Driving in the open road, the Nissan Murano 2012 comes with a sleek aerodynamic exterior and a platinum interior that brings style, comfort, class, and a driving experience that you will definitely remember. This past week was a busy time of deadlines, meetings, and social events and the Murano was the destination agent in charge.

What’s good in the Hood?

When it comes to a crossover vehicle such as the Murano, it’s all about what’s underneath the hood because that determines the power and stability of your car. The 3.5 liter V6 engine has 260 horsepower with 240 lbs. of torque. With a full tank of gas, it can take you 475 miles at 24 mpg on the highway. Most Polynesians have last minute road trips to funerals or family functions that they need to attend so the Murano is perfect because you’ve got an engineered crossover vehicle ready to go. Having an all-wheel-drive whip that can adjust to weather and road conditions is important to the urban island consumer.

Interior

Sometimes when you have a busy schedule, you don’t realize what your interior features of your vehicle have to offer. The Nissan Murano leather interior design with cherry wood accents make you feel like you’re in a 4-star hotel. The platinum package comes fully loaded with LCD DVD monitors built in to the head rests with wireless headsets. You’ve got an infotainment screen system that satisfies all of your entertainment and car information needs. The Murano simply has it all from navigation to satellite radio, climate control adjustments to keep you warm or cool, and Bluetooth capabilities that you can sync your iPhone or Android to, play music, or answer your incoming calls.

Attending a family birthday party this past weekend, the 60/40 rear seat split allowed drinks, desserts, and two boxes of taro to load in the extra cargo space. Upon arrival to the party, the power liftgate of the trunk made it very easy to unload and keep the Murano clean from relatives with greasy barbecue hands. Once the party was done, I opened the dual moonroof cover so that the full moon can shine through the nice interior.

Exterior

The 2012 exterior of the Murano is nice from the top to the bottom. You have all season tires with aluminum alloy wheels and HID (High Intensity Discharge) lights shining on the open road making it clear for any driver to see what’s in front of them. The aerodynamic style of the Murano is great because it’s not big and bulky like previous models which makes it easier to drive on a windy day. What the average urban island consumer doesn’t recognize is that because of the body style, the Murano cuts through the wind creating a less bumpy ride, which doesn’t suck up a lot of gas and power, making it a perfectly engineered crossover vehicle.

Starting at just $29,540, you can enjoy a 5-star vehicle that understands and is in tuned to the driver’s comfort needs and the road ahead of them. Polynesians in ancient times where known for their astronomical navigation out at sea. Their canoes were engineered in a way where it was sleek and fast on water and can glide on top of the coral reefs to pick up speed. Today, you’ve got the Nissan automotive engineers carefully crafting and creating a crossover vehicle with a dual moonroof to see the sunrise and sunset that can cut the winds and adjust to the road and weather conditions. Nothing feels better than to know that the Murano can navigate you safely to your destination, and that’s WhatItDo!

For more information on the Nissan Murano, you can visit their official website.

Review by: Elizabeth Lavulo

Urban Island Song Choice for the Nissan Murano – Mary Mac ft. Pound Game Rock Wit Me

Growing up in the San Francisco Bay area, I was raised in a large family with plenty of cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents and parents. Going to family birthday parties, weddings and funerals always involved traveling in a relative’s mini-van. Urban islanders love mini-van vehicles because there is always a lot of room to load fine tapa mats, hot coolers of food, as well as family members. This year the Volkswagen Routan 2012 kicks off the new year with many features that bring back childhood memories but there are many reasons why consumers should look into the Routan today.

What’s good in the hood?

Underneath the hood it features a 3.6L V6 engine with 283 hp and 260 lbs/ft of torque making you feel like you’re driving a luxury sedan rather than a mini-van. With that kind of power, if you ever need to tow something, it’s a plus to know that you can haul 3,600 lbs with the Routan. The engineering behind this Volkswagen model gives it great gas consumption at 17mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Interior

When you enter inside the mini-van, your first impression is that it feels like a luxury car on the inside and drives just like a Volkswagen would without you realizing that you’re in a mini-van. Features include 3-zone climate controls which allow those in the front, mid-section, and the back to all have access to controlling the temperature wherever they are seated. The leather interior throughout the Routan is a nice touch and the technology that is laced throughout this ride makes it a premium mini-van. You’ve got your touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and Bluetooth ready to be paired with your smartphone. There are also two LCD screens in the mid section as well as the back seats so that everyone enjoys watching movies. On long trips that involve a lot of traffic, kids will love watching their favorite movies with the Bluetooth wireless headsets.

Dropping off relatives to the LAX airport is always an experience if they are traveling back to the islands. Polynesians like to pack the maximum number of checked bags allowed per person to the maximum weight limit allowed which is 50 lbs per bag. The great thing about the Routan is that there is an automatic trunk liftgate which opens with a single press on your key chain. There are rear seat control buttons that fold the backseats all the way down allowing a lot of space to fit up to six large suitcases. The fact that the Routan can take a huge load makes those who don’t want to pack light or leave anything behind very happy.

Exterior

We Polynesians love to celebrate numerous occasions from holidays to family and special events, and the best part of after these celebrations is taking the delicious food home. Some of the best features of the Routan on the exterior are the automated side doors, trunk liftgate, and roof rails. When it’s time to pick up family after an event or party, they want to be able to load their food trays from the feast to take home and that’s where the trunk liftgate and side doors that open automatically make it very easy to load up the Routan. Backing out of the parking lot, you always have kids running around and playing so the rear back-up camera helps avoid any kind of harm or danger and is more of a preventative mechanism that helps make your driving experience a lot safer. German engineering and technology in the Volkswagen brand has always been ranked at the top of its class when it comes to safety. The Routan was named the top safety pick of 2012 reassuring urban islanders that it has come on top once again.

Because it’s a people’s car, the Routan’s MSRP starts at $27,020. The way it drives on the road is strong and smooth. You feel safe on the inside and the interior amenities from entertainment to the sound acoustics adds comfort for an enjoyable ride. Most urban islanders are always running around from one family function to another. They are very much a part of the social calender. Whether it’s for a happy or sad occasion, duties are fulfilled and cultural protocols are followed. Polynesian gifts and foods always accompany the family to these occasions so Polynesians can utilize every feature of the Routan and for multiple purposes.

For more information on the Volkswagen Routan, please visit their official website.

Review by: Elizabeth Lavulo

*Urban Island Song choice for the Volkswagen Routan 2012 – Simple Love Song by Anuhea

Hitting the automotive scene hard with fresh new styles and concepts in a competitive market is the automaker Volkswagen. The translation of the word Volkswagen is “the people’s car.” Over the years, the Volkswagen brand has always been known for their German technology, engineering, and most of all, reliability. But to some consumers, it has come off as being too expensive and overpriced than most automakers who are dominating the market. To the average Urban Island consumer, we don’t know much about the brand. So why, then, would it be a vehicle of interest to us? This past weekend, we tested out the Volkswagen Passat 2012. It was a treat and it’s time to put you up on game on why it’s a fly vehicle.

Why a Volkswagen Passat?

Driving up to the Santa Clarita valley was easy on the roads. You can feel the smoothness of the Passat on the freeway. It gets 31 mpg in the city and 43 on the highway. That means that on the freeway when you want to take a roadtrip because a relative is getting married in another state, this is a great whip to consider because the mileage on a full tank will range close to 800 miles. It’s cost effective and the leader in leg room in its class. Many Polynesians are generally tall in stature and are solid people, so it’s important to always look at the leg room and how much space you have inside that can offer a comfortable ride. Winning the award for having the most back seat leg room is what Volkswagen has carefully thought out and executed for their consumers. This 2.5L engine was built by drivers for drivers. Understanding that is easy to relate too, because once again, it’s a people car.

What’s good on the inside?

Germans are known for being leaders in automotive engineering for obvious reasons. The interior of the Passat has precise craftsmanship. From the wood trimming to the metallic lining, the aesthetics are very clean and not so aerodynamically busy. The navigation system keeps you informed on the road when you’re about to turn. The Fender audio system keeps your music lit and live all the time. Listening to the sounds of Urban Island Reggae sensation Fiji is definitely a plus because you can hear the instruments of the drum beats, trumpets, and acoustics clear through the sound system like a live performance.

Is it safe when you’re on the go?

Polynesians take pride in their families and their extracurricular activities whether it’s attending a Saturday rugby tournament or dropping off their children at the Nonosina Tahitian dance studio. It’s busy and hectic and safety is what parents want to be reassured about. From being awarded the 2011 Top Safety Pick of the Year, the Passat includes tire pressure monitoring system, a crash-optimized front end, and an intelligent crash response system to ensure the quality of safety while driving. Because it’s a vehicle built for the people, the Passat is a first-class safety car hands down.

Bringing their manufacturing factory to the U.S., Volkswagen has built their vehicles in Chattanooga, Tennessee. What’s hot about that is that it becomes affordable to the average consumer making the Passat very competitively priced starting at $19,995. For a whip that’s got the best engineering, first-class safety, leg room and space that Polynesians can appreciate, and gas consumption that can take you for a long distance drive, the Passat is a car that is the high chief in its class. The Passat is more than just a people’s car, it’s a people’s champ and precision on wheels, and that’s WhatItDo!

For more information on the Volkswagen Passat, please visit their official website.

Review by: Elizabeth Lavulo

*Urban Island Song Choice for the Volkswagen Passat 2012 – Fiji Featuring Peetah Morgan Rock & Come In
*Photos courtesy of Volkswagen
*YouTube video courtesy of jaycen29

The week of Thanksgiving was a busy time of family get-togethers, family dinners, music events, and weddings, and to top of the week, the Mazda3 5-Door was the means of transportation that was put to the test to see if it can do WhatItDo and be able to handle my holiday schedule.

The Mazda3 comes equipped with a 2.5L DOHC(Dual Overhead Cam) Engine which gives pure efficient power and 155 horsepower with 148 lbs of torque. The MPG (miles per gallon) is 22 city/29 hwy. In the Mazda3 specifications it reads: ”Seating from up to 5-adults in uncompromised comfort and style.” Well if you know anything about Polynesians and their size, you’ll know that being comfortable in any vehicle is often a challenge for us. Though the comfort level in the Mazda3 may not be ideal for us Polynesians, the leather interior and LCD full-color navigation screen make for a smooth ride. We Polynesians love music second only to food and the 265-watt Bose Audio system bumping with Urban Island sounds of SpawnBreezie makes for an awesome ride.

The fifth door of the Mazda3 hatchback enabled me to put down the backseat which had a 60/40 split and take out the removable cargo cover, which allowed a lot of room for belongings (especially those coveted customary Polynesian keepsakes that take up so much space to store). Another great thing about the Mazda3 is that there is a lot of head room in the back of the hatchback. The seat warmers are a comfortable luxury that feels good and are perfect during any cold season.

Being on the go and attending countless family and entertainment events is what we Polynesians really enjoy but it also makes for a great need for directions. Punching the address into the navigation system took me right to all the places I needed to be during Thanksgiving with no problems. And even though it was foggy, I wasn’t too worried because the halogen fog lights handled their business at night and led the way on the road for me. Listening to the Bose CenterPoint audio system which has 10 speakers laced throughout the whip was great and when the music wasn’t playing, having the Bluetooth technology of syncing your smart phone to the Mazda3 was incredible. The sound is clear when a phone call comes in which makes for easy conversing while driving (and you know how we Polynesians love to converse).

Although the Mazda3 was a little on the compact side of comfort for me and my family, it was great on gas, the Bose CenterPoint sound system was on point, and the interior and exterior features made it an overall nice drive. So, if you’re looking to buy a new whip that gives you enough room to run your kids to their after-school activities but also gives you enough storage space to lug around their sports equipment and show costumes, then, the Mazda3 is definitely WhatItDo for you!

*MSRP starts at $18,950

For more information on the Mazda3 5-Door, you can visit their official website.

Review by: Elizabeth Lavulo
*YouTube video courtesy of joyq17

This year’s LA Auto Show kicked off strong with automakers showcasing their 2012 and concept vehicles during their press conferences. Having attended the auto show for the past 6 years, the trend of vehicles being conceptualized and designed have been centered more on economically and environmentally conscious style cars from hybrids to electric vehicles to moderate/low gas consumption and more competitive pricing. So, we were able to catch up with some of the hottest automakers such as Volkswagen, Dodge, and Nissan to hear what they had to say. Host Jordan Havili met with some of the representatives of the car brands to share with us why they’re hot and the many features that are included in the new models which makes their product lines unique and competitive.

What does that mean to the average urban island consumer? Well, there’s more vehicles out there that are designed for our needs from people in Hawaii to those of us on the mainland and getting hip with the vehicles and understanding what will work for us is really WhatItDo. I invite all you urban island consumers out there to pay attention to the reasons why these cars are WhatItDo.

-Article Written by: Elizabeth Lavulo

Nintendo CEO Reginald Fils-Aime and West Coast Customs founder and owner Ryan Friedlinghaus unveiled their joint collaboration in creating a real-life Mario Kart and showcased it for the first time at the LA Auto Show 2011. In 1992, Nintendo released their very first Mario Brothers Kart game and since then have sold over 80 million copies to date. So, Nintendo has been putting consumers behind the wheels for nearly two decades. Fils-Aime states, ”Consumers today are all about customization and wanting to create a vehicle that suits them.” Well, Mario Kart 3 does just that and on Dec. 4, it will be available in stores across the country.

This was the first time Nintendo has ever appeared at any auto show and with the release of the new Mario Kart 7 video game, the LA Auto Show was the perfect platform to promote the new video game and this new venture. West Coast Customs is known for taking an ordinary vehicle that’s running on it’s last legs and re-creating and re-designing a whole new style to the vehicle. In this case, they brought the digital world of Mario’s Kart 7 to life and the WhatItDo was in the building to bring it to you. In the actual video game, you can design your own kart before you begin to race it and host Jordan Havili got to test it out and catch up with representatives of Nintendo and West Coast Customs to see what they had to say.

The LA Auto Show this year has kicked off with a bang and the media attention that this event has stirred is unbelievable! It has been packed and intense. As media journalists from all over the world gather together at each manufacturer’s section to witness the unveiling of over 50 vehicles being introduced to the consumer market in the coming year, it is apparent that the current state of the economy has its effects but the wheels keep rolling.

Impressive car manufacturers that lead in sales are Hyundai and Kia and their press conferences were over-the-top as their executives spoke with confidence when they introduced their car lines for 2012. Not to mention, the big three from Detroit, MI such as GM, Chrysler, and Ford were also in attendance, and they all showcased a product line that keeps each of them strong and competitive. Each automaker has brought their A-game to the table with their interior and exterior features including engines that are fuel efficient and environmentally savvy.

Tomorrow (Thursday, Nov. 17) will be a unique and interesting day when Nintendo shows their presence by unveiling a unique project that they have collaborated on with West Coast Customs. Integrating gaming with a “pimped out” vehicle should definitely bring many inquiring eyes to their press conference. This is the first time Nintendo will participate in an auto show to unveil their new “galactic” concept and that is definitely worth checking out to see WhatItDo!

-Article Written by: Elizabeth Lavulo

LA Auto ShowNov. 18th-27th 2011

The Los Angeles Auto Show will surpass 50 vehicle debuts when it opens Nov. 16 & 17 for press and Nov. 18-27 for the public. As a bright spot in the overall economy, the auto industry continues its momentum at the L.A. Show, highlighted by more than 22 manufacturer press conferences. It will be clear that automakers have invested significantly to deliver vehicles consumers want, featuring an unprecedented number of technological advancements, improved performance and design, all while decreasing carbon emissions. In addition to the 1,000 new vehicles at the show, a significant number of manufacturers have upgraded exhibit spaces and added enhanced features with more interactive content and experiences. There will also be more than a half-dozen test drives that put consumers in the seats and on the streets in some new vehicles on select days.

Notable this year will be a significant increase in fuel efficiency across the board in all categories. Nearly 20 highly-efficient, 40-mpg-plus vehicles, using internal combustion engines, such as the world debut of the Chevrolet Spark, will be at the Show. A renaissance is underway for the four-cylinder engine, which in an era of rising gas prices and concern for fuel economy has become a powerplant of choice for many automakers. Completely reengineered to deliver the power and torque normally associated with larger displacement engines, four cylinder designs are not just powering compacts, but finding their way into multiple platforms. Most notably, the hotly contested small crossover segment will feature two head-to-head competitive world debuts-the Ford Escape and Honda CRV. Mazda also has a new entry in this category with the North American debut of its all-new CX-5 crossover.

Underscoring that many solutions exist for reducing carbon emissions, a whole pack of electric vehicles are in or entering production and will be highlighted at the show, including Mitsubishi’s all-electric i, the Ford Focus Electric, BMW’s i3 Concept, CODA’s Sedan, Nissan’s LEAF and an import from Croatia, the DOK-ING XD. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids continue to grow and highlights at the show include the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, the new Honda Civic Hybrid and the updated Honda Insight Hybrid. BMW will also have its groundbreaking, i8 plug-in hybrid sports coupe concept.

More than half of the 50 L.A. Show debuts fall in the performance and luxury vehicle category like the Audi R8 GT Spyder, Porsche 911 and Jaguar C-X16 sports car concept. Bentley is returning to Los Angeles this year, premiering the marque’s 2012 Continental GTC ultra-luxury convertible. The show will also feature the BMW M5, the fifth-generation edition of the sports sedan, now powered by a 4.4 liter, turbocharged, V8 engine; the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster, an open-top power statement with a 563-horsepower, 6.2-liter engine producing 479 lb-ft of torque; and what GM is calling the world’s most powerful production convertible, the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, boasting 580 hp produced by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8. The AMG Roadster and Camaro convertible are just two of at least a half dozen convertibles debuting at the show.

The performance and luxury category is also noteworthy this year for being a showcase for new entries into the segment, including Hyundai’s continued push upward with the premiere of the 2012 Azera, as well as the U.S. debut of entirely new manufacturers, like the Mastretta MXT from Mexico. And, showing performance attributes are crossing traditional lines, the Fiat 500 Abarth demonstrates the further evolution of the once-overlooked compact category. A modified, 135-horsepower version of the recently reborn Fiat 500, the 500 Abarth, will join other “super” compact debuts including the Ford Fiesta ST and the Mazda3 SKYACTIV.

High-tech systems have become one of the most important features of the car itself. New technology to look for at the show includes advanced applications of Bluetooth, radar sensors,embedded telephony and cloud computing. In use, these high-tech systems give drivers hands-free access to personal data, communications, audio entertainment, social networking and advanced safety measures previously unimaginable. New technology developments unveiled at the show are expected from Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Volkswagen and others.

For more information on the LA Auto Show, check out their official website and/or follow them on Twitter or Facebook.

Press Release provided by:Jessica Schmidt / Rogers Ruder Finn
*article photos courtesy of Rogers Ruder Finn

Road Condition ReadyMitsubishi Outlander GT 2011

When it comes to SUVs, the Mitsubishi Outlander GT 2011 is definitely a sports utility vehicle that people need to get in the know with. Getting into the Outlander, you feel ready to drive whether there’s rain or shine. With all of the amazing features that this vehicle has to offer, it was built for the toughest roads and hardest conditions that mother nature can throw at it. With that being said, let’s get right into the performance quality and features of the Outlander and why this vehicle is WhatItDo.

Why drive the Mitsubishi Outlander GT 2011?

There are several reasons why it’s a must-drive. The miles per gallon is 23 in the city and 28 on the highway and with today’s economy, people are conscious of gas consumption now more than ever before. Besides, the engine, horsepower, and gas consumption is the Idle Neutral Logic feature. This performance feature applies whenever you come to a stop light, stop sign, or stand still; it automatically shifts the Outlander to neutral which saves on gas. This reminds me of technology used in hybrid vehicles in which the hybrid switches from gas to electric during stop and go traffic. The difference between the two is the price tag. Mitsubishi gives you “smart” technology features without having to pay an arm and a leg for it. I’m a driver that enjoys manual shifting and with the magnesium paddle shifters, I can switch from automatic to manual shifting and get into the “open road” pleasure of recreational driving and enjoy that thrill for speed.

The last feature that makes the Outlander a must-drive is the S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) System, Mitsubishi’s most advanced technology which integrates the standard all wheel control with a dynamic front differential. What that means is that the torque and brake system is adjusted in each wheel which gives it better stability and control on the open road.

What’s good in the hood?

The engine in the Outlander GT is a 3.0-Liter SOHC V6 MIVEC engine and the power behind the engine is 230-horsepower. The engine was built from a light-weight aluminum material which decreases the weight and increases fuel economy.

How’s the interior?

With the all-leather interior, sun-roof, and Fuse hands-free link, the interior gets me excited to step into the Outlander, buckle-up, and get moving. The steering wheel is laced with audio, Bluetooth, and cruise control features all at the convenience of your fingertips so that you can keep your hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road at all times. Rockford Fosgate is Mitsubishi’s choice of sound system bump with a 10” sub-woofer in the back. With the infotainment touch screen, you can access navigation, Bluetooth features, Sirius Satellite radio, AM/FM radio, and CD/DVD and MP3 players. The Outlander comes fully laced with six airbags on the inside to keep you safe at all times and seats up to seven passengers comfortably.

All in all the Mitsubishi Outlander GT 2011 is a vehicle for those of you who need a little more space and who love a great engine under the hood that can take you places that most vehicles can’t. This SUV is built for any weather condition but has a luxury-car feel on the inside. It may seem like a foreign concept to combine sport with luxury but that’s what the Mitsubishi Outlander is all about and that’s WhatItDo!

Review By: Elizabeth Lavulo
photo courtesy of autocarpedia.com

@Ms_AJHollywoodKia Optima EX 2011

Can you blend a hot product with a hot host? We can and you’ll have to check out how host Adriana Davalos tells us Whatitdo with the Kia Optima EX 2011!

The Whatitdo is keeping it fresh daily and this time here is our urban consumer review on the Optima! Optimum Packages come when you step things up and that’s what we’ve done with our reviews!

*photo courtesy of http://www.netguruonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/2011-Kia-Optima-LX-AT-41.jpg