REMEMBERING 2013 - Part Three

Hello, and welcome to the third part of my year-ender called Remembering 2013. I'll be randomly listing stuff that came throughout 2013. From good things, bad things, best things, worst things, whatever you name it, that year-ender list is on me. It's on my head so let's get cracking!

Mitoy Yonting is the first Voice PH winner

Mitoy Yonting. If my memory serves me correctly, he was once a person who used illegal drugs in his youth years as a band member but now, his life changed forever ever since he became the first winner of The Voice of The Philippines.

The first-ever winner of The Voice of the Philippines is named on the grand finale held at Resorts World Manila and the 42 year old vocalist, is hailed the victor on this reality singing competition. A member of Team Lea, Mitoy garnered 57.65% of votes to beat Team Sarah's Klarisse de Guzman based on the number of votes including iTunes and truetone downloads. Team Bamboo's Myk Perez and Team Apl's Janice Javier were among the Top 4 finalists.

Team GILAS

Despite getting nuked by Iran in the final round of the FIBA Asia Cup, the all-Filipino basketball team, called TEAM GILAS, finally gets a shot at life at the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain next year. Since defeating numerous Asian teams, especially those from South Korea, GILAS marked in the history books as the Filipino basketball team to take on the world series. Good luck to the Team GILAS for the FIBA World Cup next year!

Top Gear UK's new reasonably priced car

Series 20 of BBC's Top Gear sees the arrival of a brand new reasonably priced car, the 2013 Vauxhall Astra Tech Line (with Lifetime Warranty...) and to kick off the arrival of the new reasonably priced car, a selection of D-list celebs such as AC/DC's Brian Johnson, Jimmy Carr, David Haye, Warwick Davis, Rachel Riley, Charles Dance from Game of Thrones, Joss Stone, and Mike Rutherford from Genesis to lap this newcomer round the track and something else...

Manila Kingpin kicked Dirty Harry's butt in Manila

Joseph Ejercito Estrada
(photo: Interaksyon)

Just kidding. Just a metaphor because on the recent elections, former PH President Joseph Estrada, nicknamed "Asiong Salonga" for the Manila mayoral race, won the elections and claimed the mayoral seat for Manila, dethroning Alfredo Lim, nicknamed as "Dirty Harry", and this puts to an end to one of the most grueling rivalry of the 2013 elections. If that wasn't enough, Vice Mayor Isko Moreno also won the elections against actor Lou Veloso, who ran with Lim.

The Gwiyomi song



The word Gwiyomi is a South Korean slang for "cute" or "cute person". The Gwiyomi song was composed and performed by musicians Dandi and Hari and it was uploaded since January and released as a digital single a month later. It became the most search term in the Korean search engine NAVER and now, it's spreading like wildfire, something that last year's Gangnam Style and the biblically terrible Harlem Shake can't catch up...

Ogie Alcasid now a Kapatid

Ogie Alcasid bids farewell to GMA7 as he signed contracts with TV5 at Aracama Restaurant at Bonifacio Global City. Ogie Alcasid's official twitter posted a tweet about his new milestone as a Kapatid;

"My friends, I humbly ask you for a prayer as is sign with tv5 this afternoon. Kayo naman lagi ang nariyan and once again I ask 4 yr support"

Aside from being a full-fledged Kapatid, he will also head the network's new music department.

You can see Ogie Alcasid in Tropa Moko Unli and The Mega and The Songwriter on TV5 as part of the Weekend Do It Better Lineup.

Orphan Black

March 30, 2013, hour after Series 7 of Doctor Who returned on BBC America, there is a new BBC America original series titled Orphan Black. Newbie actress Tatiana Maslany stars as Sarah Manning, a woman who was caught by a conspiracy that she was one of the clones. With the help of her clones, Sarah risks everything to solve the conspiracy that lurks behind them.

This show is a huge hit in America and thanks to Maslany's success as Sarah and the Clone Club, she won the Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series.

Tatiana Maslany

Such success prompted BBC America to renew Orphan Black for the 2014 season and expect more plot twists than the first one.

The next-gen consoles

Sony PS4

XBOX One

2013 sees the arrival of next-gen consoles such as the Playstation4 and the XBOX One. With the $100 difference between them, both the PS4 and the X1 are packed with next-generation technology gamers would die for. So, which would you like to have it in your home? That depends but you know what? My cousin has a PS4. Good job on that...

The Royal Baby

Royal couple Prince William and Kate Middleton finally gave birth to a healthy baby boy, who will serve as their future successor. It happened since July 2013 and the whole world awaits the rise of their future heir to their throne. The Royal Baby's name is...George Alexander Louis. Yep. George Alexander Louis is the name of the Royal Baby capable enough to become the future royal successor to Prince William and Prince Charles.

I WILL BE BACK FOR PART FOUR!!!

What's in our Car Town garage today? (December 27, 2013)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

2003 Bentley Continental GT

This pure British beauty combines the luxuriousness of a premium saloon car with the sportiness of a sportscar, making this ultra-expensive gran tourer doubles as a daily driver, luxury cruising on the city streets and sporty driving on the open roads. The Bentley Continental GT comes with the 6.0L W12 twin-turbo engine mated with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, which delivers supercar-like performance in a luxury packaging. This is the first time this Bentley was made under the supervision of its new owner Volkswagen ever since they took over the British marque in 1998.

2003 Bentley Continental GT

1963 Aston Martin DB5

This classic Aston Martin needs no description because this is well known to be the famous Bond car a secret agent would drive for. Aston Martin cars and James Bond movies have been hand-to-hand for decades and ever since it showed up in the Bond movie, Goldfinger, it sparked a wondrous partnership between Aston Martin and James Bond. Having one of these feels like you're a secret agent from Her Majesty's Secret Service.

1963 Aston Martin DB5

2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STi

For its second facelift on the second-generation Subaru Impreza WRX STi, this tuner favorite born from the success in World Rally Championship gets even more fiercer than before, probably thanks to its reworked grille that was inspired from its aircraft roots. Of course, Subaru, the carmaker, was born from its aircraft beginnings as Nakajima Aircraft, but this is no time for history lesson. For the 2006 model WRX STi, it's powered by an EJ25 boxer engine developing 280PS of power, comes with the updated DCCD, and the added wheelbase as found on the JDM Spec C model.

2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STi

2014 Nissan Serena C26 Minor Change

2014 Nissan Serena

It's a new Nissan Serena! Well sort of. Anyway, the fourth-generation Nissan Serena gets is first facelift after having been around since its 2010 debut. It maybe a worth contender in the MPV market but don't be fooled, the Nissan Serena has been a favorite among Japanese families when it comes to conveniences, fuel economy, and refinement. Now, let's get my 47 Second Science ready.

2014 Nissan Serena

On the facelifted Nissan Serena C26, the exterior design hosts a wide array of changes to keep Japan's favorite MPV updated for more. The front bumper's revised, the headlamps now looking similar to next year's Nissan Elgrand E52 facelift, a new front grille, new alloy wheels, and new LED rear combination brake lamps with an S-shaped design. On the inside, it still looks intact to me. It's still comes with a choice of a 7-seater or an 8-seater. With the 8-seater model, it comes with 14 seat configurations to choose from depending on the scenario the user faces.

2014 Nissan Serena interior

2014 Nissan Serena interior

Nissan said that the 2WD S-Hybrid model, the one with the small electric motor fitted alongside the MR20DD engine, now has improved fuel consumption and how much is it? 16kmpl in JC08 Mode standards. Aside from being more fuel-efficient than the pre-facelifted model, the Serena C26 is now made even safer with the addition of Emergency Brake, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), AVM (Around View Monitor) with MOD (Moving Object Detection), Emergency Assist for pedal misapplication and Driver Attention Alert.

2014 Nissan Serena

Because this is the S-HYBRID model, this Serena comes with an ECO Motor which controls Idling Stop and functions as an alternator during deceleration. Of course, it even comes with an Idling Stop System, which shuts down the engine when idle, and restarts in just 0.3 seconds after the brake is released.

The new 2014 Nissan Serena C26 starts at 2,184,000 Yen for the entry-level 20S model up to 3,018,750 Yen for the 20G with the "Advanced Safety Package". For recommendation, Nissan recommends the Highway Star model with the Emergency Brake option for 2,568,300 Yen, the Highway Star model with the Advanced Safety Package for 2,654,400 Yen, and for 2,927,400 Yen, the Highway Star G Advanced Safety Package. What's a Highway Star G you ask? It's the one with the 16-inch alloys on it.

Available Colors: Tiger Eye Brown, Blue Moon White Pearl, Premium Deep Coral, Rose Bronze, Brilliant White Pearl, Diamond Black, Brilliant Silver, Crystal Mist, and Solid White.

Photo: Nissan Motor Company

REMEMBERING 2013 - Part Two

Hello, and welcome to the second part of my year-ender called Remembering 2013. I'll be randomly listing stuff that came throughout 2013. From good things, bad things, best things, worst things, whatever you name it, that year-ender list is on me. It's on my head so let's get cracking!

Lamborghini 50th Anniversary

2013 marks the 50th anniversary of the famed Italian carmaker, Lamborghini, and to celebrate Lamborghini's 50th year, they've gone through demented ways by releasing special models to incorporate that event such as the Lamborghini Veneno, the Lamborghini Aventador Roadster, the Lamborghini Aventador LP720-4 50° Anniversario, and many others.

Boston marathon bombing

Since April of 2013, there has been two explosions occurred during the Boston Marathon bombing. The person, who believed, behind this was a 19-year-old named Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. He and another suspect responsible for the bombing engaged in a gunfight against the cops in a Boston suburb. That other suspect was killed on the shootout earlier. Cops made a door-to-door search all over the Boston suburb until some say that Tsarnaev was hiding in a boat placed in a house's backyard. "We Got Him!": That's what the cops say when they apprehended the suspect and justice is served.

"CAPTURED!!! The hunt is over. The search is done. The terror is over. And justice has won,"

Juan Dela Cruz

ABS-CBN once aired a fantasy action drama titled Juan Dela Cruz starring Coco Martin, Erich Gonzales, Albert Martinez, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Gina Pareno, and new actor Aaron Villaflor. In the hit series, a young man is on the quest to protect the human world against the horde of Aswangs using the power of the Bakal na Krus. With the show's popularity, it even spawned a My Little Juan prequel TV drama showcasing the side story that bridges the gap from Father Cito raising young Juan after his mother's death to the death of Father Cito.

The end of Multiply

Multiply closure

Right before the age of Facebook and Twitter, there was once a blogging site called Multiply. Anyone remember this site? Trust me. I started my blogging days back then since 2008. Ah the memories... Okay, last year, we were shocked that Multiply ditched is social networking and content sharing state in favor of being the marketing site for Filipino and Indonesian sellers. However, Multiply closed its doors on May 6, 2013 and ceased business operations at the end of May 2013.

PSY's Gentleman

To succeed from 2012's Gangnam Style, internet sensation and K-POP rapper PSY returns with his latest sensation called GENTLEMAN. Don't be fooled though, this new song became a viral hit, so sensational, it's one of the most-watched music videos on Youtube this year with over 610 million viewers worldwide.

Bugatti's world record reinstated by Guinness World Records

Bugatti Veyron Super Sport

Following the sudden announcement that the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport stripped off its world record title due to mechanical issues and being kicked by the Hennessey Venom GT from America, there's a good news that the "fastest production car in the world" title has been returned to the Veyron SS. Good news! A spokesperson said that after several evaluations, Guinness World Records is satisfied that the change to the speed limiter does not affect the fundamental design of the car or its engine.

The end of Playfish



The cause of declining players of the social games from Playfish, an EA-based developer, such as SimCity Social, The Sims Social, and Pet Society pushed the American video game maker to retire those social games on the 14th of June, 2013 as part of "sharpening its focus to provide games for new platforms and mobile". Such decision is not an easy task to make but it's for reallocation of servers and resources to popular social games.

NSA Scandal

The whole world's been talking about the leaked documents from the NSA done by the whistleblower Edward Snowden. It's about the US Government has been using the internet to watch, record, and track huge numbers of normal people from every corner of the globe and gets worse. The government has all of their phone calls, they know where they are, and what they're doing.

Because the US Government is spying on every conversation, it seems that everyone in the US that has a gadget is considered a terrorist, even if they had a smartphone because you know most of the smartphones had cameras on it and it seems that the US Government is taking advantage of it to hound you down even after hours.

The Republicans from the House of Representatives still support NSA surveillance programs, in case you never heard of it. There's a well known theory that because of the House supporting over NSA surveillance programs, the NSA will think that 60 million Americans as well as the foreign immigrants from other countries are terrorists.

Pilipinas o Filipinas?

There are some experts out there suggesting the Tagalog word for Philippines is Pilipinas should be called Filipinas instead.

What does it sound like? Pilipinas or Filipinas? Don't know but that kind of proposal from the Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino (KWF) sure knows that they want to swap the letter F from the letter P. Some say, the use of Filipinas instead of Pilipinas recognizes the country's history and development as a nation.

Here's the clip that sums it up...

iCarly's Sam and Victorious' Cat team up in a new show

iCarly and Victorious maybe consigned to the history books for good but two characters from two shows starred in a brand new show of 2013. Sam Puckett (played by Jennette McCurdy) and Cat Valentine (played by the talented Ariana Grande) joined forces in the newest Nick teen comedy show, Sam & Cat and every week, this show is guaranteed to deliver big laughs for the two familiar faces as their newly-found friendship is tested no matter how big and how messy things would happen. This new show is a hit among teenage girls many.

JOIN ME AGAIN ON PART 3 FOR MORE OF REMEMBERING 2013

DW 2013 Christmas Special

The Time of The Doctor

The 2013 Christmas Special of BBC's Doctor Who titled The Time of The Doctor signals the final journey for Eleventh Doctor Matt Smith. Having him around since The End of Time Part 2, Matt Smith's role as The Eleventh Doctor changed the show's history forever and famed for skyrocketing the fish fingers and custard, jammie dodgers, fezzes, and bowties to the cool wall...apparently.

"We all change. When you think about it, we're all different people all through our lives, and that's okay, that's good, you've got to keep moving, so long as you remember all the people that you used to be, I will not forget one line of this. Not one day. I swear"

Matt Smith's departure is worth the sad moment for us Whovians, but the arrival of Peter Capaldi as The Doctor is worth the beginning. Looking forward for his maiden voyage when Series 8 starts next year alongside Jenna Coleman as Clara.

For some related topics, here's the video the BBC streamed online. It's another one of Strax Field Report online featurettes where, in this segment, our Sontaran pal Strax explained the outcome about The Eleventh Doctor's regeneration. Here's the clip...

Here's another one with outgoing Doctor, Matt Smith, and Jenna Coleman, talking about his final journey as The Doctor.



The folks from BBC America featured a deleted scene from this episode. You can watch it here.

"And now it’s time for one last bow, like all your other selves. Eleven’s hour’s over now. The clock is striking twelve’s."

REMEMBERING 2013 - Part One

Hello, and welcome to the first part of my year-ender called Remembering 2013. Starting now up until New Year's Eve (that's December 31, 2013 to you), I'll be randomly listing stuff that came throughout 2013. From good things, bad things, best things, worst things, whatever you name it, that year-ender list is on me. It's on my head so let's get cracking!

Seventh-generation Chevrolet Corvette

The seventh-generation Chevrolet Corvette made a world premiere at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, and the crowd stirred a massive attention over the latest Vette. The new Corvette sees the return of the familiar "Stingray" name, a famed Corvette from the last century. Not only it was revealed in real world but Gran Turismo 5 gets its first access to this car in game. Because of the C7 Corvette's ties with Gran Turismo, it became the cover car for PS3's Gran Turismo 6.

The end of X-Play and Attack of the Show

After 10 years, 1,378 episodes, 6 different sets over 2 cities, and several Morgan Webb hairstyles, X-Play, a popular video game review show with some wit and humor as seen on G4 bids farewell and sign off. Also, Matt Mira, Candace Bailey, and the others open up the studio to their crew and staff for one final episode in the Attack Of The Show studio. Both X-Play and AOTS ended since late January 2013.

Sofia The First

What started is a Disney Junior original movie since 2012 under the "Once Upon A Princess" banner, now a full-fledged Disney Junior TV series. Sofia the First aired on Disney Junior since January 11, 2013 and then aired globally moments after. She's the new girl in crown. What surprised us is the episodes where Disney princesses making special appearances in the show courtesy of The Amulet of Avalor. Sofia's magical amulet lets her talk to animals and in rare circumstances...summon classic Disney Princesses and let me explain...

• In the Once Upon A Princess TV movie, which is the first for Sofia the First, when everyone fall asleep by a spell, her amulet summoned Cinderella.
• Then, in the "Two to Tangu" episode where Sofia and her stepsister Amber finding their way to Tangu Peak, and when the magic carpet they rode caused too much troubles for the princesses, Sofia's magical amulet summoned Princess Jasmine from Aladdin and teachers her how to "tame the wild carpet"
• In "The Amulet and The Anthem" episode when her amulet put a curse on her because of her bragging about singing for the anthem, her amulet summoned Belle from Beauty and the Beast and there's a moral lesson: The only thing you can undo the curse is you.
• Ariel from The Little Mermaid makes an appearance in "The Floating Palace" special
• Princess Aurora from Sleeping Beauty makes an appearance in the Christmas special titled Holiday in Enchancia

The Meteorite in Russia

The news that shocked me is somewhere in Russia when a meteorite blows itself just before it crash lands on it, causing a massive shockwave strong enough to shatter through glass windows. It's kinda scary but this celestial happening occurred and caught on dash-cam, which perhaps why most Russian drivers had those drive recorders these days.

Metal Gear Rising Revengeance

METAL GEAR RISING REVENGEANCE

Metal Gear fans waited four years for this new spin on the history of Metal Gear saga. With Kojima Productions did very well on the storyboard while PlatinumGames, the demented developed behind Bayonetta, Vanquish, and Max Anarchy (Anarchy Reigns), do some crazy bits on the action, this hack-and-slash game salivated me. It may not be the best Metal Gear game I have ever played and it may not be one of the best games of 2013 but since I played it several times, it is the BEST game I have ever played in ages. Many things are wrong with it but this is definitely THE BEST GAME I'VE EVER PLAYED. Best game ever played...end of discussion.

I even take advantage of the VR Missions DLC, Jetstream Sam DLC, and Blade Wolf DLC as well and it further ups the ante in MGR.


Attack On Titan

This is what I believed to be one of the most talked-about anime of 2013 since last year's SAO. In the hit anime series, Eren Jaeger and the heroic members of the Scouting Legion are on the mission to defend a fortified city against a horde of man-eating titans. It's kill or be devoured on this one. Everyone got hooked on this and I can't believe it's either the gross-looking Titans or the heroic Scouting Legion members are the ones to cosplay for in any conventions. Who cares about it?

THQ's bankruptcy

THQ, one of the most memorable video game companies situated in North America, is bankrupt and of their franchises has a new owner. SEGA accepts purchase to developer Relic, Koch Media now owns the Saints Row and Metro series, Crytek now has rights to the Homefront series, Take-Two now has rights to the WWE video games, and Ubisoft continues the upcoming South Park: The Stick of Truth game.

Threats from North Korea

Ever since the missile launch last year and the successful third nuclear test, which perhaps downsizing is now part of developing nuclear warheads, the whole world's gone haywire over the tyranny of Kim Jong-Un. What's frightening for us is that through the months, North Korea keeps threatening South Korea and the United States by launching a merciless nuclear attack. Not just that, it's the closure of the Kaesong Complex as well as cutting off the hotline that made us worried. With so much about threats from North Korea, we're waiting for their next move...

The Harlem Shake

Early 2013, a viral video craze called the Harlem Shake caused a massive stir to the netizens. First, one guy dances on the clip until "Do The Harlem Shake"...everyone joins the beat! Simple as that. The whole world has different versions of the Harlem Shake...even fictional ones like The Simpsons and Supernatural.

The New Pope

Ever since Pope Benedict XVI resigned from his position due to his old age, the whole world asks who will be the next pope to succeed where he left off. There has been numerous potentials gathered but some warned that the next pope will be replaced will go by the name of "Peter the Roman" according to the Malachy prophecy and if that "Peter the Roman" became pope, it will spell apocalypse. No wonder there was one candidate go by the name of Cardinal Peter Turkson from Ghana.

Good this that whole this is just a load of tosh as the pope who replaced Benedict XVI is an Argentinian cardinal. Once started as Cardinal Bergolio, hailed as POPE FRANCIS. The reason why the name Francis is chosen is because he's the bearer of the poor in biblical times, making him the right pope for the right people.

With Pope Francis' reign, the whole Catholic world respected him for his humble and simple ways and I love that. He truly understands who are we.

Karen Gillan shaved her hair off...

Karen Gillan at SDCC 2013

Not quite of a bigger deal but former Doctor Who actress Karen Gillan revealed her new look during the San Diego Comic Con 2013. Yep, she had her ginger hair shaved off! Reactions?

Clara Oswald...

Clara Oswald, played by Jenna Coleman, is now a full-fledged companion as the second-half of Doctor Who Series 7 is on full-swing with new episodes until it all leads to The Name of The Doctor, the one we find out the truth behind The Doctor and Clara until the cliffhanger ending that shocked the world.

THERE'S MORE TO COME ON PART 2 OF THIS VERY SPECIAL YEAR-ENDER! TTFN!!!

Suzuki Hustler

Crossovers are becoming hugely popular worldwide even for caravanners who are taking on a holiday. Even though they look tough on the outside, they behave like sissies because they have no off-road capabilities that large SUVs do, well some can. Crossovers like the Tiguan, the CX-5, the Forester, the Korando, the Captur, the Koleos, there are so many crossovers all over the place but why would the motoring industry keep on making those? To add to that problem, Suzuki's making a new spin on a crossover category in a form of a kei car...

2014 Suzuki Hustler

This is the first ever kei-crossover from Suzuki, the leader of fuel-efficient kei cars in Japan, and it's called the Hustler. Quite weird to call it the Hustler, eh? Does it do the hustle like the song Do The Hustle? Eh...nope. Not quite.

But first...remember the Daihatsu Terios Kid? 15 years ago, this kei car was made to go offroad but for me, it's not quite being tested for off-road enthusiasts many because it's too small and kei cars aren't made for the job. Well, you can take it on the gravel and the snow but on the rocks, that's a big no for me. Even though it's a small kei off-roader, it's still fit for the holidays. Sadly though the Daihatsu Terios Kid is gone. It was discontinued last year because of numerous theories like its age or its poor sales.

Anyway, let's move on to the Suzuki's so-called kei-crossover known as the Hustler. Does this new kei-car really remind me of the late Terios Kid?

2014 Suzuki Hustler

Well at first glance, the Hustler may have a manly name but its design wasn't quite toughie because just look at it. It feels like the Toyota FJ Cruiser has been shrunken down to bite-sized chunks and I mean look at it, there's some bits from the Daihatsu Mira Cocoa! Eh? A Suzuki wearing some of the Daihatsu's exterior parts?! Yes, really! Look at the headlamps, don't they look familiar?

Well, whatever you do, don't even laugh at this baby crossover sold only for the Japanese market but in the meantime, I'm starting to laugh now. This kei-crossover is too humorous for me! It's like manliness and girliness all wrapped up into one! Oh dear! Anyway, enough laughing for me now. I still get all in a good mood for this curiosity. Anyway, what's on the performance side?

2014 Suzuki Hustler

For a compact packaging, the Hustler's no fool to me. It still behaves like a proper kei car even though it's a crossover in its own right. If you're a daily driver, the Hustler still knows the value of fuel efficiency because it features the same 660cc engine complete with SUZUKI GREEN TECHNOLOGY in the form of ENE-CHARGE and ECO-COOL respectively. Combine these fuel-efficient technologies with the CVT and you'll get 29.2kmpl as calculated by JC08 Mode standards. All seems to be fine but is there some way to enjoy the Hustler? How about the 5-speed manual gearbox? Please note, having a kei-crossover with a manual gearbox can be a bit too corny for me especially when it comes with the turbocharged 660cc engine, again, with SUZUKI GREEN TECHNOLOGY.

A turbocharged engine mated with a 5-speed manual gearbox? Sounds fun to me but if you want a little fun with the Hustler using that configuration, try something more of a big space. How about an abandoned construction lot or a deserted warehouse? That's going to be more fun if you try to mess around with the Hustler.

2014 Suzuki Hustler interior

Aside from making a lot of trouble in deserted areas, the Hustler is still a compact made for the holidays. I know, it's still made for people spending their weekends on the beach or in the mountains or camping or whatever outdoorsmen would do. On the inside, it's still roomy and space for about four people. Not quite a family car but it's still a good car if you want to take your mates out on your day off. Depending on the color variation, the dashboard and the seat lining matches the exterior color regardless of which color you chose.

Also, you can also have an option of a smartphone-integrated sat-nav complete with a rear-view camera on it just to add conveniences while driving a Hustler.

The speedometer kinda took the idea from the girls-only Alto Lapin because why? The speedo comes with some animation in the bottom. They put this just to make it look cute for the Hustler and it has four different animations such as HELLO!!, GO!, I'm READY, and GATE. I could imagine if that little green video game machine could be in that car making some cutesy stuff but no way. This is the real world and four cutesy animation stuff on the Hustler's speedo makes me...bored and annoyed.

So, what's the verdict? It depends on what people react on the Hustler but in case you're looking for the answer to my original question above, I'm afraid that's a terrible no because even though it's made for the weekends, the new Hustler will never going to make the grade similar to the late Daihatsu Terios Kid. It maybe deceased last year but I would rather go for it rather than the Hustler because...it's a bit too cutesy for its tough image. You know what I mean? But as a daily driver's car, the Hustler is not that bad after all even though its fuel economy surpassed the normal Spacia's by about 0.2kmpl.

The Hustler maybe a bit too cutie-patootie for it's image but it's still a likable car. It still has lots of character on it and it's more affordable than any other crossovers because the base model starts at around ¥1,048,950 respectively.

Available colors: Passion Orange White 2 Tone Roof, Summer Blue Metallic White 2 Tone Roof, Candy Pink Metallic White 2 Tone Roof, Phoenix Red Pearl Black 2 Tone Roof, Pearl White Black 2 Tone Roof, Steel Silver Metallic Black 2 Tone Roof, Cool Khaki Pearl Metallic, Urban Brown Pearl Metallic, Pearl White, and Bluish Black Pearl 3.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation