Showing posts with label ff. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ff. Show all posts

Monday, March 11, 2024

11th-Generation Honda Accord (CY2)

The Honda Accord is a major contender in the executive midsize sedan class. Still, with the competition officially extinct, the all-new Honda Accord CY2 is the only executive midsize sedan you can buy now.

2024 Honda Accord
2024 Honda Accord

Priced at 5,449,400 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, which is cheaper to own than the Lexus ES, the all-new Honda Accord CY2 is the only front-wheel-drive executive midsize sedan you can buy now and because it's available only in e:HEV hybrid powertrain, it's either this or nothing. Sorry, but this is the new normal.

2024 Honda Accord
2024 Honda Accord

One look at the all-new Accord and you can easily mistake it for a Ford Taurus on the front and a Lincoln Continental at the back, giving the impression of a New Yorker ready for work. It's no wonder why the Honda Accord is one of America's best-selling vehicles in ages and this all-new look delivered such an impression.

2024 Honda Accord
2024 Honda Accord interior

Typical "new normal" Honda interior is implemented in the all-new Accord CY2 judging by the long vents splitting the dashboard into half, the Google-powered 12.3-inch Honda CONNECT display, and the unique Experience Selection Dial that adjusts the temperature, volume, clock, and lighting with a single knob. It's unorthodox but for speedo boys behind the wheel, this gimmick is proof that car designers have lost it. Apart from that, it even comes with an 11.5-inch HUD, USB-C ports, heated seats, a rear door sunshade, a wireless charging port, and a BOSE Premium Sound System. Asked about the trunk space, it's good for up to four golf bags and the rear seats can be folded down for more.

2024 Honda Accord
2024 Honda Accord

The Honda Accord CY2's e:HEV hybrid powertrain consists of a 147PS 2.0L petrol engine mated to two electric motors with 184PS power output, resulting in a combined system output of 207PS, and with the CVT, it has 23.8km/L of fuel economy based on the WLTC Mode standards. This is a minor improvement compared to the previous model.

In terms of dynamics, the Accord CY2 features front MacPherson struts for agile handling and a rear Multi-Link that minimizes road vibration. It even comes with a Motion Management System that automatically adjusts deceleration using steering input and helps maintain the grip of the front wheels, a Deceleration Selector in the form of paddle shifters, three driving modes from ECON to SPORT, the "e" switch that engages the EV mode, and adaptive damper system that senses driving conditions and controls the optimal damping force in 1/500 second increments.

The Honda Accord CY2 features the Honda SENSING suite of safety features such as Lane Keeping Assist, Automatic Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Following, Traffic Jam Assist, Collision Mitigation System, Road Departure Mitigation, Low-Speed Brake Control, Auto High Beam, and Cross Traffic Monitor, among others.

The all-new eleventh-generation Honda Accord is now officially unrivaled with its competition officially extinct, except for the expensive Lexus ES300h as its only sparring partner. It's hard to accept such reality but still, this is the new normal and this fully-imported front-wheel-drive hybrid midsize executive sedan is prepared to take an all-or-nothing gamble by all means.

Available colors: Platinum White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Meteoroid Grey Metallic, Ignite Red Metallic, and Canyon River Blue Metallic.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Škoda Superb Mk4

The flagship of the Skoda family, the Superb, is now on its fourth generation, and it promises to be the most Superb ever made.

2024 Skoda Superb
2024 Skoda Superb Combi

2024 Skoda Superb
2024 Skoda Superb

With prices starting at 1,035,000Kč plus additional costs, the fourth-generation Skoda Superb is offered in saloon and Combi body styles, proving that this range is not down without a proper fight with its ever-diminishing race of executive saloons.

2024 Skoda Superb
2024 Skoda Superb Combi interior

Beginning with the design, the all-new Superb dons the current signature Skoda face first debuted in the Scala while being the first production Skoda to don the updated SKODA lettering. The first of the new chapter for this Czech carmaker in this age of new normal, as they said. While the taillights look like it was stolen from Maserati's dustbin, the conservative styling remains in the new model, be it saloon or Combi. Although the new model is longer than the old one, it's got less width, height, and wheelbase compared to it, probably for parking issues.

The interior has been revamped for the new model and because Skoda is part of the Volkswagen round table, you can expect the hopeless haptic touch panels at the steering wheel as well as the 13-inch touchscreen that controls infotainment, navigation, and smartphone connectivity, climate control, the CANTON audio system with thirteen speakers, heated and ventilated seats with massage function, easy entry function, and ambient lighting, among others. Spacing aside, the new model is still as comfortable as the previous Mk3 model despite the lesser wheelbase, and with the Combi variant, you can store up to 690 liters of boot space with the rear seats present. 1920 with the rear seats folded down. That's 30 liters less than the previous Superb Combi. What a whammy.

2024 Skoda Superb
2024 Skoda Superb

At launch, the Superb is powered by a 2.0L TDi diesel engine which produces 150ps of power and 360Nm of torque. Mated to a 7-speed AT, it does 0-100kph in 9.3 seconds and flat-out at 222kph. Fuel economy is around 5.0L/100km and CO2 emissions at 130g/km. It will be joined by petrol-powered versions later on with the most powerful version using the 2.0 TSi engine with 265ps of power output.

Despite its questionable dimensions, the all-new Superb still drives like a luxury car, which is a fitting point for Skoda's flagship. Coupled with the new DCC Plus adaptive suspension with two independently controlled valves, faster damping adjustment, and a wide range of damping characteristics, it feels so alive on the road. Add 4x4 to the mix and it keeps on going even when wet, making it a cut-price Audi A4 if you catch my drift.

The Skoda Superb Mk4 features the latest assistance systems with new ones such as turn assist and anti-collision assist. Other systems carried over from the previous model such as assisted driving, lane change assistant, and Front Assist were updated.

Although it's now shorter compared to its predecessor, the fourth-generation Skoda Superb is proof that it's still standing in the face of the ever-diminishing race of executive saloons. Thank your Skoda overloads that they still made a saloon like this as well as the Octavia.

Photo: Skoda Auto

Sunday, December 31, 2023

Chevrolet Blazer EV

Before the roaring twenties, Chevrolet brought back the Blazer name for their Camaro-inspired crossover that behaves...like pretty much most crossovers do. Now, the fully-electric Blazer takes center stage, giving prospects plenty of choices to work out with this...crossover.

2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

With prices starting at 56,715 US Dollars plus additional costs, the first-ever Chevrolet Blazer EV is part of General Motors' electric propagation to beat Tesla at its own game. Although the results aren't typical yet, this fully electric Blazer sparks plenty of unanswered questions but there's one question that deserves to be answered; what's it for?

2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV
2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV interior

Beginning with the styling, the Blazer EV's exterior design shares nothing in common with its ICE-powered equivalent, perhaps Chevrolet wanted the EV version to have a different approach compared to its ICE version or perhaps they want to coexist until the times demand that one of them has to go, probably the one with the ICE in it. Still, despite all the developments, the Blazer EV is progressive by design, and as for the interior, the diagonal displays give drivers the impression of driving a sports car, except it isn't. It's a fully electric crossover built for daily purposes as long as the battery charge decides where to go next and when.

2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV
2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV


Running on the hallmark Ultium platform and powered by an 85kWh battery pack, the Blazer EV's electric powertrain produces 288hp of power output for AWD variants and has an EPA-estimated driving range of 279 miles in one full charge. Later variants such as the rear-wheel-drive RS can get up to 324 miles while those who demand more will have to wait until Spring 2024 for the SS variant with Wide Open Watts performance mode, unleashing all 557 horsepower at its disposal, sprinting from 0-60mph in under four seconds.

Of course, being a crossover, the Blazer EV is nothing near exciting to drive almost everywhere but it's about as civilized as most EVs should be. As for safety, the Blazer EV comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist consisting of Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam Auto High Beams. It even comes with the rather controversial Super Cruise technology giving autonomous driving through 400,000 miles of compatible roads in the US and Canada. Yes, you can really let AI do almost all of the driving for you. Scary.

Calling the Blazer EV one of the most important models in General Motors' electrification push is a risky gamble but living consistently with its petrol-powered equivalent is like living with a rock and a hard place for commoners like us. This is the new normal we live in and the Blazer EV fits like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle.

Photo: General Motors

Mazda New Flair Wagon (MM94S)

Following the launch of the third-generation Suzuki Spacia range, it didn't take long for Mazda to borrow one for its Flair Wagon equivalent.

2024 Mazda Flair Wagon

Starting at 1,541,100 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the third-generation model features two different styles to choose from such as the all-familiar normal Flair Wagon and the stylish Flair Wagon Custom Style.

Apart from the revamped exterior design, the renewed interior features a wide array of convenient features such as the multi-use flap, independent rear seat slide, rear seat slide straps, and a personal table for rear passengers, not to mention lots of compartments to place, giving these new models plenty of uses in various situations. 

The third-generation Flair Wagon's Mild Hybrid technology features an Integrated Starter Generator linked to a lithium battery pack collaborating with its fuel-efficient R06D 660cc engine. Thanks to this fuel-efficient measure as well as the HEARTECT platform, the all-new Spacia has 25.1km/L of fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards.

The Flair Wagon Custom Style's turbo variant features Power Mode, which makes it more responsive on slopes or when merging onto the highway. It sounds great but the fuel economy is around 21.9kmpl.

For safety, the all-new Flair Wagon comes with a suite of safety features such as a Lane Departure Warning function, wandering alarm function, high beam assist, sign recognition function provided by its optional Omni-directional monitor camera package, advanced car departure notice function, dual sensor brake support, false start suppression, brake support, backward error start suppression, and more.

If you want a third-generation Spacia but the nearest dealership is a Mazda, this is your answer.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

Third-generation Suzuki Spacia

The Suzuki Spacia range is all-new for its third generation as Japan's most fuel-efficient kei minivan has been reloaded with new ways and means to keep its crown.

2024 Suzuki Spacia
2024 Suzuki Spacia

2024 Suzuki Spacia
2024 Suzuki Spacia Custom

Starting at 1,530,100 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the all-new, third-generation Suzuki Spacia continues to maintain its crown as Japan's most fuel-efficient kei minivan while donning its new and exciting ways and means to keep it afloat in the midst of the new normal.

2024 Suzuki Spacia
2024 Suzuki Spacia interior

2024 Suzuki Spacia
2024 Suzuki Spacia Custom interior

In Spacia tradition, the third-generation model features two different styles to choose from such as the all-familiar normal Spacia and the stylish Spacia Custom that is now highly reminiscent of a Solio Bandit from a long time ago. Whichever Spacia you're on, you'll be greeted with redesigned looks that show not just proof of maturity but also how far the Spacia has gone since the first-generation model came out a decade ago.

The renewed interior features a wide array of convenient features such as the multi-use flap, independent rear seat slide, rear seat slide straps, and a personal table for rear passengers, not to mention lots of compartments to place, giving these new models plenty of uses in various situations. 

2024 Suzuki Spacia
2024 Suzuki Spacia

The third-generation Suzuki Spacia's Mild Hybrid technology features an Integrated Starter Generator linked to a lithium battery pack collaborating with its fuel-efficient R06D 660cc engine. Thanks to this fuel-efficient measure as well as Suzuki's HEARTECT platform, the all-new Spacia has 25.1km/L of fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards. It's still the most fuel-efficient kei minivan ever made and Suzuki still keeps its laurel intact. 

The Spacia Custom's turbo variant features Power Mode, which makes it more responsive on slopes or when merging onto the highway. It sounds great but the fuel economy is around 21.9kmpl.

For safety, the all-new Spacia comes with the latest version of SUZUKI SAFETY SUPPORT, which is a suite of safety features such as Lane Departure Warning function, wandering alarm function, high beam assist, sign recognition function provided by its optional Omni-directional monitor camera package, advanced car departure notice function, dual sensor brake support, false start suppression, brake support, backward error start suppression, and more.

The competition tried messing with the Suzuki Spacia and they failed. The Spacia is still the most fuel-efficient kei minivan ever made and in this third-generation form, the title stands. With its all-new look, convenient interior, and improved efficiency, this is the Suzuki Spacia reloaded for the new normal.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

Fiat 600 (365)

Fiat brought back the 600 naming for the successor to both the 500L MPV and the 500X crossover. So, what's it all about the all-new Fiat 600?

2024 Fiat 600
2024 Fiat 600

Starting at 24,950 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new Fiat 600 is the successor to the aging 500L MPV and the 500X crossover, and it's about time Fiat decided to merge the two aging 500-based derivatives into an all-new model that is also based on the 500, the new one of course.

2024 Fiat 600
2024 Fiat 600

Just like its predecessors, the all-new Fiat 600 is shaped like today's Fiat 500 but with the added bulk and extra doors to differentiate it from its little sibling. Despite being big in size, the 600 is still city-friendly, meaning it can squeeze through places where the big cats can't.

2024 Fiat 600
2024 Fiat 600 interior

The 600's interior dons the minimalist approach much like most of the "new normal" cars these days. Behind the wheel, the 600 is packed with a 10" Uconnect Radio with navigation, a 6-speaker audio system, and wireless charging for mobile devices. It even comes with 8 ambient colors, 8 different LED colors for the radio, and up to 64 combinations to personalize the interior.

Fiat says that the 600's interior is sustainable and refined with the 29,450 Euro La Prima variant featuring a premium ivory interior while the 31,950 (RED) variant, made in collaboration with (RED), features recycled black fabric seats. Either way, the 600's packed with chromotherapy massaging seats, space for five, up to 360L of boot space, and a hands-free opening tailgate.

2024 Fiat 600
2024 Fiat 600

The electric variants of the Fiat 600 are powered by a 156PS electric motor with a 54kWh lithium-nickel-mangan-cobalt battery. The electric powertrain made the 600 capable of sprinting 0-100kph in nine seconds and has a top speed of 150kph, slower than a typical Japanese car. As for the driving range, the 600 is good for over 400km in one full charge and it will take 24 minutes to hit 80% battery charge while plugged at a 100kW outlet.

There's also a hybrid variant where the 100PS 1.2L petrol engine with mild hybrid tech is connected to a Li-ion battery and a new 6-speed e-DCT, delivering a combined fuel economy of 5.1L/100km based on WLTP standards.

Apart from being easier to live with because of its sizing, the 600 is packed with 360° sensors, a rear parking camera with a 180-degree view, and blind spot detection for a safe trip home.

The all-new Fiat 600, in hybrid and BEV configurations, is the much-needed replacement for both the 500L and 500X, and although it feels as regular as the others, the 600 is the easiest compact crossover to live daily and you can't go wrong with it. This is how Fiat rolls in the new normal.

Photo: Fiat

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Lexus LBX

Lexus's first-ever compact crossover, the LBX, looks more like a glorified Toyota Yaris Cross but there's something more about this entry-level Lexus crossover.

2024 Lexus LBX
2024 Lexus LBX

Starting at 4.6 million Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the first-ever Lexus LBX is ironically slightly more expensive than its big brother, the UX, but being the glorified Toyota Yaris Cross it was meant to be, the LBX prefers to keep it modest on the city streets even though it was classified as a luxury vehicle.

2024 Lexus LBX
2024 Lexus LBX

Beginning with the design, the Lexus LBX is sized like its Toyota Yaris Cross derivative, making it easy to live with and park at its pace. With the front view reminiscent of the LM, the side view is highly reminiscent of today's Honda Fit and the rear view can be easily mistaken for an Aston Martin DBX so yes, it's classified luxury crossover from scratch but despite its luxury status, the LBX feels right at home at typical Japanese suburbs because of such sizing.

2024 Lexus LBX
2024 Lexus LBX interior

Asked about the interior, the LBX adopts the Tazuna concept approach applied in "new normal" Lexus vehicles, giving it a more minimalist approach. Behind the wheel, the LBX features a 12.3-inch TFT liquid crystal meter, a rather flashy HUD with touch tracer operation, and a 9.8-inch touch display audio, among others. As expected on a new normal Lexus, the controversial e-latch inside door handles are present, which is good until the car battery dies, rendering these handles inoperable, and leaving you trapped. Bad mark for Lexus there.

On the spacing side, this five-seater features foldable second-row seats, giving it 330 liters of boot space for FF variants when not using a 2-tier deck board. The extra two-liter under-deck storage gives slightly more space for goodies when needed.

2024 Lexus LBX
2024 Lexus LBX

The LBX is powered only by the 1.5L Hybrid Dynamic Force powertrain where the 1.5L M15A-FXE engine is connected to a 69kW electric motor and a Bipolar Nickel battery from the Aqua, producing a system power output of 136PS. Because all variants are mated to a CVT, the LBX's front-wheel drive variant can go up to 27.7kmpl of fuel economy under WLTC Mode standards while AWD variants get 26.2kmpl.

Running on the same GA-B platform as the Toyota Yaris Cross, the Lexus LBX behaves rather well on all walks of life even though it's a tad regular to drive on the open roads or with the AWD system that fits well on either tarmac, gravel, or snow. 

As for safety, the Lexus LBX is equipped with the evolved Lexus Safety System + and advanced parking assistance as well as Lexus Teammate Advanced Drive (Congestion Assistance), Lexus Teammate Advanced Park (with remote functionality), and Advanced Park remote functionality, among others.

It may be a glorified Yaris Cross that is slightly more expensive than its big brother, the UX, but the Lexus LBX is an entry-level crossover that prefers to be modest and down-to-earth not just on city roads but almost everywhere. Tackling through all walks of life and getting the job done is what the LBX does best, albeit not as exciting as expected, but still, it's all about keeping it plain and simple the Lexus way.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Fifth-Generation Suzuki Swift

Fresh off the Japan Mobility Show, the all-new, fifth-generation, Suzuki Swift has arrived and it promises to be the most advanced Swift ever made for the age of the "new normal".

2024 Suzuki Swift
2024 Suzuki Swift

With prices start at 1,727,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the all-new Suzuki Swift marks a radical shift for the brand's world-proven compact hatchback that was enjoyed not just in Japan but also across the Silk Road. From the streets of Tokyo to the winding roads of Switzerland, this world-proven hatchback has turned for the greater good.

2024 Suzuki Swift
2024 Suzuki Swift

First, let's take a look at the design and in a rather un-Suzuki way, the new front face saw the Suzuki logo positioned above the grille rather than into it that most of its predecessors done, making it easily mistaken for a Honda ZR-V. Apart from the questionable front face, it packs familiar-looking front lamps, rear lamps, and the recognizable silhouette that makes a Swift, well, a Swift.

2024 Suzuki Swift
2024 Suzuki Swift interior

The interior's heavily revamped for this new version and it comes with the nine-inch touchscreen positioned above the dashboard as well as a new instrumental panel with multi-information display, climate control, heated seats, and others. On the passenger side, this five-seater is as roomy as its predecessor and with the rear seats present it can still carry up to 265 litres of boot space but with the rear seats folded down, it can carry up to 980 litres of boot space, more than its predecessor so job done.

2024 Suzuki Swift
2024 Suzuki Swift

Time to dig deep into the performance side of the all-new Swift. Under the hood, it's powered by Suzuki's brand new Z12E 1.2L three-cylinder engine with available mild hybrid technology. The new engine produces 82PS of power and 108Nm of torque. Equipped with a new and improved CVT, it has a fuel economy of 24.5kmpl based on WLTC Mode standards. 

The all-new Suzuki Swift is the first MHEV model to be mated to a manual gearbox, a five-speed one to be precise, and this gearbox promises 25.4kmpl of fuel economy, more than the CVT-mated model, which sounds good.

Coupled with the improved suspension and chassis setup, electric power steering, and the HEARTECT platform that adds lightness and rigidity, the all-new Swift has a turning radius of 4.8 meters despite its long wheelbase, making it easy to corner and behave like a European car. Give it 4WD and it's capable on taking on tarmac, gravel, or snow. Another reason why the Swift is a world-proven car.

As for safety, the all-new Swift comes with Suzuki Safety Support, a series of preventive safety measures such as traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, driver recognition, blind spot warning system, and others. It's compatible with the Suzuki Connect service where users can find their Swift or take advantage of emergency services in case of the inevitable such as accidents or car theft. It can even start remotely by smartphone as well.

A world-proven car not just in Japan but across the Silk Road from Peking to Paris, the Suzuki Swift has turned for the age of the "new normal", the first Suzuki Swift of the Reiwa era. From its radicalized looks, new interior, the new Z12E engine, and new technology, this is clearly the most advanced Swift ever made in this unstable world we live in and it tries to be as stable as stable should be.

Available colors: Frontier Blue Pearl Metallic, Cool Yellow Metallic, Burning Red Pearl Metallic, Flame Orange Pearl Metallic, Caravan Ivory Pearl Metallic, Pure White Pearl, Premium Silver Metallic, Star Silver Metallic, Super Black Pearl, Frontier Blue Pearl Metallic Black 2-tone Roof , Cool Yellow Metallic Black 2-tone Roof, Burning Red Pearl Metallic Black 2-tone Roof, and Pure White Pearl Black 2-tone Roof.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

Sunday, November 19, 2023

Buick Encore GX (2024MY minor change) and Envista

The facelifted Buick Encore GX and the first-ever Buick Envista signaled the new era of Buick because these two crossovers are the first to don the new Buick look and logo. Let's take a look.

2024 Buick Encore GX
2024 Buick Encore GX

Beginning with the Buick Encore GX, this big minor change is the first to wear the new Buick look inspired by the Wildcat Concept. Although seeing the new Buick logo is the scariest thing to do, this new Buick look really means business for this $25,600 crossover.

2024 Buick Encore GX
2024 Buick Encore GX

2024 Buick Encore GX
2024 Buick Encore GX interior

In addition to the heavily revamped styling and the slightly revised rear design, the facelifted Encore GX features a premium Avenir variant with glossier details to ensure this is the top-of-the-line model. The interior layout has been heavily revamped for this minor change and the Avenir model, comes with a BOSE premium 7-speaker audio system including an amplifier, panoramic moonroof, and an Avenir engraving on the front seats, among others. Despite numerous revisions, it can still accommodate up to 50.2 cu. ft. of max cargo capacity, making it capable of almost everything.

The Buick Encore GX still comes with a choice of ECOTEC 1.2L turbo mated to a CVT capable of 30 city / 31 hwy fuel economy and the ECOTEC 1.3L turbo engine mated to a 9-speed AT with 155hp of power and 174lb-ft of torque. Yes, there's 4WD offered but no off-road tuned suspension in sight, meaning the Encore GX is best to be driven on the road rather than off the road because there are no special bits that make it well-behaved on dirt.

The Encore GX comes with Buick Driver Confidence as well as available safety & driver-assistance technologies but the Avenir variant comes with its signature Technology Package which comes with Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Camera Mirror† with rear camera washer, and HD Surround Vision.

2024 Buick Envista
2024 Buick Envista

Now, let's get to know the first-ever Buick Envista, a coupe-crossover that is yours to drive for $22,400 plus additional costs, which is cheaper to own than the Encore GX.

2024 Buick Envista
2024 Buick Envista

2024 Buick Envista
2024 Buick Envista interior

Think of the first-ever Buick Envista as the fancy version of the Chevrolet Trax Crossover because even with the Wildcat-inspired looks, the similarities are all over the Envista apart from the fact that the Envista is cheaper to own than the Encore GX. 

Still, with its coupe-crossover styling, the available Avenir variant with glossier details, Ultrawide 11" Diagonal Infotainment Screen, wireless smartphone connectivity, seating for five, and 42.0 cu. ft. of max cargo capacity, it's no surprise despite being less spacious than its Chevrolet Trax Crossover equivalent, it still works and feels just like it.

Just like its Chevrolet Trax Crossover equivalent, the Buick Envista is front-wheel-drive only and it is powered only by an ECOTEC 1.2L turbo engine that produces 137HP of power and 162lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed AT, it has an estimated combined fuel economy of 28MPG city/ 32MPG hwy.

In terms of safety, the Envista comes with Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, IntelliBeam Auto High Beams, Following Distance Indicator, Front Pedestrian Braking, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning as standard. Available extras such as Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert,† Rear Park Assist, Rainsense front wipers, and Adaptive Cruise Control, as well as an automatic-dimming outside driver mirror for the Avenir variant.

These two new crossovers signaled the new era of Buick because they were the first to don the new Buick look and logo. Although the new Buick logo is scary to look at, the Wildcat-styled nose and improved features really made a statement about the two. The question is, which of the new-era Buicks will you drive?

Photo: General Motors

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Mitsuoka Viewt story

Since 1993, the Mitsuoka Viewt has forever known as the Nissan March in a Jaguar Mark 2 clothing from the K11 model to the K13 model. When Nissan stopped making the March at the end of 2022, most observers said that this was the end of the road for the Mitsuoka Viewt. However, the Viewt's story is never done as it took a detour to the Toyota side for the new model.

2024 Mitsuoka Viewt story
2024 Mitsuoka Viewt story

This is the all-new Mitsuoka Viewt story, the newest version of the Viewt that is now based on the fourth-generation Toyota Yaris hatchback. That's right. Ever since the discontinuation of the Nissan March, its long-time host car, at the end of 2022, the Viewt's will lives on in its new host car, the Toyota Yaris. For 2.8 million Japanese Yen plus additional costs, you can now have a fancied-up Toyota Yaris if you disagree with the Yaris's sporty looks.

2024 Mitsuoka Viewt story
2024 Mitsuoka Viewt story

In classic Viewt tradition, it mimics the Jaguar Mark 2 styling as seen from its Nissan March-derived predecessors but because this is based on the fourth-generation Toyota Yaris, there's no hiding the fact that this is actually a Yaris in a Jaguar Mark 2 attire. It's about as fancy as an anime girl in Sherlock Holmes' attire, metaphorically speaking.

2024 Mitsuoka Viewt story
2024 Mitsuoka Viewt story interior

Yes, you can expect the same interior from the Yaris as well, meaning it's nicer to live than its March-derived predecessor, probably because of the TNGA platform underneath. It seats up to five people and has up to 768 liters of boot space with the passenger seats folded down in case you're in the middle of delivery work if you're into that.

2024 Mitsuoka Viewt story
2024 Mitsuoka Viewt story

Because it's based on the Yaris, the Viewt story is powered by a choice of two petrol engines, a Dynamic Force 1.5L, and a 1.0L, and the hybrid variant is powered by a 1.5L Hybrid Dynamic Force powertrain (engine + electric motor + li-ion battery), a first for a Viewt. All variants are mated to CVT but the front-wheel-drive 1.5L variant comes with an available six-speed manual gearbox while all 1.5L variants, petrol or hybrid, come with available 4WD, giving you plenty of reasons to enjoy the Viewt story.

In terms of safety, the Viewt story is packed with numerous advanced safety features such as Pre-Crash Safety, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beam, Road Sign Assist, secondary collision brake, parking support brake, blind spot monitor, panoramic view monitor, and others.

Having the Viewt migrated from the now-defunct Nissan March to the Toyota Yaris is a difficult thing to do but this new version found itself a new lease of life in its new host. It really is the "second coming" for the Mitsuoka Viewt and it's even more livelier than before.

Available colors: Tulle Top Black Mica, Berry Purple, Pumps Red, Dressy White Pearl, Pistachio Khaki, Cut Sew Gray, Gateau Chocolate Metallic, Turquoise Blue Metallic, Terracotta Orange Mica, Beige Gilet, Coral Beige Metallic, and Washed Denim Blue.

Photo: Mitsuoka Motor Co., Ltd.

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Fourth-Generation Kia Sorento (MQ4) - 2024 minor change

The fourth-generation Kia Sorento has gained its minor change for the 2024 model year. Packed with numerous revisions inside and out, the best-selling SUV from Kia is back for more having been on the road for three years.

2024 Kia Sorento
2024 Kia Sorento

Starting at 35,060,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the facelifted Kia Sorento MQ4 continues to assert its dominance in its class with its revised looks, interior, and technology that will keep the best-seller afloat having spent three years of its service.

The biggest change for the recent minor change is the front and it now dons the EV9-styled nose, asserting its masculine looks. Apart from that, it features new wheel designs and slightly revised rear lamps that will keep the Sorento fresh and progressive in every detail.

2024 Kia Sorento
2024 Kia Sorento interior

The interior has been heavily revamped for the recent minor change as hinted by the redesigned dashboard that saw its airconditioning vents streamlined as well as featuring the Panoramic Curved Display that features two 12.3-inch screens (one for the instrumental cluster and the other for the sat-nav) in one extra-long monitor, and the questionable feature that combines radio controls and climate controls into one, not to mention the new seating designs that showcases its premium feel. Despite heavy changes on the driver's side, the Sorento is offered with a choice of either a five-seater, a six-seater, or a seven-seater, depending on the variant.

2024 Kia Sorento
2024 Kia Sorento

The facelifted Sorento is still offered with a choice of a Smartstream D2.2 engine, a powerful Smartstream G2.5T-GDi engine, and the 1.6L turbo-hybrid powertrain now offered with 4WD for the first time. 

Mated to an 8-speed automatic, the diesel variant produces 194PS of power (8PS less than the old one) while fuel economy is around 12.7km/L. The 2.5L turbo variant, meanwhile, produces 281PS of power and 9.4km/L of fuel economy.

The turbo-hybrid variant with its 6-speed automatic transmission has a total power output of 235PS and a fuel economy of 16.6km/L for FF variants while the 4WD variants get 14km/L.

For safety, the Sorento is packed with numerous ADAS such as Highway Driving Assist 2, navigation-based smart cruise control, blind spot collision avoidance assist, forward collision avoidance assist, rear parking collision avoidance assist, and Lane Keeping Assist 2. Coupled with the multiple anti-collision automatic braking systems, advanced rear passenger notification, reverse guiding lamp, and 10 airbags, this is the safest Sorento ever made.

One of South Korea's best-selling vehicles just got better with this minor change and the Sorento's back for more.

Photo: KIA

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Acura Integra Type S

The modern-day reboot of the Acura Integra may not be the revival they were hoping for but for a fancy equivalent of the Honda Civic FL1, it feels rather impressive on various levels. Turn the volume up to the highest level because the loudest Integra is here.

2024 Acura Integra Type S
2024 Acura Integra Type S


2024 Acura Integra Type S
2024 Acura Integra Type S interior

The first-ever Acura Integra Type S, starting at 50,800 US Dollars plus additional costs, pushes the rebooted Integra to the loudest level and when you hear one passing by, get your earmuffs ready because this is by no means the loudest Integra ever made.

Speedo boys like it loud so the Integra Type S showcases the loud side of the rebooted Integra with its wide fender flares, enlarged air ducts and vents, 19-inch wheels, and triple-exhaust layout derived from its Honda Civic Type R equivalent. On the inside, it's been kitted with a perforated leather sport steering wheel, dark titanium-finish knob, and Ultrasuede-trimmed sport seats. Although it works and feels just like the normal Integra, as well as the spacing good enough for your next tailgating party, expect no safe spaces for your eardrums when the Integra Type S comes out to play.

Under the hood, the Integra Type S runs on the same K20C1 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine as the Honda Civic Type R while mated exclusively to a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox. It produces 320HP of power output and 310lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is a combined 24MPG based on EPA calculations.

Unlike its other Type S brothers such as the TLX and the MDX, the Integra Type S is exclusively front-wheel-drive but who cares about it. This is what the loudest Integra should be and in terms of dynamics, the Integra Type S feels just like the Honda Civic Type R in various ways and means thanks to its Dual-Axis Strut front suspension, improved chassis rigidity, and large front Brembo monobloc brake calipers. With the Integrated Dynamics System set to its exclusive Sport+ mode, the Integra Type S shows its true colors on the road and on the track.

Just like its normal equivalent, the Integra Type S is equipped with AcuraWatch safety and driver-assistive technologies such as CMBS, RDM, ACC with Low-Speed Follow, LKAS, pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, Traffic Jam Assist, blind spot information system, rear cross-traffic monitor, and low-speed braking control.

The first-ever Acura Integra Type S is the Americanized Civic Type R that loves to live loud from the West Coast to the East Coast. This is absolutely what the Integra speedo boys wanted since the return. Good luck sleeping quietly when this car passes by.

Available colors: Lunar Silver Metallic, Majestic Black Pearl, Liquid Carbon Metallic, Performance Red Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, Apex Blue Pearl, and Tiger Eye Pearl.

Photo: Acura

Friday, October 13, 2023

Renault Espace VI

The previous fifth-generation Espace eschewed its large MPV form into a premium midsize crossover that is deemed controversial for loyalists but it still works like a people carrier. For this all-new, sixth-generation model, the antithesis of the Renault Espace is getting deeper, shaking away its MPV image further and becoming even more of a crossover.

2024 Renault Espace
2024 Renault Espace

Starting at 44,500 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new, sixth-generation, Renault Espace is further shaking away its MPV image that became the hallmark of the Espace heritage for nearly four decades in favor of a crossover image because in the new normal, crossover SUVs are becoming as big as superheroes in movies and TV nowadays. Despite becoming more of a crossover, it still works like an MPV, meaning it's capable of tackling through almost all walks of life.

2024 Renault Espace
2024 Renault Espace

Beginning with the exterior design, while this is basically an enlarged Austral, the all-new Espace is now as big as the now-defunct Koleos. Yes, the Koleos is now officially extinct and the Espace is taking over the spot that was left vacant by the Koleos' demise. With its Austral looks and Koleos sizing, the Espace looks like the best of both worlds or rather a rock and a hard place, metaphorically speaking.

2024 Renault Espace
2024 Renault Espace interior

While the new interior features typical Renault stuff like the bent-over touch-screen in the middle that runs on Google with over 50 embedded apps for your doom-scrolling pleasure as well as the Harman Kardon high-fidelity sound with 12 speakers and sound spatialization technology, the all-new Espace is offered in either a five-seater or a seven-seater. Depending on the variant, it can carry up to 1,818L of boot space with the second and third-row seats folded down, more than you can fit into the Koleos.

2024 Renault Espace
2024 Renault Espace

As expected, the sixth-generation Espace is front-wheel-drive only just like its predecessor, meaning it only fits through city streets and some dirt, but not too much dirt, and because it's now running on an entirely new platform and comes with the 4CONTROL Advanced four-wheel steering, it drives better than its predecessor, I presume.

Under the hood, it's powered by the same 1.2L E-TECH Hybrid as the Arkana and the Austral. It produces 200PS of power output and mated with the 6-speed AT, the fuel economy is 4.6 L/100 km based on WLTP standards. This engine is engineered to have 1,100km of autonomy as Renault estimates.

For safety, the all-new Espace features a host of ADAS such as Active Driver Assist, level 2 autonomy, Automated Park Assist, Blind Spot Warning and Lane Departure Prevention, Rear Automatic Emergency Braking, RCTA, and Occupant Safe Exit, among many others.

Shaking away its MPV image further is deemed unsatisfactory for Espace loyalists since its predecessor but the all-new sixth-generation Espace is still living up to its mantra by being capable of tackling through all walks of life like a decent people carrier. A proper competitor to the Mazda CX-8 if you ask.

With its Austral looks, Koleos sizing, E-TECH, and a host of safety tech, the Espace of the new normal is all about getting ready for almost everything and perhaps certain questions about the new model are better left unanswered.

Available Colors: Bleu Nocturne, Blanc Nacre, Rouge Flamme, Gris Schiste Satin, Gris Schiste, and Noir Etoile.

Photo: Renault

Thursday, October 5, 2023

Honda N-BOX (Third Generation)

The first of Honda's N line of kei cars is now on its third generation as the all-new N-BOX promises to fit through the demands of the new normal with its new style, new interior, and new tech while retaining the classic N-BOX brand that made it the best-selling Honda in ages.

2024 Honda N-BOX
2024 Honda N-BOX

The best-selling Honda in Japan, the N-BOX, has reached its third generation and this all-new model marks the new start for the first of Honda's N line of kei cars in this Reiwa era we lived in. Catering to the demands of this era of the new normal, the N-BOX of the Reiwa era puts its emphasis on usability, comfort, and efficiency, in somewhat ascending order just like most kei cars should. Yours for 1,648,900 Japanese Yen plus additional costs.

Like its predecessors, the third-generation N-BOX is offered in two different styles; the normal one and the Custom one. While the normal one looks pretty much the same as the previous model, the Custom one looks like a mini-me StepWGN Spada of today. Either way, the new styling is one of the main feats of the all-new N-BOX.

2024 Honda N-BOX
2024 Honda N-BOX interior

2024 Honda N-BOX interior
2024 Honda N-BOX interior

Apart from the new exterior design, the interior is all-new for this model, as demonstrated by the new dashboard layout packed with a seven-inch TFT unit as the dial display and a nine-inch touchscreen mounted in the middle. As for comfort, it still snugs just like the previous model and can still carry most of today's grocery list as usual.

For those who have a cart or a wheelchair, a Slope variant was offered which comes with a rear super flex slope, electric winch, back door lamp, and a wheelchair fixing belt, among many others. Quite handy, I dare say.

2024 Honda N-BOX
2024 Honda N-BOX


The third-generation N-BOX is powered by a 660cc i-VTEC engine that produces 58PS of power output and 65Nm of torque, and when mated with a CVT, fuel efficiency is around 21.6km/L based on WLTC Mode standards. Of course, you can exercise your options with the available turbocharged engine and four-wheel drive just in case.

With usability one of the main feats of the new model, Honda wasted no time recalibrating its dynamics to give a 4.5m turning radius, making it easy to get in and out of the parking spot. As for safety, the third-generation N-BOX comes with Honda Sensing, VSA, emergency stop signal, hill start assist function, and a multi-view camera system, among many others.

The best-selling Honda vehicle in Japan has leveled up as the all-new N-BOX caters to the demands of the era of the new normal with its usability, comfort, and efficiency. Welcome aboard.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.