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!

MAZDA6 (GJ) and MAZDA2 (DJ)

The Mazda Atenza and the Mazda Demio are now discontinued and replaced by the new MAZDA6 and the new MAZDA2, marking them the first time adopting international names since the latest-generation MAZDA3. While they look the same as the Atenza and the Demio models they've replaced, these two new models will find some slight changes around here.

2020 Mazda 6

2020 Mazda 6

Starting with the MAZDA6 and with prices starting below the three million yen mark, it comes with two different body styles; a 4-door sedan and a 5-door station wagon. At first glance, the MAZDA6 looks a lot like last year's Atenza minor change and even after being renamed, the design is distinctively Mazda and because last year's Atenza minor change is the best-looking Atenza ever, perhaps the rename never harmed the looks at all.

2020 Mazda 6 interior

The same story goes for the interior and like last year's Atenza minor change, the MAZDA6 features a wooden trim on the dashboard, the Active Driving Display on the windscreen, and others. Although being driver-focused, it still feels like a luxury car, which is not bad for a reasonably-priced midsize saloon of this caliber, and in the case of the wagon, it's surprisingly spacious at the back.

2020 Mazda 6

While the MAZDA6 retains the SKYACTIV-G 2.0L and 2.5L petrol engines and the SKYACTIV-D 2.2L diesel engine from last year's Atenza minor change, the biggest addition to the MAZDA6 is the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine with Dynamic Pressure Turbo System. First applied on the CX-5 and the CX-8 crossovers, this turbocharged engine produces 230PS of power, 420Nm of torque, and 12.4km/L of fuel economy in the WLTP scale. Like before, petrol engines are mated exclusively with a SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6AT while the diesel engine is mated with either this or the 6-speed SKYACTIV-MT.

With G-Vectoring Control and i-ACTIV AWD at hand, in addition to Mazda's i-ACTIVSENSE suite of safety systems, not only does the MAZDA6 feel good to drive full stop but it's reliable and safer to drive on the journey home from another day at the office. 

2020 Mazda 2

Next up, the MAZDA2, and it's now slightly better looking than the Demio it was replaced with a new front face, new wheel designs, and a revised rear design. With prices starting at the 1.6 million yen mark, it's still a smart buy for a hatchback that feels like a world-class hatchback rather than being Japanesey.

2020 Mazda 2 interior

Apart from the revised exterior, the interior's slightly revised to make it more usable for the customers and while it still works pretty much like the Demio it replaces, it's still decently comfortable and spacious for a hatchback of that size.

2020 Mazda 2

The MAZDA2 is offered with a choice of a SKYACTIV-G 1.5L petrol engine and a 1.5L SKYACTIV-D diesel turbo engine, both are revised to meet WLTP standards and can be mated with a choice of a SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6AT or a SKYACTIV-MT 6MT respectively. The petrol one promises up to 19.8km/L of combined fuel economy on the WLTP scale, while the diesel one promises up to 25.2km/L of combined fuel economy on the WLTP scale. 

Apart from the engine choices, the MAZDA2 comes with a G-Vectoring Control as well as the available i-ACTIV AWD, giving owners plenty of reasons why the MAZDA2 is one of the best compact hatchbacks to own today because of its driving character that is unmistakably Mazda, and lastly, the i-ACTIVSENSE suite of safety features that will give them a peace of mind while driving.

Even with a name change, both the MAZDA6 and the MAZDA2 still have a lot of work to do that their predecessors left for them, which is promising customers the Mazda way.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

20 Years of Mazda Demio

Well, this is a bit of a belated approach but as you may know, the year 2016 marks the 20th anniversary of Mazda's compact hatchback, the Demio. For two decades, four generations, and numerous awards and accolades, it was one of the most successful models in Mazda's timeline. I guess this is the ideal time to read back the Mazda Demio's 20-year history.

Fourth-generation Mazda Demio

First Generation (1996 - 2002) - The first Mazda Demio was basically a production version of the BU-X Concept first seen in the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show and when it was first announced that the BU-X will enter production, it will be called Demio. This compact hatchback set the standards to this category and it went on sale on the 27th of August, 1996. In its first year, it won the RJC Car of the Year and the Japan Car of the Year respectively. Because it used the same platform as the Ford Fiesta, it was sold globally as the 121 or the Ford Festiva Mini Wagon. It's powered by either a 1.3L or a 1.5L petrol engine.

Second Generation (2002 - 2007) - With the success of the first-generation Demio, Mazda prompted a full model change in 2002 and sold worldwide as the Mazda 2. For the first time, an e-4WD variant was offered and this drivetrain uses an electric motor to power the rear wheels when necessary. It still carries on the same choice of 1.3L and 1.5L petrol engine.

Third Generation (2007 - 2014) - The third-generation Demio was launched in 2007 and it replaces the outgoing model's boxy styling in favor of a more curvy silhouette. In 2011, a facelifted Demio became the first Mazda to incorporate SKYACTIV Technology via the P3-VPS (1.3-litre SKYACTIV-G) engine. The new SKYACTIV-G engine is the next generation of Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine that is the first to attain the world's highest petrol engine compression ratio of 14.0:1, 15% increase of fuel efficiency and torque, and a 4-2-1 exhaust system, cavity pistons, multihole injectors and some of the technology that makes SKYACTIV "Only the sky is the limit" after all.

Fourth Generation (2014 - onwards) - In 2014, the Mazda Demio has been regenerated and for this generation, the new Demio embodies the Kodo design with its full SKYACTIV capabilities with the main forte is the S5-DPTS 1.5L SKYACTIV-D 4-cylinder diesel turbo engine. Thanks to that, it won the 2014 Japan Car of the Year.

So, with Mazda nothing doing special to celebrate the Demio's 20th anniversary, I bet most Demio owners across Japan did honored the Demio's 20th birthday for the good of it. But because the Demio is now two decades old, Mazda Demio/121/2 owners like you would like to thank Mazda for giving such a good compact car for two decades so a big hearty thanks to Mazda for 20 years of Demio, the compact car that is so good for first-timers, it really lives up to Mazda's "Be a Driver" slogan. Here's for the next two decades.

Scion iA

Scion's first ever compact sedan, the iA, starts the shake-up of Toyota's youth-oriented brand that sees its reputation lagging by x-named hatchbacks (except for the FR-S), but even though this is an all-new model, there's something underneath this new compact saloon for the youngsters of America.

2016 Scion iA

When I said "something underneath", I really do mean it because the Scion iA is basically a Mazda Demio, making it the first model under Toyota and Mazda's collaboration. The main reason why we got this is because Mazda couldn't sell the latest Demio to the US soil due to poor sales so we got this instead but despite being different to the Demio we knew it, it still behaves just like a Mazda Demio, well almost.

2016 Scion iA

Despite being a Mazda Demio under the influence of Toyota, the iA is powered by a 1.5L petrol engine that generates 106HP of power and 103lb-ft of torque. It can be mated with either a sensual 6-speed automatic or a more enjoyable 6-speed manual gearbox. How great this compact car comes with. Of course, with a MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension, the iA feels very nimble at the bends but in terms of comfort, it's a bit tad old fashioned. When you turn the steering wheel, you will notice that it feels somewhat soft and skimpy and that's because it comes with electric power steering. Not quite an ideal setup for a steering of that size but whatever, those ideal stuff makes the iA truly a first-timer's car to buy if he or she already got a driving license on their first try.

2016 Scion iA

2016 Scion iA

So in partial terms of driving, the iA isn't half bad for a city car and as for a perfect city car to drive with your mates, the interior feels somewhat sociable, although some eagle-eyed viewers will notice that it looks broadly similar to the Demio's. It comes with a seven-inch display, six-speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, HD Radio, and many other high tech stuff that makes this car feel like an iPhone on wheels. Well, don't get this car wrong, though, because while this is a small car, it still accommodates up to five people and the boot space isn't so bad.

Needless to say, the new Scion iA is a sedan that brings the entry-level market to a surprising surge and while this is the start of reinventing the Scion lineup in America, expect first-time drivers to start something small with the iA because even though it is broadly similar to the Demio, the new iA truly is the ideal starting point for newcomers everywhere. This car starts at a very reasonably 16,495 US Dollars plus the added extras and the insurance needed. Is it a great value for money? The jury's out. Is it worth enjoyable to drive? Well, so and so...

Available colors: Frost, Sterling, Graphite, Stealth, Abyss, Sapphire, and Pulse.

Photo: Toyota Motor Sales USA

Gran Turismo 6: Let's compare new JDM hatches!

At Gran Turismo, we're always in the forefront of all things JDM but for Gran Turismo 6, I'll be personally testing not one, not three, but four brand new JDM compacts on sale on the market and compare which one is the best. Am I worried? Am I?



First of all, I need some decent racing gear...hmmm...maybe some Simpson Diamondback helmet and some white Alpinestars suit should do but I'm starting to think I remind myself of a certain racing driver. Some say he poops like a dog and he will vomit three times. All we know is...well, you know that guy.

Anyway, here are GT6's newest compacts offered for low prices but only if you're just a casual player like me because hardcore racers go for something more powerful than those eco-boxes...





These are the eco-boxes in question. Four brand new JDM casual hatchbacks for the masses. There's the third-generation Mazda Demio, the pre-facelifted model. Then, there's the Honda Fit RS, the second-generation model. Next, the Toyota Vitz, the third-generation of Toyota's compact hatchback for the global public. And last, the Toyota Aqua, cheaper and more economical than the Prius and the undisputed leader of hybrids' fuel economies.

To find out which of these four new JDM hatches on GT6 is the better, I need to find a track. I might be go for Goodwood but since Toyota Aqua don't sold in Europe as of now, I need something else...



Yes, it's Tsukuba Circuit. Since the days of Best Motoring, it has been the proving ground for cars, domestic or import, sold in Japan and they sent Japan's professional drivers to do the comparison. Ah yes, I do miss Best Motoring and this place holds some memories. Anyway, enough history lesson, onto the comparo test.

The tires will be using for each cars will be default. It's a similar to the one the first time I bought. Then, I turned off their traction control just to let it loose in the track. And finally, I had to inspect that their specs are the same as the day it was bought. Now, time for the comparo!



First up, the third-generation Demio, the one with the tagline "NEW TARGET, NEW DEMIO" but can it set a good target here? This Demio I drove is the Sport model, it comes with a 1.5L engine developing 111HP of power and it's mated with a CVT gearbox, which theoretically, is the compact you may not want to have fun because of its annoying belt-and-pulley nonsense in this car.

The CVT gearbox isn't the least of the problem for the new Demio but understeer it is. You can try fight against its catastrophic understeer but arguably, it tries to hold you back. It maybe more of a sportier drive but it's not as sportier as its European rivals. Still, it manages to set a kickstarting lap time of 1:15.151 round Tsukuba.



Now it's time for the second-generation Honda Fit RS, the only beginner car in GT6 you're only allowed to start your GT6 legacy anew. In my past topic, I said that it's not half-bad but not half-good when you take a spin on it but can the second-generation Fit redeem itself?

This JDM compact is promising because despite it's 30kg more than the Demio, this comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, making my life a little more joyful when I drove it round Tsukuba. I told that this car tend to understeer but turns out, you can fight it. You can fight the understeer of a FWD compact if you have the right footwork (if you're playing on steering wheels) and the right technique to handle with precision.

Having manage to counter-steer through the corners of Tsukuba, the second-generation Honda Fit RS impressed me with a lap time of 1:14.890. Almost a second quicker than the Demio!



Now, how about this? The latest Toyota Vitz? Finally, I got my hands on the only Vitz to admit the Thais that they've picked the wrong Yaris. Why? Short story. Toyota launched third-generation model of Vitz in December 2010, Toyota Thailand forgot the memo, stuck on second-generation model until now, and here we are, on a fateful day, me driving the third-generation Vitz or Yaris. That made me happy to drive the latest version of the Vitz. Toyota Thailand, if you're reading this, you picked up the wrong Yaris because this is the Yaris it supposed to be! Handsome and well known globally.

Anyway, how does the new Vitz stack up? First of all, this Vitz comes with the 1.3L engine generating 93HP of power and it's connected to a CVT gearbox. It maybe sluggish in the acceleration stakes but the thing is, the new Vitz weighs around 990kg, lighter than the Demio and the Fit.

However, despite being lighter than the competition, the new Vitz, in its entry-level F form, tends to understeer and trying to fight it feels like I'm in a Robot Rodeo until my hair gets a bit frizzy because of the humidity. Where did I get that line?

After one lap, the Vitz scored a lap time of 1:16.062 round Tsukuba, which is pathetically slower than the Demio despite its light packaging.



Lastly, the baby Prius in the Toyota hybrid lineup, the Aqua. This hybrid is the most fuel efficient hybrid sold in the market and it's one of Japan's bestsellers by a huge margin. You might be expecting seeing most of these while you're on a walk in downtown Tokyo. 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. This year, it's now up to 37kmpl. No wonder Toyota wanted to update the Aqua in the name of fuel economy against the competitors vying to snag its fuel economy crown but anyway, enough of the blah blah blah, onto the Tsukuba lap with the Aqua.

The 1.5L engine is connected to an electric motor and a nickel-metal battery. Combined power output is below 100PS and it's mated with the CVT gearbox like most hybrids had. Even though acceleration is sluggish, just like any other hybrids, it's handling is a so-so. I may get some understeer on it like the other compacts I'm comparing but still, not as dull as the Prius.

As for the laptime, even though the combined power is more than the Vitz I used in this comparo, its lap time is a sluggish 1:17.127.

Let's check the results again...

Mazda Demio Sport '10 - 1:15.151
Honda Fit RS '10 - 1:14.890
Toyota Vitz F '12 - 1:16.062
Toyota Aqua S '11 - 1:17.127

So, there you have it. In my GT6 comparo round Tsukuba, the Aqua came dead last, the Vitz came 3rd, Demio come 2nd and the winner, amazingly, is the Honda Fit RS.



For now, time for the Fit RS to enjoy its Goodwood break.