BMW 1-Series 3-door (F21) and Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W176)

Let's start with the BMW 1-Series. Well, for the all new F20 model, the 1-Series is getting a bit more eccentric, a bit too odd, and most of all, it's a bit too creepy. As scary as...Psycho Mantis. (laughing)  But let's remind that even though the F20's a bit ugly, this is the last of its kind. The last of the rear-wheel drive hatchbacks. This is the only RWD hatchback you can buy. Nothing else....

2013 BMW 1-Series 3-door

2013 BMW 1-Series 3-door

However, BMW finally came up with a new 3-door version and this is a little bit too different. You get the same features, the same Urban Line, the same Sport Line, and the same engine choices from the standard 5-door model and like the 5-door model that we tried last autumn, they now come with the 114i (the one with the 1.6L twin turbo engine), 125i (the one with the 2.0L twin turbo engine), 116d EfficientDynamics Edition (the one with the 1.6L diesel engine but with even more eco-car peripherals), 125d (the one with the 2.0L diesel engine), and this...

2013 BMW M135i

..they even made a hotter version of the 1-Series F20/F21. It's part of the all new BMW M Performance Automobiles, a side story of the BMW M Division that they maybe not M worthy but they have capabilities of a BMW M car. But first, what is this BMW M Performance Automobiles? That is a tricky one because BMW M Performance Automobiles are extra-sporty vehicles with a superior combination of dynamic ability and fuel efficiency. They benefit from the unique expertise of BMW M engineers, with a special, fine-tuned powertrain, suspension and steering system. Most examples were the BMW M550d XDrive, BMW X5 M50d, BMW X6 M50d, and the one we're going to feature here...the M135i.

So, what makes the M135i the last of the rear-wheel drive hatchbacks made even better? This is just like a Scottish woman in her 20's who gave up law enforcement and trades her law enforcement for a modelling contract. You wanna know who? I'm sorry but NEVER APPLY LOGIC TO WHO. So, for this former policewoman turned supermodel, she tries to bare it all and oh....she got caught by some evil robots and taking her from space along with her husband. Uh...what did I just said? Something irrelevant on this topic?

Sorry everyone. Anyway, back on the M135i, this is the first ever petrol-powered member of the new BMW M Performance Automobiles; those that look like normal BMWs with M genes included. It's just like the former policewoman turned supermodel I've told, it looks fiercer, it looks tender, and best off all, this car would be brave enough to say "Scared? Who's scared? Geronimo." 

However, there's more to this GERONIMO stuff. Now, as I told after the Easter vacation, the BMW 1-Series M Coupe ended production since the day of the Easter bunny. That was disappointed to discontinue the baby M much like General Motors killing the Pontiac G8 in 2009, which is a great car killed prematurely.  I was concerned about the death of the BMW 1M Coupe but for this BMW M135i, would it be a proper substitute?

First off, the M135i is powered by a 3.0L N55B30 twin turbo engine which generates about 320PS of power, which is 20PS less than the defunct 1M Coupe but the 450Nm of torque is the same as the defunct 1M Coupe. For 0-100kph time, the M135i can do it in 5.1 seconds in a 6MT, but with the 8-speed automatic, that should do it in 4.9 seconds, and with the 8AT and xDrive combined, that should do it in 4.7 seconds. To sum this up, the M135i with the 8AT and xDrive combined is faster than the defunct 1M Coupe's 4.9 second time even though they're both electronically limited to 250km/h. That sounds a bit fair but be warned, the M135i XDrive is notoriously trickier to get off the line. If you get it right, you get a win but if you mess it up, you lose so the differences is all up to the driver.

2013 BMW 1-Series 3-door interior

When it comes to cornering, both the 1-Series 3-door and its M135i spin-off are good and when it comes to driving it, all I can think off is Haruka Amami's bangs. Don't you just love it when you sniff around her hair? Anyway, this car will make you feel high like a bunch of rugby boys in the streets. If you don't know what a rugby boy is, he's not a fan of the sport of rugby but an idiot who's busy sniffing a solvent branded as rugby. Driving this FR hatchback feels like you're sniffing rugby to get yourself high and you can't stop this addiction. I would gladly want to cut down Haruka Amami's bangs that's for sure.

The performance really is a good stuff for this Bimmer but in terms of design, I just really don't like the way it looks because it kinda looks like Psycho Mantis. Even covering it with the M Sport Pack, it doesn't really cut the mustard. It still looks like the bad guy that made you miserable unless you are opted to use Controller number 2 to end the misery. What I need is a car that is all about style and all Nina Williams-ish...and I think I got one...

2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

This one's all about style. It's the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class and for this regenerated model, it has been graduated from a supermini to a small family car. The entry-level model of Mercedes-Benz is now even larger than before. It might be even more elegant than the 1 Series and the new Audi A3 but I'm not sure if this is worth it...or do I?

2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class interior

 Firstly, the exterior is more similar than today's CLS and it reflects Mercedes-Benz's new design philosophy while the interior has some vents that look like it came from the SLS AMG but what surprises me was its convenience. There was this Digital DriveStyle & Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone which does come with the personalised internet radio by AUPEO! Personal Radio, Garmin navigation software, and the best part was its Facebook and twitter integration that lets me share my status while driving. Cool, isn't it? This is becoming a yuppie sensation in the making and there was the COMAND Online with Colud technology and App Shop! An app shop for a Benz? Cool, this is like an iPhone on wheels but for its primer, the first two apps available are the Parking Finder and Morningstar Finance. More apps will be added later.

Like the Bmw 1-Series, which serves the Urban and Sport Line, the new A-Class does have three lines that suits the flavor; one is the Urban line which is like the Urban Line from the BMW 1-Series, it's all about being civilized on the city streets. Second was the Style line which adds a bit of elegance for the drivers. Lastly was this one; the AMG Sport. Much like the BMW M Sport pack on the 1-Series, the A-Class' AMG Sport line features some of the AMG styling bits that makes it more sporty and with the addition of sports suspension, direct-steer, and a large brakes. Sounds intriguing, but what about choices?

The new A-Class comes with a 1.6 L M270 I4 Turbocharged, 2.0 L M270 I4 Turbocharged, 1.5 L OM607 Diesel I4, 1.8 L OM651 Diesel I4, and 2.2 L OM651 Diesel I4 engine at its launch. As of now, the most powerful of the new A-Class range was the A250 Sport model which has a power output of 211PS of power. Standard transmission on models such as the A180, A200, A180 CDi, and the A200 CDi was the 6-speed manual transmission, but for other models such as the A250, A250 Sport, A180 CDI (OM 651), and the A220 CDI, they do come with a 7-speed double clutch transmission, which Benz says that it has a faster shifting time than manuals. Want a refresh? Simple, when clutch no. 1 is at 2nd gear, clutch no. 2 prepares the 3rd gear and then...shift it to 3rd gear, nice and easy, meanwhile, clutch no. 2 is preparing 4th gear for me and when its ready, shift it to 4th gear. This double clutch witchcraft, it has the odd numbers on the first while the other clutch has the even numbers. Again, when I was at 3rd gear, the 2nd clutch is pre-selecting 4th gear for me and when I shift it to 4th, the 2nd clutch is preparing 5th for me. What a seamlessly witchcraft!

2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

It is becoming an interesting feature but what about cornering? Let's remember that this one's front wheel drive so too much grip and understeering are occurred. With the AMG Sport pack, this feels a bit hotter like a hot hatch. You can see the reflexes of a silver wolf transformed into a beautiful white-haired young woman..with the eyepatch..waiting to grapple you down the bed. It's still a mild car but I'm starting to like this car in a different way I like the RWD 1-Series.

Choosing either of these cars is not easy, sure the 1-Series is a bit of a Psycho Mantis controlling the steering wheel while you seat and waiting for him to kill you with his mind while the A-Class has the elegance of Takane Shijou with the power of the Bad Wolf. Both of these urban lifestyle compacts are a fun way to take them out on the streets as long as you have your parents' permission. 

Maisto Chevrolet Express Van 1/64 scale

This is what I got from a little flea market. It's a Maisto 1:64 scale version of the Chevrolet Express Van. Sure, I'm not quite a fan of the Chevrolet Express Van because it a van used for business purposes but this toy version really sure that I wanted to collect every Chevrolet model and store it on my toy box. Oh wait, I don't have a toy box...

I think it looks absolutely brilliant. I am a die-cast car fan now. I was wrong about it. I really want to collect for my spare time. Old-fashioned toys can be sometimes MORE FUN than computer games! It just is!



Guess I should put it on this new stuff in my bed room and appreciate what I got...

Anime Saimoe Tournament 2012 update (September 16, 2012)

Right, another week has passed but what about those who got advanced to the next round of the 2012 Anime Saimoe Tournament? Well, let's find out, shall we? Good thing, we got the results from trusted sources. I will highlight those winners in BOLD.

Group G (September 10, 2012)

Momoko Touyoko - Saki achiga-hen episode of side-A - 261
Mayoi Hachikuji -  Nisemonogatari   - 195
Yukiho Hagiwara - THE IDOLM@STER - 179

Kanzaki H. Aria - Hidan No Aria - 263
Rihoko Sakurai - Amagami SS+ - 166
Angelina Nanatsu Sewell - Mashiroiro Symphony ~The Colour of Lovers~ - 164

Rea Sanka - Sankarea - 270
Tsukihi Araragi - Nisemonogatari - 270
Siesta - Zero no Tsukaima F - 73

September 11, 2012

Nodoka Haramura - Saki achiga-hen episode of side-A - 296
Mio Kitahara - Ano Natsu De Matteru - 122
Ami Futami - THE IDOLM@STER - 91

Ako Atarashi - Saki achiga-hen episode of side-A - 293
Yuniko Kouzuki - Accel World - 124
Rena Ryuuguu - When They Cry - 89

Hitagi Senjougahara - Nisemonogatari - 239
Kouko Fukuyo - Saki achiga-hen episode of side-A - 131
Suzuha Amane - Steins;Gate - 120

September 12, 2012

Kotori Otonashi - THE IDOLM@STER - 211
Nao Takanashi - Onii-chan No Koto Nanka Zenzen Suki Janain Dakara Ne! - 101
Mio Sakamoto - Strike Witches - 77

Ai Nanasaki - Amagami SS+ - 183
Saku Touyama - Tantei Opera Milky Holmes - 142
Sawako Yamanaka - K-ON! - 59

Ika-Musume - Ika-Musume - 234
Yuuko - A-channel - 117
Sakuya Aizawa - Hayate the Combat Butler! HEAVEN IS A PLACE ON EARTH - 48

September 13, 2012

Aoi Yamada - Working! - 249
Rise Kujikawa - Persona 4 THE ANIMATION - 104
Habara - Daily Lives of High School Boys - 69

Hina Takahashi - Papa No Iukoto O Kikinasai - 175
Miyuki Hoshizora - Smile Pretty Cure - 154
Laffinty Fin E Ld Si - Rinne No Lagrange - 101

Mael Strom - Kore Wa Zombie Desu Ka? - 171
Akane Hino - Smile Pretty Cure - 143
Minami Shimada - Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu Ni - 108

Group H
September 14, 2012

Airi Kashii - Ro-kyu-bu - 184
Tsubasa Hanekawa - Nisemonogatari - 144
Hecate - Shakugan no Shana III -FINAL- 78

Nazuna Takahashi - WORKING! - 164
Azusa Miura - THE IDOLM@STER - 146
Sora Takanashi - Papa No Iukoto O Kikinasai - 116

Kuroyukihime (Black Lotus) - Accel World - 220
Ritsuko Akizuki - THE IDOLM@STER - 124
Hiroko Funakubo - Saki achiga-hen episode of side-A - 70

September 15, 2012

Minko Tsurugi - Hanasaku Iroha - 197
Shouko Kirishima - Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu Ni - 179
Kirie Konoe - Dusk Maiden of Amnesia - 82

Nano Shinonome - Nichijou - 244
Henrietta De Tristain - Zero no Tsukaima F - 124
Ako Shirabe - Smile Pretty Cure - 119

Elsie - The World God Only Knows - 209
Kana Ikeda - Saki achiga-hen episode of side-A - 198
Eucliwood Hellscythe - Kore Wa Zombie Desu Ka? - 112

It's as Red Dead as a Spaghetti Western

Maybe Amy Pond was right. Maybe he DID traveled alone for too long. Most of the people who died during The Doctor's past journeys is because of HIS MERCY...What could that mean?

Never mind, but I had fun watching a Doctor Who episode titled A TOWN CALLED MERCY. You know what? I'm not going to spill the details about what just happened on that episode but when it comes to impressions, I gotta say that this episode is as RED DEAD as a Spaghetti Western and loads of suspense and drama uncovered for The Doctor.

Well, I think we had enough of this HIGH NOON SALOON stuff. Next week, it's the cube invasion. That's new...Perhaps next week is...THE POWER OF THREE. Get your pants up when you're surrounded by troops...

Until then...GET OUT OF THE WAY!

Welcome Back: 2005 TVR Sagaris

The last of the TVRs ever made

This is known to be as the final TVR ever built before operations ended in 2008. It was named after a battle axe used by the Scythians in ancient Greek myths. It was designed by Graham Browne and Lee Hodgetts. Using the same platform as the TVR T350C, the Sagaris was made with endurance racing in mind and powering the Sagaris is a 4.0L 6-cylinder engine that produces 380BHP of power mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.  0-60mph takes about 3.7 seconds and flatout, it will be doing 185mph.

Like most TVRs, the Sagaris doesn't have safety equipment such as ABS, TCS, or airbags, nothing to hinder the driver's freedom to drive.

This car was reviewed by Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear and when handed to The Stig, it set a lap time of 1.24.6, faster than its cousin, the Tuscan.

Former Stig and author of THE MAN IN THE WHITE SUIT, Ben Collins, listed the Sagaris as one of the cars he hate the most during an interview from Drive.com.au and Ben Collins said "It had no door handles. To open the door you pressed a button under the wing mirror and prayed the electrics worked, because on many TVRs they don't. The seating was invented by Houdini and changing gear required you to dislocate a shoulder. Meaningless quasi-aerodynamic features on the bodywork shook violently when you reached speed and that happened quickly. It had no ABS or traction control, which would normally attract my praise, but the handling was so beguiling. Human beings have an innate feel for cars, perhaps developed over thousands of years of balancing on horseback. The Sagaris told porkies to your instincts. In bends, the weight of the engine over the front wheels made it pitch insanely and I spun off countless times with no idea why. If this was the result with a so-called pro at the wheel, I pitied the man who polished it all week before going for a Sunday drive. Worse still, Jeremy Clarkson loved it. I rest my case."

Molto Veloce means More Power in Italian

DMC Aventador Molto Veloce

As the tuning scene for the all new Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 continues, we might wanna take a look at this and this time, this spiced-up version of the Aventador, courtesy of tuner DMC, tweaked up the power of its V12 engine and it now produces 900PS of power! 900PS! So that's why Molto Veloce really means MORE POWER in Italian and that name really sums it up! Also, the retractable spoiler has been removed and replaced it with a fixed rear carbon fiber spoiler for enhanced aerodynamics.

EXCERPT:

DMC Aventador LP900 Molto Veloce tuning kit cost 125,000 euros

Following initial images released a few weeks ago, DMC has released pricing and details for its new styling package, dubbed LP900 Molto Veloce, for the Lamborghini Aventador.

The German tuner specializing in Italian sports cars has given a mind numbing price of 125,000 euros (~$165,000) for their complete Aventator tuning package. However, broken down into their separate kits the pricing may seem a bit more palatable for some.

"The Molto Veloce aims at Aventador owners that seek to add a little more exclusivity to their LP700," says Thorsten Grebers, Marketing Manager at DMC Germany. "The LP900 engine upgrade clearly targets speed enthusiasts."

The least expensive kits are the new interior which costs 17,700 euros and the ADV1 wheel package which starts at EUR 7.800.

Next is the body kit which costs 19,500 euros and consists of a front fascia, lower lip spoiler and splitter, side skirts, rear wing spoiler and rear fascia with diffuser. All components are made of carbon fiber.

The meat and potatos are found under the hood, accounting for a head banging 80,000 euros. DMC has given the 6.5-liter V12 a complete valvetrain rebuild with 12 unique single intake throttle plates, new fuel pump and lines as well as pressure modulators and new injector nozzles. Also, the optimized engine electronics in addition to an electronic load pressure control system and a completely new wiring system has allowed DMC to rebrand the vehicle as the LP900 suggesting power output is now 900 HP (887 bhp / 662 kW) compared to its standard 700 PS (690 bhp / 515 kW).

DMC recommends clients fly their LP700 to the company's workshop in Germany or Switzerland for the engine modifications, but body components can be installed by one of DMC's global dealers.

All items are ready for order now.

Scoop: http://www.worldcarfans.com/112032042589/dmc-aventador-lp900-molto-veloce-tuning-kit-cost-125000

Want one?!

BMW 3-Series Touring F31 vs. Jaguar XF Sportbrake

This is the all new 2013 BMW 3-Series Touring F31...

2013 BMW 3 Series Touring

...and this is the all new 2013 Jaguar XF Sportbrake.

2013 Jaguar XF Sportbrake

Both of them are from Europe, both of them are tourers, both of them are good for everyday uses, and both of them have bigger space on the back which sounds perfect on your next grocery shopping, unless you went out with several reusable bags on your next grocery trip. But what differs them is their characteristics. Sure, it's the battle of Britain once again but which of these is my pick?

2013 BMW 3 Series Touring interior

Sure, the BMW F31 has the same features as the F30 sedan, the same choice of either a Modern Line, Sport Line, or Luxury Line, same eccentric front end that feels like...well, I don't what to say but like an alien predator waiting to kill me, and now has a bigger boot at the back. At the start, the available variants for the 3 Series Touring were the 320d, 328i, and 330d. Other models will follow shortly. First off, the the 320d Touring will cost about 37,100 Euros (about 29,380 British Pounds Sterling) and this comes with the 2.0L diesel engine that takes about 184PS of power. The 328i though, this costs about 39,150 Euros or  30,400 British Pounds Sterling and this comes with the 2.0L petrol engine that generates about 245PS of power. My choice for now is the top of the line 330d Touring, which costs about 46,150 Euros or 34,700 British Pounds Sterling. The 330d though, this comes with the 3.0L turbodiesel engine that generates about 258PS of power. With all that power, the the 330d Touring can go about 0-100kph in 5.6 seconds and the top speed is electronically limited to 250kph, most common to other European cars within this magnitude.

It's all typical BMW interior on this model and seems that the satellite navigation system's too far from my eyes. Because it is rear-wheel drive, I can still respect the German carmaker's Freude am Fahren slogan. It's sharper, it's sleeker, and surprising comfortable. It kinda feels like sipping a cup of delicious 3-in-1 coffee, mmmm....good! With all that German common sense, the Touring version of the new 3 Series feels a bit the same as the normal F30 sedan version with the added space for my groceries.

So...what about the XF Sportbrake?

2013 Jaguar XF Sportbrake interior

Last year, I examined the facelifted version of the XF sedan and with that new "2.2 LITRE i4 DIESEL" engine introduced, the XF's getting a bit more...well I was gonna say eco-conscious but never mind. Unlike the normal XF sedan, the all new Sportbrake doesn't have the fire-breathing V8 engine as well as its hotter version until further notice. That seems to be disappointing because the all new XF Sportbrake is available diesel-only. Much like other Korean SUVs I knew that they're available diesel-only, the XF Sportbrake comes with the 2.2L diesel and the 3.0L V6 diesel engine. The base model though, the 2.2 litre i4 163 Turbocharged Diesel SE, it costs 31,940 British Pounds Sterling, while the most expensive version, which is the 3.0 litre V6 275 Turbocharged Diesel Portfolio, that costs them 51,505 British Pounds Sterling.

Amazingly though, it's more pricey than the F31 BMW 320d Touring but you do get a lot of luxury features and the Bowers & Wilkins audio system of other Jaguars. Also, it may have the same 8-speed AT as the F31 BMW 3 Series Touring and like other Jaguars and Land Rovers, there's no gear lever because what I can only find was a knob that when you twist it clockwise or counter-clockwise, you can set it in either P, R, N, D, or S. It is a very complicating way but I don't care. That complicating knob is not the least of our problems because the handling is a bit too rough and it really bites. No wonder this XF Sportbrake was used   as a support vehicle for Team Sky as they compete in the Tour of Britain. Well, I'm not on Team Sky's side because I don't watch too much Sky and I'm all BBC and no Channel 5 (the one with Fifth Gear on it, which is still the car magazine program I REALLY HATE). He he he he....

The new F31 3 Series Touring is all about keeping yourself cool because the 3 Series is being the yuppie icon of all time but for the XF Sportbrake, this is not the car for the yuppies. This is for those who are a bunch of geography teachers, brokers working for stock exchange, and those who ain't BOVERED. Sorry, if I have to get that Lauren Cooper dialog Ms. Catherine Tate, but anyway, this Jag is a bit more dramatic, a bit more tenacious, not quite a sleeping dog that you can bring it on a dogfighting pen. I would rather bet this car for a winning dog at the pen and take it away when I lost the bet but that's not quite an ideal option if you don't like the XF Sportbrake.

2013 Jaguar XF Sportbrake

2013 BMW 3 Series Touring

Well, I guess this ends here and to sum this up, the BMW 3 Series is a better wagon while the XF Sportbrake is a pricey break that keeps me disappointed why this one has no petrol variants as the normal sedan variant. Sure, both of them might be different from their sedan counterparts but the real ending for this review is simple; best not to buy the Sportbrake until Jaguar decided to put petrol variants on it but because of today's economy, well probably because of the ongoing crisis in the European economy, might be best not to buy either of these until you are ready.

Photo: BMW AG, Jaguar