The Kia EV6 Proves Americans Are Ready to Buy Wagons Again

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Kia is on a roll as of late. Their new badge shed decades of stigma keeping buyers away from the brand. The Stinger GT is one of the best sports sedans on the market right now, and for a bargain price. On top of all that, the Korean brand has unveiled a new EV- the EV6. Its looks are more wagon than SUV, and the company is absolutely swamped with demand. Does this mean that Americans are ready to buy wagons again? Some might say yes, after the success of the Audi RS6 Avant.

What is the EV6?

The new EV6 | Kia

But we’re not here to talk about Audi. It’s time to talk about the EV6. Tesla’s competition is stiff these days, and the handsome profile of the EV6 accentuates that point. According to Kia, the new wagon/crossover/SUV… thingy will start at a hyper-competitive $45,000, or $55,000 for the hotter GT version. This of course places the EV6 squarely in Mustang Mach E waters.

To combat this, the Korean brand plans to offer a slew of configurations for the new EV. It will be available in both rear and all-wheel drive and an impressive 300-mile range. Additionally, horsepower will range from 167 and 576 hp for the GT version. You can be sure the GT will also come with an impressive 0-60 time given its electric powertrain. Finally, the EV6 will offer 800v fast charging that will take the batteries from 10% to 80% in roughly 20 minutes.

Kia makes a comeback

The interior of the Kia EV6 with a large infotainment screen
The EV6’s interior | Kia

These are certainly impressive specs for a Kia. Perhaps it’s time to stop “saying for a Kia” given the brand’s recent resurgence. After all, it isn’t just the EV6 making waves. The Korean automaker has been killing the game since the Stinger dropped in 2018. It seems the Seoul-based automaker has discovered a knack for building fast cars as of late.

The K5 turbo is another attractive offering if a bit flawed. Journalists report that the K5 has a little bit too much power for its front wheels to handle. We certainly won’t be complaining about that. Regardless, Kia has proved that American buyers are ready for something other than the bland SUV world that awaits them outside their front door. Practicality is still the name of the game for buyers, and the EV6 and other models have that in spades.

Wagon or SUV?

The SUV-like rear of the EV6
The EV6 certainly looks like an SUV from the back | Kia

There’s been some debate regarding the classification of the Kia EV6. Is it a crossover? An SUV? A wagon? Well, technically speaking a wagon is lower than an SUV or crossover. The EV6 measures 61″ high, a mere 3″ shorter than the Kia Sportage crossover. Turns out, the EV6 is a wagon after all, if not a tall one. In one fell swoop, the Korean brand has managed to establish a new image for itself, produce strong products, and get Americans to clamor for a wagon again. Not a bad start. We’ll have to wait till 2022 to see if the EV6 measures up.

RELATED: Will There Be a Kia Version of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz?

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The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback Sticks It out With a Manual Transmission

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Just when we thought that the 2022 Civic will no longer be offered with a manual transmission, Honda proved us wrong. The Japanese automaker always has a small trick up its sleeve and the forthcoming debut of the Civic Hatchback is no exception. The newly restyled and reworked Civic sedan was recently unveiled, however, only a teaser image of the Civic Hatchback has been released. But here is what we know so far.

The Honda Civic Hatchback will be shifty

2022 Honda Civic Hatchback Teaser | Honda

RELATED: How Safe Is a Honda Civic Type R?

While the 2022 Honda Civic shows off some new sheet metal and tech, not much has changed under the hood. The base Civic Sedan model will be equipped with a 2.0-liter, naturally aspirated engine that churns out 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque, while the upper trims get a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine.

That engine isn’t exactly a carry-over as Honda reworked it for the new model year. It will now put out 180 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, which is an increase of 6 hp and 15 lb-ft of torque over last year’s engine specs. Car and Driver expects that the Civic Hatchback will come with this same 180-hp engine, just as it did in the past. However, the most surprising (and welcome) news is that the 2022 Civic Hatchback will be available with a six-speed manual transmission, as well as a CVT.

The Civic Si and Type R are still around as well

2021 Honda Civic Type R
2021 Honda Civic Type R | Honda

With Honda’s discontinuation of the Civic Coupe and manual-transmission Accords last year, many enthusiasts wondered if the Civic Si and Type R variants would get the ax as well. Fortunately, they didn’t. Honda recently announced that the Honda Civic Si and Type R are returning for the 2022 model year and will each receive a six-speed manual transmission as well. However, we shouldn’t expect the option for an automatic transmission (thankfully).

The specs for the Civic Si and Type R are yet to be released, but we expect that both models will remain largely the same under the hood. To recap, the Honda Civic Si is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine that produces 205 hp while the Civic Type R is propelled by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that pumps out 306 hp. We can’t wait to see what they look like for this new model year.

The Civic Hatchback will officially debut soon

Honda made mention of the 2022 Civic Hatchback’s transmission in conjunction with the announcement of its Civic Tour “Remix” virtual concert on Wednesday, June 23. In addition to the virtual music event, the rest of the official details on the new five-door Civic will be revealed as well.

While we can imagine that it will look a lot like its sedan counterpart, the Civic Hatchback could have a few more surprises up its sleeve when it finally makes its appearance. After all, there’s probably a good reason why Honda decided to release the hatchback separately, and later, than the Civic sedan.

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Live ‘the Crown’ in Real Life With Princess Diana’s Actual 1981 Ford Escort

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Princess Diana’s 1981 Ford Escort has recently resurfaced and is going up for auction. The British royal family has been a global source of fascination for decades. Few royals have enjoyed the popularity of Diana Princess of Wales, affectionately known as “The People’s Princess.” Diana was known for being approachable and down to earth, just like her car.

Princess Diana drives her 1981 Ford Escort | Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)

A fan kept the car hidden for two decades

In 1981, Prince Charles gave the then-brand-new Escort to his bride as a wedding present. The car was worth $18,000 by today’s value. The princess used the Ford as her daily driver. As such, there are many photographs of Diana in the car, often accompanied by her bodyguard.

Diana would only own the car for a short time. Shortly after their first wedding anniversary, the princess sold the car to an antique dealer, possibly to size up after the birth of Prince William. The princess sold the Escort for the equivalent of $8,469 in today’s money. The car was auctioned off later in 1982.

The winner of that auction was a fan of Diana’s. For reasons known only to herself, she kept the history and identity of the car’s famous first owner secret. Not even the owner’s closest friends knew the truth. Because of the notoriety of its first owner and how often she was photographed in the car, it may be one of the most famous sedans in history.

The princess’ car is up for auction again

A silver hood ornament of a frog leaping forward as if diving into a pond
Princess Diana’s frog hood ornament | Anwar Hussein via Getty Images

Lovers of the royal family or Princess Diana herself will be glad to know that this 1981 Escort is up for grabs. It passes the auction block a second time on June 29 at Reeman Danise’s Royal Auction House. The car will be part of its Royalty, Antiques, and Fine Art Sale in Essex, England.

It’s expected that Princess Diana’s unique Ford Escort will fetch a price of at least $42,341. Some estimates are as high as $56,450. Another fan of the late princess will likely take the baton of stewardship over this rolling piece of history. With only 83,000 miles on the odometer, this car needn’t be just a showpiece.

Diana didn’t just stick to practical sedans. One of her better-known cars was a Jaguar XJS Cabriolet. The busy mom of two had additional rear seats added so Princes William and Harry could ride along. This isn’t the first piece of Princess Diana’s automotive collection to be sold at auction. Her Audi 80 Cabriolet sold at auction in 2020 for $81,853.

A royal escort fit for a princess

Naturally, Prince Charles chose the top-of-the-line 1981 Escort trim package for his new wife. The Ghia edition was powered by a 1.6L 84 hp four-cylinder engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission. This car accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 10.7 seconds. However, with a top speed of 104 mph, this practical Ford was not a track star.

The Ghia trim level emphasized upgraded finishes and details. Square headlights and standard alloy wheels set this luxury trim level apart. The interior of this royal sedan is appointed in special wood paneling. Upgrades to the upholstery and other interior materials add to the Ghia’s appeal.

Perhaps the most charming detail of this car is the silver frog hood ornament that adorns it. The ornament is a replica of the one given to Diana by her sister, Lady Sarah Spencer. It’s said to be a nod to the princess and the frog fairy tale. The backstory is a window into the playful nature of the car’s first owner.

This car is as iconic and, thanks to its 20-year disappearance, mysterious as its first owner. The 1981 Ford Escort Ghia is hardworking, humble, and beautiful. Its sale will likely make a fan of the late humanitarian’s very happy as they live out their royal fantasy.

RELATED: Check Out Queen Elizabeth’s Awesome Car Collection

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The Best Riding Lawn Mowers for Hills and Uneven Yards According to Bob Vila

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Not everyone enjoys mowing the lawn. The good news is that owning the right type of lawn mower can make mowing an even more enjoyable and faster task. The even better news is that Bob Vila recently highlighted its picks for the best riding lawn mowers for hills and uneven yards. Let’s find out what they are.

The Ryobi 38 in. 100 Ah is the best electric riding lawn mower for hills and uneven yards

Riding lawn mower. | Philipp von Ditfurth/picture alliance via Getty Images

First, let’s talk about the Ryobi 38 in. 100 Ah riding lawn mower, which, according to Bob Vila, is the best electric riding lawn mower for hills and uneven yards. This electric riding lawn mower works best for yards that are no bigger than two acres and can mow for just over two hours on a single charge. It also takes roughly six hours to reach a full charge. 

Further, its dual-bladed cutting deck is fully adjustable and offers up to 12 different positions that range between 1.5 inches and 4.5 inches. But, perhaps what’s most enticing about this electric riding lawn mower are its many convenient features, including its LED headlights, cruise control, and USB charging ports, Bob Vila reports.

The Toro 42 in. 22.5 HP Hydrostatic riding lawn mower is the best zero-turn mower

For yards 2 acres or less in size that have relatively flat terrain and only a few obstacles, Bob Vila recommends taking a gander at the Toro 42 in. 22.5 HP Hydrostatic riding lawn mower. This mower boasts an expansive 13-gauge steel cutting deck that can be used alongside a bag, side-discharge chute, and an included mulching features. The height of its cutting blades can also be raised or lowered.

Those aren’t the only reasons Bob Vila tapped the Toro 42 in. 22.5 HP Hydrostatic is one of the best riding lawn mowers for hills and uneven yards either. This mower can reach up to 7 MPH when moving forward and 3 MPH in reverse. It also boasts padded control levers to reduce hand fatigue while mowing.

Troy-Bilt’s affordable riding lawn mower gives you the most bang for your buck

The Troy-Bilt TB 30 in. 382 cc Auto-Choke Engine 6-Speed also found itself among Bob Vila’s picks for the best riding lawn mowers for hills and uneven yards. Priced at $1,499, this riding mower is the top pick for those shopping for a new riding lawn mower on a budget, too, Bob Vila reports. 

Of course, this riding lawn mower has more to offer than an affordable price tag. According to Bob Vila, the Troy-Bilt TB 30 in. 382 cc Auto-Choke Engine 6-Speed is best suited for yards less than one acre. In addition, it can reach a maximum forward speed of 4.25 mph and boasts an adjustable deck. All in all, Bob Vila reports, this mower is “comparable to a sizable walk-behind mower with ride-along comfort.”

The Craftsman T310 Turn Tight 24-HP V-twin is the best riding lawn mower for hilly yards

As for the best overall riding lawn mower for hills and uneven yards? Well, that honor went to the Craftsman T310 Turn Tight 24-HP V-twin mower. This mower comes driven by a 24-hp engine that can reach a maximum forward speed of 5½ mph. Also equipped with a large 54-inch cutting deck, this riding lawn mower can cut large yards at a quick pace, Bob Vila reports.

Further, the Craftsman T310 Turn Tight 24-HP V-twin mower features a 5-inch turning radius that’s on par with many zero-turn lawn mowers, making it a pro at navigating obstacles. Its transmission also delivers more than enough power to get up hills and take on uneven terrain.

What is the best riding lawn mower for hills?

When it comes to choosing the best riding lawn mower for hills and uneven terrain, there are several choices worth your consideration, Bob Vila reports. Whether you opt for a mower like the Craftsman T310 Turn Tight 24-HP V-twin mower or the Ryobi 38 in. 100 Ah riding lawn mower, these mowers are sure to help keep your lawn looking lush this season.

RELATED: How Long Should a Lawn Mower Last?

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