Toyota Prius α/Daihatsu Mebius -2015 minor change-

2015 Daihatsu Mebius

2015 Toyota Prius α

Toyota's hybrid MPV, the Prius α (Alpha), along with its Daihatsu equivalent, the Mebius, has been updated for the 2015 year and for this minor change, these hybrid MPVs have been given slightly new updates from the outside and on the inside as well as new features. Let's cut this analysis short, okay?

2015 Daihatsu Mebius interior

2015 Toyota Prius α

The exterior of both the Prius α and the Mebius are slightly refreshed with a keener look that looks like it finished having its beauty rest for the time being. Aside from the new front look, the Prius α and the Mebius are the first cars to come with the world's first Bi-Beam LED Headlamp. This energy-efficient headlamp is an optional extra employs low beam and high beam lighting in one source. Also, to keep it safer on the roads, they've employed the new Lane Departure Alert and Pre-Crash Safety System as well.

On the inside, the multi-information display has been updated with improved texture and visibility to the drivers' eyes, Although there's not much difference between the post-MC to the pre-MC model, both the Prius α and the Mebius are different from their number of seats. While the Prius α is available in either a 5-seater and the 7-seater, the Mebius is available only with 5 seats.

In five-seater configuration, the luggage capacity is around 535L but when the rear seats are folded, it's now doubled to 1,070L. Apart from that, there's a deck under tray as well for those who have some other stuff to store.

Performance remains the same from the 2ZR-FXE hybrid engine which provides a standardized 99PS/5,200 rpm of power output and 142Nm/4,000rpm of torque output. When both the electric motor and the engine on mobile, power output churns out a total of 136PS of power. Fuel economy is 26.2km/L on JC08 mode standards and they're both mated with a CVT gearbox.

The Prius α starts at 2,479,091 Yen (around $25,000) while the Mebius starts at the same price as the Toyota version.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation/Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

Let's Do The News! (November 18, 2014)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- Hong Kong authorities begin clearing out a protest site near government offices after the high court granted an injunction. They're removing barricades outside Citic Tower in the Admiralty area of this country while the high court also authorized to remove the second protest camp in Mong Kok.

- At least four people were reportedly killed and seven injured in the attack on the Jerusalem synagogue. Police believed to be a terrorist attack as two men are armed with axes and knives and carried out an attack in the Har Nof neighborhood.

- Japanese PM Shinzo Abe mulls dissolving the Diet's Lower House as he's seeking public support for his plan to postpone the scheduled consumption tax rise within the next three years.

- The House of Representatives' energy committee has been given a green light on the resolution granting President Benigno Aquino III's emergency powers.

- Senator Bong Revilla Jr. returned to jail after numerous medical tests he received at St. Luke's Medical Center.

- Ford unveiled their biggest threat to the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 for their LA Auto Show debut this week and they're resurrecting the GT350 name as the Mustang's track-focused machine.

2016 Ford Mustang GT350

- Ken Block's Gymkhana 7 is now streaming! Check it out!



- Chitoge Kirisaki from Nisekoi gets her very own Beach Queens figure, set for her May 2015 debut!

Beach Queens Chitoge Kirisaki

- Toyota's first ever fuel-cell vehicle now has an official name and it's called MIRAI. Toyota's first ever FCV will take orders on the 15th of December this year starting at 7,236,000 Yen (around $73,000) which is too expensive for a future eco-car.



- DID YOU KNOW? Ateneo De Manila Universities are offering courses on the evolution of Philippine teleseryes.

- R5 unveiled their music video for their second single "Smile"! Check it out R5-ers!



TTFN!!!

Let's Do The News! (November 17, 2014)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- The brutal killing of US aid worker Abdul-Rahman Kassig by the ISIS is, what US President Barack Obama described, as "an act of pure evil". Kassig, age 26, is the fifth Western hostage to be killed by Islam extremists.

- The Japanese economy has been harshly fell for the second consecutive quarter, leaving the world's third largest economy in a state of recession. The nation's GDP fell at an annualised 1.6% from July to September, less than the forecasted 2.1% rise.

- Troubled Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. has arrived at St. Luke's Medical Center in Taguig after the Sandiganbayan approved him to undergo overnight medical tests.

- Earlier, the vice mayor of the town of Villaba in Leyte, named Claudio Martin Larrazabal, was shot down to death by two hostiles earlier today.

- Honda Motor Co., Ltd. recalled over 170k vehicles worldwide after reports about a new casualty linked to the recent Takata airbag crisis.

- As the whole world is waiting for the arrival of the much-anticipated Pocket Monsters Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire game, check out this web-exclusive anime short from the official PokemonCoJp Youtube page. You good in there?



- The phenomenal boyband One Direction will have a TV special coming to NBC next month!

- The Audi A1 supermini has been facelifted and expect newer three-cylinder engines for this 2015 minor change.

- ABS-CBN's new TV drama series, Bagito, is now on air but one of the stars of the show, Ella Cruz, felt uneasy over an intimate scene with Nash Aguas, who played as the titular main character of this recently aired program. She might worried that what happened on her character might happen to her on reality. Bagito stars Nash Aguas as the titular character who ended up growing up to be a teenage dad and Alexa Ilacad among many others. Most of these were teen celebs and Goin Bulilit alums.

- Solange Knowles, the sister of former Destiny's Child member Beyonce, has been married to Alan Ferguson at the Holy Trinity Church in New Orleans.

TTFN!!!

Audi TT Mk3 (Typ 8S)

The folks from Audi have been waiting for this since...well, eternity, knowing that their favorite coupster, the Audi TT, is about to regenerate, and after moments of waiting, this is it. The Audi TT has been regenerated to its third-generation and it's going to be the most advanced TT to date.

2015 Audi TT

2015 Audi TT Roadster

So what is it, then?

This is the all new, third-generation, Audi TT. It comes with two different flavors; the hardtop coupe and the roadster which is somewhat heavier than the hardtop version due to its extra bracing and strengthening.

Which TT should I choose?

It depends on how much you have in your wallet. If you're a bit too serious, go for the hardtop, but if you're going for an open-top ride, go for the roadster but due to Europe's dropping temperatures, I'm afraid that the roadster version will have to wait in the garage unless you have its roof closed and prepped up with very warm clothing. Still can't take a joke? Whichever TT you'll choose, you'll be getting to know more about the new TT thanks to its new tech, new engine choices, and a completely new platform.

Hey...isn't the new TT wears the MQB outfit from the Golf?

That's right. Like any other cars from the VW family tree, the new Audi TT is outfitted to its bare skin with VW Group's breakthrough MQB platform. If you don't know about it, let me give you a quick refresher. MQB or Modularer Querbaukasten is a revolutionary platform from VW Group where the engine is transversely mounted and it's flexible enough to allow individual models to have a variety of wheelbase, track and external dimensions. This new TT fits to the new platform like butter.

How does it perform?

2015 Audi TT

2015 Audi TT Roadster

Let's call it mild and tangy because the new TT feels like it's not so hard to drive although this car might face some understeer woes because of being too much grip. Because most of the models ranging from the 2.0L TFSi and the 2.0 TDI ultra come with the front-wheel drive powertrain, the only model I'm interested with is the 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic model. This is the best pick for the normal TT models while the hotter TT S models are standing by until the snow thaws and the flowers bloom.

With the quattro all-wheel drive system, the new TT feels like it firmly grasps through the corners without the drama. Although it feels a bit okay for the driver but it doesn't have the lairy attitude that your would expect from its RWD opposition or from its big brother, the Audi R8. Furthermore, even with the quattro on it, this car doesn't burn your tongue badly like extra hot sriracha sauce. It tastes like...hmmm....sweet and spicy pancit canton. Mmmm...

How about the inside of the new TT

2015 Audi TT

The inside now looks a bit questionable although the new TT's interior is more driver-focused than any other sportscar in existence. You will notice that the sat-nav is now on the speedometer and this is as confusing as the Ferrari 458 or the F12berlinetta. Of course, you can't have both the speedo and the navigation system in the same place via instrumental panel and if you're wandering where the CD player is...don't because the CD player is nowhere to be found. It's kinda harsh that this is made from one of the carmakers who believe that the age of compact discs or CDs is approaching its Revelation due to the fast-changing technology. It's like killing Saturday morning cartoons from broadcast TVs and feels like our lives are a bit empty without stuff we remember when we're young. Kinda harsh, isn't it?

Cost?

The new TT starts at 35,000 Euros for the Coupe version and 37,900 Euros for the Roadster version. In fact, you can charge more for engine choices, optional extras, and accessories but even if you're not going for it, the TT is less costly to own than the big guys like the Jaguar F-Type, the Lotus Evora, the Porsche Cayman, and many others. Don't think of getting too excited to have one because...it feels too mild for the pros but if you're a bit too intermediate, try this one for a change.

Available colors: Brillantschawz, Ibisweiß, Vegasgelb, Florettsilber Metallic, Gletscherweiß Metallic, Monsungrau Metallic, Mythosschwarz Metallic, Nanograu Metallic, Scubablau Metallic, Tangorot Metallic, and Daytonagrau Perleffekt.

Photo: Audi AG

Super GT 2014 finale

Twin Ring Motegi, the setting for the final round of the 2014 Super GT Season and on the season finale of Japan's much loved touring car race, racers are on their final leg and they're fighting themselves through the finish line, whenever it takes.

After spending their last 53 laps to reclaim themselves as winners and survivors of this season, it's time to find out who won at the final round.

In the GT300 category, the winner goes to the #11 GAINER DIXCEL SLS driven by Katsuyuki Hiranaka and Bjorn Wirdheim while 2nd place goes to the #31 OGT Panasonic PRIUS driven by Morio Nitta and Koki Saga and 3rd place goes to the #4 GOODSMILE HATSUNE MIKU Z4 driven by Nobuteru Taniguchi and Tatsuya Kataoka.

In the GT500 category, the cream of the crop, it was the #23 MOTUL AUTECH GT-R, driven by Tsugio Matsuda and Ronnie Quintarelli, that came first followed by the #37 KeePer TOM'S RC F, driven by Daisuke Ito and Andrea Caldarelli, and the #18 Weider Modulo NSX CONCEPT-GT, driven by Naoki Yamamoto and Takuya Izawa.

Time for the overall standings...For the 2014 Season, the GT500 champion for this season is the #23 MOTUL AUTECH GT-R, driven by Tsugio Matsuda and Ronnie Quintarelli and the GT300 champion for this season is the #11 GAINER DIXCEL SLS driven by Katsuyuki Hiranaka and Bjorn Wirdheim.

Highlights:
 

This concludes the 2014 Season of the Super GT championship.

17th Annual Christmas in Seattle Gift & Gourmet Food Show

On the weekend, me and some of my family went to the Washington State Convention Center where we take part at the 17th Annual Christmas in Seattle Gift & Gourmet Food Show. This is the first time I've ever attend to this annual Christmas bazaar.




More pics: https://www.flickr.com/photos/leopauldelr/sets/72157649318019011/

My video highlights:

Subaru teases 2015MY facelifts of Impreza, XV, and Forester

Teaser image for 2015 Subaru Impreza, XV, and Forester

Subaru revealed a rather irrelevant teaser for the upcoming 2015 facelifts of Impreza (in Sport hatch and G4 sedan), XV crossover, and Forester crossover SUV. Although no further details are told about the upcoming facelifts of these models, the teasers said COMING SOON. That's it.

Wait...when they said that there's going to be a facelift on the Subaru Impreza Sport hatchback and Impreza G4 sedan, are they referring to this?

Expect these facelifts to come with Subaru's breakthrough Eyesight Ver. 3 found in the Levorg. Eyesight Ver. 3 integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning, among many others. You can also expect heavily revised interiors as well, slightly enhanced powertrain, and some of it.

Further reading: http://carview.yahoo.co.jp/news/newmodel/20141114-10214001-carview/?t=0

#BGTakbo

On the November 14, 2014 episode of Bubble Gang

- Takbo gags

- More wise words from Tata Lino!

- We all deserve a good slapping! Slapping's part of the family!

- IKAW AT ANG INA takes on...adventurous posts!

- Desiree the Binatilya's first night out in the bar with his...err...her beki friends.

- Bubble Gang does Head and Shoulders by spoofing this commercial as HEAD AND SHONGGALS! Let's Groufie!

- Brod Pete and pals are back to answer your questions in ANG BAGONG DATING DOON INTERNATIONAL!

Someone from Russia asked if there's something written about Russians. Ang Bagong Dating Doon responds from the pages of Puttin' on the Ritz: "Come let's mix where Rockefellers walk with sticks. Puttin' on the Ritz".

A PM from someone from Cavite asks if we should be afraid of the ghosts in the CR.  Brod Pete says we shouldn't be. Another PM from Paranaque asks if all caves have bats. Brod Pete says there's one cave that doesn't have bats and that's the Tabon Caves in Palawan.

Another PM asks if there are more wrong terms out there and yes. There's more wrong terms. Because of the plastic ban, calling baggers, those who put stuff in bags after grocery shopping, is a thing of a past now. What about those putting stuff in the box? Let's call them boxers.

Carla Abellana asks if there's something written about The Walking Dead. Ang Bagong Dating Doon responds from the pages of Langit Lupa: "Langit Lupa Impyerno. Im, Im, Impyerno. Saksak puso, tulo ang dugo. Patay, buhay, alis ka na diyan."

- Mr. Matapobre says "Walang mayamang may putok. Kung meron man, nahawa kami sa mahirap!"

- The Tolpu Bros. are addressing a complaint from a lady who was threatened by someone who's impersonating their show on T3 Nyo!

#PureLoveTheUndyingConclusion

The final episode of Pure Love sees a very tearful end to the series about a young woman named Diane (Alex Gonzaga) who is on her journey to find three Pure Love tears within a very limited time as tasked by the Scheduler (Matt Evans).

Having spent the last six days of her life after accomplishing her journey and return back to her body, it looks like Diane's time is up and she's heading to the spirit world with the Scheduler alongside. But before heading to the elevator to heaven, her father Peter showed up because he died of a heart attack. Her father said to go back to her world because...her family needs her. Even her long lost sister Ysabel, the person she possessed her to do her quest, needs her. Her love interest Dave needs her. Because of such circumstances, Diane returned to her world and her father went to heaven along with the Scheduler.

Near to the end of the episode, Dave just opened a new Heaven Cafe in a distant place and most of Diane's friends and family were celebrating the opening. And it gets better; Dave finally engaged to Diane.

This concludes the story of Pure Love.

Let's Do The News! (November 13, 2014)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- In case of possible powerful earthquakes, the Armed Forces of the Philippines will participate the Office for Civil Defense in a nationwide earthquake drill on Friday.

- Malaysia Airlines fired a steward for allegedly sexually assaulting a passenger who was scared of flying with the disaster-prone airline before any hearing into the incident had taken place. The sacked steward was detained at Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport.

- Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said that a deadline is not very necessary in the probe on Vice President Jejomar Binay's corruption allegations.

- Over 5,000 people died in the Ebola Outbreak, according to the World Health Organization.

- The top ASEAN leaders along with Japan, the USA, and China and other nations opened the East Asia Summit in Naypyidaw, the capital city of Myanmar, to discuss regional political and security issues.

- The Toyota Auris will land in the USA as the Scion iM as the concept version will bow at this year's LA Auto Show.

2014 Scion iM Concept

- The Maybach name will be revived as the flagship model of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and it's set for its simultaneous world premiere in the Guangzhou Motor Show and the LA Auto Show this month. In addition, Mercedes-Benz unveiled their new naming scheme for their SUVS and sportscars. Starting in 2015, all SUVs will have the "GL" preface while sportscars will have the "SL" preface. The M-Class will be named GLE, the GLK will be named GLC, and the GL will be named GLS. The SLK-Class, on the other hand, will be renamed as the SLC. Apart from that, the engine designations are revised and they'll have lowercase letters at the end of model and engine badges.

Mercedes-Maybach teaser

- Guess who's going to perform at this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!

- Meet the newest addition to the Tekken fighters on the upcoming Tekken 7 arcade game in this introduction clip.

- Comedienne Ai-Ai delas Alas has revealed that she had Bell's palsy.

- Actress Kathryn Bernardo confirms about the alleged kissing photos with actor Daniel Padilla. She said that no such thing was happened.

TTFN!!!

Historic landing on a comet is a success

Philae lander
(Image: AP)

Mankind made history today as after seven hours of waiting at the European Space Agency's mission control in Darmstadt, the people in charge of the Rosetta mission celebrated their historic accomplishment as the Philae spacecraft safely landed on the target comet and with the success of the Rosetta mission, scientists are able to witness what is like to be with the comet and study close up what happens when it gets closer to the sun. It occurred at 1600 hours GMT (0000 hours or midnight Philippine Standard Time) and they've landed twice according to Philae lander manager at the DLR German space center, Stephan Ulamec, because the probe's two harpoons haven't fired to fasten the craft down in the ultra-low gravity.

Report: http://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/nov/12/rosetta-mission-philae-historic-landing-comet

Forza Horizon 2 - The Alfa 4C

With the arrival of the Forza Horizon 2 Falken Car Pack, looks like it's time to pass the torch on this flavor of the month which is the brand new Alfa Romeo 4C, the highlight of this month's car pack.



Before having one, I took on the brand new bucket list made exclusively for XBOX One players and this brand new Bucket List consists of challenges set by the Playground Games staff, like this one with the Alfa Romeo 4C. In that challenge, I had to reach a speed of over 115mph on this car. It sounds very hard to us because most of the challenges made in the "Beat Us At Our Own Game" bucket list is hard but judging by your experiences, you guys can surely do it! Speaking of which, I've already done this bucket list with three miles per hour more than the target speed.

If that wasn't enough, I even took part in a Monthly Rivals event made specifically for the Alfa Romeo 4C. I decided to do it quickly because...well, I'm not concerned about results. All I care is how the 4C behaves.





The 4C is one of the most anticipated models of 2013 since its debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Not only that, this car marks Alfa Romeo's return to the US market although extensive changes have to be made in addition to fattening up the 4C to meet stringent US regulations. Either way, the 4C was heavily praised by fans and critics alike. It even won numerous awards as well.

Lurking from the belly of its carbon frame tub bodywork lies the same 1.7L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine from the Giulietta and it's rated at 240HP of power output. It's equipped with the 6-speed Alfa TCT Dual Dry Clutch Transmission and Alfa DNA which allows the driver to take control of the 4C's performance behavior. In Euro standards, 0-100kph takes 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 258kph, that's even quicker than those hi-po German 4-door saloons...as a theory.



I was greatly honored to drive Alfa's new lightweight sportscar and as a matter of fact, I was one of the many people who demanded to have this car be driven at the hands of Forza players worldwide. The crowd went nuts when they heard the 4C's going to be in Forza Horizon 2 as a DLC car but no matter. The 4C is a fun car to drive but because it's labeled under Sports Cars, it might face stiff competition from the Z4, the Exige S, the 370Z, or whatever in this category. Judging by the way it handles, the 4C is a great car for a start even at the hands of a novice.

Forza Horizon 2 - Barn Find #08: Maserati Tipo 61 Birdcage

Upon my arrival to the next Horizon Hub at Saint-Martin, I've received a barn find rumor regarding an abandoned Maserati lurking somewhere in the posh town of Nice.

The barn find is located over two miles from the Nice Horizon Hub or over 600 yards from the West Nice Speed Trap. I quickly grasp to that location by myself and visually. Because of the offroad path of West Nice is heavily exposed, with a few trees in sight, searching for the legendary Maserati is like threading a needle.

After moments of waiting, here it is!

The legendary Maserati Tipo 61 Birdcage is now ready for action! Sorry but my eyes are tearing up looking at a restored beauty but this is the eighth barn find I found and drove. There are two more out there.

Maserati was heavily involved in the world of motorsports since the dawn of time but as the famed Italian carmaker is struggling with their finances, their involvement in motorsport reached their climax and they made this. The Tipo 61 is their final attempt as it struggled to balance the expense of racing with profitability. It comes with the same 2.0L 4-cylinder engine from the 200S and it was positioned at 45 degrees to lower ride height and its center of gravity. For strengthening and weight loss purposes, one of the engineers designed the car's latticed space frame composed of small diamter tubing which shaped like the birdcage.

Stirling Moss and Dan Gurney were one of the aces that drove the Birdcage to victory at the 1960 Nurburgring 1000 in extreme weather conditions.

Anyway, that's enough history lesson but since I found the Birdcage Masis, it became my most valuable car in the game, eclipsing my McLaren P1 that I'm saving it for later. Amazing for a legendary machine to become one of the most valuable cars in the game right?

Speaking of which, I got myself another barn find. It's the ninth one! The second to the last! Will I find it? Nah, let's save the finding for later but for now, I got a race to attend to. See you later!

Let's Do The News! (November 11, 2014)

Welcome back, here's your current sitrep:

- Returning to the Sewol Tragedy, South Korean judges are up to decide whether the captain of the Sewol ferry which sank in April, killing over 300 people, should face a death penalty. Lee Joon-seok is the captain of the submerged Sewol ferry and among the 15 crew responsible of one of South Korea's most tragic maritime disasters.

- Xi Jinping, the president of the People's Republic of China urged the Asia-Pacific nations to speed up economic integration, on the second day of the APEC Summit.

- Somewhere in Nigeria, a suicide bomber, dressed as a student, set off explosives hidden in a backpack during an assembly at a high school, killing 48 people and injuring 79 others.

- A stream of slow-moving lava burned a rural Hawaii town that has been observing this approach for months.

- Senator Bong Revilla, one of the accused suspects from the PDAF scam, has asked Sandiganbayan to allow him on an overnight checkup at St. Luke's Medical Center in Taguig.

- The boss of Mazda has confirmed that the rotary engine is gone forever as Masamichi Kogai, the CEO of Mazda, said "We don't have that kind of vehicle in our future product plan. If you increase the number of segments, then the resources we can allocate to each will decline and that will prevent us from developing truly good products.". Bummer but since they're focusing more on SKYACTIV Technology, might as well make do with the future Roadster ND.

- Bandai Namco Games announced Ace Combat 3D Cross Rumble + for most Nintendo 3DS hand held consoles (from the old 3DS, 2DS, old 3DS XL, new 3DS, and new 3DS XL). While not much to tell, it's ready for takeoff at the end of January 2015. There's going to be a bonus Super Mario-themed F-22A Raptor plane in the game. Since this game launches next year, this is just their first taste for the Ace Combat series' 20th birthday.

Ace Combat 3D Cross Rumble +

- The Hunger Games will spawn a stage play in Summer 2016!

- Check out the latest trailer for The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, which is the final chapter for The Hobbit trilogy.



TTFN!!!

F1 2014: Brazilian GP

F1 2014 Brazilian GP

In the second-to-the-last GP of the Formula 1 2014 season, it looks like the battle between Mercedes' Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton are in the blazing point as these two teammates decide who's superior. In the end, it was Rosberg who took the checkered flag. His fifth win of the season really gives Rosberg a fighting chance in the finale but for Hamilton, who placed 2nd, it's not over yet. Now that the finale is set on the 23rd of November at Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit, who will be crowned the world champion? Is it Rosberg or Hamilton? Find out soon!

Report: http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2014/11/16616.html

Image: Top Gear

Daihatsu Wake

2015 Daihatsu Wake

Well, this is new. This is a brand new kei car from Daihatsu and it's called the Wake. Looks like the kei car world is getting a wake-up call from Daihatsu's newest entry and for the Wake, it ushered a brand new category in the world of kei cars, although the Wake is served as the replacement to the aging Atrai. Ah, time flies...

So, what is it then?

This is unlike any other kei car you've ever seen because this box of a compact focuses more on space for those who like to take a weekend break or a holiday vacation. With the overall height of 1,835mm, this kei car is a lot taller than the Daihatsu Tanto. This is probably the tallest kei car on the market today and because it's so tall, you can fit anything you have.

What kind of people will buy such a tall thing?

The Wake's target audience is people who like to have an outdoor lifestyle. When it's day off, people like to go camping, fishing, climbing, cycling, surfing or skiing, whichever floats their boat. To accommodate such leisures, the Daihatsu Wake offers several options, which fits their lifestyle, in the form of a two-stage adjustable deck board with fixed hooks, utility hook, luggage compartment floor hook, and many others. That is called the Leisure Base Pack and that's an optional extra. Also, if you opt for the optional extra luggage board, storage gets more efficient as well.

It looks a bit boxy...

2015 Daihatsu Wake

Between you and me, yes, this car's very boxy in the design stakes but the Daihatsu Wake draws inspiration from last year's Deca Deca Concept. You know, the one we saw from the Tokyo Motor Show last year. The only thing that differs between the Wake and the Deca Deca Concept is the front face because it kinda looks like a Kia Ray in so many ways.

What about inside?

2015 Daihatsu Wake interior

Because of its tall exterior, the interior is indeed roomier enough to raise your hands at ease. On the driving position, it's like you're driving an LCV at some point but even though it's a tall kei car, the legroom is somewhat okay just as long as you don't let someone interfere with the front seats. If you notice that there's a tray on the passenger side, then yes. There's a tray that you can raise when you're going to take your lunch, play your gadgets, doing your homework or whatever you're doing on the go. Sadly, there's only one tray inside so you might expect your kids arguing for this. Bad mark for Daihatsu there.

Does it act like a city car?

2015 Daihatsu Wake

Even though it's a car made for outdoor purposes in mind, the Wake still acts like a city car especially when it's powered with a very fuel-efficient 660cc KF engine, which delivers 25.4km/L of fuel economy with the help of Daihatsu's game-changing e:S technology. The steering is rack and pinion, has MacPherson struts on the front, torsion beam at the back (for FWD models because 4WD models come with three-link), it still work as a city car and you can have as much fun as you want. It's like riding in a bumper car for some reasons but for safety reasons, it's loaded with Smart Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, and TRC. In case of what's what, Smart Assist comes with low-speed range collision avoidance support brake function, false start suppression control function, and preceding vehicle start notification function. Pretty smart, eh?

Price?

The Daihatsu Wake starts at 1,350,000 up to 1,873,800 Japanese Yen (around 14,000 to 19,000 Dollars) so it's expensive than the Tanto but you should know that the Wake's the tallest around here so you'll get what you'll pay for. Of course, there's one problem; it's Japan-only so if you want one, go pack your bags and move to Japan if you want to have one.

Available Colors: Pearl White III, Tungsten Grey Metallic, Black Mica Metallic, Plum Brown Crystal Mica, Tonico Orange Metallic, Festa Yellow, Offbeat Khaki Metallic, and Blue Mica Metallic.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

Let's Do The News! (November 10, 2014)

Welcome back, here is your current sitrep:

- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe finished his talks with Xi Jinping, the president of the People's Republic of China during the APEC Forum in the Chinese capitol of Beijing.

- Chinese and Russian companies signed a memorandum on a new pipeline route to send Russian natural gas to the People's Republic of China. The China National Petroleum Corporation and Gazprom from Russia have signed the document as the two leaders, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, looked on.

- Back at the Ukraine Crisis, the rise of Pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine raised concerns from the US and the European Union. There has been a heavy fighting at Donetsk airport followed by an overnight artillery bombardment, shaking an already fragile ceasefire. Russia denies claims that it is supplying the separatists.

- Several earthquakes occurred earlier in the Philippines. There was a M4.2 quake jolted Cebu followed by a M5.5 quake in Surigao.

- Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte personally gave the P1 million reward he promised to those who cooperate on the arrest of slain racing driver Enzo Pastor's alleged gunman.

- THIS IS THE F-15E GARUDA. In model kit form perhaps. Hasegawa will start selling this limited-edition model kit based on the hero plane from Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation next month. The F-15E Garuda model kit aircraft is based on the F-15E Strike Eagle with the same dark grey color scheme used by the Emmeria Air Force 8th Air Division 28th Fighter Squadron that fought alongside a large army in the game. Named after a mythical bird-like creature from the Hindu mythology, the Garuda Team was known for destroying the enemy aerial fleet.

Pair this one with the Su-33 Strigon plane and you can recreate every single dogfight from the game.

F-15E Strike Eagle Ace Combat Garuda

- Following the success of the movie, Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy will spawn a cartoon show on Disney XD next year!

- THIS IS THE NEW HONDA LEGEND. The latest generation of Honda's flagship premium sedan is now powered with the same hybrid drivetrain from the upcoming NSX. That's right. It now comes with the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, which combines three electric motors with a 3.5L V6 engine equipped with Variable Cylinder Management. It's mated with a 7-speed double-clutch gearbox which sounds nice. It is the first to come with the first ever Honda Sensing system which comes with Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Traffic Sign Recognition. Sales start on the 22nd of January next year, which is great because 2015 marks the Honda Legend's 30th anniversary.

2015 Honda Legend

- A group of former Israeli Intelligence unit members, now founders of Argus Cyber Security, announced that they've remotely hacked a car that contained an aftermarket device with some major security problems. Called Zubie, it was originally built to keep cars safe but this device, when hacked, can manipulate vehicle functions. The researchers said that security loopholes would have allowed them to remotely control the car from anywhere in the world.

- Star Wars Episode VII has now been officially named Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

- Yes. Disney and Pixar announced a fourth Toy Story movie coming in summer 2017!

TTFN!!!

Big Hero 6

Big Hero 6

This is one of the most unique Disney superhero movies since...well, The Incredibles. From the studio behind the successful Wreck-It Ralph and last year's Frozen, comes Big Hero 6, a brand new computer-graphic animated Disney movie that is a sure fire fit for the imminent holiday season. Before creating this unique Disney movie, the people in charge of this film are drawing inspiration from the Japanese pop culture, from anime, mecha, and whatever Japanese-y, they've studied Japanese pop culture, which served as the inspiration for this anime-inspired superhero flick for the whole family.

Set in the fictitious and futuristic town of San Fransokyo (think San Francisco meets Tokyo), it's all about a young boy named Hiro Hamada. Moments after the disappearance of his brother Tadashi, Hiro is caught in the middle of a sinister plot from the evil organization, which threatens to take over the city. With his trusty inflatable robot pal, named Baymax, on his side, Hiro Hamada must assemble a group of six crime-fighting superheroes on a mission to save their hometown. Teaming alongside Hiro and Baymax are Honey Lemon, Go Go Tomago, Wasabi, and Fred, a dude who can turn himself into a fearsome kaiju.

If you're a little kid, to you, this movie is all about action packed adventures that fulfill your fantasy. You can enjoy watching it to your heart's content without bothering to tell about the movie's storytelling because...so what? Kids say the coolest of things and that's it. They get to see the sights of sounds of the futuristic town of San Fransokyo in their own eyes and witness super cool scenes as the movie builds up to the most intense moment yet.

If you're a grown up, this movie is pretty much lacking to your own personal tastes. While the originality is fine, the storytelling just doesn't fit for this movie but because with all the anime and mecha inspiration drawn through the making of this movie, you'll start getting used to this movie more than the other successful CG-animated Disney films.

In essence then, Big Hero 6 may not be a good film for the thrill-seekers but this is probably one of the best family-friendly superhero flick for the imminent holiday season. Parents, if your kids are free, tell them to take them to the theaters to watch one. This movie isn't half bad, although the only thing that bothers me the most is...why is Baymax kinda look like the Michelin Man or that Stay Puft Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters?

My rating: 3.8 out of 5.

Doctor Who Series 08 Finale

Doctor Who Series 08 Finale

Great to see everyone watching the series 08 finale of BBC Doctor Who and this finale is a matter of life and destruction, albeit a costly one. This is definitely the episode that will decide their fate as The Doctor (Peter Capaldi), with the help of UNIT, risk everything to thwart the Cybermen rising and Missy (Michelle Gomez), or The Master to be more exact.

One of the most shocking moments on this episode include Missy/The Master killing Osgood (Ingrid Oliver), and the one when Danny Pink (Samuel Anderson) became a Cyberman who spared Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman).

We did experience some heartbreaking moments on this episode but when the decisive battle come full circle, it was Danny Pink who sacrificed himself to lead him and the Cybermen to the cloud, which is known to be the Cyber Pollen. Looks like P.E. fought himself to his last breath.

After Danny's sacrifice, Missy, or The Master to be more exact, has been annihilated by a Cyberman who saved Kate Lethbridge-Stewart from the plane explosion.

This episode sure is a fun drive for the fans but for now, let's all take a well-deserved rest...and some BTS from the Series 08 finale:

Oh...and in case you missed it, there will be this year's Christmas Special coming on Christmas Day. On this 2014 Christmas Special, The Doctor meets Santa Claus for the very first time!



Looking forward for this year's special. Dismissed.