Honda Insight (ZE2) facelift & Honda Insight Exclusive (ZE3)

2012 Honda Insight

2012 Honda Insight Exclusive

Since the Honda Insight's return in February 2009 as a 2010 model, this car began the Honda Green Machine revolution as HONDA GREEN MACHINE 001 and its comeback truly shaped up the hybrid regime that ruled Japan and the world market. Two years later, the Honda Insight is ready for its midlife facelift and this minor change gained two types such as the original Insight and the all new Insight Exclusive.

For this minor change, the Honda Insight received a new front face complete with some lighting at the front grille and new front bumper design that makes it sporty. On the back, mild revisions have been made courtesy of some silver paneling. Here on the all new Insight Exclusive, expect a different front bumper and a different rear view to differentiate it from the standard Insight.

2012 Honda Insight interior

2012 Honda Insight Exclusive interior

The Insight's interior remains the same quality as the pre-facelift model, accommodating up to five passengers and the rear seats can be folded down for spacious uses. There is an optional seat heater that provides warm on the seats, which is essential on the long cold nights on the road.

The standard Insight is powered with the LDA (1.3L IMA) engine that produces a standard power output of 88PS/5,800rpm and 121Nm/4,500rpm of torque output. It comes with the MF6 electric motor that produces 10kW of power. Previously, the Insight's 1.3L engine has the fuel economy of 30.0km/L in 10-15 Mode scale but thanks to its aerodynamics on the exterior, the 1.3L engine now achieves a new fuel economy of 31.0km/L on 10-15 Mode scale. For easy driving, a CVT is equipped on the standard Insight and it comes with the Drive-By-Wire for throttle control.

The Insight Exclusive uses the LEA (1.5L IMA) engine lifted from the Honda CR-Z, producing 111PS/6,000rpm of power output, and 142Nm/4,800rpm of torque output. It even comes with the 10kW MF6 electric motor. The Insight Exclusive lets you fully enjoy both "Eco Driving" and "Sports Driving" because of the 7-speed Manual Mode on its CVT. With all these, the Insight Exclusive's 1.5L engine provides 26.5km/L of fuel economy on the 10-15 Mode scale, on par with the seventh generation Toyota Camry.

The new Insight has eight color variations to choose from:
1) Super Platinum Aqua Metallic (exclusive on the standard Insight)
2) Premium Bronze Pearl (exclusive on the Insight Exclusive)
3) Premium White Pearl
4) Premium Deep Rosso Pearl
5) Premium Dynamic Blue Pearl
6) Alabaster Silver Metallic
7) Polished Metal Metallic
8) Crystal Black Pearl

My comment:

The latest Honda Insight facelift is everything but luxurious. The standard Insight looks simple enough and the all new Insight Exclusive is way beyond premium. These two styles are a different point of view on Honda's mainstream hybrid car that became a top rival to the Toyota Prius.

We're still waiting when will the new Honda Insight hit the Philippine market soon!!!

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Mazda Axela's Prison Break

Mazda USA released a new TV commercial for the 2012 Mazda 3 (Mazda Axela in Japan) with SKYACTIV technology.

Dubbed "Prison Break", the Mazda Axela SKYACTIV escapes the deadly life sentences of 40MPG cars suffered from poor performance, hybrid drivetrains, and the ratio of practicality triumphs over performance. This car is all about performance triumphs over practicality.

Check out pics for Behind The Scenes:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150875500345363.754493.337363685362&type=1

SIDE NOTE: BGM used is all-original. We can't tell you what's the title, so sorry. I repeat, this is an original music used on the ad.

2ND GENERATION MAZDA AXELA MINOR CHANGE

The second-generation Mazda Axela was arrived since June 2009 and it help revolutionized the "idling stop" boom thanks to its "i-stop" feature that automatically shuts off its engine when stopped. This car was already exported worldwide as the all new Mazda 3 and the Philippines was the only country that didn't get it until next year. While we are mourning on our poor predicament, we are getting mow down with the introduction of the minor change of the second-generation Mazda Axela and if that wasn't enough, the minor change will see its arrival of the 20-SKYACTIV variant, the second Mazda to be equipped with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY since the Mazda Demio/2.

2012 Mazda Axela

On its latest minor change, the Mazda Axela gained a new, engaging, efficient exterior that provides well-round sportiness and it offers in two body styles such as the 4-door sedan and the 5-door Sport hatchback. The refined design is made to be more appealing to the crowd and the improved aerodynamics provides a deduction to its carbon emission. This is how the true beauty of the new Axela outshines the crowd.

2012 Mazda Axela interior

The interior of the Mazda Axela minor change gains some minor cosmetic changes such as a silver-colored, satin-polished details, silver-on-black color scheme, color adjustments at the Multi Information Display (MID) and liquid crystal display (LCD), and sporty twin-meter design of the instrument cluster highlighted with new, continuous-lit white graphic meters for vibrant clarity. To add some convenience, the Mazda Axela comes with BOSE Surround Sound System for the best sound experience like no other.

MAZDA AXELA 20-SKYACTIV

The PE-VPS engine on the 2012 Mazda Axela SKYACTIV

2012 Mazda Axela SKYACTIV's i-DM

Marked as the 2nd Mazda to be equipped with SKYACTIV Technology, the Mazda Axela 20-SKYACTIV comes with the new PE-VPS (2.0L 4-cylinder DOHC 16-Valve SKYACTIV-G) direct injection engine that provides the best compression ratio, 4-2-1 exhaust system for the excellent knock-resistant technology, and combustion improvement. If the PE-VPS engine wasn't enough, a new SKYACTIV-DRIVE was equipped and this one has all the advantages of a conventional step CVT, Dual Clutch, and Step Automatic Transmission. The new SKYACTIV-DRIVE is the ultimate automatic transmission developed exclusively to the Mazda Axela SKYACTIV variants, which provides good fuel economy at both low and high speeds, easy start up (Launch feel), easy start up on hill (Creep), direct feel, and smooth shifting (Shifting Quality). This new transmission is "ideal for global market" like a region-free Playstation 3 if you know what I mean. With this region-free SKYACTIV-DRIVE, the fuel economy of the Mazda Axela SKYACTIV is good for 20.0km/L based on Japan's 10-15 mode scale and 17.6km/L based on Japan's JC08 mode scale. This has bound to be the best SKYACTIV-powered model ever made and it also comes with the exclusive i-DM (intelligent Drive Master) which provides real time information and some advices before you get off the Axela SKYACTIV.

2012 Mazda Axela

Despite this, they still offer the conventional MZR 1.5L DOHC engine that comes with [CVT+7-speed Manual Mode] that provides 18.4km/L of fuel economy based on Japan's 10-15 Mode scale.

2012 Mazda Axela

The Mazda Axela understands that safety is its top priority and it comes with a host of safety features such as Adaptive Front Lighting System, Bi-Xenon Headlamps, Rear Vehicle Monitoring System that detects incoming vehicles from behind, Emergency Signal System, Dynamic Stability Control, anti-lock braking system with Electronic Braking Distribution, MAGMA (Mazda Geometric Motion Absorption) body, and SRS airbags.

2012 Mazda Axela

The Mazda Axela sedan and Sport comes with seven unique color variations such as Sky Blue Mica, Graphite Mica, Indigo Light Mica, Velocity Red Mica, Black Mica, Aluminum Metallic, and Crystal White Pearl Mica.

My Comment:
The arrival of the second-generation Mazda Axela's minor change and with the addition of the new Mazda Axela SKYACTIV really have Philippine Mazda fans begging to FGP-Mazda to bring the all new model soon and yes, we can't take it too long before the all new Mazda Axela/3 to come to the Philippines at the first half of next year. Couldn't come closer...

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

Jaguar XF Minor Change

2012 Jaguar XF

When it was released in 2008 as a 2009 model and it replaced the redundant S-Type, the Jaguar XF throw a curve in the executive premium midsize sedan category and it chooses the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Hyundai Genesis, Chrysler 300, Toyota Crown, and the Lexus GS as its suitable rivals. As years pass by, it seems that Jaguar XF has grown out of style because its rivals are growing up to be more stylish, more functional, more powerful, and more luxurious than the Jaguar XF, and then, Jaguar Land Rover finally went back to the drawing board to give the 3-year-old premium midsize sedan a second chance by offering the Jaguar XF its mid-life minor change. With such minor change, the new Jaguar XF achieves a new front view similar to the new Jaguar XJ while it garnered a new side profile and a revised rear view to complete its overall wish list to become as gorgeous as its rivals from distant places.

2012 Jaguar XF interior

Aside from the exterior changes, the interior of the Jaguar XF's mildly revised to meet the style standards. A new Super Vision Cluster and a new steering wheel really adds a nice touch to the driver's side. Consider it a "Driver's High" to the new Jaguar XF because the improved elegance, inside and out, is just something you can savor at it. What's even more interesting is the Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound System with 17-speakers, which provides high-definition audio quality to the passengers who are music lovers. Also, there is a special navigation system loaded with the cool virtual CD multichanger that brings the driver an ability to rip up to 10 audio CDs into the HDD (Hard Disk Drive). You could say that, for example, you can rip 10 of your favorite anime CDs while cruising around with the Jaguar XF. This is all about taking chances...

New to the Jaguar XF is an all new "2.2 LITRE i4 DIESEL" engine. The new diesel engine provides 190PS of power output, 450Nm of torque, compression ratio of 15.8:1, 0-100kph in 8 seconds, top speed of 225kph, and combined fuel economy of 52.3MPG (18.5km/L). It achieves the lowest Carbon Dioxide emissions of 149.0g/km. This new engine is focused to be more "eco" than other luxury sedans in the market and the new XF will keep its eco-promise because of its Euro V compliance. Also available were the 3.0 V6 Diesel engine that produces 240 PS of power, 3.0 V6 Diesel S engine that provides 275 PS of power, and the flagship 5.0 V8 gasoline engine that provides 385 PS of power. Diesel engine variants are equipped with the all new 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox for the first time in Jaguar history. The new gearbox provides the fastest gear change in 200 milliseconds, which is faster than the average human resting heartbeat, and thanks to its lightweight technology, the new transmission weighs the same as the previous six-speed transmission (retains in the 5.0 V8 variant). There is one fact that the all new "2.2 LITRE i4 DIESEL" gets the first-of-its-kind idling stop system that allows the engine to be shut off in 300 milliseconds when the car's stopped.

XFR

2012 Jaguar XFR

The high-performance British premium saloon, the Jaguar XFR, gets a minor change also thanks to its new grille, new bumpers, new rims, revised rear, and the revised interior. It is powered with the 5.0 V8 engine plus supercharger that provides 510 PS of power, 625 Nm of torque, 250 km/h of top speed, 4.9 seconds in a 0-100km/h run, and combined fuel economy of 8km/L (22.5MPG). It is mated with a six-speed semi-automatic transmission with Manual Mode.

Depending on the variant, you can choose one of the following color variations such as Polaris White, Italian Racing Red Metallic, Kyanite Blue Metallic, Lunar Grey Metallic, Rhodium Silver Metallic, Midnight Black Metallic, Ebony, Caviar Metallic, Claret Metallic, Cashmere Metallic, Tiaga Green Metallic, Azurite Blue Metallic, and Crystal Blue Metallic.

My comment:
The Jaguar XF's minor change really achieved a much elegant face as seen from its Jaguar XJ big brother and it also gained an all new 2.2L diesel engine suitable to be a full-fledged eco-car. The all new 8-speed gearbox mated on diesel versions of the XF minor change really works like a charm unlike the previous 6-speed gearbox. All that's left is one question...Can the Jaguar XF minor change hit the Philippines soon?

Expect we can't get the new 8-speed gearbox anytime soon because most of these are Euro V compliant and it will be impossible to place it on a Euro II compliant country like the Philippines.

Photo: Jaguar Land Rover

インサイトのマイナーチェンジ

2012 Honda Insight

Well, it had to happen. After being on the market for about two years since its debut on February 2009, the Honda Insight (Honda Green Machine 001) will get its first minor change and its slated to debut on this month's Frankfurt Motor Show.

PRESS RELEASE:

96 g/km* for the 2012 Honda Insight

The launch of the 2012 Honda Insight at Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) 2011 in September reaffirms Honda's commitment to reducing CO2 emissions.

The 2012 Insight is now even more environmentally friendly producing just 96 g/km* of CO2. Fuel economy and emissions have been improved by means of enhanced aerodynamics and powertrain efficiency. Reduced engine friction , Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) and better air conditioning, benefiting from a new cold storage system, all contribute to lower fuel consumption.

The Insight also receives a fresh exterior design including a new front grille. The slimmed tail spolier allows for a wider rear glass area, and combining this with a modified tail gate garnish and a reduction in the size of the wiper motor unit results in overall increased rear visibility.

Adjustments have been made to the engine and suspension for an overall improvement to ride comfort and stability. The features within the interior have also been enhanced for a superior quality.

More details will be announced at launch.

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/02/honda-details-2012-insight-refinements-mpg-improvements-ahead-o/

There is a rumor that the Insight minor change will get a LEA-MF6 (1.5L SOHC i-VTEC) engine which was equipped on the Honda CR-Z and this will be labeled as "Insight Exclusive". A certain Minkara blogger told that when he was at some Honda dealership...

Scoop: http://minkara.carview.co.jp/userid/521893/blog/23684494/

If his rumors are true, there will be such thing as a Insight Exclusive (インサイト・エクスクルーシブ).

More information coming soon...

Is Nissan ending the production of Teana?

2009 Nissan Teana

Earlier, I read a unsuspecting rumor on the internet saying that Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. will cease production of the Teana midsize sedan, starting next year, because of sluggish sales and the continuation of the strong Yen.

That article was written in Japanese, but I managed to Google translate it.

Is there a possibility that Nissan will cease production of the Teana midsize sedan? Oh my...

Ford Taurus in Andalusia...

Ford Taurus in Andalusia

The question is, what does the sixth-generation Ford Taurus doing in the movie titled Andalusia: Megami no Hofuku, which stars Yuji Oda, Meisa Kuroki, and Hideaki Ito?

Besides, the Ford Taurus is not available in Europe because the Ford Mondeo takes place. What's this car doing here? I don't know...

We could just scratch our heads wondering how did the sixth-generation Ford Taurus made an appearance on Andalusia: Megami no Hofuku. That movie was shot entirely from France to Spain, regarding the latest case for Diplomat Kosaku Kuroda, played by Yuji Oda. What asked is, how did the Ford Taurus landed on that Japanese movie shot entirely from Europe?

For those who watched Andalusia Megami no Hofuku, how did that happened?

2012MY Subaru Legacy range receives some small upgrades

2012 Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon

2012 Subaru Legacy B4

In July 14, 2011, Fuji Heavy Industries released the 2012 Subaru Legacy models (the Touring Wagon, B4 sedan, and Outback SUV) packed with some small upgrades. What's new for the 2012 Model Year? Let's see, the side mirrors changed, improved suspension, new Ice Silver Metallic color added, updated Eyesight safety systems, and something else to keep them updated for the 2012 model year.

Scoop: http://www.carview.co.jp/news/0/148455/

2012 Subaru Legacy Outback 2.5i S Package Limited

That's not all, the 2012 Subaru Legacy Outback received a sporty special edition under the trim name "2.5i Eyesight S Package Limited" and "2.5i S Package Limited" and this SUV version of the Legacy ditches its two-tone coloring and it wears some sporty rims to make it more advanced, stylish, sleek, and sporty.

Check more: http://www.subaru.jp/legacy/25ispackagelimited/

Axela Minor Change + SKYACTIV! (..and we're still waiting for the new Mazda 3 to reach our shores!)

Mazda Axela SKYACTIV

While we, Filipino car addicts, crying over our poor predicament to the new second-generation Mazda 3 (known in Japan as the Mazda Axela), the Japanese automaker behind the phenomenal i-stop automatic start stop system tease us even further with the Second Phase of the second-generation Mazda Axela/3 and with the addition of the new SKYACTIV engine!

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/02/2012-mazda-3-with-modest-styling-tweaks.html

If this latest minor change with the new SKYACTIV engine will make this way to our country--if Ford Group Philippines finally puts the all new Mazda 3 on sale. WAKE UP, FGP-MAZDA!!!

When safety meets style...

2011 Subaru Legacy B4 EyeSight Sport Selection

2011 Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon EyeSight Sport Selection

2011 Subaru Legacy Outback EyeSight Sport Selection

In November 16, 2010, Fuji Heavy Industries, the mastermind behind Subaru vehicles,just unveiled a special edition Legacy Eyesight Sport Selection series for Japan only. For those Scooby fans who don't know what is EyeSight, then EyeSight is a technology that detects objects while driving. It was been available previously on Japan-spec Legacy and in Exiga last year. In 2nd quarter, 2010, the Eyesight is improved and its equipped with a special braking system and henceforth called "Eyesight Ver. 2", Subaru's take on Volvo's City Safety technology.

Ads showing how Eyesight Ver. 2 works:

See what I mean?

This special edition Legacy variants come with the standard Eyesight Ver. 2, Silver Alcantara and Black Leather seats, and a choice of four exterior colors; Satin White Pearl, Steel Silver Metallic, Graphite Gray Metallic, and Crystal Black Silica.

Full details (Japanese only):

http://www.fhi.co.jp/news/10_10_12/10_11_16.html

We are unclear if MotorImage Pilipinas has to announce if Eyesight will be on Legacy variants, but in the meantime, the Eyesight Ver. 2 is for Japan-spec Legacy variants only.

Jaguar XFR

A fierce opponent of the current-generation E63 AMG, and the best British sports car engineered for the professionals, known as the Jaguar XFR, branded as the top-of-the-line premium sports sedan with some apocalyptic raw power from the 5.0-litre V8 engine equipped with something more apocalyptic than turbochargers: the supercharger itself. With 510PS of power, exploding top speed of over 250kph, and the top speed of 4.7 seconds in the 0-100km run, you will be surprised that the XFR can be a worthy opponent to the current generation E63 AMG, or possibly the upcoming BMW M5, which BMW addicts might predict the equipment of a V8 turbo engine occur.

What to consider the XFR is the exterior, at first glance, it looks like an ordinary XF, but thanks to some aero engineering, the XFR sports some monstrous aero equipment, 20-inch rims, quad exhaust pipes, rear spoiler, and the unique R badge to complete this demon's fashion statement. With this devil, the XFR will raise hell more than Hellraiser.

IN MY OPINION:
For my point of view about this British hell-raising commando, this has a lot of ammo, and it corners at all paths that no sports sedans handle this magnitude. If you are a successful businessperson who is looking for some need for speed, can you try the Jaguar XFR? This British sports sedan has the fun factor adults would enjoy.

Source: http://leopauldelr.multiply.com/reviews/item/179

Ford Taurus VI

Since 2005, the replacement for the fourth-generation Taurus which is known as the Ford Fusion simply sparked the controversy that why the Taurus is gone for good. Then in 2007, Ford decided to rename the premium Five Hundred sedan as "Taurus" because of the customer satisfaction Ford needs. Now this year, things are looking different, not as different since Chrysler made a huge comeback with a new name and the fall of General Motors due to "Chapter 11" bankruptcy. The Taurus is finally received its full model change that made it a new-age premium sedan in the world.





The secrets of the Taurus sedan are simple; the exterior is mostly similar to the European Ford Mondeo with the aggressively shaped grille, muscular and athletic look, new rear lamps, halogen headlamps, new hood shape, and a set of various rims to choose. For the majestic performance that stands tall against other premium cars including the Buick LaCrosse, the new Taurus armed with the new 3.5 V6 Cyclone engine that boasts over 267ps with the fuel economy of over 9.8km/L. It also comes standard with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

For technology, cruise control, Active Motion seating, Microsoft's SYNC technology for pure music pleasure, optional voice-activated navigation system, Intelligent Access with push-button start, keyless entry, capless fuel filler system, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, reverse-sensing system, anti-theft system, and more of the majestic features only a American premium sedan has to offer.

SHO



Three little words made a huge comeback after its long absence, the SHO moniker, is now on the new Taurus. That is not all, for overall performance, the new Taurus SHO powered with the new 3.5 EcoBoost engine that delivers the power of 370ps at the fuel economy of 8.9km/L. On the exterior, it looks sportier than the AMGs from the Mercedes-Benz or the M Power from BMW. However, on the inside, look at the cosmetic treatment made for the return of the SHO and there is only one feature unique for the new SHO, rear-view camera for safety.

CAN YOU TRUST IT?

With the SHO model returned to the all-new Taurus, it might have some luck for the new-age majestic sedan that brings loyalty for the whole Ford Motor Company. With the Mercury Sable and the Ford Taurus X crossover out of the picture, you cannot guess it why did this crossover variant of the Taurus is dead and the Mercury sedan killed again for some reason. However, what that matters most is, the new-age Taurus will stand tall against the Lexus GS, Hyundai Genesis, Nissan Fuga, or even the Toyota Crown series.

Source: http://leopauldelr.multiply.com/reviews/item/120

Kia Forte Hybrid LPI

With the Hyundai Avante LPI Hybrid shown to the Korean market a few moments ago, now it's Kia Motors' turn to change the world the same way as its Hyundai rival did. From Forte to Forte Koup, meet the eco-friendly side of the Forte that is powered with the world's first LPI Hybrid engine.

Much ado from Kia's hybrid philosophy, Eco Dynamics, this Korean hybrid machine can be a potential car suitable for Kia fans everywhere and it's the perfect addition for the Kia Forte line-up which consists of the sedan and the sporty 2-door Koup variant.

To shake things up, the exterior is based on the Forte sedan variant, but what capture the true beauty of the Forte Hybrid LPI is the bright colours, the Eco Dynamics badge at the left side of the "Peter Schreyer grille" and the sporty rear lamps that look similar to some sports cars ever known.

From the stylish exterior, this hybrid machine is filled with the powerful Liquefied Petroleum Injection 1.6-litre Gamma hybrid engine with the economical power of just 114ps@5800rpm at the fuel economy of about 17.8km/L. Try to compare this fuel economy to the regular Forte and the rival Honda Civic, the results are worth the surprise. From the engine to the Continuously Variable Transmission, from the electric motor to the ion battery, there is only one unique feature to the Forte Hybrid LPI, the idling stop system (which is familiar to the new Mazda 3's i-stop system) that allows the car to save more gas on the state of idling.

HOW WAS IT?

With the rivalry between Kia & Hyundai reached to its greener point (forget boiling point, we are talking green), most consumers would think twice when choosing between the Avante LPI Hybrid from Hyundai and the Forte Hybrid LPI from Kia. It's like the Korean version of the battle between the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight, but this time, things are going to change differently when it reached the worldwide sales. What really gets me is the pricing for the both of them, it's like they reached the same 1,000,000 peso pricing as estimated, but promise them, they will be mostly fierce opponents and before you know it, you got to try them for the verdict.

Hyundai Avante LPI Hybrid

2010 Hyundai Avante LPI Hybrid

Hyundai Motor Company, Korea's largest automobile manufacturer, has unveiled their eco-friendly side of the popular Avante (known as the Elantra in world markets) sedan. The Avante LPI Hybrid is known to be their first Hyundai hybrid vehicle sold to the Korean market and soon in other countries as well thanks to its Blue Drive philosophy. As a rule of a green thumb, great things happened for this next-generation of hybrid supremacy because the Avante LPI Hybrid is the first hybrid car ever to be powered with the Liquified Petroleum Injected engine since its debut at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show since April. The 1.6 LPI Gamma engine with the 20ps electric motor and the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) perfects the eco-friendly power of the Avante LPI Hybrid. With these features, the power of this eco-friendly Korean sedan is ready to run towards Mother Nature and the ecologists will give this Korean hybrid car a two green-thumbs up for its world's first Liquefied Petroleum Injected engine that is an one-of-a-kind for the Korean automobile manufacturer.

FLY ME TO MOTHER NATURE IN OTHER WAYS!

When Japan's got their Priuses and Insights battling out for hybrid supremacy (especially other cars such as the Lexus' Hybrid range and the Mitsubishi i MIEV), Europe's got their Mercedes-Benz's hybrid philosophy, America's working hard for their hybrid ideas, now that the "land of their Korean dramas" caught their global attention and ready to produce their own "feature presentation" and the Avante LPI Hybrid from Hyundai is the "star of the show". With the world's first LPI engine, you are ready to ride your way towards your "Stairway to Heaven". Become a "boy over flowers" when you lay a finger on this Korean hybrid car. With the Avante LPI Hybrid, there is "only you" and the world has to offer.

The all-new second-generation Mazda 3/Axela (BLEFW/BLEFP/BL3FW)

Over the years, the Mazda 3 (Axela) is quite the replacement for the retired Mazda 323 (Familia or Protege to the U.S. market) and known as the most affordable Mazda ever built in the whole Mazda history. Known for such rivalries from other compact class cars such as the Mitsubishi Lancer, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, or even the Hyundai Elantra/Avante and Kia Rio/Pride at the same time. Now for this year, meet the aggressively nicer side of the all new, environment-friendly, gas-miser Mazda 3.

2010 Mazda Axela Sport

At first glance, the new Mazda3 looks aggressive from the front and back, and how the front side looks like is quite similar to the Mazda RX-8 and the MX-5 (Roadster) and the rear side is a face-lift from the previous generation Mazda3. After all, despite reached to its second-generation model, the looks remain the same, from the sedan variant, hatchback variant, and the striking Mazdaspeed variant.

2010 Mazda Axela Sedan

Are you ready to find out the friendly side of the new Mazda3? The 1.5L engine that delivers the fuel economy of over 18.4km/L, and the 2.0L engine with i-stop system that has the fuel economy of over 16.4km/L while the Mazdaspeed3 remains the 2.3L engine with the fuel economy of over 11km/L. An available transmission is either a CVT, 5-speed automatic or a 4-speed automatic transmission while the Mazdaspeed3 remains the sporty 6-speed manual transmission.

2010 Mazdaspeed Axela

What is i-stop?
New to the Mazda scene is the completely new eco-friendly i-stop feature exclusive to the sedan and sport variants that carry the 2.0 MZR DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) engine. The new i-stop system is an intelligent proprietary engine stop-start system that improves fuel economy by approximately 10 percent. For example, when you are driving to a highway with that Mazda3, then you will brake through some traffic conditions, the pistons will stop working while the alternator control and the throttle control remains working, then after the stop, the combustion restart would take 0.35 to get your Mazda3 going. This is faster than other cars going back to the "drive part" in over 0.8 seconds. While words cannot describe how the new i-stop works, it might be best to put it in a pictorial example:




Mazda i-stop procedure








Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

As shown, you will understand the basic principles of the new i-stop feature found on the all-new Mazda3.


After explaining how i-stop works, let us look the interior:

2010 Mazda Axela interior

The 3's interior is similar to the Renault Megane, but the steering wheel is somewhat similar to the one found on the Mazda 6 (Atenza) 5-door hatchback variant because of some optional paddle shifts. More than that, there is an optional BOSE sound system, AM/FM radio, optional keyless entry like the start/stop button, dual zone automatic climate control, rear window defogger, and a choice of cloth-trimmed or leather-trimmed seats and more.

AS FOR THAT:
The new Mazda3 (Mazda Axela) is now aggressively nice for every consumer who wanted a convenient car for the masses. With the endless rise of fuel prices, it is good to know that the new i-stop system will keep the engine paused while idling and restarts in over 0.35 seconds. This i-stop feature saves a lot of gas during a long stop at the traffic or at the parking lot. If you like sedans, pick the sedan variant, if you are a devotee for hatchbacks, try the hatchback variant, and if you are the wild driver who wanted to tear some fun, try the Mazdaspeed variant.



Photo: Autoc-one.jp

All new Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon, B4 and Outback

The action is ended, the floundered are recognized, the legend was finally reborn, and the dawn of Subaru's legacy, that excelled for more than two decades, is finally unleashed their ultimate rage that will overcome the plan for world domination over recession. Just what you have expected that all is lost, the raging miracle of the new fifth generation Legacy has finally unleashed the aura so intense, no other cars can find its true naming than this.







By perceiving the "Grand Touring Innovation" that dates back its 20-year heritage, all three Legacies such as the Touring Wagon, the B4 sedan and the crossover Legacy variant, known as the Outback, have finally gained its marvelous appearance.













By observing the look of all three Legacies, you will notice some surprising changes from various turns. The B4 variant (BM9) boasts some sports car looks just like its Impreza Anesis brother because of its sedan qualities while the Outback variant (BRF) provides a rugged exterior just like the Subaru Forester and the Subaru Tribeca and lastly, the Touring Wagon (BR9) is all-round from sportiness and ruggedness, giving it a true quality of a station wagon for the Subaru fanatics. Also, the frame-less windows are finally removed to give all three a perfect side view and enhanced beauty of the all-wheel drive at all sides.







All three Legacies have different transmission choices such as the 5-speed automatic transmission, 6-speed manual transmission and the new Subaru Lineartronic CVT transmission. For the Touring Wagon and the B4, a 2.5-litre SOHC boxer four-type engine or a 2.5 DOHC Boxer four turbo engine is offered for these two Legacies, while the Outback provides not just the 2.5-litre Boxer four-type engine, but also the new 3.6-litre DOHC boxer six-type engine. Best of all, the SI-DRIVE is an inevitable feature for all Subaru cars. Set it to Sport mode, and the Legacy will act normal for you, while the intelligent mode provides the best in fuel efficiency and the Sport Sharp mode allows you to push the Legacy to the maximum level.







Witness the miraculous interior in all three Legacies, providing the climactic comfort and all-round fun for the driver and the passenger. With a choice of several audio systems, climate control, adjustable seats and SRS air bags at several places, the inside view of the Legacy will keep your look out for more and you will beg for some more.

THE MIRACLE HAS CHANGED...

Just when you've thought all the things you've cared was lost. The real miracle begins when you step inside the all-new Subaru Legacy. From the outside, it looks so sexy but on the inside, it is a person’s cause for your intellectual craze over Japanese cars. It is the greed, life, truth, regret, love, health, laughter, sorrow, fear, rivalry, anxiety, academics, art, jazz, worry, pride, jealousy, disapproval, envy, and devotion best served with the mixture of air, water, earth, and fire from the intense aura of the new Legacy. Step inside the Legacy, and you will see the miraculous style and the intense aura inside. The choice is yours.





Photo: Fuji Heavy Industries

New Toyota Crown Majesta (URS206/UZS207)

2010 Toyota Crown Majesta

Welcome the new Crown Majesta. This is known to be the ultimate Crown sold in the Japanese market, slots among the Toyota Crown series (Athlete, Royal and the new Hybrid variant), mistaken for the American made Toyota Avalon, and dubbed as the Japanese Lexus LS of today. One look of the Crown Majesta’s exterior is really surprising. The grille, just like the previous-generation Majesta, doesn’t have the trademark Crown insignia. It has the Toyota logo on it, but being the only Crown without the Crown emblem doesn’t mean it is a Crown, it’s just the most supreme vehicle only Toyota made their minds for, especially served for wealthy people everywhere. The side view is somewhat a Crown quality, meaning it has the same look as other Crowns and the rear view remains “true MJ quality” which means the back remains the Majesta look from the last four generations. Do not judge the Majesta’s rear for the European Toyota car called the Avensis because of the surprising rear lamps really look like the Avensis for sure.

2010 Toyota Crown Majesta

What makes the new Crown Majesta a car so majestic that is definitely above all luxury saloons? The improved V8 4.6L engine with dual VVT-I and Direct lnjection four stroke gasoline engine Superior version (D-4S) with the noble 347PS power or the V8 4.3L engine with the power of 280PS at the torque of 43.8kgf･m makes it superior. Not only that, the new Crown Majesta now has DRAMS (Driving Response Acceleration Management System) and VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio System) to keep the driving more elegant than an unicorn in a little girl’s dream. For safety, the Crown Majesta has all the safety features such as the driver monitor, pre-crash safety system and the unique Majesta feature is, night vision which provides visibility on dark roads.

2010 Toyota Crown Majesta interior

2010 Toyota Crown Majesta interior

The interior of the Crown Majesta looks the same as the other Crowns but there are new packages only a VIP can take advantage of. Rear entertainment system allows the VIP watch some more movies or TV shows on the run. Consider a wealthy executive watching his favorite soap operas while driving on quiet roads or mountain passes. The Toyota Premium Sound system allows a clearer, live sound that provides premium sound like they never heard in the car before. Consider listening to some orchestra music like you are in the opera house on the road. And wide array of luxury features provide the ultimate convenience for the executive who needed a break from the busy day or formal parties.

CONSIDER ON THE GUEST LIST: You are here. The Crown Majesta’s luxury features are elegant like you are offered to rescue a princess from a fairy tale of your dreams. Take a seat to this luxury saloon and what you will experience in the Crown Majesta is expected from your prom date, birthday parties, and your daughter’s debut or every occasion you’ve dreamt for thanks to the premium sound that provides live sound so clearly, it’s like you are in the front seat of your favorite theatrical performance everywhere. What I like about this car is its true beauty of the exterior. One look of it will realize the Majesta beauty within their hearts and noble people take advantage for it.
 Photo: Carview

All-new Insight from Honda

Despite the economic knockdown that suffers around the world, especially automobile manufacturers, Honda never throw down the towel for automobile manufacturing and as a result, the return of Honda's finest hybrid car, and possibly the Toyota Prius's biggest rival, the Insight is a sure breakthrough and a completely new meaning to their brand slogan, "The Power of Dreams".





What is in the Insight? For starters, the Honda Insight’s powered by a 1.3 litre VTEC hybrid engine with the power output of 88ps at 5800rpm. Because of its hybrid capability, the fuel mileage of the new Insight is a sure 30km/l.






For the exterior, the front headlamps is similar to the European Honda Accord, with the side of the Honda Civic and as a blast of the past, the rear side remains its Insight-ism as the original Insight a few years back. To put this, the rear side tires of the Insight can be seen in full-view than being half-view from the previous Insight.





As a rule for comfort, the interior is identical to the Honda Civic; because of the steering wheel, the speedometer, the dashboard, they look similar. It is a simple way Honda created such comfortable interiors for such eco-friendly cars such as the Civic Hybrid and the new Insight just in case.



AS A RULE: If someone is an ecologist, an economist, or someone who has a dedication for hybrid cars, you can consider the new Insight from Honda as the true companion for the environment. After years of hiatus, Honda finally realize something on how to create hybrid cars for the world, especially the hydrogen powered FCX Clarity sedan. Therefore, there is a reason why they returned it because Honda wanted to revolutionize the hybrid market to the world. As a rule, I may consider the new Insight in my list of my must-see cars thanks to its hybrid capability engineered by Honda.

Photo: Autoc-one.jp