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The 22nd annual Best Resale Value Awards winners were just revealed by Kelley Blue Book. The top ten vehicles, brands, and categories that are anticipated to hold their value over the first five years of ownership are honoured with these honours.

Toyota triumphed once more this year, taking home the Best Resale Value Brand title for the ninth time. The carmaker had previously taken home the trophy in 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023.

In the luxury brand category, Lexus celebrated its third straight victory in 2024, as well as its fifth overall. The Honda Civic has the best resale value among small cars, with other car models performing admirably as well. The Honda Accord excels in the midsize vehicle class, while the Ford Bronco is the best off-road SUV. The Chevrolet Corvette is unquestionably the greatest sports vehicle in the class, but the Subaru Crosstrek is a standout option for those looking for a smaller SUV.

Other standout models are the Toyota Sienna in the minivan class, the Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Sequoia at the top of the midsize and full-size SUV classes, and the Honda CR-V in the compact SUV segment.

With the IS in small cars, the ES in midsize cars, the UX in subcompact SUVs, the LS in full-size cars, the NX in compact SUVs, and the RX in midsize SUVs, Lexus leads the luxury automobile market. For hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles (HEV/PHEV), the Toyota Prius is the best option; for electric vehicles, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 is the best automobile. Mercedes-Benz excels in both the luxury and electric vehicle markets, with the EQS ranking as the top luxury EV and the G-Class being the greatest full-size SUV in the former.

In terms of pickup trucks, the compact, midsize, and full-size classes are occupied by the Ford Maverick, Toyota Tacoma, and Toyota Tundra, respectively. Regarding electric vehicles, the Ford F-150 Lightning is the best electric truck, the Cadillac Lyriq is the best premium electric SUV, and the Rivian R1S is the best electric SUV.

Favourite models including the Chevrolet Corvette, Toyota 4Runner, Ford Bronco, Toyota GR Supra, and others are included in the top 10 cars for resale value in 2024, demonstrating a wide variety of automobiles that maintain their worth over time.

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Entertainment

Maria Williams

Creativity is paramount to compete, but in beauty competitions there are many working parts in the background. Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes? How does the International Beauty Industry Awards (the IBI Awards) distinguish the crème de la crème of beauty artisans from around the world? Let’s take a close-up look at the meticulous process that determines the winners of this prestigious global competition.

A Judging Council of Industry Experts

At the heart of the IBI Awards’ selection process is the Independent Judging Council. Composed of esteemed professionals from the beauty industry, this council brings decades of industry experience and discernment to the table. From accomplished hairstylists to renowned makeup artists, the judges are carefully selected to ensure a diverse panel that can appreciate and evaluate entries across various categories.

Anonymous Evaluation for Fairness

One of the standout features of the IBI Awards is the commitment to fairness. To create a level playing field, judging occurs anonymously. The Independent Judging Council assesses entries without access to identifying information, ensuring that the evaluation is solely based on the merit of the work. This anonymity helps eliminate any potential biases, ensuring that the focus remains on the artistry and skill of the beauty artisans.

Criteria For Excellence

The judging criteria for the IBI Awards are comprehensive, reflecting the multifaceted nature of beauty artistry. The four key criteria include:

1. Visual Success: Judges evaluate how visually striking and appealing the entry is, considering factors like composition, color harmony, and overall aesthetic impact.

  • 2. Technical Execution: This criterion assesses the technical proficiency of the beauty artisan. From precision in hairstyling to mastery in makeup application, judges look for a high level of skill and expertise.
  • 3. Creativity & Concept: Beauty is an art form, and the IBI Awards recognize and celebrate creativity. The judges evaluate the originality of the concept and the innovative approach taken by the beauty artisan.

4. Overall Impression: Beyond the specifics, judges consider the overall impression left by the entry. Does it evoke emotion? Does it tell a story? The holistic impact of the work plays a crucial role in the selection process.

Transparency and Independence

What sets the IBI Awards apart is not just the glitz and glam but the underlying principles of transparency and independence. Free from sponsors or brand influence, the awards remain true to their commitment to honoring beauty artisans for their talent and artistry. This independence ensures that the recognition bestowed upon winners is a genuine celebration of their skill and creativity.

The Prestigious IBI Award Statuette

For those who emerge victorious in their respective categories, the ultimate prize is the coveted IBI Award Statuette. Crafted with precision by experts behind iconic awards like the Golden Globes and Emmys, this statuette is a symbol of excellence in beauty artistry. What makes it even more special is its design, which transcends gender or origin, embodying the IBI Awards’ commitment to inclusivity.

A Celebration of Global Talent

The International Beauty Industry Awards‘ meticulous selection process ensures that the winners are not just beauty artisans but true artists whose work transcends boundaries. From the judging council of industry experts to the anonymous evaluation process, every step is taken to shine a spotlight on the best in the beauty industry. As we get a close-up view of this selection process, it becomes clear that the IBI Awards are not just a competition; they are a celebration of global talent, a recognition of the artists who paint the canvas of beauty with their creativity and skill.

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In anticipation of the release of the eagerly awaited next generation Swift hatchback, Maruti Suzuki is getting ready. According to recent speculations, the car might be introduced in India in the upcoming two months. Numerous adjustments have been made to the popular hatchback’s exterior as well as interior.

After making its debut at the Japan Mobility Show in 2023, this updated Swift model was later introduced in that country. The vehicle being tested has been spotted numerous times in India. Leaks indicate that 2024 Swift production will get underway in the upcoming weeks. With a few minor changes, the Indian version of the automobile is anticipated to resemble the Japanese model.

The forthcoming Swift’s exterior has undergone a thorough redesign. The automobile now has new LED daytime running lights in the headlamps and a reworked grille with a honeycomb mesh motif. Redesigned bonnet, revised fog lamp housings, modified front and rear bumpers, and brand-new diamond alloy wheels all go well with these modifications.

When viewed from the back, not much has changed. There have been updates to the bumper, tailboard and taillights on the back. The new Swift’s width and height have decreased by 30 and 40 mm, respectively, while its length has grown by 30 mm.

The back door handles’ new location is one obvious modification. The handles are once again in their customary location; they were previously on the C-pillar. New colour schemes, an integrated spoiler, and a high-mounted stop lamp are also anticipated, all of which will increase the car’s sportiness.

The new Swift has a totally different interior. The next car will have a considerably more upscale interior with a tonne of new amenities. The primary feature is a floating 9-inch touch screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The semi-digital instrument cluster, dual-tone dashboard, steering-mounted control, automatic climate control, and leather-wrapped steering wheel are further amenities. Given Maruti’s recent emphasis on safety, it is anticipated that the top variant of the car will include six airbags. A number of premium features that may not be available in the Indian version of the car are included in the global version.

The current 1.2L K series engine will be replaced under the hood by a new 1.2L three-cylinder Z series mild-hybrid petrol engine, which promises better fuel economy and lower emissions. The options for manual and automatic transmissions will be available to customers. It is anticipated that the new Swift will have a potent hybrid system like to the Grand Vitara’s. For the new Swift, a 35 km/l mileage estimate is being bandied about.

But this hybrid version will cost more; the top model is probably going to cost around Rs. 12 lakhs. Recent sources indicate that the all-new Swift should be released within the next two months. Whether Maruti releases the robust hybrid version of Swift in India would be interesting to see. Should it be introduced, Swift will have the strongest hybrid system among cars in its class, making it the most fuel-efficient vehicle.

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Business

According to Reuters, VW anticipates a decline in car sales growth in 2024 due to a bleak economic outlook and escalating competition. The German automaker anticipates a dramatic decline in passenger vehicle sales this year, with growth of only 3% compared to 2023. Arno Anlitz, head of Volkswagen’s finance department, disclosed that the OEM’s 2023 customer deliveries increased by 12% to 92.4 lakh units.

During the automaker’s 2023 results presentation, Anlitz reportedly stated that the company’s overall economic circumstances continue to be difficult. He did, however, also add that the carmaker remains optimistic about 2024 despite the weak economic forecast and escalating rivalry in the world passenger car market. It’s interesting to note that Volkswagen is not the only carmaker predicting a difficult year to come. Stellantis disclosed its 2023 sales results last month, along with a tumultuous 2024 forecast.

Volkswagen is placing a lot of money on new models, including fully electric cars, in an effort to increase sales in the upcoming months. The Volkswagen ID.7 EV was just introduced, and in 2024, a record 30 new models are planned. The company said that it had a distinctly good trend going into the new year. In an effort to counter the bleak picture, the automaker is also placing significant bets on the Porsche Macan EV and Audi Q6 E-Tron models in addition to introducing hybrid technology into cars with internal combustion engines.

It’s interesting to note that Volkswagen AG’s new EV releases coincide with a slowdown in the growth of the market for electric vehicles, which even forced Mercedes-Benz to decide to postpone its electrification target by five years. Mercedes-Benz, on the other hand, declared that it will concentrate on redesigning its internal combustion engine models until it places a renewed priority on electric vehicles. Oliver Blume, the CEO of Volkswagen, discussed the slowdown in the demand for electric vehicles and noted that the firm is adaptable enough to adjust to changes in various markets based on customer desire.

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The fourth generation of the crossover is introduced with the 2025 Chevy Equinox, which has a redesigned exterior, bigger screens inside, a tonne of safety features, and the tough Activ trim. GM Authority has discovered that the 2025 Equinox’s start of regular production (SORP) is now scheduled to happen a few months later than previously anticipated.

The GM San Luis Potosí facility is set to commence production of the fourth-generation Equinox on June 17th, 2024. Compared to initial estimates, which stated that the 2025 Equinox will start to roll off the line on May 18, 2024, that is nearly exactly two months later. For context, the 2024 Equinox was completed late in the previous year.

The Equinox has a brand-new exterior with Chevy truck-inspired appearance. This includes an aggressively styled front fascia with redesigned headlights and The Bow Tie brand’s trademark two-tier “highbrow” headlight treatment, which is akin to that of the Chevy Traverse and Chevy Blazer. There are now two exhaust outlets and horizontal taillights on the back fascia.

In the meanwhile, the 2025 Chevy Equinox Activ receives blacked-out badging, an exclusive front fascia, all-terrain tyres, and an optional white roof with a two-tone body finish, among other features that distinguish it from the other models in the Equinox series.

The 2025 Chevy Equinox’s interior features a new 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment screen, which is 30% larger than the largest infotainment screen available on the outgoing third-generation model, as well as an 11-inch diagonal driver information centre. A number of useful features are included as standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which includes Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, and Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking.

Remind that the 1.5L I4 LSD gasoline engine, which is turbocharged, powers the 2025 Chevy Equinox. For front-wheel drive variants, this engine is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while the eight-speed GM automatic comes standard for all-wheel drive vehicles. In FWD models, the boosted four-cylinder engine is rated at 175 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque; in AWD units, the same figures are reported. Similar to its predecessor, GM’s D2 platform serves as its foundation.

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For fans of Volkswagen, the initials “GTI” have significant meaning. Almost half a century has passed since the initial Golf GTI was shown at the Frankfurt car show in 1975. But fast VW enthusiasts will have to adjust to a new name when the electric era dawns. Presenting the brand’s first electric hot hatch, the ID.3 GTX, and its sporty electric waggon, the ID.7 GTX Tourer.

VW has already unveiled the 2021 European GTX versions of the ID.4 crossover and ID.5 coupe SUV, which will both utilise the same dual-motor drivetrain as the ID.4s with all-wheel drive offered in the United States. But because to their striking hatchback and waggon body designs, the new ID.3 GTX and ID.

GTI Successor Electric

Two versions of the ID.3 GTX are available. The Performance model increases the power output from the 282 horsepower of the normal version to 322 horsepower. This indicates that the permanent synchronous motor’s overall output is higher than that of the Golf R on the electric Performance model and higher than that of the low-end, gas-powered GTI. Both GTX models have rear-wheel drive and 402 pound-feet of torque. According to Volkswagen, the Performance variant will reach 62 mph in 5.6 ticks, while the basic GTX will reach 62 mph in 6.0 seconds.

For ideal weight distribution, a 79.0-kWh battery is tucked away in the middle of the floor. When attached to a DC fast-charger, the ID.3 GTX can charge at up to 175 kW, allowing the battery to move from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 26 minutes. On the more optimistic WLTP test cycle used in Europe, Volkswagen estimates a range of about 373 miles.

The GTX model has a new front bumper with a boomerang-shaped running light and a black air intake to set it out from the boring ID.3s. The outside trim and the new rear diffuser are likewise finished in gloss black, and the standard equipment consists of stylish 20-inch wheels. The Performance GTX has tyres with a section width of 235, whereas the standard GTX has 215s. The GTX gets upgraded interior with red stitching extending to the steering wheel and sports seats. The introduction of the GTX coincides with the release of an enhanced infotainment system featuring a 12.9-inch touchscreen.

Strong Longrow

A significantly more powerful drivetrain, consisting of two motors delivering 335 horsepower to each of the four wheels, powers the ID.7 GTX Tourer. The front axle gets by with an asynchronous motor producing 108 horsepower, while the permanent synchronous motor on the rear axle is the same 282-hp unit used in the ID.3 GTX. There is a maximum speed restriction of 112 mph, but no acceleration data was disclosed.

The battery of the ID.7 GTX has a capacity of 86.0 kWh and can be charged at up to 200 kW. According to Volkswagen, charging the battery from 10 to 80 percent should take less than 30 minutes. Although the range was not stated, the additional power and all-wheel drive should cause it to fall short of the ID.7 Tourer’s 426-mile WLTP estimate, even with the greater battery size.

The ID.7 GTX Tourer shares the same 20-inch wheels and gloss black trim as the ID.3 GTX, as well as a comparable bumper design. Similar improvements are made to the interior, including heated front seats with red piping and more heavily bolstered seats. The steering wheel, doors, and console are beautifully embellished with red stitching.

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Since Xiaomi made its market debut for electric vehicles public in 2021, rumours regarding the vehicle have been making the rounds on the internet. When the first images of the vehicle were revealed on social media in November of last year, people described it as having a design that was a cross between Porsche and Tesla. The tech giant has now revealed that it will be debuting the car in China this month, meaning that the wait for the vehicle will soon come to an end. Xiaomi’s CEO, Lei Jun, added that the company’s vehicles must stand out and emphasise the value of smart technology.

Xiaomi is launching its electric vehicle this month

Xiaomi said on Tuesday that it will start shipping the XU7, its first electric vehicle, to China this month. With this action, Xiaomi will officially enter the very competitive automotive industry.

The highly awaited Speed Ultra 7 (SU7) sedan will soon be available for purchase at 59 of the company’s outlets spread across 29 cities, according to a Weibo post by the fifth-ranked smartphone company in China. On March 28, there will be a formal launch event where the new EV’s price will be disclosed.

CEO Lei Jun stressed the necessity for Xiaomi’s cars to stand out in a Weibo post on Tuesday. He also discussed the significance of smart technology in this new business.

Lei stated on Weibo that “Xiaomi’s cars are going from zero to one in a very different growth stage and facing very different user expectations compared to when Xiaomi’s smartphones went from zero to one 14 years ago,” as per a report from Reuters.

“Xiaomi’s cars need to be different, and the most important aspect is smart technology,” he stated.

Concerning Xiaomi’s SU7

With a stated range of over 1200 km, the SU7’s 220kW rear-wheel drive powerplant is an intriguing feature. The E-motor HyperEngine V8s stand out in particular because they have a maximum motor speed of 27,200 rpm, which allows them to produce a powerful 425kW of output and a peak torque of 635Nm. According to Xiaomi, this breaks the current record for E-motors worldwide, enabling the automobile to reach 100 mph in under 5.3 seconds.

The SU7 has technologies including Super-Res Occupancy Network Technology, Road-Mapping Foundational Model, and Adaptive BEV Technology that let it to drive itself. The car is powered by two high-performance NVIDIA Orin chips.

Getting into the hardware details, the SU7 has twelve ultrasonic radars, three millimeter-wave radars, eleven high-definition cameras, and LiDAR. The inside features a 56-inch HUD (heads-up display), a 7.1-inch rotating dashboard, and a 16.1-inch 3K central console. Passengers can install two tablets on the back seats for greater convenience.

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It was revealed by General Motors (GM) that the electric Chevrolet Blazer will once again be sold. The carmaker had already stopped selling the electric vehicle (EV) in December after finding software issues that interfered with the touch screen interface and the vehicle’s ability to fast charge.

According to reports, GM used a software upgrade to fix the problems. The business went on to say that it would develop new production guidelines for its fleet of electric vehicles using the information gathered from the Blazer’s problems.

The carmaker also disclosed that it would reduce the cost of some Blazer EV versions by almost $6,000. The Inflation Reduction Act’s $7,500 clean car tax credit, along with this decrease, may lower the total cost of Blazer models to under $50,000.

GM did mention that the Blazer LT FWD base trim will start under $50,000, but they have not revealed the exact price.

Range worry, along with the Blazer circumstances and a two-week midsize truck stop sale in February, caused GM to reduce its projections for EV manufacturing. Additionally, the business declared on a January earnings call that it intended to bring back plug-in gas-electric hybrid cars to the United States.

GM predicts it will sell between 200,000 and 300,000 electric cars in North America by 2024, according to CEO Mary Barra.

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Priced $66,100 (excluding destination), the first high-performance EV under the Hyundai N brand will be available. The 641 horsepower IONIQ 5 N, according to Hyundai, establishes a “new benchmark for engaging, all-electric high performance.” However, how does it compare to the performance of the Tesla Model Y?

The US receives Hyundai’s first performance EV under the N brand.

At Automobility LA in November, Hyundai unveiled the IONIQ 5 N, the company’s first N-brand electric performance EV. Dealers in the US will get it this month.

Jose Munoz, CEO of Hyundai North America, stated, “Our fully equipped IONIQ 5 N delivers a new level of driver engagement in the world of all-electric high performance,” 

With new technologies to maximise the three “N pillars” of Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability, and Everyday Sportscar, the IONIQ 5 N was “developed to take driving fun to a new level” 

With its dual-motor drivetrain and Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, the IONIQ 5 N can produce up to 641 horsepower (478 kW). Hyundai claims that the additional power is a result of a two-stage inverter that increases the vehicle’s new 84 kWh battery’s output.

The EV’s motors can spin at up to 21,000 rpm when N Grin Boost is activated, producing up to 641 horsepower for 10 seconds.

The N Pedal, N Drift Optimizer, and N Torque Distribution are further features that enhance the EV’s handling and cornering performance.

Prices for the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N begin at $66,100.

To allow for the fastest laps overall, the N Race feature is tuned for endurance on the track. Hyundai’s most potent braking system to date, the N-tuned brakes use novel materials to enhance cooling and airflow.

Hyundai added N e-shift and N Active Sound to imitate the noises and shifting sensations of an ICE sports car.

Aerodynamics are improved while a sporty look is added with the addition of exterior design elements including a black wing and wing-style spoiler. The performance EV is 2.0′′ wider and 0.79′′ lower than the IONIQ 5 N norm.

The metal panels, door scuff plates, and steering wheel seats are just a few of the many N-branded components found within.

Hyundai said that the starting price of the new IONIQ 5 N is $66,100 (without destination). The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N will cost $67,475 plus a $1,375 destination fee.

That surpasses the performance of the Tesla Model Y. With a starting price of $52,590, Tesla’s Model Y Performance can reach 455 horsepower and reach 60 mph in 3.5 seconds.

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The midsize 3-row SUVs from 2024—the Mazda CX-90 and the Toyota Highlander—show that you don’t have to spend luxury-level money to acquire a luxurious, roomy car with cutting-edge safety and technological amenities.

The CX-90 is the newcomer to this company. Set above vehicles like as the CX-5 and CX-50, it is Mazda’s largest and priciest SUV, having been introduced for the 2024 model year. The CX-90 comes standard with all-wheel drive and a choice of two potent turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engines.

Regarding the Highlander, its most recent iteration debuted for the 2020 model year and is still the benchmark for three-row SUVs. The Highlander’s stellar reputation for dependability and high resale value doesn’t make things worse. For consumers looking to get the most SUV for their money, this is important.

Let’s examine some of the best features of the Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-90 to see how they compare.

2024 Mazda CX-90

The starting price of the Mazda CX-90, including the destination charge, is $39,220. Turbo Select, Turbo Preferred, Turbo Preferred Plus, Turbo Premium, Turbo Premium Plus, Turbo S, Turbo S Premium, and Turbo S Premium Plus are the eight trim levels that are offered.

Observe those models whose names end in “S”? These suggest that they are driving a turbocharged inline-6 with 340 horsepower instead of the regular 280 horsepower. All-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic gearbox are standard on each.

Highlights of the CX-90

Elegant cabin: The CX-90’s luxurious design is more than matched by the interior quality. Higher trim levels swap out the two captain’s chairs for a second-row bench seat. The captain’s chairs offer support and facilitate access to the third row, even though the overall capacity of these trims is reduced from eight to seven passengers. Additional features include heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, a panoramic sunroof, and Nappa leather upholstery.

Standard AWD: Mazda decided not too long ago that all-wheel drive would be standard on every SUV it sold in the United States. In rival models, such as the Toyota Highlander, this increased road grip comes at an additional cost.

Maneuvrable: You might not think that a family-friendly midsize three-row SUV would be described as having “agility” and “quick steering responses.” However, such is the Mazda CX-90’s situation. For this vehicle class, the ride is a little harsher than average, but we believe the exceptional body control makes up for it.

Toyota Highlander (2024)

Although the Highlander’s current generation began with the 2020 model year, several significant improvements have kept this SUV at the top of the game. This includes a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that was unveiled last year to replace the obedient and long-serving V6.

Given that the turbo engine offers powerful acceleration and better fuel economy, the modification was beneficial. The 2024 Highlander has five trim levels and a starting price of $40,665.

Highlights of the Toyota Highlander

Fuel efficiency: The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine of the Highlander generates 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine has a lot of torque and gets an EPA-rated 25 mpg combined when driven on the interstate and in cities. This is on par with the Mazda CX-90, but still superior than many other SUVs.

Two 12.3-inch screens: The Highlander’s dual-screen arrangement, which is available on higher trim levels, is another recent upgrade. The menus are well-marked, the icons are sizable, and the touchscreen is simple to use while driving. Remember that even the basic 8-inch screen has numerous USB connections, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and other tech features, so you can keep the cost down.

Cupholders everywhere: Drivers of Highlanders must have quite a thirst, as must all of their passengers. This explains why the inside is equipped with a total of 14 cup holders. This enhances the Highlander’s minivan-like practicality.

Comparabilities

Both the Toyota Highlander and the Mazda CX-90 have powerful turbocharged engines, smooth and intelligent all-wheel drive systems, and an extensive array of driver assistance features.

They have nearly comparable economy estimates, user-friendly infotainment systems, and kid-friendly third rows. Yes, adults fit snugly into the backmost seats in the Mazda and Toyota.

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