Sunday, December 20, 2009

Cadillac CTS Mk.II

As a formidable foe to the BMW 3-Series, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Audi A4, there is no surprise that the second-generation Cadillac CTS can outwit, outlast, outclass, and outclass any kind of luxury medium sedan at its core, even in a car enthusiasts' imagination.






With Cadillac's design flow inherited from the Cadillac Sixteen concept sedan, the second-generation CTS is somewhat more than meets the eye in terms of performance, quality, and packaging suitable for well-mannered adults. Besides its design, the CTS will come, not only in sedan, but also in sports wagon and coupe (coming soon), but for right now, let's focus first on the sedan and the wagon variant for a while. With the sedan variant boasts a lot of sportiness for adults, the sports wagon is some kind of machine that other station wagons never underestimate the power of the American-made station wagon. The CTS sedan combines the efforts of a sports car and a luxury car, while the CTS Sport Wagon provides spaciousness for everything, giving this station wagon premium quality adults would love to get.

Depending on the body style you choose, from the sporty sedan to the grand touring sports wagon variant, the Cadillac CTS is powered with either a 3.0-litre LFI V6 engine with over 274PS of power, or a 3.6-litre LLT V6 engine with almost 310PS of power. It also comes with an optional all-wheel drive, and a choice of two transmissions; a 6-speed 6L50/90 automatic transmission, or a 6-speed Aisin AY-6 manual transmission. Aside from these features the CTS stands safe for everyone, thanks to its StabiliTrak, daytime running lamps, ABS, disc brakes, tire pressure monitor system, and most optional for all General Motors cars: OnStar.

If the standard CTS looks boring or vanilla to feel at, consider this:



A high-performance version of the CTS, known as the CTS-V, is bound to be the perfect rival from the likes of the Audi S4, BMW M3, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, and also the Jaguar XFR. With 6.2-litre V8 engine, delivering almost 570PS of power output, standard StabiliTrak system, power steering, limited slip differential, a choice of either automatic or manual transmission, a choice of five sleek colors, and loads of conveniences, the CTS-V stands everyone out and if you are successful, this could be the envy of your office mates, especially your last boss: your office boss!

IN OTHER WORDS:
With the coupe variant coming soon, what I like about the new CTS and the new CTS Sport Wagon is its conveniences engineered and designed to be almost a premium mid-size sedan for adults. Let's not forget the cunning CTS-V that brings seasoned sports car drivers a whole new level to the word: HOT WHEELS! It doesn't matter, while you turned your ordinary medium sedan in favor for the new CTS, you will never turn back to your old medium sedan again. Be warned.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Cadillac SRX -Second Generation-

Derived from the Provoq crossover concept, and mostly targeted for well-experienced adults everywhere, the second generation SRX from Cadillac provides a whole variety of features and conveniences adults would love to enjoy, especially for the whole family.





This stylish crossover utility vehicle is no gimmicks for car enthusiasts like you; the new SRX looks more like a Cadillac CTS than the previous-generation model resembles like an Escalade. What makes the SRX stands out the rest is the strikingly aggressive design that gives this crossover the commanding presence adults would love to take at look at it.

From the SRX's striking design, the performance comes great with the choice of two six-speed automatic transmissions (Hydra-Matic or Aisin Warner with Eco Mode), and a choice of two engines (3.0-litre V6 or 2.8-litre V6 turbo). We might think the turbo engine looks great for adrenaline junkies, but the 3.0-litre V6 engine is a fresh start for first timers. The SRX also comes with an optional all-wheel drive, so you can go anywhere you want, all the time.

If you are concerned about the SRX, the safety features from this crossover got your back always. With airbags, daytime running lamps, traction control, StabiliTrak, anti-theft system, anti-lock braking system, keyless entry, tire pressure monitor system, fog lamps, and rear-parking assist, you can rest assured that you are safe in this vehicle always.





The SRX's comfort zone looks somewhat focused on hospitality and passion adults never faced from the previous-generation SRX. The accented French stitching that covers all the SRX's seat adds a nice touch to this crossover. It has an impressive paneling, entertainment system, AM/FM/CD/MP3/DVD player with navigation system as an option, and loads of accessories, including the optional noise canceling wireless headphones for the best sound experience, it might be best for everyone to take control of the SRX's interior features that treat them with the premium touch.

DOES IT RING A BELL?
When compared to other luxury crossovers, such as the Lexus RX, Audi Q5, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the chances may vary for the crossover enthusiasts who wanted to take the verdict. It does not matter how well is the SRX's design, quality, and performance, the SRX is built mostly for the experienced drivers who are willing to take advantage of its premium features. Without those premium features, the new Cadillac SRX would be nothing, a ship without a water.


Photo: Autoblog

Mazda Carol HB25

2010 Mazda Carol


If you don't know what in the world is the Mazda Carol, then I'll explain more about this before explaining this latest model change.

Back in the 60's the Mazda Carol was a mini 4-door sedan built by Mazda. With the introduction of the Autozam brand in the 90's the Carol name has been revived as a cute kei car, but it's just a 3-door kei car. In 1995, the Autozam Carol received a full change way before Mazda stopped making Carol cars in 1998. In 1998, Mazda brought in the new Carol, but it was an OEM of the Suzuki Alto. When the Suzuki Alto reached its 6th generation, the Carol was followed on a 5th generation basis.

When the seventh-generation Japan-spec Alto (not to be confused with the Maruti Alto sold worldwide, including the Philippines as the Suzuki Celerio), the Mazda Carol follows its model change as well.

Under the chassis code of HB25, the sixth-generation Mazda Carol tries to be more cuter as the Suzuki Alto. Since the Mazda Carol is the OEM of the Suzuki Alto, you can experience the same characteristics. The DOHC 658cc VVT engine, the available transmissions (CVT, 4AT, and 5MT), the same optional 4WD drive-train, and the same interior.

2010 Mazda Carol

My thoughts about the Carol:

With the Suzuki Alto (Japan-spec, not the Celerio) updated, the Mazda Carol is updated as well, but I think there's nothing much to say about the latest model. With the smiley face (or Nagare) in front of the new Carol, the other views are the same as the seventh-generation Japan-spec Alto. In other words, this car is still boring for me so leave this one to Japanese women who had a liking for kei cars.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Peugeot 5008



In South Korea, they have the Ssangyong Rodius (Stavic) and the Hyundai Grand Starex. In Japan, they have the Honda Stepwgn, the Toyota Noah & Voxy twins, and the Nissan Serena. In France, Peugeot's new multipurpose passenger vehicle brings out the best for the European families everywhere. This is the 5008, the newest people carrier from one of hardest working French automobile brands, Peugeot.






Borrowed from the new platform used from the 3008 crossover utility vehicle, you can examine the design flow of this new family mover from the front, side, and the back. Most European car enthusiasts can feel the love-it-or-hate-it decision, once they tried the 5008 for the very first time.

Since the arrival of the 5008, there are two gasoline-powered engines and four diesel-powered engines available as of press time. From the 1.6-litre VTi engine to the 2.0-litre HDi FAP diesel engine, drivers can choose which engine type is suitable to the 5008. Only on the manual transmission-equipped variants is the gearshift indicator, which allows the car to determine the best time for the driver to shift gears.

On the safer point of view, the 5008 is equipped with six airbags, which provide maximum protection for everyone inside, intelligent distance alert system determine the right speed on the right road, anti-skid system, traction control, electronic handbrake, and hill assist. An optional phone added in the 5008, providing the most of the emergencies when needed.






With the interior features, such as the optional rear-seat entertainment system, panoramic roof, optional navigation system, USB connectivity, air con, heads-up display (same as the 3008), and many storage features, you can rest assure that these features are made to be almost premium. Aside from calling it a premium multipurpose passenger vehicle for adults, the 5008 is built for everyone, even kids who are enjoy watching their favorite movies at the passenger side.

THINK ABOUT IT:
Most Pinoy Peugeot fans would wished that this brand would not be abolished from the Philippine market, despite poor reputation, because there are more Peugeots to come in the Philippine market, such as the 3008 crossover, all 207 and 308 variants, the 407 sedan, estate, and coupe, the Mitsubishi Outlander OEM, known as the 4007, or even this 5008 MPV.

With the 5008, most parents cannot wait to take advantage of these rich features suitable on most occasions. Not only the families trying this new French MPV, but also people with great interests would love to witness the 5008 for their first test. Whether you favor it or not, the 5008 designed and engineered to be almost a premium, with the pricing most likely to credit for the drivers.

Source: http://leopauldelr.multiply.com/reviews/item/171

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Volkswagen Scirocco R

Therefore, it starts... The Volkswagen R-Line introduced a newest addition ever since the Scirocco was come back last year. Known to be the best of the Volkswagen R-Line models ever told, the Scirocco R is here.





With the sportier look than the regular Scirocco, the Scirocco R explodes the Autobahn with its performance, quality, styling, and packaging available for the German monster that brings out the gracefulness within.





What brings the beauty of this Autobahn beast is the new engine that was similar to the Golf R, the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, TSI engine equipped in the Scirocco R explodes over 265ps of power at the top speed of over 250km/h. Not only the Scirocco R armed with a manual transmission, but also this monster is equipped with Volkswagen's 6-speed DSG semi-automatic transmission with paddle shifters as an available option. Aside from these, the Scirocco R comes with the performance features that keep adults trying this car for some more, such as the XDS electronic transverse differential lock, electronic stability program, DCC Dynamic Chassis Control, and double-flow exhaust system.

YOU LITTLE DEVIL...
Despite this Scirocco R will not come to the United States or even in the Philippines, regarding no announcement of taking over the Philippine distributor of Volkswagen, the raw power of the Scirocco R is exploding with fun and excitement for adults hitting the thrills on the Autobahn. With the estimated price of about 3,000,000 pesos, there is no doubt this monster would take a heavy toll on the car enthusiast's budget. Only a wealthy adult would take the chance of driving the Volkswagen Scirocco R and tear down the streets of Metro Manila, even on the Saturday night at the Metrowalk. Still, the Scirocco R is the perfect road mauler for the major adults who are looking for some real thrills on the road.

Source: http://leopauldelr.multiply.com/reviews/item/170

Thursday, December 3, 2009

HiNA



Meet Hinagiku Katsura, she is just your average teenage girl, charming, sweet, aggressive, wonderful, and daring enough to take your heart down! And above all, aside from being the Hakuo Gakuin Student Council President, she is the perfect "president of student government" and Hayate the Combat Butler's number one character among fans everywhere! And you can have her too in her first single album, sung by the voice over behind the tsundere student council president, Shizuka Ito!

This album is jam-packed with ten Hinagiku Katsura tunes, including "Power of Flower" found at Hayate the Combat Butler Character CD four and "Steppin'“, the ending theme song from the Hayate the Combat Butler original video animation. (if fans know what this is) So when you are a die-hard Hinagiku fan sure enough to admire her, and for those who wanted to be just like the "president of student government”, this music CD is for you!

Track Listings:
1. Steppin'
2. Power of Flower
3. スクールDays
4. 愛と情熱のカルナバル
5. 100点満点なんかじゃない!
6. 微熱
7. 想い絶ちがたく、初恋なりがたし
8. NOTICE
9. あしたのわたし
10. Heart of Flower

WE LOVE HINAGIKU!
If you realize why the heck they choose Hinagiku, it is because she is just perfect for fans everywhere. Take her advice for it, this CD might rock your heart over Hinagiku-ism forever and ever. Get your wooden swords ready because she is here to rock your life!

Opel Astra - Fourth Generation

It has been moments since General Motors decided to axe the Saturn brand by next year and keep the Opel/Vauxhall brand to the European GM division. But the differences ascend to the boiling point since the new Opel Astra came to the public and soon reaches to the world market either this, as a Vauxhall Astra in the United Kingdom, or as the Buick in China and if possible, the United States as the replacement for the evaporating Saturn Astra.





Available as a 5-door variant only, following with other variants filling up the new Astra range sometime, the quality of this Opel provides exceptional design, unmatched quality, and the performance that is well-made for the premium hatchback for adults. At the first rate, the new Astra looks similar to the sports variant of the Mazda Axela (Mazda 3), with the headlamps shaped like the Kia K7 premium sedan, but the heart of the Astra truly bred in the Autobahn.

The new Astra has a list of engines available as of press time. From the 1.4-litre, ecoFLEX engine to the 2.0-litre, CDTi ECOTEC diesel engine, there are nine available engines to choose from. Aside from the engine choices, the new Astra comes equipped with the FlexRide switch, providing the feel of the luxury car, a compact car, or a sports car, all in one package. Choose which mode, and feel free to drive the new Astra any way you want. The Compound Crank with Watt's Link rear axle suspension provides improved control and stability, giving the new Astra's driving control enjoyable for adults.





The Astra's interior design still carries Opel's new design language ever since the Vectra's replacement, the Insignia, provided the new look of Opel. With the comfort of the sports car with the spaciousness perfect enough to carry luggage, the exceptional interior of the new Astra is truly a modern living for adults who wished to try this new hatchback.

IS IT PERFECT ENOUGH?
With the new look of the Opel Astra; there is no difference between the words "luxury" and "sporty" all at the same time. The new Astra is a rival to the Mazda Axela, the Toyota Auris/Blade twins, and the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis (Lancer) Sportback. Promise this car, it will be perfect enough for adults to try this new hatch on the road.


Photo: GM Europe

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Nissan Roox



The cousin of the Suzuki Palette that was premiered at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show is known as the Nissan Roox, a newest addition of the Nissan Kei Car line-up consisting of the Mitsubishi eK Wagon-based Otti, Suzuki MR Wagon-based Moco, Mitsubishi Pajero Mini-based Kix, and the Mitsubishi Town Box-based Clipper Rio.

There are two distinctive styles to choose from the Nissan Roox; the base variant (E & G) offers a simple taste for budget-conscious customers, while the flagship Highway Star variant offers an extreme taste of style just like the Suzuki Palette SW.

On the inside, the Roox has an interior tall enough to fit in four passengers, and it is arrangeable to suit your luggage needs.On the base variant, it offers both bright and dark colors, while the Highway Star variant offers the darkest interior color you will ever see.

Under the hood, the Roox comes with either a 660cc or a 660cc turbo engine (HIghway Star only) that comes with the Suzuki-sourced CVT for improved fuel efficiency. Most Roox variants may come with an optional 4WD for all-round fun on the go.

My thoughts about the Roox:

The Roox name combines the word "room" and "max", which means this kei car has a maximum interior room to fit in because of its tall shape. As an OEM of the Suzuki Palette/Palette SW, the Roox truly stands out the crowd of kei-car fanatics. Its turbo engine makes a cool addition for the Roox.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Renault Clio/Lutecia III Range Phase Two and Clio/Lutecia GT

The Renault Clio (known in Japan as the Lutecia) was known to be a trendy hot hatch in the 21st century since the arrival of its third generation back in 2006. In 2009, the Renault Clio line-up (from the regular, the spacious Estate, and the sporty Renault Sport) received a mid-life minor change for the first time and its minor change welcomes a new addition to the Clio line-up, the Clio GT.



The revised Clio III received Renault's trademark design as seen on the Renault Megane III, distinguished to show its true Renault side from the outside to the inside. The look of the normal Clio seems to be as bland as an old Twingo, while the Clio Estate remains true to its colors. Both the Clio GT and the Renault Sport Clio has testosterones aplenty because of its aggressive design, aggressive performance, and packs a sporty interior suited for the hardcore car enthusiasts.

There are a wide variety of engine options available for the Clio such as the entry-level 1.2L 16-valve engine, 1.6L 16-valve engine, and the RS-only 2.0L 16-valve engine. There is also a wide selection of dCi engines with Renault Eco2, making the Clio a well-balanced eco-compact.

My thoughts about the Clio:
Even without the V6 engine as seen on the second-generation Clio, we still enjoy plenty of fun time at the French streets with the Clio GT and Clio Renault Sport, but for true eco-car enthusiasts, both the regular Clio (in 3-door and 5-door) and the Clio Estate are strong recommendations because of the dCi diesel engines. These different Clio variants does not make any sense at first but as the enjoyment levels up, the Phase Two of the Clio III would be rather be an enjoyable French compact car for those living in Europe. Still, this is a sure thing for car enthusiasts to have fun with the Clio no matter what variant they are.

Gran Turismo Original Sound Collection

Gran Turismo Original Sound Collection


This music CD based on the Gran Turismo PSP game packs with 22 tracks contained on the Gran Turismo PSP game. It might seems to be OK about this CD but this is decent enough to play these in-game BGMs on your next road trip.

Gran Turismo Original Sound Collection makes it a decent addition to your video game soundtrack collection, but it can be a perfect listening choice for GT fans and car enthusiasts alike, to savor the music found after minutes playing the Gran Turismo PSP video game. It seems OK, but whatever. This is somewhat good.

TRACK LISTINGS:

1. Moon Over The Castle (2009 Remix Version)
2. City
3. rainbow 3000
4. close my eyes, eyes, eyes
5. Be lost in a Maze
6. Adrenalin Navigation
7. Windy
8. The Dubless in Tokyo
9. One Blue Spaceshore
10. Summer Searching
11. stepping inside with outside
12. Playing in 4D
13. Under the Huge Misting Tower
14. over the horizon
15. ADDICTED TO THE 303
16. Walking throw Zero-Gravity Lounge
17. Yummy Trip 4:09
18. colorful monochrome
19. Moz
20. planet tension
21. Be My Baby
22. Moon Over The Castle (Orchestra Version)

New MB E-Class



The all new Mercedes-Benz E-Class is now ready to take on other luxury medium sedans with its bold new look, new features, and a host of new engines to choose from. To make things possible, the new E-Class is a sure thing to bring the word "luxury" to a whole new meaning. Take a look at the exterior; it looks more noticing than the previous-generation E-Class, which is in fact the front headlamps look sophisticated than before, the side looks more nicer and the rear is somewhat look like another luxury car you know. These looks can be quite fresh and good enough for the executive to have a modern living. For safety and security, the New E is equipped with all of the features suitable for a luxury car such as the Intelligent Light System, Adaptive Brake system, Night Vision for superior visibility after dark, cruise control, parking system for good parking, lane assist that is effective for corrective lane changing, speed limiter, PRE-SAFE, the latest anti-theft system, and more features long enough to mention the whole humble machine.





The true modern living of the all-new E-Class is the interior. Just notice the ergonomics and the comfort inside. It looks just like the S-Class with the dashboard that is sort of look like the C-Class with some aspects only a true blue “Auto-Enthusiasten” can be fond of. Let’s not forget the audio system; it’s quite good for the executives to listen some orchestra music while driving on the highway.
For those who doesn’t deserve a modern living E-Class can also choose this modern living sports car, The E-Class Coupe. It should be available soon worldwide. The only question regarding the E-Class Coupe is, can this car replace the CLK?





And for those who are looking for some space, the E-Class Estate can be a perfect fit for you too. The E-Class Estate provides sedan-like capabilities with wagon-like spaciousness you can trust.




TECHNICALLY SPEAKING:
This is truly a good modern living executive premium medium sedan that is the target of other luxury medium sedans like the Lexus GS, BMW 5-Series and the Audi A6 while the E-Class Coupe is the betting target of the Audi A5. The E-Class Estate makes perfect enemies with the Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon, Audi A6 Avant, and the BMW 5-Series Estate. No matter how many times you said “Modern Living” a hundred times before, think before you unwind, live, and steer the New E-Class anywhere you go.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Renault Fluence

Back in July 2009, in South Korea, Renault-Samsung Motors unveiled the third-generation SM3. A staunch Renault fan might think where the new-generation SM3 came from did. The true details about the new SM3 became unknown until now, at Renault, the French automaker unveiled the true form, which carries the elements of the Megane hatchback, and it is the replacement of the axed Megane Sedan. Meet the new compact Renault sedan, the Fluence.








Based on the Renault Megane, this new sedan combines the premium feel of the Fluence while preserving the sportiness of a sports car, all in one unique premium package. How to distinguish the Fluence's identity is the exterior itself. By observing the outer view of the Fluence, you can assure it looks like a combination of the Megane and the Laguna, while the flow keeps on going for this French newbie. By using the look and feel of the Fluence, the driver feels like influenced by the Renault design that carried a few years ago. Consider it a premium package for adults, if agreed.

Since its arrival, the Fluence starts with the 1.5-litre DCi common rail turbo diesel engine that delivers 86 to 107PS of power while preserving Euro 4 emission standards. This diesel engine not only provides wonderful fuel efficiency, but also providing hybrid-like attributes to the environment, thanks to Renault's Eco2. As for that, the Fluence comes with either a 5-speed or 6-speed manual transmission, so expect the sluggish things to come for this. But do not forget; anti-lock braking system, electronic stability program, seat belts, side airbags, fog lamps, tire re-inflation kit, spare tire, and Carminat TomTom navigation system covers you most when you need it.





The Fluence's interior provides more room and exceptional comfort for four to five adults. With the leather steering wheel, CD/AM/FM/MP3 player, heated front seats, climate control, rear curtain, optional leather beige upholstery, and glass roof, there is exceptional comfort and luxury unlike any other medium sedans in the market. To shake things up for the car's interior details, it looks the same as the Renault Megane.

ON THE OTHER HAND:
Since the Fluence arrived first at the Korean market as the new Renault Samsung SM3, and made a world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show since September, there is no doubt, how far this new premium compact sedan come first against the competition. This new French sedan really picks up a clean fight to those other compact sedans and on the side note, an electric version of the Fluence might come out sometime to whisk away the hybrid competition.


Source: http://leopauldelr.multiply.com/reviews/item/167