Genesis G70 Shooting Brake

The Genesis G70 served as Korea's 3-Series fighter that tries hard to upset the established competition with its unique performance, styling, comfort, and technology. For the first time in Genesis history, the G70 spawned a five-door Shooting Brake variant for those who need more room in the back for more while offering the same driving experience as the sedan.

2022 Genesis G70 Shooting Brake

Although it was originally meant to be exclusive to the European market, it seems the Koreans wanted a shooting brake version of the G70 and looks like they're in luck because they can now buy one at the starting price of 43,900,000 Korean Won plus additional costs.

At first glance, it looks and feels like normal G70 judging from the signature Genesis design, the minimalist interior design, and seating for five people, but because this is the Shooting Brake, the hatchback proportions gave this G70 more space than the sedan version, meaning you can expect up to 465-litres of boot space with the rear seats present and up to 1,535-litres with the rear seats folded down. The added boot space means business and business is good for the G70 Shooting Brake.

Unlike the sedan version, the G70 Shooting Brake is offered only with the 2.0L Turbo GDi engine with 252PS of power output while mated to an 8-speed AT. Fuel economy is a combined 10.4km/L for FR variants and 9.7km/L for 4WD variants.

In terms of handling, the Shooting Brake behaves just like the sedan version, which is a good thing full-stop. With its front MacPherson struts, rear multilink suspension, electronically controlled adaptive dampers, Electronic Power Assisted Steering, and a mechanical LSD, the G70 Shooting Brake delivers dynamics reminiscent of European imports. Although it was meant to be driven on European roads, driving one from the streets of Seoul to the corners of Inje Speedium wasn't half bad at all. Above all, it's Korean through and through and it loves to be taken dramatically.

Like the sedan version, the G70 Shooting Brake puts safety as its top priority with its array of ADAS technology such as Smart Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist, Lane Follow Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and more.

Despite being offered with only one engine, the G70 Shooting Brake delivers the same driving experience as the sedan version but with the added rear space for everyday situations. Europeans got their taste of it and now, the Koreans are ready to have a go with it, unless they have to think twice about which G70 they should drive.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34

For over five decades, the Nissan Fairlady Z became the second-best thing to come out since the iconic Skyline GT-R. From the Safari to Suzuka, its motorsport pedigree has become the hallmark of the Z lineage. In the midst of the new normal, Nissan didn't give up on the Z bloodline so they've launched the ultimate Z ever made, and the world's on fire with this new version.

2023 Nissan Fairlady Z

Priced at 5,241,500 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the reborn Fairlady Z promises to be the ultimate Z car speedo boys are yearning for. Despite its new looks, there's something odd about this car. Why stick to the Z34 chassis code? The styling inspired by the Z Proto concept looks brand new to them but it's still a Z34 underneath, therefore it's still a Heisei-era car recalibrated for the Reiwa era. Still, because most of the stuff is new, they've labeled this Fairlady Z as the RZ34 and the R stands for Reiwa. It's a Z34 reworked for the Reiwa era.

2023 Nissan Fairlady Z

Like the Z Proto concept, the front design draws inspiration from the 240ZG, while the side view is inspired by the original S30 Fairlady Z, and the rear view design is inspired by the Z32. Although similarly sized compared to the previous Z34, the retro-inspired design is the stuff of legends.

2023 Nissan Fairlady Z interior

The interior is newly reworked and driver-focused so speedo boys can enjoy driving behind the wheel. From its triple pod cluster, race-inspired gauges, a GT-R-styled steering wheel, and new performance seats, the new interior gives drivers the feeling of driving a race car on the road and track, from the Tokyo highways to the corners of Suzuka Circuit.

2023 Nissan Fairlady Z

Because the Fairlady Z RZ34 is all about returning from its roots, it's now powered by a 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine lifted from the Skyline V37 400R. It produces 405PS of power, and 475Nm of torque, and can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed AT. In addition to the new monotube shocks, new front geometry, increased rigidity, available sport brakes, mechanical LSD, and rear suspension tuning, the RZ34 features, for the first time, available launch control and electric power steering. The latter can be somewhat upsetting for purists behind the wheel just like the time when the Porsche 911 991 comes with it. 

Despite being bulky to drive due to the electric power steering drama, it's still worth an enjoyable car to drive on the road and on the track. Whether you're beating the rush hour traffic or beating personal lap times, the Fairlady Z RZ34's improved dynamics are what made it the best Z car to drive full-stop. As for fuel economy, the RZ34 is good from 9.5 to 10.2km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.

Because being the Z car built for the new normal, the Fairlady Z RZ34 features Nissan Intelligent Mobility, which is a range of active safety systems consisting of Intelligent Cruise Control, Intelligent FCW, LDW, Hill Start Assist, BSW, RCTA, Hi-Beam Assist, Intelligent Emergency Brake, front and back sonar, and more. Although startling for speedo boys behind the wheel, who cares about them. Some speedo boys are toying around with autonomous tech nowadays.

The Fairlady Z RZ34 is still a Heisei-era Z-car underneath but the improvements really made the RZ34 the Z car fit for the Reiwa era. The European-built, BMW Z4-derived Toyota GR Supra should be worrying right now because its worst nightmare has come true in the form of the Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34.

It may be known as the ultimate Fairlady Z ever made, but it made a lot of bitter sacrifices to become a living thing such as losing its European fans because of the fact that Nissan will not sell the RZ34 to the Old Continent for numerous reasons. For speedo boys in America, Japan, and other countries permitted to sell it, will the RZ34 Fairlady Z be hit or a miss?  Only time will tell...

Available colors: Ikazuchi Yellow/Super Black 2-Tone, Seiran Blue/Super Black 2-Tone, Carmine Red/Super Black 2-Tone, Stealth Grey/Super Black 2-Tone, Brilliant Silver/Super Black 2-Tone, Prism White/Super Black 2-Tone, Burgundy, Dark Metal Grey, and Midnight Black.

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

UKRAINE CONFLICT: 7/6/2022

                                    

The latest in the ongoing Ukraine conflict:

• Canada swiftly ratifies protocol for Finland, Sweden to join NATO
• US does not expect any Blinken-Lavrov meeting at G20 this week
• Heavy fighting, widespread shelling in battle for Donetsk, say Ukrainian officials
• Freeing WNBA's Griner a "priority" for Biden - White House

COVID-19 SITUATION: 7/6/2022

                                                                                              

The latest in the ongoing COVID-19 situation:

• Active COVID-19 cases in Quezon rise to 30
• Kalayaan College shuts down after 22 years due to pandemic'
• Omicron subvariants BA.4, BA.5 make up to 70% of COVID-19 variants in US - CDC

Let's Do The News! (July 6, 2022)

                                      

Your daily round-up of today's news:

- Bato Dela Rosa files a bill institutionalizing the NTF-ELCAC.

- The BBM administration has been urged to uphold the 2016 arbitration ruling on the West Philippine Sea.

- The PhilPost has issued commemorative covers of President Bongbong Marcos and Vice-President Sara Duterte.

- Panama has reported its first monkeypox case.

- Israel warns that the Iranian military buildup in the Red Sea is a threat to stability.

- TikTok introduces a "Follow Me" feature to support small and medium businesses.

- British finance and health ministers have stepped down in what could be the final blow to Prime Minister Boris Johnson's premiership.

- Toyota will launch the all-new Crown this July 15.

- Bandai Namco and ILCA established a new Bandai Namco Aces company.

- Niantic lays off 85 to 90 employees and cancels four projects.

- K-Pop girl group aespa speaks at the UN as they call for action on sustainable development goals.

- Pac-12 accelerates negotiations for media rights deals in wake of UCLA and USC exits.

TTFN.

Ssangyong Torres

Ssangyong Motor Company is still in financial trouble. Edison Motors, which would have been Ssangyong's new owner, backed out, and now, the Korean SUV specialist's looking for its new master again. However, all hope is not lost for Ssangyong and with a potential new owner in the spotlight, they've launched a brand new crossover SUV that promises Ssangyong's return to roots.

2023 Ssangyong Torres

Ssangyong's brand new crossover SUV is called the Torres and it sounds manly for a crossover SUV built to tackle tarmac, gravel, and snow like a proper SUV. Priced below the 28 million won mark, the Torres is a rugged-looking crossover that Ssangyong claims it should return to its roots that traced back from the original Korando jeep to the legendary Musso SUV of the 1990s. 

2023 Ssangyong Torres

Starting with the design, the Torres looks like a combination of modern-day SUVs and crossovers we are familiar with. In other words, it's like a mashup between a Chevrolet Trailblazer, a Jeep Cherokee, a Ford Explorer, and the previous-generation Range Rover. Overall, this bizarre mashup is what made the Torres as macho as a Bollywood action star showboating in British telly. Believe it or not, there's also a storage box located on the passenger side just like the one from the new Land Rover Defender, although the hood handles look odd on the Torres.

2023 Ssangyong Torres interior

Macho the exterior design is, the Torres' interior boasts a buttonless minimalist approach. It's got two touch screens with the top for InfoConn purposes and the lower for controlling the room temperature and drive modes, which is a bit of a tricky attempt for speedo boys behind the wheel. Guess this is why speedo boys are afraid of touchscreens these days. 

Anyway, in terms of room comfort, the Torres can accommodate up to five people and can be folded down to deliver up to 1,662 liters of boot space, which is ideal to place the optional air mattresses while spending the night out in the woods. Believe it or not, the Torres can be specified to have an optional emergency escape tool that is handy in an event of a disaster. There are other useful features available such as the smart tailgate, built-in air purifier, optional side steps, and an optional roof basket.

2023 Ssangyong Torres

Under the hood, the Torres is powered by a 1.5L T-GDi engine mated to an Aisin 6-speed AT. This engine produces 170PS of power and 28.6kg-m of torque. It even comes with an ISG system that shuts the engine off when stopped at the red light and then restarts when set off. In FF configurations, it has a combined fuel economy of 11.2kmpl while AWD variants get 10.2kmpl.

The Torres, being a crossover SUV, behaves like a normal midsize car thanks to its front MacPherson struts and rear multilink suspension. In its FF guise, it feels rather basic but in its 4WD configuration, the Torres is starting to take shape and with the AWD LOCK mode on, it's almost good to drive on the tarmac, gravel, and snow, although it feels questionable while spending weekends at Hannibal's.

Sturdy bodywork and eight airbags aside, the Torres features a wide array of ADAS such as Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection warning, Blind Spot Detection Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Assist, and Safety Exit Warning.

Questionable but rugged looks, minimalist interior, a 1.5L T-GDi, a nearly-capable AWD system, and a heap of ADAS, this is what the Torres is all about. For a crossover with a manly name, it's hard to question the first-ever Ssangyong Torres but could this be the glimmer of hope Ssangyong needs as it tries to return to its roots? It's hard to say for the time being but for now, feel free to look around the Ssangyong Torres and if you're ready, be it.

Available colors: Grand White, Iron Metal, Platinum Gray, Forest Green, Cherry Red, Dandy Blue, and Space Black.

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company

Daihatsu Move Canbus (Gen 2)

Back in 2016, Daihatsu launched the Move Canbus, which is basically a kei minivan that is roughly as small as a Tanto but a fine choice for young Japanese females on the move. Now in its second generation, the new Canbus tries to continue where its predecessor left off with new features that will accommodate just about everyone looking for a dependable friend on wheels.

2023 Daihatsu Move Canbus Theory

2023 Daihatsu Move Canbus Stripes

Priced at 1.496 million Yen plus additional costs, which is more expensive than its main rival, the Suzuki Wagon R Smile, the all-new Move Canbus is offered in two different styles; the single-colored Theory and the two-toned Stripes for those who want a little nod from the previous Canbus. Whichever Canbus you pick, the new model still looks fairly similar to the previous model it replaces and when you pack alongside them, you can't truly tell the difference between them.

2023 Daihatsu Move Canbus Stripes interior

2023 Daihatsu Move Canbus Theory interior

While the new model features an awkwardly similar exterior design, the interior design has been heavily changed with a rather cozy dashboard design that works like a tray to place your stuff, especially your smartphone thanks to its optional wireless charging port. With the touchscreen monitor positioned above the dashboard and the speedo on the driver's side, the new interior is more functional than the previous model. In terms of comfort, it's still as roomy as its predecessor. It has four seats and it can be folded down for various situations, be it for work or for relaxation time, whichever floats your boat.

2023 Daihatsu Move Canbus Stripes

Now running on the DNGA platform, the new Canbus drives better and more smoothly compared to its predecessor. Under the hood, the new Canbus still runs on a 660cc 3-cylinder engine in natural aspiration and turbo configurations. Mated to a D-CVT gearbox, fuel economy is around 22.9km/L on the WLTC Mode scale, which is less efficient than the Suzuki Wagon R Smile as expected. On the bright side, it's more efficient than its bigger but cheaper sibling, the Tanto.

Having satisfied with its small sizing, DNGA platform, and improved NVH, the new Canbus is loaded with Daihatsu's new-generation Smart Assist that comes with up to 17 active safety features ranging from Collision Warning, Collision Avoidance Support Brake, false start suppression, line deviation warning and suppression control, stagger alarm, roadside deviation warning, sign recognition, AHB, ADB, ACC, LKC, Smart Panorama Parking Assist, and more. It's the safest Canbus ever made in times of the new normal.

Despite its stale looks and being outlasted by the Suzuki Smile, the all-new Daihatsu Canbus is ready to cater to typical Japanese people with its functional interior, improved driving, and tech that will make their day feel like it's the weekends. Feel free to relax with the all-new Canbus anytime you want.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.