They have a checkered past since Japan split Korea into two. This past did not stop the two countries from jointly hosting the 2002 FIFA World Cup, which was a true display of frenemies. The same goes for present-day WRC when Toyota Gazoo Racing and Hyundai N clash for dirt supremacy.


In honor of the recent Hyundai N x Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival, we celebrate the rivalry between the two Far East motoring superpowers by comparing the two Vision Gran Turismo concepts from Hyundai and Toyota.


The Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo is a concept car that paved the way for Hyundai’s high-performance division. This hybrid race car has a hydrogen fuel cell system that delivers 871 horsepower through four independent motors. This fuel cell and motor combination allows the Hyundai N 2025 to have a phenomenal driving experience.

The FT-1 Vision Gran Turismo is what happens when the FT-1 Concept, which served as the blueprint for the Supra revival project, transformed into a race car. It's a futuristic version of the Toyota Supra used in the JGTC (Super GT) races in the past, but it's not a JGTC car. While it's just a concept, the FT-1 VGT proves Toyota has a lot of potential and passion for motorsports.



After a quick introduction of the cars from Toyota and Hyundai, let's pit these Far East rivals around Suzuka Circuit, which is considered the sacred ground of Japanese motorsports. Let's roll the tape.


Here are the results...

FT-1 VGT - 2m05.872s

N 2025 VGT - 1m46.484s

It's a huge shocker of a result, judging by the fact that Hyundai's investing heavily in the world of electrification while Toyota's lagging behind and sticking to its old-school principles. Either way, while Hyundai has the upper hand against the Japanese motoring giant, the results don't really matter because this comparison is a demonstration of how capable these two Far East motoring giants are.


Hyundai and Toyota are known for shaking things up. They are both creating fun-to-drive cars as hinted by their high-performance divisions; Hyundai N and Toyota Gazoo Racing. While the N cars stick to the "never just drive" mantra, the TGR cars are all about "pushing the limits for better."

They've raced as competitors. But when they meet, a new thrill begins.

Beyond competition, united by passion.

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

DAISUKI FULL POWER

 The third season of Love Live! Superstar!! is here! In an exciting first for the Love Live! TV anime franchise, this season will bring the girls' adventures to a thrilling conclusion. But first, they'll have to face off against their biggest threat yet: Wien Margarete, the rival school idol who was defeated by Liella! She's transferred to Yuigaoka Girls High with one thing on her mind: revenge! 

As fanatics enjoying the dramatic final chapter of the Liella girls, the closing theme song has arrived!

DAISUKI FULL POWER
DAISUKI FULL POWER

The third season of Love Live! Superstar!! has arrived, and with it comes the closing theme song, "DAISUKI FULL POWER." This single is the only thing you need to listen to the latest theme song and the coupling song, "Within a Dream." There is no other choice!

The third season of Love Live! Superstar!! airs every Sunday night on NHK ETV.

Let's be ONE

The third season of Love Live! Superstar!! is here! In an exciting first for the Love Live! TV anime franchise, this season will bring the girls' adventures to a thrilling conclusion. But first, they'll have to face off against their biggest threat yet: Wien Margarete, the rival school idol who was defeated by Liella! She's transferred to Yuigaoka Girls High with one thing on her mind: revenge! 

As fanatics enjoying the dramatic final chapter of the Liella girls, the opening theme song has arrived!

Let's be ONE
Let's be ONE

The third season of Love Live! Superstar!! has arrived, and with it comes the opening theme song, "Let's Be One." This single is the only thing you need to listen to the latest theme song and the coupling song, "青春HOPPERS" because, truth be told, there's no other choice.

The third season of Love Live! Superstar!! airs every Sunday night on NHK ETV.

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

My FH5 Log: Mr. Mitsu

The Mitsubishi FTO has made its comeback in Forza Horizon 5 as a prize car in the Back to the 90s Storm Season Playlist. This news is sure to thrill a certain slasher from Hakone.

FTO

Having obtained the FTO, let's have a word with the only front-wheel-drive sports coupe Mitsubishi made.

The Mitsubishi FTO was launched in October 1994 as an entry-level front-wheel-drive sports coupe. It was intended to compete with the Toyota Celica and the Honda Integra. The FTO comes with a choice of engines, including a 2.0L 6A12 MIVEC V6 engine that produces 200 PS of power and 20.4 kgf-m of torque. It is mated with either a 5-speed manual or INVECS-II Sports Mode automatic transmission (in four or five-speed configurations) that allows the driver to manually shift gears with ease. At launch, it won the Japan Car of the Year. Production ended in 2000.

FTO

I'm going to take the FTO for a quick drive around a certain EventLab creation that feels like Fuji to me. I'm not sure if it's an exact replica, but it's close enough. Anyway, let's roll the tape and see how it handles.


The good old days are still here, at least for fans of the Mitsubishi FTO. This classic Japanese sports coupe has been revisited in Forza Horizon 5.

Enjoy your new ride!

Sunday, October 20, 2024

My FH5 Log: Ao-Soarer Jumping Heart

The third-generation Toyota Soarer showcased to the world that a Japanese carmaker can jump onto the GT bandwagon by offering drivers a sensible grand tourer worth enjoyable to drive. The same goes for its so-called spiritual successor, the Lexus LC.



The Toyota Soarer and Lexus LC are both grand touring cars that offer drivers a sensible and enjoyable driving experience. When you compare these two cars, you'll discover that they have a lot in common. So, how well do we know these two?


The third-generation Toyota Soarer is a luxury coupe that I won from Forza Horizon 5's Back to the 90s Summer Season Playlist. Launched in 1991, the third-generation Soarer eschews the muscular shape of its predecessor in favor of a rounder design. This is the first Soarer that was sold overseas as the Lexus SC. In the US, it won the 1992 Import Car of the Year. Engine choices include a 1UZ-FE 4.0L V8 engine, a 2JZ-GE 3.0L 6-cylinder engine, and seen here is the 1JZ-GTE 2.5L six-cylinder twin-turbo engine. Depending on the engine choices, the Z30 Soarer is mated to either a 4-speed AT or a 5-speed MT.


Now, let's talk about the Lexus LC 500, one of the last remaining V8-powered JDM cars. Although the design is heavily inspired by the LF-LC Concept, the LC is the first Lexus to use Toyota's TNGA platform. It's powered by the 472HP 5.0L naturally-aspirated V8 engine mated to a Lexus-first 10-speed AT.

The Lexus LC became the last Lexus vehicle to compete in the Super GT's GT500 class before it was replaced by the Toyota GR Supra for the 2020 season. In its three-season tenure from 2017 to 2019, the LC 500 emerged as the two-time champion with the #37 KeePer TOM'S and the #6 WAKO'S 4CR LC500 bagging the titles.



To see how much progress the LC has gained compared to the Z30 Soarer it draws inspiration from, I went outside the Horizon Rush site to conduct this sensible experiment. Roll the tape.


And now, the results...

Lap Times:

Soarer Z30 - 1m12.606s

LC500 - 1m06.834s

The V8-powered Lexus LC 500 is a formidable machine. In a side-by-side race, it outperformed the Toyota Soarer Z30 by six seconds quicker than the latter's time. This result is especially impressive considering that the Z30 Soarer is a formidable machine in its own right.


The Lexus LC is a grand touring car that offers drivers a sensible and enjoyable driving experience. It's a Happy Set of performance, comfort, and style that you would expect from the company behind the last V8-powered JDM sports cars. Just like the Toyota Soarer Z30, it really is "for mind cruising".

For Mind Cruising...that's what it said during the commercials for the Toyota Soarer Z30 while in the backdrop of Eric Carmen's All By Myself. Anyway, with the LC500 proving its worth, it's time for a little one-car show performance. But first...





My Lexus LC500 now has the striking image of a Kansai stagegirl we all love. I kinda miss her. I even fitted it with the LBWK kit to make it look like a Super GT racer. Touche...


Prepped for the Revue Act, my Lexus LC is prepared to take on a rather good EventLab creation that deserves no introduction. It's a circuit setting with a touge taste to it. A chance to flex some Japanese muscles on the corners. Anyway, let's roll the tape.


Nearly perfect but that's my highlight.


Lexus is the only Japanese car brand that still offers V8 engines in its sports coupes, such as the RC F and LC 500. However, as the world moves toward electric vehicles, these gas-guzzling machines are likely to become extinct. Although it sounds cruel, this is the new normal we live in but their legacies will be forever in our hearts and minds.


Just like last time, domo arigato. You made us proud.

Autobacs Super GT 2024 Series Round 7

Round 7 of the Autobacs Super GT 2024 Series took place at the Autopolis circuit. Drivers endured three hours of intense driving action, during which even slight mistakes can have painful consequences for their title fight.

Autobacs Super GT 2024 Series Round 7
Screengrab from SUPER GT

The #39 DENSO KOBELCO SARD GR Supra trumped the two Zs, the #23 MOTUL AUTECH Z, and the #3 Niterra MOTUL Z, to win the seventh round of this season. The GT300 class saw the #88 VENTENY Lamborghini Huracan GT3 emerge victorious while the #2 muta Racing GR86 GT finished 2nd and the #96 K-Tunes RC F GT3 finished 3rd.

After Round 7, the #36 car is leading in the GT500 class while the ##65 car leads the GT300 class.

Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=cV0Kj7riMcYzpD0i&v=DqTnyWcKSAE&feature=youtu.be

The next race is at Mobility Resort Motegi for Round 8 this November 3, 2024.

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Suzuki Fronx

After 36 years, the Suzuki Escudo is officially dead and its place was filled by its replacement transferred from India. Meet the first-ever Suzuki Fronx.

2025 Suzuki Fronx
2025 Suzuki Fronx

Priced at 2,541,000 Yen plus additional costs, the first-ever Fronx fills the void left by the recently deceased Escudo and is ready to compete with the Toyota Raize and the Honda WR-V. The Fronx marks the second time Suzuki imported a vehicle from India's Maruti Suzuki manufacturing line since the Baleno in 2016.

2025 Suzuki Fronx
2025 Suzuki Fronx

Beginning with the styling, the Fronx looks well-sculpted and macho compared to the Escudo it replaces. From its NEXwave grille, striking front fascia, NEXTre' LED lights, new-age aerodynamic design, LED sweeping taillights heavily mistaken for a Mercedes SUV, and geometric alloy wheels, rest assured that the Fronx is starting to take shape like an earnest Indian student who got transferred to a Japanese school.

2025 Suzuki Fronx
2025 Suzuki Fronx interior

Now, let's get to know the interior and by surprise, the Fronx is shockingly premium in its class. The driver's side is packed with goodies such as a heads-up display, wireless charger, heated seats, and a 9-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity and Suzuki Connect service. Although regularly comfortable by compact crossover standards, you can carry up to 290L of goodies with the rear seats present, which is more than the Escudo and can be folded down for more.

2025 Suzuki Fronx
2025 Suzuki Fronx

The only powertrain offered in the Fronx is the 1.5L Dual Jet mild-hybrid powertrain mated to a 6-speed AT with paddle shifters. The engine produces 100PS of power and it's connected to a 2.3kW electric motor with a lithium-ion battery. In its FF configuration, it has 19km/L of fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards while the 4WD variant gets 17.8km/L.

Being a fully imported crossover from India that can travel across Japan, the Fronx is packed with Rack & Pinion steering, front MacPherson Struts, rear torsion beam, and front ventilated disc brakes. As a front-wheel-drive crossover, the Fronx feels slightly regular to drive daily but with 4WD equipped, it has slightly improved its capabilities. Not great but it will do. Greatness can somewhat be a cruel and unpredictable mistress if you catch my drift.

The Fronx features Suzuki Safety Support, a suite of ADAS that can tackle everyday driving by streets, highways, parking, and at night. Along with ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child fix anchorages, six airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners with force limiters, impact compliance, and Pedestrian Protection compliance, it's about as safe as every Japanese crossover should be.

Although this is the most expensive crossover in its class, more than the Raize and the WR-V, it's cheaper to own than the now-defunct Escudo, the fully-imported Suzuki Fronx tries to make a name for itself as a world standard in Suzuki's right. Let's hope it won't repeat the same mistake as the Baleno because this is the second chance Suzuki is selling an Indian import on its home turf. Best of luck.

Available Colors: Artic White Pearl, Artic White Pearl/Black Roof, Splendid Silver Metallic, Splendid Silver Metallic/Black Roof, Bluish Black Pearl 4, Opulent Red Pearl Metallic/Black Roof, Lucent Orange Pearl Metallic/Black Roof, Earthen Brown Pearl Metallic/Black Roof, and Celestial Blue Pearl Metallic.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Subaru Chiffon Try

Remember the Daihatsu FunCross two years ago? Guess what, Subaru borrowed one for their own version of the said kei car. Called the Chiffon Try, it's for those who want a Daihatsu Tanto FunCross but their nearest dealership is Subaru's. Not bad.

2025 Subaru Chiffon Try
2025 Subaru Chiffon Try

With prices starting at 1,831,500 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the Tanto FunCross is the rugged version of the current-generation Chiffon that features a rugged exterior with a tough front face and black claddings on the side and back. Although rugged, observers still consider it "cute", just like the rest of the Chiffon family.

On the interior, the Try's seats feature a camouflage design and some orange panelings that are in sync with its rugged design. Although they're somewhat show-off, their signature traits are still in this model; the signature pillarless door on the passenger side, space for four people, various seating arrangements, and various compartments to store your stuff, among many others. Word of advice, though, there are USB-C ports involved in this car so you better bring the right plug while on the go.

Like today's Chiffon range, the Chiffon Try runs on the DNGA architecture. Along with the rack-and-pinion steering, front MacPherson Strut suspension, ventilated disc front brakes, and leading trailing rear brakes, not to mention the torsion beams for FF models and 3-link rear suspension for 4WD models, the Try behaves pretty much like a Chiffon despite its rugged looks, as expected. Although made for the great outdoors, it's still a city car that fits well with the Tokyo traffic.

Under the hood, the Try runs on the KF 660cc 3-cylinder DOHC 12V EFI engine. Mated to a D-CVT, the fuel economy is up to 21.9km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.

Like most Chiffon models, the Try features Smart Assist, a suite of active safety features ranging from collision avoidance, detection, driving load reduction, and parking. It even comes with full LED headlamps, VSC, TRC, CTA, emergency stop signal, ABS, TAF body, SRS airbag, and ISOFIX.

So, if you want a Daihatsu Tanto FunCross but your nearest dealership is a Subaru dealership, the Chiffon Try is for you.

Photo: Subaru Corporation

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Mazda CX-80

The big brother of the CX-60, the CX-80, is here, completing Mazda's plan to launch crossovers running on a newly developed rear-wheel-drive platform.

2025 Mazda CX-80
2025 Mazda CX-80

Served as the successor to the CX-8, the first-ever, 3,943,500 Yen, Mazda CX-80 is the flagship of the Mazda lineup and obviously the most expensive in the range. Still, despite the price tag, you can sharply afford one compared to expensive luxury European imports.

2025 Mazda CX-80
2025 Mazda CX-80

Familiar looks aside, the CX-80 is 95mm longer and 50mm wider than the CX-8 it replaces, although it's 16mm lower. With such sizing, there's no doubt that the CX-80 is the "big boss" of the Mazda lineup, a real breadwinner.

2025 Mazda CX-80
2025 Mazda CX-80 interior

The high-quality interior is another one of the CX-80's key points because of the Nappa leather slathered on expensive models, the panorama sunroof, the Mazda Connect system, the optional Bose Sound System, and others. Being a three-row mainstream crossover, the CX-80 has a choice of three second-row seating configurations: a three-person bench seat, two captain's seats separated by a walk-through space, and two captain's seats with a middle console.

Concerning boot space, the CX-80 carries up to 258 liters with the passenger seats present up to 1221 liters with the passenger seats folded down.

2025 Mazda CX-80
2025 Mazda CX-80

The CX-80 is powered by a choice of a SKYACTIV-D 3.3, a 254PS e-SKYACTIV-D 3.3 with M Hybrid Boost, and the range-topping 327PS 2.5L e-SKYACTIV PHEV powertrain. All of these powertrains are mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The one with the e-SKYACTIV-D 3.3 has 18.3km/L of fuel economy while the 2.5L e-SKYACTIV PHEV has 12.9km/L of fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards and while running on electric power only, it has 67km of electric driving range. Enough range from your humble Muntinlupa home to a weekend trip to the SM Megamall or Okada Manila for some reason.

Although it is heavy to drive for an SUV running on FR architecture, the CX-80 feels slightly more enjoyable to drive than the CX-8 it replaces. Along with the available 4WD system, front double wishbones, rear multilink, ventilated disc brakes, and rack-and-pinion steering, it's about as luxurious to drive as expensive luxury imports or a Hyundai Palisade.

On the topic of safety, the Mazda CX-80 is fully prepared with a wide range of active safety features such as the Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Cruising and Traffic Support, and many others.

With such dimensions, interior, performance, and technology, not to mention the FR architecture running underneath, there's no doubt that the CX-80 is the "big boss" of the Mazda lineup. It's a shame that there will be no more after this because the FR architecture Mazda made has so many possibilities but sadly, this is as far as they go. Anyway, while the CX-80 completes the SUV range running on such architecture, there are other plans on the horizon so watch for it. Who knows what sort of tricks Mazda will come up.

Available Colors: Artisan Red Premium Metallic, Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Melting Copper Metallic, Jet Black Mica, Machine Grey  Premium Metallic, Rhodium White Premium Metallic, Platinum Quartz Metallic, and Deep Crystal Blue Mica.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

Friday, October 4, 2024

My FH5 Log: Legends of the Hidden Junk Cars

Three undesirable old cars have plagued Forza Horizon 5's Hidden Horizons update like disease-carrying rodents.


Let's face it, there's no stopping a game like Forza Horizon 5 from featuring undesirable old cars no one asked for and the Hidden Horizons update is no exception. Time to meet this update's worst offenders.


First, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III from the Hidden Horizons Summer Season Playlist. Launched in 1995, the Lancer Evolution III is the third and the last verse based on the fourth-generation Lancer. It features a revised body style compared to the Evo II while the turbocharged 2.0L 4G63 engine was bumped to 266HP of power output.


Next, the fourth-generation Toyota Chaser, in turbocharged 2.5GT twin-turbo guise, from the Hidden Horizons Winter Season Playlist. Powered by a 2.5L 1JZ-GTE engine, it produces 210PS of power, making it the most powerful of the X80-series Chasers.


Lastly, the facelifted Volvo C30, in T5 R-Design Polestar Limited Edition guise, from the Hidden Horizons Spring Season Playlist. A byproduct of the SCC Concept, the C30 is the last 3-door Volvo ever made.




Let's give the latest batch of junk cars a quick race to prove their worth. Roll the tapes.




These junk cars still know how to funk themselves.

The plague of junk cars in Forza Horizon 5 is far from over because the next update, the Back To The 90s update, sees another plague of junk cars from the 1990s. Brace yourselves, more junk cars are coming.

Speaking of which...


Do you remember the King?