Toyota Land Cruiser 70 - 2014 reissue

If you're asking any Land Cruiser fan in the world what is the best Land Cruiser of all time, more and more offroad enthusiasts believe that it was the LC70 that is by no means the best Land Cruiser ever made not only because it's off-road worthy than its luxury-focused successors but it's one of the most longest-running cars ever made and even though Toyota stopped making one for the Japanese market in 2004, you can find the LC70 roaming around the Middle Eastern desert or the Australian outback or whatever the LC70 lives on.

Due to inconsistent public demand, the Land Cruiser 70 has been given another year of living as the most off-road-worthy Land Cruiser returns to celebrate the LC70's 30th birthday.

2014 Toyota Land Cruiser 70

For the first time in Japan, the Land Cruiser 70 can be offered in two different body styles; a 5-door van or a 4-door pickup truck. This is the first time they've offered a pickup truck in Japan since the Hilux stopped selling on the Japanese market in 2004. For the 2014 reissue of the LC70, the once ancient body 30 years ago has been sprinkled with modern touches to keep the legend refreshed and renewed to take on a whole new chapter of life...that is when this tough fella knows that it has one year of living in this world.

2014 Toyota Land Cruiser 70

2014 Toyota Land Cruiser 70

The classic body is now festooned with a new front face and its new headlamps come with turn indicators. The inside looks new even though it still comes with remnants of its past and it can seat from two up to five people. The rear seats can be stowed for extra luggage space fit enough for all your adventure-related stuff needed for your last-minute summer vacation. And to top it all off, there's a commemorative "30th Anniversary" emblem placed on the sides.

2014 Toyota Land Cruiser 70 interior

Even though the latest reissue of the LC70 gained numerous revisions on the outside and on the inside, there is no doubt that deep down here, it's still a living legend worth remembering. Because the styling still has some old-school touches, driving one of these on your next grocery shopping looks ridiculous because most grocery shoppers think that you came from a field. While it's not suitable for your Tokyo trip because of its old looks, it's a well-suited SUV fit for your final summer vacation. If you ever thought you can take one of these on your trip to Mt. Fuji, it's your call.

2014 Toyota Land Cruiser 70

2014 Toyota Land Cruiser 70

Because the LC70 is the off-road-focused Land Cruiser, it features a range of heavy-duty specs suitable for off-road use. The body is a ladder frame, which makes them tough and strong while tackling through the roughest conditions, be it gravel, tarmac, snow, or whatever. It comes with a Part-Time 4WD System which selects different modes at the shift of the lever; be it front-wheel, rear-wheel, or 4-wheel drive.

Under the hood, the LC70 comes with a 4.0L V6 1GR-FE engine with VVT-i and Acoustic Control Induction System. It develops 231PS of power output, 360Nm of torque output, and 6.6kmpl of fuel economy on the JC08 Mode scale. Not quite good by modern standards but because it is a Land Cruiser, it's the off-roader that's still powerful and indestructible.

What about the price? The 2014 reissue of the LC70 starts at 3,500,000 Yen for the pickup model and up to 3,600,000 for the van model. It's much more affordable to own than the luxury-focused Land Cruiser 200, the Land Cruiser Prado, or the FJ Cruiser! It's definitely a smart buy for offroad enthusiasts but better hurry because the living legend has a very limited inventory this year. Better hurry though because when it's gone, it's gone for good.

It's good to have the old LC70 back on the road...

Available colors: White, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Dark Red Mica Metallic, Beige, Beige Mica Metallic, and Blue.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Suzuki Wagon R - Fifth Generation - 2015 facelift

Two years ago, the Suzuki Wagon R reached its fifth generation and this generation set the new standards for Japan-only kei cars thanks to the implementation of ENE-CHARGE. With numerous rivals trying to outdo its fuel economy, this Wagon R always find a way and because Suzuki wants to be the most fuel-efficient carmaker in the world, they have a brand new attempt that will have its rivals puzzled into submission.

2015 Suzuki Wagon R

2015 Suzuki Wagon R interior

Well, here it is and at first glance, it looks nearly identical to its pre-facelift model except that now, the 2015 Wagon R now comes with its new secret weapon; S-ENE CHARGE.

What is S-ENE CHARGE? Basically, an improvement from the ENE-CHARGE, the newly developed S-ENE CHARGE takes full use of the lithium-ion battery and the Integrated Starter Generator while joining forces with the improved R06A engine. The ISG provides a motor assist during acceleration and during deceleration, it stores some of its electric power.

The idling stop system has also changed. Within 13kph or less during deceleration, the engine automatically switched off and it has the capability to quietly restart the engine thanks to the implementation of the ISG. The unintentional engine restart is suppressed by implementing a brake stroke sensor.

Thanks to the new fuel-efficient technologies, the 2015MY Wagon R sets a new fuel economy of 32.4kmpl. I repeat, the fuel economy for the 2015MY Wagon R is now improved to 32.4kmpl. Suzuki fans take note of it because it's now more fuel efficient than its rivals like the Mitsubishi eK Wagon, Daihatsu Move, or the Honda N-WGN.

2015 Suzuki Wagon R Stingray

2015 Suzuki Wagon R Stingray interior

It's not just the fuel economy that the latest version stands out from the rest, it's the safety that is on par with any other kei car because the Wagon R has a host of safety features, including the very clever Radar Brake Support system that stops without the driver asking to do and you might think you are going to hit something. If this doesn't work, it's yours to blame, not the car. Be advised.

Also, it comes with a special feature that prevents unintended acceleration, a big issue that was faced by millions of drivers in history, an Emergency Stop Signal that warns drivers from behind, ESP, and so much more.

The new 2015 Wagon R starts at 1,078,920 Japanese Yen for the base model while the stylish Stingray model starts at 1,461,240 Japanese Yen. Customers can even afford one with or without S-ENE CHARGE but there are differences to these models because on the normal Wagon R, you can afford an entry-level model with a 5-speed manual gearbox exclusive to this model while on the Stingray, the 660cc turbocharged engine is available exclusively for that model.

Available colors (Wagon R):  Crystal White Pearl, Mysterious Violet Pearl, Silky Silver Metallic, Bluish Black Pearl 3, Innocent Pink Pearl Metallic, Urban Brown Pearl Metallic, and Fizz Blue Pearl Metallic.

Available colors (Wagon R Stingray): Crystal White Pearl, Phoenix Red Pearl, Mysterious Violet Pearl, Bluish Black Pearl 3, and Steel Silver Metallic.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

Subaru WRX S4 (VAG) and WRX STi (VAB)

2015 Subaru WRX S4

So, welcome everyone to the brand new Subaru WRX, the rally icon returns with two distinct flavors to choose from depending on which style you're on. For those suitable for daily use, there's the WRX S4 but for those who are speedo boys and a suitable track-day car on a weekend, there's a new WRX STi. Both versions of the WRX are suitable for everyone and depending on which WRX you're on, you will be greeted by the car famed for its legendary motorsport bloodline just like what Nissan did when the GT-R name was separated from the Skyline brand, the WRX is fully independent and does not have in common with the current Impreza. In other words, don't call it an Impreza anymore.

2015 Subaru WRX STi

What's the difference between the WRX S4 and the WRX STi? Simple, really. The S4 (bearing the chassis code VAG) is a civilized version of the said model and you can visualize it as the 4-door counterpart of the LEVORG sport tourer which is based on. It comes with the same FA20 "Blue Boxer" DIT engine as the LEVORG as well as the not-so-bad Sport Lineartronic CVT from the LEVORG. Don't forget that the S4 comes with Subaru's Eyesight Ver. 3. The new WRX STi (bearing the chassis code VAB) is somewhat a WRX S4 with some insane movements because the latest model harks the return of the speedo boy favorite. It carries out the old EJ20 dual AVCS intercooler twin-scroll turbo engine from its predecessor and it's available only in a 6-speed manual gearbox.

2015 Subaru WRX S4

2015 Subaru WRX S4 interior

2015 Subaru WRX S4 interior

So, let's talk about the S4 first. First and foremost, the S4 is an everyday variant of the WRX. A variant well suited for the city folk who wanted something more of a go-getter rather than being a homestuck. Picture someone living in a condo who has tons of gadgets in his bag. You could notice that it could be a particular person who could be driving this because the S4 is kinda like Subaru's take on the Volvo S60 but don't dare take this one against the S60 because the WRX S4's Sport Lineartronic CVT gearbox can be a bit of a letdown for a driver's car but because Subaru is one of the Japanese carmakers that perfected the CVT gearbox the same way like Nissan do, it's not so bad. The Sport Lineartronic CVT can also be set to different manual modes via SI-DRIVE. When in Sport Mode, 6-speed manual mode is on and you can take advantage of its paddle shifters for a more enjoyable feel but to bring out the best of the S4, you can try setting it to Sport Sharp. In Sport Sharp mode, the grip becomes precise and dramatic and the CVT is now in 8-speed manual mode with good results.

Because the engine is horizontally opposed, the S4 has a low center of gravity and thanks to its trademark Symmetrical AWD, the S4 is a decent all-rounder suitable for any weather, be it rainy or snowy in a Tokyo afternoon. Looks like the S4 performed well to be a driver's car, although Subaru still needs room for improvement.

With the BLUE BOXER DIT engine and the Sport Lineartronic CVT, the WRX S4 achieves a fuel economy of 13.2kmpl on the JC08 Mode scale.

Like the LEVORG it was based on, the WRX S4 comes with Eyesight Ver. 3, which is the new and improved version of Subaru's very own pre-crash safety system. For Version 3, it integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning.

2015 Subaru WRX STi

2015 Subaru WRX STi interior

So, what about the new WRX STi? Because the new model is no longer based on the Impreza unlike the previous generations, it's time for speedo boys to learn one thing. NEVER CALL THIS AN IMPREZA, much like the same way that you should never call the current R35 GT-R a Skyline. This should be a lesson to you all, JDM fans.

Anyway, what's new about the new WRX STi? Well, even though it comes with the same 2.0L 16-valve Dual AVCS twin-scroll turbo engine from the previous model as well as the 6-speed manual gearbox, I wonder what's changed? You know, I tell you what, even with its new look, it still harbors the same spirit.

It still harbors the same heritage that started in the 1990s. After conquering numerous rally courses and surviving through the Nurburgring for a day, the WRX STi has been proven to be the legend that has the respect it deserves and on this new model, the same STi wizardry remains. Apart from the Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control, and a Brembo Performance Brake System with Super Sport ABS, the new WRX STi now comes with Active Torque Vectoring.

Active Torque Vectoring applies brake pressure to the front wheel while the Vehicle Dynamics Control provides more settings such as VDC Normal, Traction, and Off, each providing lesser degrees of system engagement. That sounds high-tech but has it worked? I can't really say a thing about how grip-worthy the new STi is.

If you're asking about the engine, the 2.0L EJ20 turbo engine develops 308PS of power and 422Nm of torque. Fuel economy? A boorish 9.4kmpl but who cares about it? Even though it still comes with an engine that is two decades old, it's worth passing to the next generation of Subarists. Because the EJ20 is a boxer engine, it has a low center of gravity.

With its chief rival, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, almost at the end of its lifespan, looks like the WRX STi has left without a primary rival for now. How pitiful for this car to have no competition...

2015 Subaru WRX STi

And now for the pricing. The WRX S4 starts at 3,348,000 Japanese Yen while the new WRX STi starts at 3,790,000 Japanese Yen. Overall, they're both cheaper to own than the Volvo S60 per se and that's the bottom line...except it isn't. The bottom line is that the WRX S4 is a daily driver car that you can use it to go to the shops if necessary while the WRX STi is born to be a rally-and-track fighter that can be a suitable multirole at the hands of a skilled driver, not for the speedo boy because I know what speedo boys do with Japanese sports cars.

Available colors: Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Dark Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Lightning Red, and WR Blue Pearl.

Photo: Fuji Heavy Industries

Let's Do The News! (August 25, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- There was a mass protest going on at Luneta as thousands of people are rallying against the PDAF and term extension of elected officials. They've even started signing a "people's initiative" against the PDAF at the Quirino Grandstand. It's not just ordinary people that joined the protest, even high-profile celebs like former beauty queen Ma. Isabel Lopez as well as famed rock band Kamikazee.


- The 2014 CAMPI Philippine International Motor Show starts this September 18 up to September 21, 2014, at the World Trade Center, Manila. The Philippines' most exciting motor returns with even more surprises for the motoring public!

- Metro Manila's water distributors are on an alarming rate ever since most of the water from the Angat Dam in Bulacan was release despite its below normal water levels. They said that the dam had violated the protocol that water must be released at the normal water level of 180 meters above sea level.

- The leader of Thailand's coup d'etat, General Prayuth Chanocha, is named as the new Prime Minister of this country following a royal endorsement from the country's monarch. He accepted a royal command issued by King Bhumibol Adulyadej certifying his appointment as the 29th premier of Thailand. Prayuth will be retiring from his military duty next month and until then, he will hold both posts.

- A PNR train got derailed from its tracks at Altura St., Sta. Mesa, Manila. Luckily, no casualties were reported.

- Multiple car bomb explosions on Saturday killed 22 people and injured 135 others in the Kurdish autonomous region of Iraq. These car bombs were detonated in three locations in Kirkuk while the next blast occurred in Arbil, destroying a parked car. It is believed to be carried out by the ISIS militants.

- US Journalist, Peter Theo Curtis, the one who was abducted by Islam extremists in Syria two years ago, has been freed.

- FOX ADHD streamed us a funny animated skit in their new SONGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW HAD LYRICS segment. Here comes Super Mario and Yoshi in this funny clip from FOX ADHD. (STOP: The following clip has stuff not suitable for all audiences. Strong Parental Guidance is Advised.)



TTFN!!!

Celeb Daniel Matsunaga is PBB All In Big Winner

The Brazilian-Japanese model and actor, Daniel Matsunaga, is named as the Big Winner at the recently concluded Pinoy Big Brother ALL IN Big Night. Held last night at Resorts World Manila, Matsunaga garnered 11.69 percent net votes from the viewers, edging ahead of 2nd Big Placer Maris Racal, 3rd Big Placer Jane Oineza, and 4th Big Placer Vickie Rushton.

After surviving 119 days at the Pinoy Big Brother house, looks like Daniel Matsunaga's got the fame and fortune he deserved after crowned as the Big Winner and he earned Php1 million and other special prizes, including a condo unit worth Php2 million.

Report: http://www.pep.ph/guide/tv/14352/daniel-matsunaga-named-big-winner-of-pinoy-big-brother-all-in
Image: Pinoy Big Brother Abs-Cbn Facebook page

F1 2014: Belgian GP

Looks like the rookie come first at the end of the grueling Belgian GP of the Formula One 2014 season held at the extremely-challenging Spa-Francorchamps, where F1 aces from all over the globe trying to hone their skills while surviving the twists and turns of one of Europe's finest racetracks regardless of ranks. Despite Nico Rosberg's qualifying pole position, the rookie of Red Bull Racing, Daniel Ricciardo, snagged the checkered flag for the win! That leaves Mercedes' Rosberg to 2nd place and Valtteri Bottas from Williams in 3rd place.

In the Driver's tally, Rosberg's still hanging in his top position at 220 points while teammate and rival Lewis Hamilton still in 2nd place at 191 points. Red Bull's Ricciardo managed to maintained his 3rd spot in 156 points.

The next race will be at Italy this September 7th.

Report: Formula 1

Image: Top Gear

Wow Mali! - August 24, 2014

Highlights on the August 24, 2014 episode of Wow Mali! Lakas Ng Tama!

- BIYAHENG PRESO - Getting squeezed by escaped convicts arrested by cops in the jeep and then...here comes trouble!

- VOICE OVER SA DENTAL CLINIC - Mind the dental bill because this dentist has gone insane!

- BAGAY SA 'YO - Some idiot's making the rounds at the clothing store and he's messing up on to you!

- NADAMAY LANG - Hey you! Have you finished your homework?

- EMOTE CONTROL: HUWAG MATAKOT, MAKIBEKI! - On this episode's EMOTE CONTROL, a foreigner's report gets messy by Hans Mortel!

Doctor Who S08E01

Doctor Who S08E01

So, the eighth season of Doctor Who begins with a brand new Doctor and a brand new adventure that test the mettle of the newly-regenerated Doctor, now played by Peter Capaldi, and his companion Clara Oswald, played by Jenna Coleman. The first episode of the new season, titled Deep Breaths, sees The Doctor and Clara on Victorian London, probably one of his favorite eras, and with Madame Vastra, Jenny, and Strax fighting alongside him, they must take on a deadly conspiracy that left us breathless...literally.

Speaking of breathless, that Half-Face Man is one heck of a cyborg baddie the 12th Doctor worth fighting against and it's even creepy to see his minions armed with blades from their arms. The toughest way to survive against these menacing mechanical foes is to hold breaths. It's hard but that's for surviving against these.

The Eleventh Doctor Matt Smith made a super special appearance on the near end of the episode when Clara received a phone call while at present-day London. That's quite a shocker for fans many but that's how to spice things up for nostalgia's sake.

So, that concludes the first episode of the new season. Next time...

Tropa Mo Ko Nice Di Ba?! - August 23, 2014

On the August 23, 2014 episode of Tropa Mo Ko Nice Di Ba!?

- On ANINO ABUNDAT, ANINO and ABUNDAT introduces award winning writer BJ Fletcher!

- Hazing gags

- BFF: Best Fake Friends

- The difference between a man, a beki, and a paminta are examined in Paminta 101!

- Special guest celeb Kim Idol spills out some of his jokes!

- TROPA DANCE TO THE MAXX, brought to you by MAXX Menthol Candy!

- Time for another round of BATTLE OF THE BRAINLESS!!!

Question: Ano ang motto ng mga girl at boy scout? Ajinomoto? Motolite? Iwa Moto? Illegal laging? Laging pinabili ng uniform!? Laging praning!? Laging binabatukan? Laging Okay!

- This episode concludes with POKE-POKAN NA and this episode's POKE-POKAN NA game is...Carry Mo Ako!

Let's Do The News! (August 23, 2014)

Things we learned so far...

- The top officials from the USA left open with the possibility of targeting the Islamic State In Syria (ISIS), stating that attacking the ISIS in Iraq won't simply solve the problem.

- ABS-CBN is stepping up their efforts on the fight against piracy as it filed a civil suit against a Filipina and her American husband from Oregon, namely Renie Ashby and Jeffrey, for $10 million of damages and copyright infringements. They were alleged owning numerous pirate sites which infringe the copyrights and trademarks of ABS-CBN's popular programs.



- Rio de Janeiro is the final stop for the Doctor Who World Tour. Check out their highlights:

 

- Joss Developments is not down despite the fall of the Australian motor industry. They've started a Kickstarter campaign where they need backers to raise their funds up to the $480,000 Australian dollar goal in order to sell their JP1 track car. If successful, they'll be making a working version with a 5.0L V8 engine developing 420kw of power and 560Nm of torque. The funding ends at the end of September 2014...and looks like they don't have much time...

Joss JT1 shown

- Is the phenomenal anime series Kill La Kill a warning about wearable technology? The latest webisode from PBS Idea Channel explains why...

- The bodies of the 43 Malaysian passengers who died after a Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 destroyed by a SAM from Ukraine were returned back to their home nation as citizens of Malaysia fell silent to pay respects to the fallen.

- Vina Morales will be replacing Iza Calzado in the MMFF 2014 entry movie, Bonifacio, reuniting with her ex-boyfriend Robin Padilla for that movie.

- Maiko Bartolome, former member of the EB Babes, was one of the casualties in the Bulacan field trip tragedy.

TTFN!!!

#BGAwaySaBanda

On the August 22, 2014 episode of Bubble Gang...

- "Away sa Banda" gags

- Here comes the road rage!

- IKAW AT ANG INA takes on...you taking a pic about your new object!

- Don Cantoni still has some unfinished businesses...

- Bubble Gang does McDonalds by spoofing this commercial as WcDonalds. Love Ko 'To!

- Someone took a bite out of Mr. Matapobre's very expensive cake!!!

- More wise words from Tata Lino!

- A woman has to make a wise decision before wishing to a fairy!

- A very serious family are ensuring a girl's date...

The cars from Eunos you (REALLY) don't know

When JDM enthusiasts heard the word "Eunos", the only car they come out from their mind is the Roadster, known in the world market as the MX-5 Miata, but that's a load of rubbish because some people don't understand the true history of Japanese cars. Call themselves a JDM enthusiast? To be a true JDM enthusiast, they have to first know about the history of Japanese cars.

Eunos is not all about Mazda Roadsters and some JDM enthusiasts are making mistakes calling second-generation NB and third-generation NC Miatas a Eunos. Hey! Eunos Roadster refers to the first-generation Roadster/MX-5 Miata!

Eunos Roadster

Yes. That's the one. So, if you're tagging pics of NB or NC Miatas as "Eunos", I can't believe you're A) Can't understand Japanese very well, B) You don't know more about the history of Mazda, or C) You don't know more about the history of Japanese cars at all...

In order to fully understand what Eunos is, let's get to know the cars from Mazda's Eunos brand, a brand that was once a luxury brand until it was disappeared from history from the mid-90's. But first, a quick history lesson...

At the end of the 1980's, Mazda tries to diversify the Japanese car market by introducing three different marques. This is just like Toyota, Honda (with their Primo, Verno, and Clio marques), Mitsubishi, and Nissan from their heydays. The three marques are; Autozam (comprised of affordable entry-level cars), Efini (the exclusive luxury brand where the FD RX-7 is sold), and Eunos. Eunos is an upscale brand from Mazda and it's naming comes from the Greek word "eu" meaning "good" and "nos" referring to the abbreviation to the word "numbers".

Anyway, let's get to know the Eunos cars you'd never know...

Eunos 300 - Launched in late 1989, this 5-number size 4-door saloon served as the "volume zone" for Mazda's Eunos brand. It was basically a Mazda Persona in Eunos' clothing. Available engine types are a 1.8L F8 l4 and 2.0L FE l4 petrol engines, both can be mated with either a 4-speed auto or a 5-speed gearbox.

Eunos 300

Eunos 100 - Although this is just a Mazda Familia Astina hatchback sold at Eunos dealerships in late 1989, the 100 served as the entry-level model for the Eunos brand. It is available with either a 1.5L or a 1.8L petrol engine, each can be fitted with either a 4-speed auto or a 5-speed manual.

Eunos 100

Eunos Cargo - The Eunos Cargo is basically a third-generation Mazda Bongo passenger van, otherwise known as the Mazda E2000, the van that was once sold in the Philippines in the 90's, I think. This 1BOX-type van has 4330mm of length, 1645mm of width, and it can seat up to about 8 people. The 2.0L engine comes with two different flavors; petrol and diesel, and transmission offerings are either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. The diesel model only comes with an optional part-time 4WD system.

Eunos Cargo

Eunos Cosmo - Most Gran Turismo fans will probably remember this forgotten JDM masterpiece and so do I. The Cosmo is a luxury grand tourer which resurrected the legendary Cosmo name, the first rotary-engine powered Mazda from 1967. The entry-level models come with the 13B rotary engine which delivers 230PS of power but the top-of-the-line models come with the 20B rotary engine which develops a governed power output of 280PS. The Type-S model comes with a limited-slip diff, front double wishbone and rear multilink suspension, making it the sportier model that competes against Euro luxury coupes. On the inside, it's all about business in every angle and this is the first model to come with a GPS sat-nav system in the industry. The only gearbox available is a 4-speed automatic gearbox and no manual on sight, like a Subaru Alcyone SVX. It may not be a fun car to drive but for storing up memories, the Cosmo is worth remembering. It's one of my childhood memories when I played with one of these on Gran Turismo...

Eunos Cosmo

Eunos Presso - Available in other countries as the MX-3, the Presso is a kammback coupe and since I never heard of this, a kammback is a body style of a car with smooth contours that continues to the back that is abruptly cut off. It was derived from a German aerodynamicist Wunibald Kamm in the 1930's but this is how the Americans call it for those kind of shooting brakes. It went on sale in Japan on summer 1991 and the only offering for this 3-door coupe is a 1.8L K8 V6 engine which delivers 140PS of power. It can be fitted with either a 4-speed AT or a 5-speed MT. Then in 1993, 1.5L B5-ZE l4 engine was offered and even though it produces less than the 1.8L V6 model, it's more fuel efficient as this variant comes with 14.4km/L of fuel economy when fitted with a 5-speed MT.

Eunos Presso

Eunos 500 - Previewed at the 1991 Tokyo Motor Show and went on sale in Japan since 1992, the Eunos 500 is based on the Mazda Capella and it comes with a 2.0L V6 engine that develops 160PS of power and 18.3kg-m of torque and a 1.8L V6 engine developing 140PS of power. They can be fitted with a 4-speed auto or a 5-speed manual as usual. For the 1994 update, the 1.8L V6 was thrown away and replaced with a smaller 1.8L l4 engine developing a lesser 115PS of power output. It was soldiered on until production ended in 1999. The Eunos 500 was sold in Europe as the Xedos 6 and it was involved in the British Touring Car Championship in 1993 and 1994.

Eunos 500

Eunos 800 - Launched in Autumn 1993, the Eunos 800 is the flagship of Mazda's Eunos brand. Originally, it was part of the plan for launching Mazda's Amati brand but due to financial strife, the plan to launch the Amati luxury brand was cancelled and the Eunos 800 was sold to Europe as the Xedos 9 and in America as the Millenia. It was the only saloon in the world to be fitted with a Miller cycle engine in history and yes, we're talking about a 2.3L Miller cycle V6 engine that powers it aside from the 2.5L V6 engine offered on top-of-the-line models. The Eunos 800 was renamed as the Mazda Millenia in Japan in 1997 after Mazda's decision to axe the Eunos brand. This is the last Eunos brand car ever launched in history and while it was renamed as the Mazda Millenia, it gained a minor change that includes a downgrade from aluminum to steel due to cost-cutting measures. Ouch... The Millenia flagship soldiered on until production discontinued in 2003 with no successor in sight.

Eunos 800

So, now you finally know about the Eunos cars you REALLY don't know. Next time when you think about the forgotten Eunos brand from Mazda, think about these rather than just the MX-5 Miata. They maybe consigned from the history books but those unsung cars truly have a place in JDM history.