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

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

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 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

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

My FH5 Log: Peak Roadster

The Mazda Roadster, known in the world market as the MX-5 Miata, celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2024. Of the four generations offered, the ND is considered to be the peak of the Roadster's development.

The fourth-generation Roadster, the ND, was launched nearly a decade ago and is still strong. The ND retains the same Roadster legacy and is a hundred kilograms lighter than the previous NC model and it is powered by a SKYACTIV-G 1.5L petrol engine developing a reasonable 131PS of power and 150Nm of torque while mated with either a Toyota-derived 6-speed automatic or a newly-developed SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed gearbox developed specifically for the new Roadster.

The ND Roadster featured in Forza Horizon 5 is powered by a SKYACTIV-G 2.0L petrol engine that the Japanese market never had at launch. Looks like the Japanese Forza fans will wistfully listen to its SKYACTIV-G 2.0L engine sound via ForzaVista. Isn't it a pity that there's one variant of the Roadster that has the said engine and that's the Roadster RF.

Having won from the Cars & Coffee Dry Season Playlist, the Roadster RF is the only Roadster variant with the SKYACTIV-G 2.0L engine in it. Of course, the world market versions have both the 1.5L and the 2.0L but the Japan version Roadsters had a 1.5L for the soft-top and the 2.0L for the RF. Either way, they're both mated with either a 6-speed SKYACTIV-MT or a 6-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic gearbox with paddle shifters.

For the 2022MY update, the Roadster ND features Kinematic Posture Control which applies a light braking force on the inner rear wheel during high-G cornering to suppress body roll for optimal steering response feel. The 2.0L SKYACTIV-G, exclusive for the RF, now produces 181hp of power and 205Nm of torque.

With the shortest circuit in Horizon Mexico under my thumb, it's time to see which ND Roadster is the best. Is it the soft top? The RF? Or maybe...

...maybe this? It's the short-lived Abarth 124 Spider. The normal Fiat 124 Spider is based on the same mechanicals as the Mazda Roadster ND but this is the Abarth version. Powered by an Abarth-tuned 1.4L MultiAir engine producing 170PS of power and 250Nm of torque while mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox. It does 0-100kph in 6.8 seconds and onwards to 232kph.

Let's roll the tape...

Here are the results...

MX-5 ND - 1m02.563s

MX-5 RF - 1m01.461s5

Abarth 124 Spider - 1m04.031s

It appears the KPC and the updated SKYACTIV-G 2.0L engine worked wonders for the RF. Touche...

The Mazda Roadster is a prime example of a proper sports car. It focuses on dynamics rather than speed and power. While it's not as fast as today's sports cars, its fun-to-drive character can't be beat. Let's hope the Mazda Roadster continues for many years to come.

EPILOGUE

The Mazda Roadster ND and the Abarth 124 Spider may have spawned from the same nest but in the end, it's the OG that stood tall while its Italian counterpart called it quits. I had to admire such a short-term collaboration between the two and with that, it's time for the twin roadsters for their live show but first...

Ever since the Abarth 124 Spider returned to Forza Horizon 5 in last year's Italian Automotive update, I've decided to summon an old friend of ours. Hey look, it's Aine Yuki. You know? She's one of the Pure Palette girls from Aikatsu Friends. Nah, I guess you've nearly forgotten about her...

The ND Roadster, meanwhile, is feeling sweet and perky as it dons the role of Kiratto PriChan's leading lady, Mirai Momoyama. Suits its personality if you catch my drift.

Aine-chan prefers to chill in the EventLab masterpiece called "Tea & Crumpets" while Mirai-chan tries to outsmart the competition in what's known to be a recreation of a racetrack from a CHORO-Q video game. Anyway, let's roll the tapes!

The girls with pink hair have done it again. I'm so proud of them.

The Mazda Roadster ND is the peak of the Roadster's development. The short-lived Abarth 124 Spider is a tribute to the ND. Together, they're becoming one of the all-time greats.

Here's to 35 more years, Mazda Roadster.

Mazda New Flair Wagon (MM94S)

Following the launch of the third-generation Suzuki Spacia range, it didn't take long for Mazda to borrow one for its Flair Wagon equivalent.

2024 Mazda Flair Wagon

Starting at 1,541,100 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the third-generation model features two different styles to choose from such as the all-familiar normal Flair Wagon and the stylish Flair Wagon Custom Style.

Apart from the revamped exterior design, the renewed interior features a wide array of convenient features such as the multi-use flap, independent rear seat slide, rear seat slide straps, and a personal table for rear passengers, not to mention lots of compartments to place, giving these new models plenty of uses in various situations. 

The third-generation Flair Wagon's Mild Hybrid technology features an Integrated Starter Generator linked to a lithium battery pack collaborating with its fuel-efficient R06D 660cc engine. Thanks to this fuel-efficient measure as well as the HEARTECT platform, the all-new Spacia has 25.1km/L of fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards.

The Flair Wagon Custom Style's turbo variant features Power Mode, which makes it more responsive on slopes or when merging onto the highway. It sounds great but the fuel economy is around 21.9kmpl.

For safety, the all-new Flair Wagon comes with a suite of safety features such as a Lane Departure Warning function, wandering alarm function, high beam assist, sign recognition function provided by its optional Omni-directional monitor camera package, advanced car departure notice function, dual sensor brake support, false start suppression, brake support, backward error start suppression, and more.

If you want a third-generation Spacia but the nearest dealership is a Mazda, this is your answer.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

Mazda MX-30 Rotary-EV

Ever since the discontinuation of the RX-8 in 2012, Mazda became a shadow of its former self without the one engine that made it great, the rotary engine. Over a decade later, the rotary engine roars back but not in the way you're expecting.

2024 Mazda MX-30 Rotary-EV

Rotary power is back in the Reiwa era and this time, it's in the form of the MX-30 compact crossover, the game-changer in the Mazda lineup because of its questionable powertrains including the Mazda-first electric powertrain. Yours for 4,235,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, which is slightly cheaper to own than the fully-electric model.

At first glance, it looks and feels just like your typical MX-30, meaning it still has the same RX-8-derived freestyle doors, which is cool, the same minimalist dashboard, the same cork trims, the same struggling access through the rear seats, and the same boot space as usual. However, this is the Rotary-EV model and the only way to distinguish it is by looking at the rotary emblem embedded on the side as well as the e-SKYACTIV R-EV badge at the back. The real has come!

Let's get to know more about the e-SKYACTIV R-EV powertrain, the one that generated a blaze since its world premiere. It's basically a plug-in hybrid powertrain, a first for Mazda, where the newly developed 830cc single-rotor 8C-PH engine is bolted to a 125kW MV electric motor and a 17.8kWh lithium-ion battery. Stealing the idea from Nissan's e-POWER, the rotary engine doesn't power the wheels directly but acts as a generator to charge the batteries, making the MX-30 R-EV behave just like its fully-electric equivalent but with more range compared to its mild-hybrid equivalent.

Thanks to the e-SKYACTIV R-EV powertrain, the fuel economy is 15.4km/L based on WLTC Mode standards and while running on electric power alone, it's good for 107km.

Like the EV Model, the MX-30 Rotary-EV is front-wheel-drive only and it comes with rack and pinion steering, front MacPherson struts, rear torsion beam, and front ventilated disc brakes, meaning it behaves just like it for a commoner's car of course but thanks to its R-EV powertrain, it feels like smooth sailing. As for safety, you can expect an advanced i-Activsense with Smart Brake Support with Turn-Across Traffic in addition to a 360-degree camera, Driver Monitoring, and front cross-traffic alert, among many others.

Mazda has a record of putting the signature rotary engine on basic models including the infamous Parkway Rotary 26 bus from the mid-1970s. Consider the MX-30 Rotary-EV added to the list. Although it's not as exciting as the world hoped for, it's decent enough to welcome the rotary engine back in the Reiwa era. Consider it a new beginning for the engine that made Mazda great.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

My GT7 Log: The SKYACTIV-X-Factor

The fourth-generation Mazda 3 is the first Mazda to be powered by the game-changing SKYACTIV-X engine and Gran Turismo 7 gave the world the chance to drive such a game-changing hatchback by all means.

But first, what's it all about the fourth-generation Mazda 3? It was originally known as the Axela from the first one of 2003 to the third-generation model of 2013 but Mazda decided to replace the Axela with the Mazda 3, adopting a new global approach for Mazdas in the present and the future, and it marked a fresh new chapter in Mazda's history because of its design, powertrain, and packaging that are clear signs that it is embarking on a whole new generation of Mazdas.

Inspired by the Kai Concept from the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, the Mazda 3 features an evolved Kodo design, minimalist interior layout, and technologically-advanced features that keep it ahead of its class. At launch, it was offered with a choice of a SKYACTIV-G 2.0L petrol, a more economical 1.5L engine, and a SKYACTIV-D 1.8L diesel engine mated to either a 6-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE AT or a 6-speed SKYACTIV-MT. In Late 2019, the Mazda 3 is offered with the world's first SKYACTIV-X engine. This engine features the new Spark Controlled Compression Ignition which combines the response and economy of a diesel engine and the performance of a petrol engine, all in one clever engine that works in accordance with Mazda's first-ever M Hybrid system, a 24V mild hybrid system that used Mazda's new electric drive technology, which minimizes fuel consumption and results to a much better fuel economy courtesy of its recycled energy recovered during deceleration and powering an electric motor that assists the engine.

The Mazda 3 featured in GT7 is the one with the 2.0L SKYACTIV-X petrol engine mated to a 6-speed SKYACTIV-MT and i-ACTIV AWD. Upon trying it out in the game, the engine that powers it, the i-ACTIV AWD, and the so-called G-VECTORING CONTROL PLUS really mean business for this hatchback and the classic Mazda jinba-ittai approach is still here. Although not a hot hatch material, it still has the Mazda spirit worth enjoying it.

To demonstrate the performance of the Mazda 3's SKYACTIV-X engine as well as its i-ACTIV AWD and G-VECTORING CONTROL PLUS, I went to Watkins Glen, New York, for a one-lap time attack just to prove its worth. Science suggests that it will lap through the whole track within the 2:30 mark and with that, it's time to perform such a scientific experiment. Roll the tape.

After a whole lap around The Glen, I've managed to set a lap time of 2m29.714s, meaning this SKYACTIV-X-powered Mazda 3 actually works, only just.

Thanks to its SKYACTIV-X engine, the fourth-generation Mazda 3 is proven to be the biggest upset in the category and if you're in the mood for searching a particular compact midsize hatchback, chances are you'll run into one of these.

With the Mazda 3, you'll know what's like to "be a driver" when you drive one.

Mazda CX-60

The arrival of the first-ever Mazda CX-60 serves as a turning point for the carmaker because this is the first Mazda crossover to run on a brand new rear-wheel-drive platform, which caused quite a stir for the fans and insiders alike. So, what's it all about the CX-60?

2023 Mazda CX-60

Priced at 2,992,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, roughly the same price as its bigger and soon-to-be-replaced Mazda CX-8, but sharply cheaper to own than the BMW X3 and the Mercedes GLC, the Mazda CX-60 is surprisingly a luxury crossover with a not-so-luxury pricetag that demands attention from the motoring world because of what lies underneath rather than its classic Mazda looks.

2023 Mazda CX-60

Thanks to Mazda's Kodo design which has been around for ten years, the CX-60 looks nearly identical to its similarly-sized brother, the Mazda CX-5, from head to toe, but don't try confusing these two because, despite their similar looks, the divergence underneath them will shock you.

2023 Mazda CX-60 interior

The high-quality interior is another one of the CX-60's key points because of the Nappa leather slathered on expensive models, the Mazda Connect system, optional Bose Sound System, and seating for five, among many others. As for the back, it's more spacious than the CX-5 despite its rear-wheel-drive platform running underneath and it even comes with an available power liftgate that allows users to automatically open the rear gate by lifting their foot under the rear bumper. It's all common sense, really.

2023 Mazda CX-60

At launch, the CX-60 is offered with the choice of a SKYACTIV-G 2.5 petrol engine and the first-ever SKYACTIV-D 3.3 diesel engine, all mated to an 8-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic gearbox. The diesel engine can be bolted with a 48V mild hybrid system, which results in 254PS of power and 550Nm of torque, while the fuel economy is up to 21.1kmpl based on WLTC Mode standards. This is the most powerful diesel-powered Mazda ever made and looks like the CX-60 is onto something here.

Mind you, there will be a plug-in hybrid variant coming soon, and this first-ever e-SKYACTIV PHEV powertrain mated to an 8-speed AT will be a revolution for Mazda.

The large FR architecture running underneath made the CX-60 drive like never before. It nearly behaves like the BMW X3 while taking through a leisurely weekend drive and looks like insiders are going to enjoy what this rear-wheel-drive architecture delivers. Coupled with the rack-and-pinion steering, front double wishbone, rear multilink suspension, and ventilated disc brakes, the end result is a crossover that drives greatly without the drama. Add a 4WD system to it and it feels capable to drive under the weather.

On the topic of safety, the Mazda CX-60's fully prepared with a wide range of active safety features such as the Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Cruising and Traffic Support, and many others.

The first-ever Mazda CX-60 is promising to be a huge win for Mazda because of its rear-wheel-drive architecture that delivers rewarding dynamics without the drama, not to mention a wide range of engine choices and the tech involved, although the stale looks made the insiders mistake the CX-60 for a CX-5. For an X3 competitor without the luxury car price tag, this is basically the most affordable luxury crossover you can buy and it's a huge freaking win for Mazda.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

My GT7 Log: Japan's Le Mans heroes

It's Le Mans D-Day and what better way to celebrate this year's endurance racing event than looking back at the Japanese racers that conquered Le Mans; the Mazda 787B and the modern-day defending champion, the Toyota GR010 Hybrid.

Mazda became the first Japanese carmaker to win Le Mans but thirty years later, Toyota became the first Japanese carmaker to win Le Mans four times. As Toyota gunning for its fifth Le Mans win, amid rising tensions against Alpine, let's get to know Japan's Le Mans heroes from the 787B of the Heisei era to the GR010 HYBRID of the Reiwa era, the machines that cemented both Japanese carmakers to the asphalts of Le Mans.

Let's begin with the Mazda 787B, a fan favorite since its appearance in Gran Turismo 3 A-SPEC. Built as an improved version of the 787, it features the same R26B 4-rotor Wankel engine from its predecessor which produces up to 690HP of power. Aside from that, it features carbon-fiber bodywork which resulted in a light, rigid body structure and other improvements. In the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, Mazda sent two 787B machines with the race-winning #55 car driven by Bertrand Gachot, Johnny Herbert, and Volker Weider. The 787B not only became the first Japanese-manufactured race car to win Le Mans, but it's also the first-and-only rotary-powered race car to win the said endurance race.

Now, let's get to know the GR010 HYBRID, the defending champion of the FIA WEC's Hypercar class. Following the success of their LMP1-class TS050, which propelled Toyota Gazoo Racing to three straight overall titles at Le Mans, Toyota created this competitor to the new Hypercar class, which replaced the LMP1 class after the 2020 season. Complying with Hypercar regulations, the GR010 is powered by a 3.5L V6 twin-turbo engine mated to an electric motor that powers the front wheels, making it a 4WD machine where the petrol engine powers the rear wheels while the electric motor takes care of the front, a drastic change compared to its LMP1 predecessor. Toyota defended its Le Mans success in the new Hypercar class with the #7 Toyota Gazoo Racing car emerging as the winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, making it its fourth win in a row.

With their quick intro done, it's time to find out which of these Japanese Le Mans heroes is the best. It's the showdown between the Heisei-era racer and the Reiwa-era racer on the most iconic endurance battlefield they've left their marks on. It's a showcase to demonstrate how much Japan has evolved in the world of Le Mans from Mazda's first win at Le Mans to Toyota's four-time winning streak. It's the master versus its associate, whatever it's called. Anyway, no time for words, let's roll the tape.

After a quick lap in Le Mans, here are the results;

787B - 3:43.816

GR010 - 3:40.855

It's a near-three-second gap between them and the GR010 truly is hyper after all.

From the 787B to the GR010 HYBRID, it's proof that Japan is the rising star in Le Mans. As Europe's finest carmakers are coming back stronger and faster than ever, looks like Toyota's position is on the line but no matter the circumstances, I'm glad Toyota made a huge impact at Le Mans since its first win. Although its winning streak doesn't last forever like the rest of the world, at least it left a lasting legacy in the world of endurance racing.

Wishing Toyota Gazoo Racing the best of luck on their Le Mans endeavor today!

My GT7 Log: Know Your Legends - The Mazda RX500

Let's get to know about the legendary cars that are hard to get in Gran Turismo 7's Legend Cars not only because of their extreme rarity that appears once in a blue moon but also their outrageous price tag that takes almost forever to save one. Today, let's get to know about the Mazda RX500, a concept car made in honor of Mazda's golden anniversary.

Built to commemorate Mazda's 50th anniversary, this concept car, displayed at the 1970 Tokyo Motor Show, features a rotary engine that produces 247HP of power as well as a bullet-shaped body for aerodynamics. Known trivia is that this concept first introduced the upswing doors before the Lamborghini Countach, making this concept car the originator of scissor doors.

The Mazda RX500 will lap through the Goodwood Motor Circuit but how fast will it go? Let's roll the tape.

It did it in 1:36.631. For a forgotten rotary concept car from the company that brought us rotary-powered engines, it's surprisingly impressive.

What other hard-to-get legendary cars should I drive next? Stay tuned for more.

My GT7 Log: The stars of GT7

Here they are, the stars of the recent installment of the Gran Turismo franchise, Gran Turismo 7. The Mazda RX-VISION GT3 Concept and the Porsche Vision Gran Turismo are the cover cars of the latest GT game and now's the ideal time to get to know the two hero cars of the game.

Judging by the way the producers pick these two cars as the stars of the GT7, they both have significance not just in Gran Turismo but in the motoring world we live in. These two signify the past, present, and the future of motoring in a way never seen before because with the RX-VISION GT3 Concept signifies the past and the present, the Porsche VGT signifies the future of motoring. It's like petrol power meets electric power. Everything ends and everything begins. Circle of life, ladies and gentlemen.

Let's begin with the RX-VISION GT3 CONCEPT from Mazda. You may have already drove one in GT SPORT a while back but since this is one of the cover cars of GT7, this hero car is the representation of the past and present of motorsports. The RX-VISION CONCEPT made a world premiere at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show and this future sportscar incorporates the full potential of the company's Kodo -Soul in Motion- design philosophy and the game-changing SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY that has been around for almost a decade since the third-generation Demio facelift in the summer of 2011. The RX-VISION features next-generation SKYACTIV-R rotary engine that delivers the ideal blend of performance and efficiency while letting the legendary rotary engine sound loose. It should have been one of the most promising ideas Mazda ever made but even though they have no plans to make it into production, they are still working hard on the return of the rotary engine by any ways and means. The GT3 CONCEPT turns the already vivid RX-VISION CONCEPT into a racing machine that complies to the game's Group 3 regulations. The track width's enlarged, wheel arch width increased, aerodynamics and downforce beefed up for track duty, lighter weight, better center of gravity, improved SKYACTIV-R rotary engine, and has near-perfect weight distribution.

Now, let's talk about the Porsche Vision Gran Turismo, the newest entry to the list of the Vision Gran Turismo concepts and one of the cover cars of GT7. Ever since the Gran Turismo franchise opened its doors to Porsche, the two sides joined forces to create a dream machine that reflects both Porsche and Gran Turismo. This is the result. With styling inspired by Porsches from the past and present, the Porsche Vision Gran Turismo features state-of-the-art carbon monocoque chassis and a cabin enclosed by a glass dome. It even has two electric motors on the front and rear, making it a 4WD electric dream car with the combined power output of 820kW and 1090Nm of torque.

These two dream machines really are the alpha and omega, the sun and the moon, the yin and the yang. They are polar opposites because their powertrains demonstrated us how will time take us from the age of fossil fuels to the age of electrification. As the world changes rapidly, the motoring world changes as well and cars like these are clear reflections of the ever-changing motoring landscape. This is the past, present, and future of motoring personified.

Anyway, no time to feel poetic about these two because now is the time to give these hero cars the ultimate bravery test; a quick lap in the dreaded Nurburgring Nordschleife, the ultimate proving ground for production and race cars everywhere.

Driving these two in the Nurburgring Nordschleife gave me the opportunity to examine their strengths and weaknesses. I'm familiar with the RX-VISION GT3 CONCEPT because I got my dibs on the previous GT game but since this is GT7, it gave me a different perspective on how this race car behaves and of course being a race car, it can feel downright tricky to get a hold of it but a little practice goes a long way.

The Porsche VGT, meanwhile, is a different beast. Its electric powertrain and 4WD system showcased its spartan driving manners akin to the Porsche 911 and because it only has one working gear like most electric cars, the braking feels a bit weak when stopping late or now, meaning the only way to resort through it is by braking early. I know, the braking system is its weak point but its intimidating acceleration is the key element of the Porsche VGT. Scary but worth giving a shot.

Anyway, time now to roll the tapes of these two hero cars conquering the Nurburgring with all of their might.

With their bravery test done, here are the results...

RX-VISION GT3 CONCEPT - 7:12.8

Porsche VGT - 6:54.505

Not the best results I've done but it looks like the times are right after all. It looks like eletrification has trumped fossil fuels and the electric Porsche VGT defeated the Mazda RX-VISION GT3 CONCEPT, massively.

After giving these two the ultimate bravery test, it's clear that in this age of new normal, electrification is becoming the gold standard, whether you like it or not, and as demonstrated by this bravery test I've showcased to these two, it feels like this is the path the motoring world will be heading; the electrified path.

I know its hard to part ways from the era of internal combustion engines because us, speedo boys, love the noise of engine starts and exhaust notes but sadly, this is the new normal and sacrifices need to be done in order to keep up with the ever-changing world we live in. Like humans, cars like these, whether if its ICE-powered or electrified, may not be forever but their legacies will be forever remembered the world over.

This is the past, present, and future of Gran Turismo. From the era of internal combustion engines to the age of electrification, the spirit of Gran Turismo lives on...and that is the bottom line.

My GT7 Log: The first hunt

If you're playing Gran Turismo 7 for the first time, congratulations. You have just begun your journey to become the best car collector and racer known the world over. As your GT7 adventure kicked off, you've been given 20,000 Credits to spend for your first car from the used car dealership, which is open from the start. Here are the cars available for you at the start with that kind of budget;

These are the under 20K starters in question; a Toyota Aqua, a third-generation Honda Fit Hybrid, and the fourth-generation Mazda Demio. Before buying one of the three, let's get to know about the three Japanese compacts.

Launched in December 2011, the Toyota Aqua is the most fuel-efficient hybrid sold in the market and it's one of Japan's bestsellers by a huge margin. Using the updated version of the old powerplant from the first-generation Prius, the Aqua has a fuel economy of 35kmpl back when it was launched. Two years later, they've bumped the fuel economy to 37kmpl.

The third-generation Honda Fit, launched in September 2013, was meant to be Honda's response to the Toyota Aqua. With the 1.5L hybrid powertrain mated to a 7-speed double-clutch gearbox containing an integrated, high-output electric motor powered by the car’s lithium-ion batteries, the third-generation Fit Hybrid has a 36.4km/L fuel economy based on JC08 Mode standards.

The fourth-generation Mazda Demio, launched in 2014, takes full advantage of Mazda's SKYACTIV Technology first introduced by its predecessor. It has a choice of a P3-VPS 1.3L SKYACTIV-G 4-cylinder DOHC Miller Cycle engine and the newly-developed S5-DPTS 1.5L SKYACTIV-D 4-cylinder diesel turbo engine. The 1.3L petrol model with be mated with a 6-speed auto and a 5-speed manual while the top-of-the-line 1.5L diesel model can be fitted with a 6-speed auto or 6-speed manual. The diesel variant, seen here, has a 30kmpl fuel economy based on JC08 mode standards.

These three Japanese hatchbacks not only are economical but they're also fun to drive for first-timers, making them the starting point for those who began their GT7 journey. No wonder these three are part of your first challenge in the game which involves collecting all three Japanese Compact Cars. Anyway, long story short, and having completed the first page of your GT7 adventure, it's time to find out which of these three Japanese Compact Cars is the best and with that, it's time to return to Tsukuba for a little experiment.

So nice to be back doing things in the world of Gran Turismo. Going around the world, driving the best cars, racing against the world, this is what Gran Turismo is all about. Anyway, the experiment. Let's roll the tape to find out which of these three Japanese compact cars is the best.

After a lap around Tsukuba, here are the results;

Aqua - 1:17.774

Fit - 1:18.964

Demio - 1:18.522

What a shocking result! The Aqua, despite its ancient hybrid setup and CVT gearbox, managed to defeat the double-clutch-geared Fit Hybrid and the diesel-powered Mazda Demio by a narrow margin!

These three Japanese compact hatchbacks signaled the start of your long journey in Gran Turismo 7. As you progress through the journey, you will be able to compete through new tracks, get new cars, tackle new challenges, and fight your way to become the world champion. The journey isn't easy but you got this. After all, it's the love for cars that brought you here, right?

Welcome to the world of Gran Turismo. Enjoy your stay and good luck!