Subaru Impreza Sport and G4 - 2015 minor change

2015 Subaru Impreza G4

2015 Subaru Impreza Sport

The Subaru Impreza, currently on its fourth-generation state, has been mildly facelifted for the 2015 model year and for this minor change, both the Sport hatchback and the G4 sedan are now more technologically advanced than ever thanks to the application of Subaru's Eyesight Ver. 3 first seen on the Levorg tourer, which is based on this model. Let's explain about what's new for this 2015 minor change.

2015 Subaru Impreza G4

2015 Subaru Impreza Sport

The first thing you'll notice about this latest facelift is the front end that has been refreshed with a new lower fascia while we can expect good-looking foglamps for high-end models. There's not much change occurred on the back though. On the inside, it's now heavily revised with an available infotainment system with a seven-inch color touchscreen. On the instrumental panel. there's a new LCD color display in the middle as well as updated dials.

2015 Subaru Impreza G4 interior

2015 Subaru Impreza Sport interior

For 2015, both the Impreza Sport and G4 now come with Subaru's breakthrough Eyesight Ver. 3 found in the Levorg. Eyesight Ver. 3 integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning, among many others. You can also expect heavily revised interiors as well, slightly enhanced powertrain, and some of it.

Under the hood, they still come with the same 2.0L and 1.6L boxer four-cylinder engine as before. The 1.6L engine develops 115PS of power, 148NM of torque, and can be mated with either a 5-speed manual or a Lineartronic CVT gearbox. With the CVT gearbox and idling stop at hand, fuel economy is 17.6 km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards. The 2.0L engine, on the other hand, produces 150PS of power, 196Nm of torque, and it's available only with the CVT gearbox. As for fuel economy, Subaru states that it can achieve the same 17.6km/L fuel economy as the smaller 1.6L one although your actual fuel mileage can vary so don't ask.

The Sport model starts at 1,958,400 Japanese Yen (around $20,000) while the G4 model starts at the same price as the Sport hatch so it's a fair value for money if you were given a choice to buy one of these.

Photo: Fuji Heavy Industries

Let's Do The News! (November 26, 2014)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European Commission, revealed his €315bn investment plan that will stabilize the European economy as part of his five-year agenda.

- Meanwhile in Hong Kong, police officers arrested student leaders who are involved at pro-democracy protests.

- Japan's Supreme Court has ruled that last year's Upper House elections were unconstitutional due to disparities in the value of individual votes. About the summer of last year, a vote in the least populated constituency was worth 4.77 times more than a vote from a populous one. Despite disparity, general elections will go ahead next month.

- Tropical Depression Queenie makes landfall in Surigao del Sur Wednesday afternoon.

- About 12,245 out of 28,187 examinees passed the October 2014 Criminologist Licensure Examination.

- Lack of evidence prompted the government prosecutors to drop charges against 60 suspects involved last year's Zamboanga siege.

- The first trailer of the upcoming Jurassic World movie hits the interwebs! Check out the first look of the latest installment of the Jurassic Park franchise!



- The folks from Top Gear showcased their first teaser image of their upcoming two-part Patagonia Special coming soon to BBC Two and BBC Two HD.

Top Gear Patagonia Special

- Here we go again. Your first look at the upcoming KanColle KAI PSVita game that will hit Japanese game stores this Spring.

- Teen actress Kathryn Bernardo will launch her own self-titled debut album which one of the songs will feature her own song "Nasa 'Yo Din Pala", which is kinda more of a response to Daniel Padilla's hit song "Nasa 'Yo Na Ang Lahat".

TTFN!!!

Nissan Juke NISMO RS

Last year, the Nissan Juke crossover gained a hot NISMO variant and even though the NISMO model comes with the improved performance, it still feels as hard as making Meccanos in your home even though it has 4WD on it.

2015 Nissan Juke NISMO RS

Following the launch of the facelifted Nissan Juke a few months ago, the Juke NISMO has been upgraded and it's now more capable of doing its beginner's luck than last time. See? This is the new Juke NISMO RS.

2015 Nissan Juke NISMO RS

2015 Nissan Juke NISMO RS interior

2015 Nissan Juke NISMO RS interior

At first glance, it still looks like the facelifted Juke only this time with some NISMO-themed upgrades to keep this crossover more sports-oriented in mind. Even though this car looks more refreshed than before, it still looks like a clown to the eyes of observers judging from the red side mirrors and the black, white, and silver exterior paint. Looks like this boyoyong clown still has the rounds to make kids cry during a cheap birthday party.

The former Juke NISMO has 200PS of power from its Nismo-tuned MR16DDT DIG TURBO while mated with the XTRONIC CVT-M7 but for the new NISMO RS model, that engine is now recalibrated to  214PS thanks to the ECU tuning and as for the gearbox, NISMO recalibrated it so now it can engage to 8-speed manual mode via paddle shifters. That sounds wonderful but to me, it feels like cheap old birthday parties from your neighbors with the added boyoyong clown to make it look dull. Hmmm...

Handling-wise, the Juke NISMO RS features updated driving dynamics to keep it more hot hatch-ish than the last time and this car promises the motorsport DNA Nismo deserves having spent several man-hours getting involved in motorsports, even the Super GT. To me, feels like the handling's slightly improved, and looks like the Meccano image has been shaken away and to be replaced by the image of...Bondying. What? It feels like a Bondying? Give me a break but for a bulky car with such dynamics, the Juke NISMO RS might be more than enough to give a rookie on a track day a slight smile on his or her face.

Like the previous Juke NISMO, the new RS model still comes with All-Mode 4x4-i system which not only feels milder on the track but also a good all-weather vehicle when you're taking a break.

Should you buy one? The new Juke NISMO RS starts at 3,434,400 Japanese Yen, which is more expensive than the previous model but because of its turbocharged engine and updated driving dynamics, this will be a good car for a track day. I wouldn't mind one because of that feeling that feels like a boyoyong clown is messing up your birthday party.

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Forza Horizon 2: Barn Find #09: Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ2

A ninth barn find is detected through the vicinity of Saint-Martin in France. It is believed that the barn find in question is a vintage Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ2 racing machine, one of Alfa Romeo's all time greats and one of the best designed cars by the legendary coachbuilder Zagato. Upon my observation, this barn find is about 2.5 miles away from the Sisteron Horizon Hub or about 1.5 miles away from the Saint-Martin Car Meet. Without further ado, I began my search and rescue op for the barn find that makes me obsessed to have one.

Here it is. Good as new. Those classic car aficionados will be proud to see this legendary machine take its first steps in the world of Forza because this car is new here and it wants to be pampered in every way.

Known to be the updated version of the first TZ, the Giulia TZ2, unveiled in 1965, features and updated fibreglass bodywork for reduced drag and weight. It was made for racing purposes and it's rigged with a 1.5L 4-cylinder DOHC twin plug engine producing 170bhp of power and it's capable of reaching 152mph. That sounds quick even at modern standards. Only 12 of these machines were built, which is what the 12th man expected for.

Even though I'm no 12th man in FH2 but since there's a road trip spanning to San Giovanni, because upon clearing the last championship with my Mustang and the Vette, looks like I decided to give this classic TZ2 a try but be warned. This car needs to go like Nina Needs To Go. Ahhh.... I'd never thought I've been given a chance to drive such a legendary Alfa on this game.

Let's Do The News! (November 24, 2014)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- Last weekend, there was an earthquake that struck the Nagano Prefecture in Japan, Over 41 people are injured, 35 houses collapsed, and 25 others were damaged. Over 300 people spent Sunday night at evacuation centers and the prefecture's water supply has been disrupted. Preparations are now underway to rebuild roads and a railway damaged by Saturday's quake.

- Japanese Coast Guard patrollers escorted a Chinese poaching ship to the port of Yokohama after it was suspected of poaching coral.

- Some say the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters were responsible for the series of Cotabato bombings that killed four people and injured 41 others. One of the Army's 6th Infantry Division said but it's one of the possibilities because the investigation isn't quite done yet.

- Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago took a stab on the Philippines' 2015 budget, saying that the pork barrel and the savings are what she said the two dangerous minefields leading to corruption.

- The world's top diplomats and the country of Iran are on the final straw to agree a deal over Iran's nuclear programme before the 23:00 GMT deadline. They want Iran to curb their nuclear programme in exchange of lifting the sanctions proposed by the UN.

- Now until the 7th of December, Apple teams up with (RED) for their APPS FOR (RED) event. Every time users purchased a participating (PRODUCT)RED app or In-App Purchase Item, all proceeds will go to the Global Fund. Here are the list of apps participated to this wonderful collaboration by (RED):

• Angry Birds
• Bubble Witch 2 Saga
• Clash of Clans
• Clear - Tasks, Reminders, & To-Do Lists
• CSR Racing
• Cut the Rope 2
• Despicable Me: Minion Rush
• djay 2 for iPhone
• Farmville 2: Country Escape
• FIFA 15 Ultimate Team by EA SPORTS
• Frozen Free Fall
• GarageBand
• Heads Up!
• Kim Kardashian: Hollywood
• Kitchen Stories
• Monument Valley
• Over
• Puzzle & Dragons (English)
• Rayman Fiesta Run
• Star Walk 2
• The Human Body by Tinybop
• The Sims FreePlay
• Threes!
• Toca Town

All (RED) monies go to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. Not only you're enjoying with the best promotions from your favorite apps listed above but you can also give back and make a change for the world.

- The first trailer of the upcoming 3D-animated Peanuts movie is now here. Check it out!

- In case you missed it, Eat Bulaga presenter Joey de Leon confirmed his negotiation with Willie Revillame to have his new show to be aired on GMA.

- After being debuted at the 2014 LA Auto Show, Mazda announced that they'll be selling facelifted versions of the Atenza (in sedan and wagon) and the CX-5 crossover this January 2015.

2016 Mazda Atenza

2016 Mazda CX-5

- DID YOU KNOW? The Crunchyroll streaming service reached over 400,000 paid subscribers.

TTFN!!!

FIA Formula E Championship - Putrajaya

In the second round of the FIA Formula E Championship held in the streets of Putrajaya, Malaysia, Sam Bird of Virgin Racing emerged as the winner in this race and he dedicate his win to his former teammate, Jules Bianchi, who remains in a critical condition following last month's fatal crash in Japan. Bird began from second place on the grid and he overtook every single opposition in the race, including this race's pole leader Oriol Servia of Dragon Racing.

Bird's in 1st place in the race followed by Audi Sport ABT's Lucas di Grassi in 2nd place and e.dams' Sebastien Buemi in 3rd place. His win placed Bird second overall in the standings, three points behind di Grassi.

Highlights:



The next race of the FIA Formula E Championship will held at Punta del Este, Uruguay, on the 13th of December, 2014.

Forza Horizon 2: The Reborn Veterans

The sixth-generation Ford Mustang is not in the mood to fight the Chevrolet Camaro for now but instead, it likes to take on one of America's oldest sportscar names that is none other than the legend itself, the Chevrolet Corvette.



Both the Mustang and the Corvette are the veterans in the American automotive scene and with those reborn looks and performances, both the new Mustang and the Corvette are ready to take on the world like they've never done before, well the Mustang is anyway because the Corvette's been around from Europe, Asia, and America like a certain rock band's world tour. With the Mustang now reborn as a global sportscar, looks like this car is ready for its world tour on the four corners of the world just like the Corvette does but in the meantime, they both have a nice time flexing their bodies in the world of Forza Horizon 2.



When engaged in a race, both of these reborn veterans are showing off their true selves and they became fierce aggressors against each other but after the race, they're just good mates trying to impress themselves. I was amazed to see those two racing together in the same place.

With the new Mustang and the new Corvette are in my hands now, looks like it's time to put these two to the test since I've signed them up to a Modern Muscle competition in the vicinity of Saint-Martin but first, further improvements have been made to match the opponents' levels of performance.



The C7 Corvette is now dressed in one of Belka's clothing as I give this car the Schnee makeover it deserves, in reference to the Schnee team from Ace Combat Zero. Although a mess, it feels like it's like the Schnee team after all and this car in this clothing will bask into glory. Looks like the opponents are messing up with the wrong Corvette.



Well, not much to tell you about what I did to my 2015 Mustang GT but I have to say that I made even more sleek and sporty. Since both of them have been given major improvements to match the opponents', I guess it's time for these two to take halves. The C7 Corvette will take on the very serious half of the championship while the 2015 Mustang GT will take on the slightly serious half of the championship. Looks like these two are doing half the chores at the same day.



Looks like mission accomplished to them. These cars made me win the championship and I know how to push these cars' true potential and basked our way to glory. I can almost smell the finale through the horizon.

F1 2014 finale

The fight to the finish has been subsided. Lewis Hamilton from the Mercedes F1 team is named the world champion at the recently concluded F1 2014 season held at Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit. He is the fourth British racer to win two world titles after Jim Clark, Graham Hill, and Jackie Stewart. His teammate and his enemy Nico Rosberg managed to survived at 14th place after his car's energy recovery system malfunctioned at the halfway point of the race. Racers that gave up during the finale were Lotus' Pastor Maldonado and Save The Ring's Daniil Kvyat due to their cars' power unit failure.

Upon Hamilton's win at Abu Dhabi, the two Williams drivers, Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas, done a 2nd and 3rd place finish. Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo placed 4th.

In the final standings, Hamilton scored 384 points and placed 1st while Rosberg's 2nd overall with 317 points and Ricciardo's in 3rd place with 238 points.

This concludes the Formula 1 2014 season and with Hamilton garnered the title of World Champion, looks like there's a long way to go for this Brit.

Photo: Top Gear

Pacquiao wins fight against Algieri

Pacquiao vs. Algieri
(Image: Reuters)

Having spent 12 rounds at the Cotai Arena in Macau, Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao won by unanimous decision against his American challenger Chris Algieri, retaining his WBO welterweight title. He dropped Algieri to the canvas six times just to score his win by unanimous decision. That's 119-103, 119-103, and 120-102 from the judge's cards.

So, another clear win for the People's Champ, eh? That icon won't quit until his last dance, right? Congratulations, Pacman! You done us proud.

Report: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/boxing-pacquiao-beats/1489172.html

Tropa Mo Ko Nice Di Ba?! - November 22, 2014

On the November 22, 2014 episode of Tropa Moko Nice Di Ba?!

- The GANDUMB AND GANDUMBER girls are too dumb for their knock-knock jokes!

- Gardener gags

- In this episode's PAMINTA 101, we find out the differences between a male, a beki, and a paminta when they react on the music they're listening!

- DUDE THE MOVES says...Status It's Constipated kasi hirap ilabas ang puso ko.

- The GANDUMB AND GANDUMBER girls got themselves the wrong gamefowl...because it's a duck!

- ANINO & ABUNDAT tonight with Mai-Mai Delos Reynas.

- More fun with the BFFs! Best Fake Friends that is...

- The GANDUMB AND GANDUMBER girls are too dumb to learn French!

- The GANDUMB AND GANDUMBER girls are too dumb about computer viruses!

- WHACK-PAD presents EKANG: an almost Cinderella Story...hindi umabot.

- DUDE THE MOVES know that you end yourself from being mayabang is by being perfect!

- Ibulong mo kay Mahal!

Stars of 2014 LA Auto Show

2016 Ford Mustang GT350

The 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show is going on now until the 30th of November at the Los Angeles Convention Center and there has been a massive list of newcomers staging their debut for this year's show. From full model changes, facelifts, debutantes, concepts, there's a plethora of new cars showing up to wow the audience. So, it's time to list the stars of this year's show.

- 2015 Toyota Mirai

- 2015 Porsche 911 GTS

- Audi A7 Sportback H-Tron Quattro concept

- Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 concept

- Galpin Auto Sports Rocket

- Chevrolet Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turisom

- 2015 Porsche Cayenne GTS

- 2016 VW Golf VII R Variant

- 2015 Chrysler 300 (facelift)

- 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 PHEV

- Scion iM Concept

- 2016 Acura ILX (facelift)

- 2015 Volvo V60 Cross Country

- 2015 Fiat 500X

- 2016 Mazda Roadster

- Lexus LF-C2 Concept

- 2015 Toyota Aqua (facelift)

- 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600

- Audi Prologue Concept

- 2016 BMW X5 M

- 2016 BMW X6 M

- 2016 Ford Explorer (facelift)

- 2016 Mazda CX-3

- 2016 Mazda Atenza (facelift)

- 2016 Mazda CX-5 (facelift)

- 2016 Cadillac ATS-V

- 2016 Ford Mustang GT350

...and more.

Further reading:

a) Carscoops: 2014 LA Auto Show: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly and 400+ Photos

b) Autoblog: We obsessively covered the 2014 LA Auto Show

c) Top Gear: The best and worst of the LA show

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I

The Hunger Games
Mockingjay Part I

The day of Panem's liberation has begun as the worldwide phenomenon reaches the first half of the climax chapter. The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part I covers the first half of the final chapter of The Hunger Games novels and it's going to be one of the most intense movies to watch for the holidays.

Jennifer Lawrence reprises her role as Katniss Everdeen and this time, the woman who put an end to the Hunger Games forever is staging a resistance under the guidance of President Coin, played by Julianne Moore. She's risking everything and her people to save Peeta, played by Josh Hutcherson, and the nation of Panem from the Capitol and President Snow's tyrannical rule.

The first part of final chapter really is as powerful as the previous installments and we can truly expect great things until this film reaches the cliffhanger which we're looking forward to the final part of Mockingjay really soon but in the meantime, Mockingjay Part I really is worth a nail-biting experience judging with all the twists and turns we can expect from Katniss, Peeta, and the other characters.

It maybe worth leading to the cliffhanger but this movie really is off to where it starts and it's becoming more powerful than what The Hunger Games saga truly became, from the fight to the death that we experience to the very first one and now, the fight for the freedom that fans are looking for in the first part.

My rating: 4.3 out of 5.