Crossovers

Road Test Review – 2022 Toyota Venza Limited – A Reboot That Embraces The Green Side Of Life

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When We last saw the Toyota Venza it was a much different offering. Designed to be a comfortable crossover for empty nesters, the Venza’s sales reflected this with that version performing well below Toyota’s expectations of 75,000 to 100,000 sales per year. However, going full circle can sometimes be a good thing and Toyota is aiming to achieve just that with the 2022 Venza. This iteration of the Venza appears to have alot of the core attributes down, but are they all enough to finally make it a sales winner? Venza Styling Goes In Radical But More Aerodynamic Direction The …

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2022 Toyota Corolla Cross review by Ben Lewis

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This may come as no surprise to you, but the best-selling nameplate in history is Corolla. Yep, Toyota has been making them for over 50 years, and selling them like crazy the whole time. So, with the ever-continuing growth of small SUVs, it seems only natural that the carmaker would combine an SUV with the Corolla name. Welcome to the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross! Stylish but mainstream Two things strike you about the Corolla Cross. First of all, while it is stylish, there is nothing that screams Toyota or Corolla about it. We guess Corolla buyers aren’t the kind to …

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2023 Lotus Eletre Introduces Lotus To The SUV And Electrification

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Lotus has had a rollercoaster history during its long and iconic history. It has experienced periods of prosperity but also periods of struggle and challenges. Lotus is looking to put all of those things in the rearview mirror and has revealed the next chapter of its history, the all-new Lotus Eletre, which brings the brand to the SUV segment for the first time and is also the first relatively mass production Lotus EV offering to go on sale.   Eletre Debuts New Design Language For Lotus The exterior styling of the Eletre may seem like a massive assortment of Evija …

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First Drive – 2023 Mazda CX-50 – Filling A Void In Mazda’s Growing SUV Family

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When Mazda first confirmed that it was expanding its SUV lineup, we were curious to see precisely what Mazda had in mind. The CX-30 was the first in what Mazda called the “CX” family of utilities, with the model not only replacing the axed CX-3 but also proving that the model was more than the sum of its Mazda 3 sourced parts. Naturally, the company is thinking bigger this time around and has revealed the second member of the gap-filling family, the 2023 CX-50. But does it successfully follow up on the solid praise the CX-30 has received? Or is …

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Cadillac Lyriq Orders Begin May 19th, Celstiq To Arrive Next Year

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The Cadillac Lyriq and the Celstiq will be the first two EV models in Cadillac’s EV revolution, but while we have seen our fair share of Lyriqs cruise around Metro Detroit (as well as a recent report that attempted to put a date on the start of production) the Celstiq has remained an elusive ghost and Cadillac didn’t reveal the exact start date of production for the Lyriq. The luxury brand changed that narrative slightly today confirming that not only will the Lyriq start production next week, but that the Celestiq ultra-luxury flagship is on track for its launch next …

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Mazda CX-60 Debuts With PHEV Performance, New Rear Wheel Drive Platform

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It wasn’t too long ago that Mazda teased the CX-60 SUV which is the next strategic piece in the company’s push towards enhancing its presence in the utility vehicle market. With the smaller CX-50 poised to make a splash in the U.S., the CX-60 is looking to achieve the same feat across the pond in European markets.   New CX-60 Platform Embraces Rear Wheel Drive The CX-60 is a bigger SUV offering and that extra size means a new platform with the CX-60 being the first of these new CX models to use an all-new rear-wheel-drive-focused platform. This platform has …

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2023 Cadillac Lyriq To Enter Official Production March 21st According To Report

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When we last saw the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq in person, it was during a visit to GM Tech Center where we were allowed to spend some time with Cadillac engineers and designers learning more about the futuristic CUV. But other than scattered sightings of evaluation mules undergoing shakedown tests on the roads dotting GM Tech Center (a short hop from our office) we haven’t heard much lately. However, a new report appears to put a final date on production with the first models expected to roll out later this month.   Tentative Production Date Sign Of Cadillac’s Scheduling Push Cadillac …

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Jeep Reveals 2022 Cherokee X, Also Announces Pricing Changes For Entire Trim Ladder

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With all the attention and the spotlight focused on the Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, and Wagoneer it can be easy to forget that Jeep also offers the smaller Cherokee and Compass SUVs. While the Compass is off exploring its slice of the beaten path, for now, Jeep revealed some new information on the 2022 Cherokee lineup including revised pricing across the board and an all-new X model.   Cherokee X Serves As New Rugged Value Focused Model Before we get into some of the pricing news that the brand released today, we might as well focus on the all-new X model. …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross – Updates Can’t Mask Middling Performance

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The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a CUV that’s always had some form of an identity crisis. The Eclipse Cross has the exterior styling needed for it to be one of the boldest CUV entries in the market, but suffered from inconsistent presentation, especially with its performance and interior. Mitsubishi has made some updates to help give it a better presentation while also fixing some of the flaws that hobbled older models. But have the changes made the Eclipse Cross better?   A Nip and Tuck Adds Cohesion To Exterior Styling Mitsubishi stylists had alot on their plate when they were …

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Jeep Unveils First EV Model, Will Be Making Appearance Next Year To Take On Segment Benchmarks

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Stellantis promised to make waves when the firm revealed that it intended to launch a full-scale assault on the EV market with an army of BEV offerings. While we have seen a few of these models in concept form, Stellantis kept the production versions of these models largely out of the public eye. That’s starting to change though with the Jeep brand releasing a pair of images of its first production EV SUV.   Aiming For The Compact Segment The SUV in today’s images doesn’t have a name yet, but we can still dissect some of the goals that Jeep …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line – Sporty Styling Hides Conservative Character

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The SUV wars have forced many automakers to rethink and change the way they approach certain segments of the SUV market. That has included Volkswagen which has shifted gears in its attempts to woo customers. It wasn’t too long ago that buyers could purchase a standard Golf hatchback, but the surging popularity of models like the Tiguan and the recently launched Volkswagen Taos forced the Golf to be a Europe only offering with the performance infused GTI and R models being the two sole remaining members of its species. The Tiguan in particular has become a key part of Volkswagen’s …

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Buick Teases EV Crossover, Finally Joins Ultium Parade

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GM’s revolutionary Ultium EV technology is shaping up to be a potent green-inspired powerhouse for the brand’s sales. However, while GMC, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and even the revived Hummer sub-brand have all gotten in on the act, a notable absence has been GM’s entry-level luxury brand Buick with the tri-shield brigade not mentioning anything about their EV offerings. Buick is changing that narrative though and released a teaser to help celebrate GM’s recent pair of Super Bowl ads while also potentially reviving the Electra nameplate.   Buick Promising Design Focused Offering With Electra We’re fans of all @GM EVs, but this …

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Mazda Previews 2023 CX-60 CUV, Will Be Positioned Below Bigger CX Utilities

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Mazda has been on a mission to completely revamp its utility vehicle lineup with the company recently unveiling the CX-50 which is slotted above the CX-30 utility. The company is continuing to try and fill every gap possible in its attempts to maximize profits. While the company is still keeping a couple of them behind a veil of secrecy, Mazda chose to provide a glimpse of the next piece of the puzzle, the CX-60.   CX-60 Is Moving On Up The CX-60 continues Mazda’s push into bigger segment categories and is slotted above the CX-50. The lone image that Mazda …

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Alfa Romeo Finally Reveals 2023 Tonale CUV, Aims To Reinflate Alfa’s Sales Projections

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The Alfa Romeo Tonale has been a long-awaited and quite frankly overdue response to the rapid growth in the CUV segment. Alfa Romeo has long been limited to two models (the Giulia and the Stelvio) with the combined sales total of the two models in the U.S. lagging behind some of its luxury rivals. The Tonale aims to change all that and not only allows the Italian performance brand to offer a smaller utility offering, but also embraces the growing trend towards electrification too.   Tonale Packs Performance In Smaller Package The Tonale share some of its underpinnings with the …

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Maserati Celebrates Racing History With Trio Of MC Edition Models

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Maserati may make the bulk of its sales dollars in the luxury car market these days, but did you know that the Italian luxury brand also has had its fair share of success out on the track? If you didn’t it’s understandable with much of the company’s recent marketing focusing more on the comfort side of the coin versus its racing pedigree. Maserati is out to change that though and has unveiled a new crop of MC Edition models to remind the world of its racing pedigree.   A Trio Of MC Editions For Any Occassion For now, the Maserati …

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Aston Martin Unveils *707 hp DBX707, Mirrors Hellcat In Raw V8 Power

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When we had our opportunity to go behind the wheel of the Aston Martin DBX SUV last year, we were smitten with the 4.0 liter twin-turbocharged V8, and the 541 hp on hand made our tester an enjoyable family hauler to throw around the corners. While this amount of power is already very potent, the British sports car maker knows that a select few crave even more power. The company has answered their demands with the all-new DBX707.   Hellcat Matching Horsepower For The Jet Set When you look over what makes the DBX707 special, a prominent one is the …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Mazda MX-30 – Mazda Enters The EV Wars, Misses The Memo On Range

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When Mazda crafted the MX-30 EV CUV, they wanted to achieve three key things with it. They wanted it to be a potent spearhead for their EV projects, a stylish family commuter, and a testbed to learn from. We recently had a chance to spend time with the MX-30, and while it does have some potential in a few categories, Mazda missed the mark in one essential category, range.   Eye Catching Suit Of Clothes Draws Plenty Of Attention Before we get into some of the other things that make the MX-30 stand out from rivals, we might as well …

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Honda Teases 2023 HR-V SUV, Joins Acura In Sharing Long Term Plans

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The road map to the future is full of twists and turns, and many automakers are preparing for a future where green vehicles are rapidly becoming a vital component of the broader sales sphere. Honda is no exception, and the Japanese auto giant has revealed that it not only plans to roll out a next-generation Honda HR-V SUV but also revealed that plug-in hybrid models are not in the final blueprint for both Honda and luxury brand Acura.   Next Generation HR-V Promises To Be Unique For North America The Honda HR-V has made a splash since it arrived on …

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VinFast Unveils All Electric Lineup, Will Build U.S. Battery Plant

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Vietnam-based VinFast made a splash at CES 2022 when the company not only revealed its full lineup of EV vehicles but also confirmed that it will be building a battery cell plant in the U.S. which will not only help bring new jobs but also allow VinFast to secure a key step in its ongoing efforts towards entering the U.S. market.    A Gasoline Free VinFast A big slice of news that the company revealed right out the gate is that the young company will have a lineup free of gasoline-powered models by the end of the year. VinFast (part …

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Chevrolet Previews Equinox EV, Promises $30k Starting Price

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Amid all the news surrounding the unveiling of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV pickup, GM CEO Mary Barra also confirmed that the company will be releasing an electrified version of both the Chevrolet Blazer and the Equinox EV which will bring Ultium electrification tech to two of Chevrolet’s most popular SUV models.   Equinox EV Goes Bold With Exterior Design While the Blazer EV had stage fright and preferred to keep its exterior design away from the cameras, GM chose to release a few images of the Equinox EV during its virtual CES conference today. The exterior styling here goes …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL – Bigger, Better, Is It Finally Worth It?

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When we last saw the Mitsubishi Outlander, it was a few years ago; it reflected the dire shape that Mitsubishi was in at the time. The company suffered from declining sales and the lingering effects of a fuel economy scandal that revealed that it falsified fuel economy ratings for several of its models. The resulting fallout saw the company enter an alliance with Nissan, which helped it avoid complete collapse. However, it also helped the company revamp its model lineup, and the first to benefit from the part sharing was the all-new 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander. The Outlander was once considered …

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GM Set To Expand Product Portfolio With More EVs, Declines Comment On Deep Sea Nodule Mining

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General Motors is preparing to make waves in the industry when it comes to EV vehicles and some of the finer things that go into them. GM CEO Mary Barra recently took part in an Automotive Press Association event in Detroit where she not only provided a deep dive into some of the company’s long-term plans for the EV segment but also new initiatives that aim to help it become a key player in the segment.   Barra Declines Comment On Whether Company Is Considering Deep Sea Mining A conversation that’s been gaining steam in recent years is the act …

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Hyundai Tucson Next SUV To Get XRT Treatment, Gains Rugged Style

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As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and that’s especially true when it comes to some of the styling packages that Hyundai has cooked up for its SUVs over the past few years. When we last saw the XRT edition, it was being modeled by the Hyundai Santa Fe, and it was meant to help give the large family hauler a more rugged look. Hyundai has decided to spread the love and has given the hot-selling Tucson the XRT treatment for the new model year.   Reading The Same Script If some elements of the Tucson’s …

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2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited Review by Ben Lewis

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The compact SUV segment remains on fire, even if dealers are scrambling to find inventory to sell, and some are packing ridiculous markups on the sticker. And Outside of a few full-size pickup trucks, the number one selling vehicle is the RAV4. So, we know Toyota knows what it’s doing, and it’s also probably in the crosshairs of every other carmaker. We recently tested the new Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 and they all are excellent, and none of them are standing still, with everything from small changes to all-new vehicles being touted in front of buyers to …

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Lexus Teases RZ BEV Crossover, Will Share Platform With Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra

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The Toyota bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra are two pieces of a broader green vehicle puzzle as Toyota aims to expand its green vehicle operations far beyond the existing Prius brand. But Lexus was always conspicuously absent when it came to what they would bring to the table. Lexus has finally raised its voice and has revealed a brief teaser video documenting the RZ BEV, which will help complete a three-piece sales strategy for Toyota.   Angular Styling Will be Built On Familiar Underpinnings The brief video Lexus released didn’t reveal too much of the BEV, with a bright glare …

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2022 Hyundai Kona N Pricing Announced, Will Start At $36,650

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Hyundai promised to keep the upcoming Kona N a juicy value-focused play for CUV buyers looking to add some track-ready capability to their daily commute. We have learned other details surrounding the Kona N but pricing remained an elusive slice of information, until now. Hyundai confirmed final pricing for the 2022 Kona N and it appears that they have kept their promise.   Kona N Firmly In $30,000 Range, Will Be Unique CUV Offering A big selling point of any Kona is the combination of value and features that come packed into it. It appears that the N model follows …

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2022 Cadillac Lyriq Is Moving Ahead Of Schedule, Brand Releases New Test Video

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The Cadillac Lyriq may not get quite as much of the EV spotlight as the GMC Hummer EV pickup and SUV lineup, but the electrified Cadillac will still play a prominent role in the brand’s plans to bring the fight to a growing pool of luxury EV rivals. Cadillac recently gave us the opportunity to have some brief seat time in a late-stage Lyriq prototype last summer, and we came away impressed with some of its interior features and the Ultium battery technology. It has been a while since we have heard any new Lyriq news, but the brand has …

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BMW x5 45e

2021 BMW X5 45e Review

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The Plug In Hybrid X5 The X5 has been a big hit worldwide since its inception and now the plug in hybrid BMW X5 45e is adding another aspect to the lineup. Outside To the untrained eye, there isn’t much to obviously set the X5 45e apart from the rest of the X5 lineup.  Up front the kidney grille is just as large and in your face as on other X5’s. The lower bumper opening is also oversized with additional large vents on the outside edges. Everything about the front end is big. Newer to the US market are the …

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Mullen Five EV SUV

Mullen Unveils Mullen Five EV CUV, 325 Mile Range And 3.2 0 to 60 Time Could Create Potent Combination

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Amid all the debuts that occurred at the 2021 L.A. Auto Show, There are still some eager upstart firms seeking to make a name for themselves in the broader electric vehicle segment. One of these firms is Mullen, with the Southern California company using the 2021 L.A. Auto Show to introduce the all-new Mullen Five EV crossover.   Big Numbers And Value Pricing, Can They Pull It Off? Like a few other newcomers in the EV segment, Mullen is playing the tried and true tune of promising big performance that can be had at a value price. In this case, …

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Toyota Shows Off U.S. Bound 2023 bZ4X EV, Will Be First Of New Beyond Zero Model Family

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Toyota is banking big on its all-new “Beyond Zero” EV vehicles which will eventually play a prominent role in the company’s green vehicle business. For now, we finally get to see what U.S. customers can come to expect with the U.S. version of the Toyota bZ4x.   Third Time’s The Charm For bZ4X Unlike other new models which use an auto show to make their grand entrance, this is actually the third time that we have seen the bZ4x with this U.S. model being preceded by the original concept as well as its Japanese cousin which will incorporate a unique …

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2023 Nissan Ariya To Have $47,950 Base MSRP, Nissan To Release Other Aryia Flavors Later

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When it comes to the Nissan Ariya EV, it may seem like the journey from concept to production reality has been one filled with many twists and turns (as well as a few COVID-19 related potholes along the way.) At last, the journey is now over, with Nissan not only revealing final U.S. pricing for the Ariya but also opening up reservations for the new model too.   Nissan Following GM Playbook In Regards To Ariya Ordering Look at the Ariya’s launch plans, and it appears that Nissan is borrowing a page or two from GM’s approach to things. GM …

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2022 Nissan Rogue Packs Turbo Power, Adds Updates For New Model Year

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The Nissan Rogue recently received a radical refresh for the 2021 model year that saw many aspects of the popular SUV benefit from some much-welcomed attention. But while the bulk of the SUV won praise, the carryover 2.5 liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder had about as much oomph as a bag of moldy cheese and was not a Rouge strong suit. Nissan is out to change that though introducing an all-new turbocharged model into the Rogue lineup.   Smaller Is Indeed Better At first glance, it might be hard to see where Nissan is going here with the new 1.5-liter three-cylinder …

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2023 Mazda CX-50 Marks Key Step For Company, Brings Standard All-Wheel Drive And Will Incorporate Hybrid Variant

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When Mazda announced that it was going to double down on the utility market, we were intrigued. The Japanese auto giant was already in the midst of a shift towards utilities. Still, it had a lot of ground to make up in the face of rivals that already had a sizable headstart in prepping for the strong demand in utility models. One of the cogs of this broader sales machine is the CX series, and Mazda has now given us our first glimpse of what one would look like with the unveiling of the all-new 2023 Mazda CX-50.   CX-50 …

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Aston Martin DBX Debuts Straight Six Engine, Will Be Chinese Exclusive

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When we last drove the Aston Martin DBX, we fell in love with the delightful noises that emanated from its twin-turbocharged V8 and the way it managed to blur the line between a sports car and a sports utility vehicle when it came to going through the motions. However, we were curious to see how the DBX would accommodate smaller engines especially considering the company’s strong partnership with Mercedes-Benz. The world got a glimpse of this future today with the all-new DBX straight-six model.   Fewer Cylinders Means More DBX Fuel Economy Before we get into the details surrounding this …

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Subaru Solterra EV SUV Revealed Ahead Of L.A., Goes Beyond Badge Engineering

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Subaru has spent the past few months slowly teasing the all-new Solterra EV, the first all-electric offering that the company has produced while also solidifying its partnership with Toyota. The Solterra is making its debut at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show, and the company has decided to release a few more photos of the EV ahead of its debut under the lights in L.A.   Toyota DNA Is Evident But Solterra Has Subaru Charm Too When you first look at the Solterra, its uncanny resemblance to the Toyota bZ4x is evident when you look at its exterior styling. While …

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2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid EX review by Ben Lewis

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If we say large Kia SUV, what do you say? You’d probably say “Telluride”.  And we can’t blame you, the rugged 3-row SUV has been a huge hit, and right now, many are commanding impressive amounts above sticker on the showroom floor. But there’s another 3-row Kia that should be on your radar as well – the all-new 2021 Kia Sorento. Does the Telly’s little brother live up to the family image? Let’s look. Bold Style This is the 4th generation Sorento, and like the Telluride and Carnival minivan, it is modern, crisp, and sporty. Designed by Kia’s California design …

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Genesis Confirms GV60 Reveal, Will Unveil Bespoke EV On September 29th

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The Genesis GV60 has led a mysterious existence up till now. First appearing as a concept, the GV60 merged controversial styling elements with the E-GMP platform that also sees duty in the Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6. However, Genesis chose to keep many of the technical aspects of the GV60 close to the vest. However, a new teaser video that the Korean luxury brand released earlier today sheds some new light on the production version of the GV60 concept and confirms that it will be making its debut on September 29th.   GV60 Set To Make Its Mark On …

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2021 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro review by Ben Lewis

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We recently tested the all-new VW ID.4 EV and loved a lot about it. But there’s part of us that still loves the sound and feel of a good old gas engine. Is there a best of both world’s vehicle? Well, we just tested the Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid to find out if we can have our EV thrills and conventional engine cake all in one bite. Let’s look. Fresh Face For 2021 Audi has freshened the looks of what was already a handsome SUV. Up front, you’ll see the octagonal Singleframe grille is thinner and wider, with taller side …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Hyundai Venue Denim – As Capable And Value Filled As A Pair Of Slick Jeans

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The sport utility market seems to be at its breaking point when it comes to the sheer number of offerings that are available in the market today. From big to small, it’s apparent that the world’s automakers are trying to fill every possible niche in the battle for SUV dominance. The Hyundai Venue is one of those that are trying to make its mark in the compact SUV segment. But does the Venue still have what it takes to bring it to competitors looking to trounce it on value? And why does our tester look like a pair of blue …

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Ford Brings Green To Crimefighting With Creation Of Mach-E GT Police Interceptor Concept, Will Enter MSP Trials

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Fighting crime is tricky for many police departments, and it’s natural to assume that electrification and green motoring might not fit into the script at first glance. However, while the bulk of the spotlight is focused on creating EV entries for the civilian market, Ford wanted to cover all angles and unveiled an all-new Mach-E Police Interceptor, which will be spending some time with the Michigan State Police Department.   Mustang Mach-E Will Have Very Formidable Shoes To Fill The latest Mach-E Police Interceptor concept will have two sets of shoes to fill if it gets full approval for police …

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2021 VW ID.4 PRO S review by Ben Lewis

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We really admire VW. After the Dieselgate trauma, the brand was really on the ropes, especially here in the U.S. We wouldn’t have been surprised if the German brand would have pulled out of the US market. But they didn’t. Instead, the fixed what was wrong with the Diesels, and started building exciting new models, like the all-new GTI and the Jetta GLI. VW also threw itself into being one of the leaders in EV tech. The first offering we saw was the E-Golf that we really enjoyed, but like many other carmakers, it was taking an existing vehicle and …

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Mazda Unveils Updated 2022 CX-5, Tweaked Styling Promises To Elevate Elegance And Sportiness

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The Mazda CX-5 is one of the few in the utility vehicle segment that has managed to nail the perfect balance of sport-inspired performance and value-focused luxury that can actually blur the line between mainstream and luxury when equipped properly. But even the ultimate jack of all trades needs to be refreshed once in a while, and the company has unveiled the updated 2022 CX-5, which follows closely on the heels of its recently unveiled Chinese market cousin.   Subtle Evolution Focuses On The Essentials The exterior styling of the 2022 CX-5 shares a lot of its basic traits with …

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Toyota Announces Official 2022 Corolla Cross Pricing, Sales Start In October

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The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross was initially an international market-only model, but the Japanese car giant unveiled the U.S. spec version of the model back in June. We had some questions about where the Corolla Cross would fit in the company’s utility lineup. Still, the Japanese auto giant has dropped a hint with Toyota reps revealing the official pricing ladder for the Corolla Cross before it goes on sale in October.   Value-Conscious And Proud Of It The Corolla Cross helps Toyota fill a budget-sized void in its crossover lineup. Base models start at $23,410 when you include the $1,215 …

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Cadillac Aims Higher With 2023 Cadillac Lyriq, Musical Moniker Is More Than A Gimmick

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When Cadillac unveiled the 2023 Lyriq EV SUV, it promised that the model would elevate the levels of luxury that a Cadilac model could provide while also serving as an elegant example of its Ultium technology in action. The Lyriq certainly appears to have the goods to pull it off and it even looks elegant in pictures, but how does it measure up in the real world? Cadillac invited us to GM Tech Center to spend some time with the Lyriq in-person to see some of its inner workings in person.   Near Production Exterior Radiates With Lighting, State Of …

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2021 Honda CR-V 1.5T AWD Touring review by Ben Lewis

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Sometimes you wonder about something that’s a best-seller. Are they really good, and everybody knows about it? Like all those Marvel movies. Or maybe they’re just cheap and convenient. Like convenience store coffee from the pot that’s been there since the Clinton administration. So, here we have the 2021 Honda CR-V, Honda’s best-selling vehicle, and one of the best-selling vehicles of any kind. But what do those numbers really mean? Is this a superhero you can cheer for, or a nasty cup of joe that’s going to take a whole lot of sweeteners to get down? Let’s look. Clean and …

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Whoops, Subaru Canada Unveils Beefier Forester Wilderness Model Early

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The Subaru Forester has managed to carve a very compelling niche for itself in the utility vehicle market. With a combination of quality, capability, and in recent years, standard equipment, the Forester has always risen to the occasion time and time again. But there’s always room for growth, and thanks to an ill-timed reveal by Subaru of Canada, we now get to see that the Forester will be the latest Subaru model to earn the Wilderness badge for the new model year.   Forester Bulks Up In Wilderness Trim While Subaru’s plans for an epic surprise rapidly turned into dust …

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Subaru Teases 2023 Solterra EV, Latest Fruit Of Partnership With Toyota

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The Toyota bZ4x teased a glimpse into what an electrified future could look like at Toyota. It would come with a very odd moniker and also bring some slick green vehicle technology to green vehicle buyers. With the Japanese auto giant’s partnership with Subaru going well, it should come as no shock to hear that Subaru will be getting a version of their own. It lurked in the shadows for a while, but Subaru finally released the first teaser images of the upcoming Solterra EV SUV.   Exterior Styling Is 100% Subaru. Before we dive deep into what makes the …

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2022 Kia Niro Hybrid Gets Revamped Badge, Tweaked Pricing Ladder

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As a wise man once said, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” It appears that the folks at Kia took this lesson to heart when it came to the 2022 Kia Niro and as a result, it appears to be fundamentally unchanged from the outgoing model. However, look closer and you’ll see that Kia made some minor revisions to the Niro which allow it to march in unison with the rest of the updated Kia lineup.   New Badging Is Sole Update In 2022 Niro When we said minor revisions, we’re not kidding in that regards with Kia designers …

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Hyundai Releases 2022 Kona Pricing, Base Model Starts At $23,375

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Hyundai promised bigger and better things from the 2022 Hyundai Kona when the Korean car giant first unveiled it some time ago. We got to see all the changes that Hyundai made to the exterior and the interior of the revamped compact CUV while also learning that a fire-breathing Kona N would also be joining the family for performance-seeking buyers (this author included.) But amid all the extra horsepower and technology, Hyundai forgot to disclose just how much of your hard-earned money would be needed to add a Kona to your garage? The wait is over on that, with Hyundai …

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2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Review by Ben Lewis

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We’ve been looking forward to the review of the Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo for some time. As part of the Mazda 3 chassis family, we’ve enjoyed the Mazda 3 Sedan and Mazda 3 hatchback immensely. And when Mazda started squeezing the 250-horsepower 2.5-liter, turbo 4-cylinder in these models (as well as the CX-5), we have hoped for a thrill machine like the old MazdaSpeed 3. Close, but no cigar. While the turbo motor does make these mounts quite quick, it seems that Mazda was leaning much more towards sophistication. Nice cars. But they didn’t get your blood up. Well, we …

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Mazda Releases Official MX-3 Pricing, Confirms Owners Can Borrow Other Mazdas

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This year has been a very interesting one in terms of new vehicle launches. While the Ford Bronco hogged the spotlight in regards to its own developmental journey, the Mazda MX-30 has had an interesting story of its own that has taken place in the limelight. First making its original debut in 2019, the MX-30 has undergone its fair share of changes to help it make the transition into formal production and Mazda has now announced the final pricing ladder for production versions.   California Exclusive MX-30 Comes With Value Focused Pricing And Perks The MX-30 will come in two …

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Ford Goes Sub-Zero With Mustang and Mach-E Ice White Edition Packages

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We’ll admit we felt like we were being transported to our local bar trivia game when Ford reps played the final hype music for the unveiling of the Ice White Edition Package for both the Mustang and Mach-E EV CUV. Our host sometimes plays music clues to slyly provide a free answer to trivia players (assuming that they can catch on to the song lyrics.) In this case, Vanilla Ice’s Ice Ice Baby played proudly through the speakers before switching to another song about ice. At this point, we suspected ice was somehow involved, and our suspicions were proven correct …

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2022 Infiniti QX55 Review

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QX55: Beauty and the CVT? All new for 2022 is the QX55 from Infiniti and what a looker it is! Infiniti has done an excellent job in the design of the QX55, making it stand out from the competition. Exterior From any angle the QX55 looks beautiful. The design has flowing curves and sharp creases. The LED headlights, bulging hood, large grill, front splitter, we could go on, all combine and work together to complete eye catching design. From the front the grill is the most prominent feature immediately drawing the eye to the giant Infiniti logo in the center. …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Lexus NX 300h Black Line Edition – A Sporty Send Off Before The Next Gen Arrives

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Lexus is preparing a new iteration of the urban-centric NX CUV, but before that model arrives, the Japanese luxury giant has unleashed one last sporty surprise into the marketplace with the 2021 NX 300h Black Line Edition. Black Line Edition models blend sporty styling cues with an interior that puts distinction and refinement in the driver’s seat. The RX Black Line Edition has been a success for Lexus so far, but can some of this sales magic translate into a smaller CUV?   Black Line Edition Adds Depth To NX Range That depth starts on the exterior of the NX, …

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Kia Catches A Wave With Soul EV Boardmasters Edition, One-Off To Headline British Surfing Event

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Remember back when dune buggies and other beach-focused rides dominated the coastlines and beaches of the world? While the 1960s may be long gone, Kia wanted to try and channel some of these vibes into a vehicle that could not only be at home on the beach but also have the ability to plug in and charge. I thas done so with the Soul Boardmasters Edition, which will help organizers of the 2021 Boardmasters surfing competition in Cornwall, England. Suspension Lift Enhances Soul Concept’s Off-Road Capability An immediate change that buyers will notice when they look at the concept is …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited – Radical Refresh Puts Tucson In Step With The Times

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When Hyundai revealed plans to radically update the Tucson, they had a hefty order on their hands. The Tucson is one of the most popular SUVs that the company sells, and Hyundai engineers knew that they couldn’t drop the ball when designing this latest chapter of the SUV. But does this futuristic SUV finally take the Tucson name into more premium territory? Or is it still a step short in accomplishing all of its objectives?   Futuristic Styling Pushes Tuscon’s Modern Design Into The Spotlight To find out, Hyundai allowed us to spend a few days with the Tucson, and …

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Kicks by lake

2021 Nissan Kicks SR Review

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2021 Nissan Kicks SR Review Nissan has updated the Kicks with new styling outside, some improved surfaces inside, and standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Underneath, it remains largely the same as the 2020 model. Exterior On the outside the Kicks gives the appearance of a vehicle that would be used for outdoor activities. The slightly higher ride height and roof rails with cross members let people know that it wants to go exploring with some kayaks or bikes up on top. Being designed for a younger crowd the Kicks comes in vibrant and eye-catching colors. Our tester was adorned …

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Lexus RX To Receive Black Line Edition Model For 2022, Will Join RXL In Offering Sporty Styling Package

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When Lexus first revealed that the RX lineup was to receive the Black Line Edition treatment, the package was originally limited to the RXL extended-wheelbase model, which is the company’s half-baked attempt at creating a three passenger CUV for minimal investment. That announcement left us wondering about the standard RX and whether the Black Line would migrate to that variant of RX? Lexus revealed that it’s bringing things full circle and will introduce the Black Line Edition to those models for 2022.   Darkened Styling Adds Substance To RX’s Styling This version follows the path set by other models equipped …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Buick Envision Avenir – Envisioning Higher Sales For Buick

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In a segment where Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz are the undisputed kings of the segment, the 2021 Buick Envision Avenir lies in a very interesting place in the pecking order. On the one hand, it’s expected to compete with these makes, but at the same time, it also has to appeal to a wider pool of mainstream luxury SUV buyers. That’s an unenviable position for any model, but Buick is confident that it can maximize Envision’s potential with buyers. The first generation model scratched the surface, but it lacked some of the precision needed to make the Envision a proper …

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2021 Chevy Blazer RS Review

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2021 Chevy Blazer RS While not much has changed for 2021 on the Blazer vs the 2020 there is one major difference. The Blazer Premier no longer has the dual clutch rear differential, leaving the RS as the only Blazer equipped with this feature. Exterior Many are lamenting that the new Blazer isn’t anything like the K5 Blazer of yesteryear. However, if you think of it more as the S10 Blazer it’s not as hard of a pill to swallow. While the Blazer is attractive overall, the RS trim adds many appearance features for a sportier, more athletic look. In particular …

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2022 Jeep Compass Gains Tech And Poise In Windy City Debut

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The 2022 Jeep Compass might have made its debut all the way back in 2020, but the U.S. market has an insatiable appetite for CUVs, and Jeep knows that it has to stay ahead of the game when it comes to winning over buyers in this country. As such, it has chosen to bring the updated model stateside finally, and it appears that Jeep could be onto something here.    Jeep’s Compass Points More Confidently With New Exterior Styling  Buyers looking to spot any differences in the 2022 Jeep Compass will be forgiven if they can’t really tell it apart …

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First Look – 2022 BMW i4 and 2022 BMW iX – These Are The Electric BMWs To Watch For

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BMW is typically known for having a lineup of vehicles that try to be the “Ultimate Driving Machine” for consumers. But did you know that the company is also trying to create the Ultimate Green Machine? While the BMW i8 and the i3 were glimpses into the novel engineering techniques that the company was capable of in this segment, they were crude, and the pair were sales flops to boot. This time though, BMW is taking a more dedicated approach to creating an electric vehicle and recently unveiled a small glimpse of the future with the 2022 BMW i4 and …

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Mysterious Chrysler Concept Shows That Brand IS Far From Dead, Could Hint At New Direction

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Stellantis’s EV Day has been a literal treasure trove of information concerning Stellantis’s EV moves moving forward. There are plenty of teasers, and we are still processing it all, but an early surprise for us is that there could indeed be a future for the Chrysler brand, with the company rolling out an all-electric Chrysler badged concept during a portion of its presentation.   Chrysler Concept Signals New Life For Troubled Brand Before the appearance of this latest concept, Chrysler was in proverbial and perhaps literal limbo. Once a strong cog in the broader sales machine long before Stellantis was …

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Hyundai Promises A Track Focused Surprise, What Could It Be? The Elantra N?

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Hyundai is promising a big surprise on July 14th with the company releasing a brief teaser video that draws us to the fabled Nurburgring race track in Germany. The company might not be ready to reveal the full details just yet, but it appears that the Kona N and the recently teased Elantra N are involved.    What We Know So Far, Will We See The Elantra N? Hyundai’s teaser video does not reveal too much, with the bulk of the video featuring a computer-generated pen vigorously drawing the fore-mentioned track on a sheet of paper. After the pen performs …

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Maserati Shuffles Trim Lineup For 2022, Adds GT And Modena Models

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Maserati‘s three-model lineup is soldiering on for 2022. Still, the Italian luxury carmaker chose to go in a unique direction for its updates this time around and has actually done some quick housecleaning to simplify the trim ladder for buyers, with the GT and Modena trims being added into the mix for the new model year.   So What’s Being Replaced? In this instance, the outgoing GranLusso and GranSport monikers were a prominent part of the brand’s identity for the past few years. In theory, they were supposed to project a higher identity in the minds of buyers, but they …

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Infiniti Reveals Shapely 2022 QX60, Vastly Improved Inside And Out

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When we last checked in on the 2022 Infiniti QX60, it first appeared as a thinly veiled concept that made its virtual debut last September. The concept looked very slick, but it did not do too much to answer our questions about what the production version would bring to the table. Fast forward to today, and we finally get to see the revamped 2022 QX60, which aims to re-establish itself in the luxury SUV ranks.   Show Car Styling Mixes With Pure Functionality Unsurprisingly, the 2022 QX60 SUV retains much of its show car personality, which is good news for …

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2022 Subaru Forester Goes To The Gym, Debuts Chiseled New Styling In Japan Home Market

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First launched back in 2018, the fight generation Subaru Forester was designed to help the hot-selling utility catch up to the times in terms of styling and technology. The Forester is a hot selling model for the Japanese automaker and has become a must-have transportation tool for many families. But it never hurts to stay fresh, and the company has unveiled the refreshed 2022 Forester in Japan.   Fine Tuning The Forester Essentials Compared to some of the other updates that we have seen with some of its rivals, the Forester’s suite of changes is relatively minor. The front fascia …

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2022 Lexus NX Goes For Maximum Styling, Debuts New 450h+ Model

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The Lexus NX is the Japanese luxury brand’s entry for city-dwelling millennials and Gen Z buyers looking for a utility that not only delivers the goods in terms of luxury appointments but is also compact enough to zip its way through city streets. While the NX proved to be popular with buyers, Lexus admitted that the outgoing model wasn’t perfect and has attempted to fix all of its shortcomings with the 2022 NX.   Slicker Styling Aims To Turn More Heads And Project A Sportier Image The exterior styling of the outgoing NX was, for better or for worse, a …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo – Cute Ute Gains New Muscle For The New Model Year

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When we first sampled the Mazda CX-30, it certainly came with a lot of promise and helped fill a void in Mazda‘s lineup. The one key problem was that the CX-30 lacked raw power, with the wheezy engine being a notable detriment to the CX-30. But Mazda isn’t one to rest on their laurels and wanted to give the 2021 CX-30 Turbo the chance to live up to the Japanese automaker’s legendary reputation for performance. It intends to do this by giving it a turbocharged alternative to its naturally aspirated ways, but is more boost the answer to its lagging …

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Dodge Reconsidering Hornet Nameplate? New Rumors Suggest It’s Happening

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It has been a very long time since we heard anything about the Dodge Hornet. The Hornet concept first appeared in 2006, with the euro chic concept dusting off the moniker from the ashes of the long-defunct AMC corporation. But factors beyond the company’s control delayed a production model before it was ultimately scrubbed. But is it coming back after all? A new batch of rumors suggests that’s indeed the case.   Same Name, Different Outcome? If the basic idea of the concept has been revived according to rumors published by the Italian website Passione Auto Italiane, the Hornet will …

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2022 Buick Enclave Brings New Styling, Enhanced Standard Equipment To Buyers

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When we last met the 2022 Buick Enclave, it was back in January when the brand slipped two photos of it to the assembled press during a broader event starring the smaller Buick Envision. The duet of pictures highlighted revamped exterior styling but did little to answer our questions surrounding the new interior. Nevertheless, Buick has lifted the veil of secrecy and has shed new light on what consumers can expect from Buick’s rebooted flagship.   Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Beholder One of the most significant changes that the Enclave received for 2022 is all-new exterior styling. …

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Toyota Shows Off bZ4x Concept, Will Spawn New Model Family When It Goes On Sale

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With all the buzz that Toyota generated from their marathon unveiling today, we saved the best for last. The company provided U.S. customers their first glimpse of the bZ4x concept while also confirming that the model will head to dealer showrooms in 2022.   bZ4x Signals Expansion Of Toyota EV Strategy Ok, we’ll admit, the bZ4x moniker is a mouthful of a word to pronounce, but we do like what we see when it comes to the concept itself. The exterior styling is futuristic but without going too overboard in its attempts to draw attention. The front fascia lacks a …

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Toyota Expands Its CUV Footprint With 2022 Corolla Cross, Could It Be The End Of The CH-R?

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Toyota‘s CH-R CUV has had a rather rocky sales career, with this last remaining relic of Scion being eclipsed by some of its rivals. However, it would seem that Toyota is out to change the narrative and has unveiled the 2022 Corolla Cross, which will be coming to the U.S. for the first time.   Familiar Name Crosses The Pond While this is the first time U.S. buyers have laid their eyes on the Corolla Cross, the model has been an international exclusive for a while now, with the model debuting back in 2020. Like its global cousins, the U.S. …

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2021 MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 Review by Ben Lewis

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There have always been a percentage of people out there who love the MINI Cooper’s bulldog looks, cheeky attitude and British persona (although BMW has owned them since 2003)  but just found the diminutive hatch a little too small. And MINI has been busy bringing in a variety of models, including the Clubman – longer and wider – and the Countryman – taller and wider. We’ve always liked the Countryman, it adds just enough usability to function like a small SUV, but still has that MINI charm. MINI points out that it’s the first model with an exterior length of …

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Mazda Cleans House, Discontinues Mazda 6 and CX-3 In The U.S. After 2021

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Rumors have swirled around the water cooler at Mazda for a while now. Still, the company has finally confirmed what many long suspected, and that’s the discontinuation of the Mazda6 sedan and the CX CUV in the U.S. after the 2021 model year concludes.   Responding To The Winds Of Change While Mazda stated in its press release that “It’s proud of the performance, design, quality, and safety they contributed” to the company as a whole, the firm is making its decision to align itself with current consumer demand. In the case of the Mazda6, it will be another casualty …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Aston Martin DBX – One Small Step For SUVs, One Giant Leap For Aston?

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The allure of SUV sales is a potent perfume, and it’s slowly drawing in more companies. This includes those that might have otherwise been known for producing purely car-based lineups. Bentley, Lamborghini, and even Rolls Royce have all thrown their collective hats in the ring, eager to seize a slice of this new frontier for themselves. Aston Martin might have been a bit late to the party, but it intends to place its battle flag on the segment with the 2021 Aston Martin DBX. But can the DBX stem the sales decay that once defined the brand while also putting …

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Performance For The Whole Family, Hyundai Unveils 2022 Kona N, Promises To Take Fun To The N’th Degree

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When we first had the chance to sample the Veloster N, we fell in love with its simple mixture of performance, style, and value. However, we will admit that a spunky three-door hatchback is not the most practical choice in the world for many performance buyers. Hyundai understands this and has formally unveiled the 2022 Kona N, which aims to shock the system in the CUV market.   Taking Performance To The N’th Degree To say that the Kona N is a disruptor in the segment will be a very massive understatement, with the Kona N perhaps being one of …

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Cadillac Unveils Production 2023 Lyriq, Keeps Show Car Flair And Technology

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When we got our first glimpse at the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq, it was a pure concept, and Cadillac representatives made it clear that there was still work that needed to be done to make it production-ready. The exterior styling was obviously focused on drawing stares, and the lack of side mirrors would have certainly drawn the attention of the nearest NHTSA official. But after a short wait, Cadillac has finally unveiled the production version, which retains a lot of the show car mystique but with some minor changes to help the formula work better.   Lyriq Exterior Styling Still Looks …

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Hyundai Teases Kona N, Confirms More Will Be Revealed April 27th

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Long teased and the subject of numerous rumors around the world, Hyundai revealed that it plans to pull the cover off of the 2022 Kona N on April 27th with the Kona’s appearance also serving as a launching point for some of the sub-brand’s other upcoming models too as it looks to become a legit competition to the likes of the M, and AMG models.   2022 Kona N Promises To Be A Potent Hauler Before we pull out the crystal ball on N’s other models we might as well focus on the present and talk about the 2022 Kona …

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Mazda MX-30 Makes U.S. Debut, Will Go On Sale In California This Fall

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Electrification is rapidly becoming a crucial technology in the automotive industry, with more companies offering EV vehicles. Mazda was a notable exception, with the firm preferring to focus on traditional ICE vehicles. But that’s now beginning to change with the arrival of the MX-30. The MX-30 is Mazda’s first foray into the electrified CUV market and originally made its appearance in the international market. But the 2022 MX-30 is now ready for its U.S. debut, and it aims to change the way consumers think about electrified CUVs.   MX-30 Design Packs Several Surprises For the moment, the MX-30 will only …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium – What’s In A Name?

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When Ford first announced that it was creating an electrified version of the Ford Mustang, the world held its breath, waiting to see what Ford had up its sleeve. What ensued was perhaps one of the most controversial and yet hotly-anticipated unveilings ever, with the 2021 Mach-E appearing as a futuristic all-electric CUV. This, in turn, started a fierce debate over whether it could indeed be considered a true Mustang and whether the Mach-E was riding on the credibility of a legendary muscle car to achieve its aims. The Mach-E’s stay here in the office proved to be a very …

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2021 Dodge Durango Hellcat Review by Matt Barnes

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2021 Dodge Durango Hellcat Adding the Hellcat Durango to the list in Dodge’s 700+ horsepower stable, and dropping the Journey and Grand Caravan, Dodge now offers a hellcat in all of their current production vehicles. Exterior The exterior of the Hellcat Durango, as with the SRT, is subdued yet powerful. The hood contains two functional vents and a hood scoop. The bumper is more aggressive than the standard Durango, and a little lower. From the side the Hellcat Durango is very similar to other Durangos. However, there is a noticeable bulge in the hood, the splitter on the front bumper …

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Kia Debuts All New EV6, First E-GMP Model For Company Shows New Styling Language

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Back in 2007, Kia introduced what would ultimately become its signature design, the tiger-nose grille. The new front grille allowed Kia models equipped with it to look more assertive than their frumpy predecessors, and it also played a key role in catapulting Kia to its current levels of success. But after 13 years of loyal service, the Korean car brand is looking towards the future and will be moving on from this iconic design, with the all-new EV6 serving as a glimpse into what this new identity will look like.   Kia’s EV6 Moves Brand Into New Territory As mentioned, …

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2021 Toyota Rav4 Prime XSE AWD Video Review by Matt Barnes

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2021 Rav4 Prime Overview The Rav4 Prime is Toyota’s plug in hybrid version of the Rav4. It has the most horsepower and torque and is the quickest Rav4 we’ve tested. Our test model was a Rav4 Prime XSE AWD. The base price is $41,425, but our tester was nicely equipped with premium audio ($1,650), Weather Package (375), Special Color ($425), Premium Package ($3,765), and a few other minor things totaling $731. Throw in the $1,120 destination charge and the total MSRP of our tester was $49,461. The Rav4 Prime has impressive driving chacteristics and is fun to drive. We enjoyed …

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Chevrolet Adds Magic To Bolt Lineup for 2022, Unveils All New Bolt EUV and Updated Bolt EV

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It’s no secret that General Motors is committed to an all-electric future. The company fired the first big salvo when the Hummer EV made its virtual debut. The Hummer was just the beginning of GM’s Ultium battery-powered endeavor, with the Cadillac Lyriq and Celestiq also teased. However, the company knows that it needs to have offerings at the lower end of the pricing bracket to bring in more customers. That’s where the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV and the redesigned Bolt EV models come into play. No Ultium Here But Still Plenty To See Before we go any further, we might …

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Road Test Review – 2020 Hyundai Kona EV – Can Old Man Winter Damper This Electrified CUV?

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The change of the seasons can be a make or break time for certain automobiles. In the case of EVs, this dilemma plays out when it comes to battery capacity, with the extreme heat of summer and winter’s icy cold grip having their respective effects on battery charge and driving range. When we last met the Hyundai Kona EV in Michigan, it was during the fall of 2018, with the state experiencing summer-like weather. Hyundai also limited our brief exposure to the area near its Hyundai America Technical Center (HATCI), which kept us from exploring the EVs day to day …

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2022 Tucson N Line

Hyundai Brings N Line Package To 2022 Tucson N Line, Sporty Style Blends With Practicality

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Sportiness and SUVs can be two words that many people will not necessarily see co-existing together. But as the utility world continues to rapidly evolve and morph into a vital artery of sales for automakers, we have noticed a trend towards adding some spice to their utility offerings especially to draw in male buyers that might otherwise stay away from them. Hyundai is determined to get its N Line package on solid footing, and has unveiled the second iteration of the package on the 2022 Tucson N Line.   Tucson N Line Puts On Quite A Show Like other N-Line …

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Buick Officially Launches 2021 Buick Envision, Will Launch Ad Campaign This Spring

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The 2021 Buick Envision first made its appearance back in 2020 and while the brand was willing to share some information about the model, we were still left in the dark on some of the more detailed aspects that made this iteration of Envision stand out from its predecessors. Buick has ended this drought of information and has officially launched the 2021 Envision with the model trickling its way into dealer showrooms now. Revamped Styling Pumps Vigor Into Envision When the Buick Envision first appeared it was often described as a model that looked handsome but lacked the visual spark …

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2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV Teases Rear Styling In New Video, Confirms Reveal Date [Video]

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When we last saw the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, it was its steering wheel which confirmed that the electrified CUV would be the first Chevy to bring Super Cruise technology to the brand. We have been waiting for more information to emerge since, and Chevrolet has delivered the goods (kinda) with an all new teaser video that shows the rear end and also confirms the final reveal date. Disney Magic To Underline Bolt EUV’s Debut When the Bolt EUV makes its debut on February 14th it will do so with the help of Mickey Donald, Goofy, and the rest of …

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Bolt EUV

Chevrolet Bolt EUV Teased With New Image and Video, Will Make Its Debut Later This Summer

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In addition to the waves Cadillac made with the first teaser video and images of its Celestiq flagship sedan, Chevrolet was also out to stake its claim in the EV utility wars with the brand sharing the first image of its Bolt EUV to the assembled digital crowds at CES. The EUV version of the Bolt aims to expand the Bolt lineup and give buyers a utility focused alternative to the standard Bolt.   Bolt EUV Cruising To The Future With Super Cruise Unlike the festivities surrounding the Celestiq, the folks at Chevrolet kept the bulk of their cards closely …

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2021 Chevy Trailblazer Video Reviews By Matt Barnes

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Chevy re-released the Trailblazer as a 2021 model year crossover. It is available with a pair of 3-cylinder turbo power plants, and has optional AWD. Our test model was a 2021 Trailblazer AWD Activ model. The new Trailblazer is a much smaller package than the previous generation which was a body on frame SUV. Becoming a small crossover with a unibody frame has completely changed the Trailblazer from what it used to be. It now handles fairly well and has a very stiff chassis. The engines are all new for this year first debuting in the Buick Encore GX. The …

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Lexus swings for the fences with the 2020 Lexus UX 250h hybrid, comes up short

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It’s no secret that Lexus practically invented the luxury SUV category when it first debuted the RX a few decades ago. The RX was a hit and it rode a proverbial sales rocket towards the top of the segment. Despite some recent challenges by a few rivals, Lexus is clearly trying to replicate the success of that model. It’s doing so by introducing a diverse range of smaller crossover models but can models like the 2020 UX 250h hybrid bring some much needed to the lineup? Or is it a noteworthy dead end? Controversial styling reigns supreme on UX The …

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Remember when Audi found its step? What happened to the 2000 Steppenwolf Concept?

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It’s not too often that automaker manages to find its figurative step when it comes to designing a concept car for the masses. But Audi managed to take things in an interesting direction when the new millennium arrived on the scene. The company that was typically known for making well buttoned luxury cars was keenly aware that not only were SUVs important, but that the very definition of what an SUV should be was also rapidly changing. Perhaps sensing that the wheels of change were grinding into motion, Audi commissioned the Steppenwolf concept car which aimed to answer what would …

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2021 Subaru Crosstrek 2.5L Limited by Ben Lewis

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It’s hard not to like the Subaru Crosstrek – it’s a great looking small crossover, based on the equally likeable Subaru Impreza and it combines a nice compact size with good off-road abilities, and most of the friendly traits that make Subaru an agreeable brand. It has been hard to love the Crosstrek, though. It’s always felt a little underpowered, and the lack of power seemed to highlight the CVT transmission in a negative light. In short, a good vehicle looking for a better engine. Well, Subie heard our wishes, and for 2021, a more powerful 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder replaces the …

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2020 Mazda CX-30 Off-Road Drive Review By Matt Barnes

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Mazda is unique in the automotive world, as it doesn’t report to a parent company. Mazda has a proven record of making reliable and fun to drive vehicles. They have once again delivered with the all new CX-30. Exterior From the outside the CX-30 looks very similar to the Mazda 3 hatchback. Upon closer inspection it becomes clearer that these two are quite different. The CX-30 is about 5-inches taller than the 3 with an additional 2.5-inches of ground clearance. Interestingly enough the CX-30 is also shorter than the 3 by 2.5-inches and has a 3-inch shorter wheelbase. The exterior …

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2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport aims to appeal to a wider spectrum of buyers, can it succeed?

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The Volkswagen Atlas is a solid three row contender in the SUV segment. But while the Atlas is a solid workhorse for growing families, the big VW is not exactly known for its athletic charm. Volkswagen aims to solve all that with the all new Atlas Cross Sport. But does the Cross Sport succeed in adding more excitement to the Atlas? Or is it a dead end? Sloping roofline and revised looks add some needed edge to Cross Sport At its core, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is pretty much what you expect it to be, which is to …

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Buick grows Encore range with larger Encore GX, can it fill sales niches for luxury brand?

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Buick is now an all SUV brand. With the demise of the Regal and the slow selling Cascada convertible, the venerable luxury marque has now betted all of its chips on SUV and CUV models. A key part of this strategy is to do what rivals are doing, and try to find new niches or holes in the lineup to fill. In this instance, Buick had an opportunity to fill a hole in between the smaller Encore and the Envision models with the all new Encore GX. This model promises more luxury, capability, and the compact size that buyers still …

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Volkswagen doubles down on CUVS with 2022 Taos, fills void in the process

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The SUV segment is a rapidly changing place, and when you have a void in your lineup, it can be quite noticeable. That was the predicament that Volkswagen was facing with the firm having a noticeable hole below its volume focused Tiguan SUV. With subcompact CUVs proving to be a very reliable honey hole for consumers, Volkswagen had to act quickly, and it has chosen to do so with the 2022 Volkswagen Taos. The Taos aims to bring instant success to Volkswagen, but can it fill the shoes left by the Golf?   Shrunken Tiguan wrapper creates distinctive look: The …

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Is it possible to lose one’s self for progress? We check out the 2020 BMW X6 xDrive40i

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When BMW first unleashed the X6 SAV onto the world, it was a game changer. Not only was it a design focused departure from its cousin the X5, but it could also perhaps be considered the ancestor to the coupe style SUVS that have since rapidly proliferated in the marketplace in the years since. But as is the case with everything up for sale, the occasional update is needed to keep the design fresh, and the finer details sharpened enough to draw in more consumers. But can the 2020 X6 still wow observers the same way it did when it …

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