Honda Life Fifth-Generation Minor Facelift

2011 Honda Life

2011 Honda Life Diva

The latest facelift of the fifth-generation JDM Kei Car from Honda, the Life makes it more of a welcome treat to please a bunch of compact lovers from across Japan. Now, only two types of Life, the standard Life and the sporty Life Diva, remained and both gained a new aggressive face. This facelifted Life can be an aggressive Life, but the facelifted Life Diva is the most aggressive Life made because the grille is similar to the Honda RK5/RK6 StepWGN Spada.

The oddity of the recent facelift is the interior. Now, the standard Life is offered with the light beige interior while the Life Diva's interior gets even darker and now armed with the ice blue instrumental cluster. There is no way the enthusiasts' choice was the Life Diva because of its sharp looks.

Also on the oddball side, the engines remain stale, even offered with the 658cc P07A SOHC engine (in Natural Aspiration and Turbo for Diva). They're all armed with the 4-speed automatic transmission, so there's nothing special about the performance.

My thoughts about the Life:
Life's good as we know it. For the Life's latest nip/tuck, everything's remain the same even with the new face, new interior, and something to wish for. Just what happened to the Life Pastel?! Never mind, well the truth is, both the Life and the Life Diva's refreshed to take on the best-selling Suzuki Wagon R and the upcoming fifth-generation Daihatsu Move and Move Custom.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Volt can kill two birds in one stone...in an COTY kind of way...

Chevrolet Volt

While not yet on sale (available only in selected U.S. cities, including Los Angeles), the Chevrolet Volt really "kills two birds in one stone", that is, won two COTY awards. One is from Motor Trend, and another one from Automobile Magazine.

Full scoop:

From Motor Trend:http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/car/1101_2011_motor_trend_car_of_the_year_chevrolet_volt/index.html

From Automobile Magazine: http://www.automobilemag.com/features/awards/1101_2011_automobile_of_the_year_chevrolet_volt/index.html

So much for Chevrolet's full-fledged eco-car. Not yet in selected dealers yet, but the Volt gained a lot of reputation. And yes, Chevy runs deep, just like the new TV ads in celebration of 100 years of Chevrolet next year.

Kudos to General Motors for receiving a lot of praise about Chevrolet's true eco car. And yes, no Chevy Volt for you, Pinoy Chevrolet fans, yet.

What will the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) react about the Chevy Volt? Yes, it is an eco car fit for environmentalists. However there could be an anatomy of a disaster on the Volt if things not met our eco car satisfactory.

The new Swift is 2010-2011 RJC Car of the Year?!

A few weeks earlier, the Honda CR-Z hailed as 2010-2011 Japan Car of the Year. Anyone got the memo?!

Later, in the 2010 RJC (Automotive Researchers' and Journalists' Conference of Japan) Car of the Year, the winner goes to the all-new Suzuki Swift.

Scoop (Japanese only):

http://www.nikkei.com/news/latest/article/g=96958A9C93819696E3E4E296E38DE3E4E3E3E0E2E3E28698E3E2E2E2

Revenge is a dish best served cold. And since the global Suzuki Swift became this year's RJC Car of the Year, maybe this car can do a bragging against its competitors.

I just really hope that this latest Suzuki Swift will arrive in the Philippines next year. If it hits, it will bring the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Getz, and the Kia Picanto a run for their performance.

When safety meets style...

2011 Subaru Legacy B4 EyeSight Sport Selection

2011 Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon EyeSight Sport Selection

2011 Subaru Legacy Outback EyeSight Sport Selection

In November 16, 2010, Fuji Heavy Industries, the mastermind behind Subaru vehicles,just unveiled a special edition Legacy Eyesight Sport Selection series for Japan only. For those Scooby fans who don't know what is EyeSight, then EyeSight is a technology that detects objects while driving. It was been available previously on Japan-spec Legacy and in Exiga last year. In 2nd quarter, 2010, the Eyesight is improved and its equipped with a special braking system and henceforth called "Eyesight Ver. 2", Subaru's take on Volvo's City Safety technology.

Ads showing how Eyesight Ver. 2 works:

See what I mean?

This special edition Legacy variants come with the standard Eyesight Ver. 2, Silver Alcantara and Black Leather seats, and a choice of four exterior colors; Satin White Pearl, Steel Silver Metallic, Graphite Gray Metallic, and Crystal Black Silica.

Full details (Japanese only):

http://www.fhi.co.jp/news/10_10_12/10_11_16.html

We are unclear if MotorImage Pilipinas has to announce if Eyesight will be on Legacy variants, but in the meantime, the Eyesight Ver. 2 is for Japan-spec Legacy variants only.

Spanish in Tongue Tarang Tongue and Melai's tips to escape "usapang lasing"

Earlier in Banana Split Daily Servings, aside from plane jokes, today's Tongue Tarang Tongue showcased crazy sentences offered by a Pinoy (Ryan Bang), a Japanese (Pooh), and now Spanish (John Prats)

Here's the joke:

1) Pinoy: Judy Ann Santos
Spanish: Esperanza

2) Pinoy: Simot ang wallet
Japanese: Wanakopera

3) Pinoy: Baboy
Spanish: Porque

4) Pinoy: Sa akin lahat ang gastos
Japanese: Puro Abono

5) Pinoy: Sikat na sira ulo
Spanish: La Bida Loca

6) Pinoy: Para kang bago ng bago
Japanese: Dikana Nasenai

7) Pinoy: Hubad na babae
Spanish: Por no Mujer

8) Pinoy: Umiyak si Lea Salonga
Japanese: Saigono Iyaki

Also, Melai Cantiveros, everyone's favorite problem solver, is here for some tips for you, drunkards, to escape the usapang lasing on M3: Melai Mo Magwork.

5) Grow beards, and let the beards do the beer drinking

4) Pretend there's a cockroach in a glass of beer

3) Use camouflage to hide your way from the lasenggeros

2) Pretend you're drunk and GO NUTS!

1) Have your clothes stained in blood and tell them you killed the drunk men.

These are the "escape from usapang lasing" tips courtesy from Melai.

How the world's fastest roller coaster feels like...

The Ferrari World theme park in Abu Dhabi, UAE, is just one of the many reasons how car enthusiasts from across the globe want to spend cold hard cash for some treats and surprises. And yes, the world's fastest roller coaster, the Formula Rossa, is the star of the theme park.

Imagine how would you feel in Formula Rossa? Just ask Ferrari F1 racers; Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso.

Massa and Alonso experienced how the Formula Rossa would feel like, and yes, they actually love that ride!

OFWs working in Dubai, best to save up and when its Philippine Summer Time in April and May, bring your family and friends to Ferrari World.

I never though that Dubai packs a lot of surprises.

Skyline

Year: 2010

Filmmaker: Universal Pictures

Cast: Eric Balfour,
Donald Faison,
Scottie Thompson,
Brittany Daniel


Skyline, what is this the Nissan car we love to call it Godzilla, or some skyscrapers we love to see? Nope, not these answers. Skyline is a sci-fi movie that made it more like some alien movies like Alien vs. Predator and Independence Day. This movie highlights on some alien invasion happening in Los Angeles. Aliens want to get some human brains for some life support for other aliens. First off, there was some light coming out, then if a human looks at the light, they will be abducted to death!

First off, Skyline has an eccentric storyline that made sci-fi geeks guessing what just happened, and yes, the storyline is rather ugly to look at it. Humans fighting for survival is somewhat a main theme of this movie, but Skyline has a different point of view.

Geez, hope someone make a better alien invasion movie rather than this, but still Skyline is a fun-to-watch alien invasion movie. As always, better luck next time Strause brothers.

Fly Me To The Moon...The Great American Songbook Volume V

Fly Me To The Moon...The Great American Songbook Volume V

Rod Stewart is back to serenade you with the latest installment of Rod Stewart's Great American Songbook series. The Great American Songbook V features more of Rod Stewart's take on some of the most American classics heard such as Beyond The Sea, Fly Me To The Moon, to Moon River. All 12 tracks are contained in this one-disc wonder just to sure that you can have a relaxing wake-up call to deep slumber with Rod Stewart's serenading voice that leaves you relaxed.

It is a hospitable treat to have Rod Stewart back. The Great American Songbook V is a good disc with all 12 tracks to listen and relax after having your rough work. This disc is great to listen while on heavy traffic or nighttime driving. If I load this CD on a car audio while stuck in night time traffic in EDSA, I can chill out and relax as the Rod Stewart songs come flowing through the airwaves.

A great CD perfect as a pre-Christmas treat or as a good Monito Monita gift for something soothing, and yes, nothing's too soothing than Rod Stewart's voice.

TRACK LISTING:
1. That Old Black Magic
2. Beyond The Sea
3. I've Got You Under My Skin
4. What A Difference A Day Makes
5. I Get A Kick Out Of You
6. I've Got The World On A String
7. Love Me Or Leave Me
8. My Foolish Heart
9. September In The Rain
10. Fly Me To The Moon
11. Sunny Side Of The Street
12. Moon River

Luxe

Aston Martin Rapide Luxe

A more luxurious grade for the Aston Martin's flagship sedan, the Rapide, called the Rapide Luxe... geez, this trim sounds classy.

Scoop:

http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1051522_aston-martin-releases-more-bespoke-rapide-luxe

If this Rapide Luxe is out soon, I bet someone will hop on on the more flagship variant, especially James Bond! ^_^

Eh? Malaysian Lancer EX?!

2011 Proton Inspira

In Malaysia, Proton officially unveiled the Inspira sedan. This is kind of familiar because the Inspira is the OEM of the Mitsubishi Lancer EX (Galant Fortis in Japan).

Scoop:

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/11/11/nation/7407689&sec=nation

Eh? Malaysian version of Mitsubishi Lancer EX/Galant Fortis? This is somewhat eccentric...

2010-2011 Seattle Auto Show

Check out what I dig on this year's Seattle Auto Show at Qwest Field, Seattle, WA!

More: http://cid-0b46bd25635dd203.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=play&resid=B46BD25635DD203!123

http://cid-0b46bd25635dd203.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=play&resid=B46BD25635DD203!241

Melai's tips to save money while on a date...

November 13 episode of Banana Split got us poked with airline jokes, crazed masseur Rizza Masahista (RR Enriquez) warms Jayson Gainza's back with...an iron, Kuya Keem (John Prats) discusses more on soap with Igor (Ryan Bang) invented a micro-scrub, and the Banana Split boys visit some high school for some dances.

On that episode, our favorite solution to our problems, Melai Cantiveros, is here again for some tips on M3: Malapit na ang pasko, I mean, Melai Mo Magwork. In that week's M3, Melai gives us 5 tips to save allowance while we are on a date.

5) Bring her to a restaurant filled with exotic foods. She doesn't like exotic foods such as "nilagang bayawak", "sinigang na buwaya" or "adobong cobra". "I thought you like it..." LOL

4) Ask her if she wants to got to a spa. If she said yes, be the masseur. (Tsansing included) ^_^

3) Ask her to eat at the seafood restaurant, then go to the park for fishing.

2) Go to the theme park but buy only one ticket.

1) Pretend you're health conscious. "Want to go jogging but its still raining?"

These are Melai Cantiveros' top 5 tips to save money while on a date... and that's M3.