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Summer 2021: Greece's Covid-19 odyssey (part 2)

Top Car Models 2021 - part 2

Mercedes EQBWhether it's for a large nuclear family or a small extended family: as a seven-seater, the new EQB offers space for many family configurations and a wide variety of transport needs. This gives it an exceptional position among compact electric cars. Mercedes EQSTwo models of the first all-electric luxury saloon from Mercedes-EQ can be ordered from today, with prices starting at 106,374.10 euros and 135,529.10 euros respectively. The EQS 450+ with 245 kW and the EQS 580 4MATIC with 385 kW in Germany from the end of September, in the USA in the fourth quarter. Mercedes-AMG SLThe new Mercedes-AMG SL, the new edition of an icon, returns to its roots with a classic soft top and sporty character. At the same time, the luxurious roadster as a 2+2 seater is particularly suitable for everyday use and puts its power down on the road with all-wheel drive for the first time. Nissan AriyaThe all-new Nissan Ariya, Nissan's first all-electric crossover SUV, offers powerful acceleration and smooth, quiet operation, and, with an estimated range of up to approximately 300 miles for the Venture+ model, Ariya is the perfect partner for daily commutes and road trips alike.Renault ArkanaNew Renault Arkana shakes up traditional codes with a new offer that goes beyond paradoxes. Racy and spacious, sporty and comfortable, the first SUV coupe from a generalist carmaker displays its 100% hybrid DNA with personality. Skoda FabiaThe new ŠKODA FABIA – larger, more economical and safer – is using the Group’s MQB-A0 platform for the first time. While the FABIA has seen an increase in its passenger and luggage compartments, the use of high-strength steel components means that its weight has remained the same as in the previous generation. Skoda KaroqThe revised version of ŠKODA’s successful compact SUV, the KAROQ, adheres to the brand’s latest design language. The new KAROQ also commands attention with its comfortable ride, its sheer practicality underpinned by numerous Simply Clever solutions, and its wide-ranging safety and comfort features. Opel Astra Sports TourerFollowing the world premiere of the next-generation Astra hatchback in September, Opel has today unveiled the eagerly awaited estate model version, the all-new Astra Sports Tourer. The newcomer will be available with two levels of plug-in hybrid electric drive, making it the German carmaker’s first electrified estate. Volkswagen Golf EstateThe Golf is the most successful European car for more than four decades. A new chapter in the history of this best-seller begins with the eighth Golf generation – digitalised, connected, and intuitive to operate. Never before has a Golf been so progressive. Volkswagen ID.5The ID.5 is the first E-SUV coupé from Volkswagen. It is the all-electric top model with premium features based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB). The new ID.5 and the sporty ID.5 GTX with dual-motor all-wheel drive inspire with expressive design, long-distance capability and the latest software generation. Volkswagen TaigoWith the new compact crossover Taigo, Volkswagen is launching an SUV coupé on the European market for the first time. The front-wheel drive Taigo is a real crowd-pleaser with its trendy crossover body style, raised seating positions, pioneering connectivity and unrestricted suitability for everyday use. Volkswagen T-Roc With a fresh design, innovative assist systems and numerous digital services, Volkswagen is continuing the success story of its compact crossover model. A sharpened exterior defines the unmistakable appearance of the new T-Roc, T-Roc R and T-Roc Cabriolet. Volkswagen is making great strides towards becoming a software-oriented mobility provider as part of its ACCELERATE strategy.

Top Car Models 2021 - part 1

1.Audi RS 3The new Audi RS 3 offers driving dynamics on the highest level and optimum values in its segment. With a 400-hp five-cylinder engine that generates 500 Nm of torque, the car ensures quick acceleration and highly emotional sound. This is the first Audi ever to include the RS torque splitter, which variably distributes the torque between the rear wheels. In terms of looks, the RS 3 demonstrates its sporty genes with a widened body, the RS sport exhaust system and cockpit displays resembling those used in motorsport.2.BMW 2 Series Active TourerSpatial functionality, hallmark BMW driving pleasure and an extremely progressive approach mark out the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. The second generation of the sporty all-rounder for the premium compact segment exudes visual dynamism and imposing presence through BMW’s clear design language. Its fundamentally redesigned interior combines a variety of usage possibilities with modern geometry and a BMW Curved Display in the style of the BMW iX. Added to which, the new 2 Series Active Tourer leads the way when it comes to powertrain, driver assistance, control/operation and connectivity innovations.3.BMW 2 Series CoupéBMW is opening a new chapter in its tradition of super-sporty compact models. In the process it will set a new benchmark for driving pleasure – a brand speciality – at the premium end of this vehicle class. The new BMW 2 Series Coupé embodies sporting prowess in a particularly concentrated form, with a vehicle concept focused squarely on dynamic excellence, an athletic design, powerful engines and sophisticated chassis technology.4.BMW 4 Series Gran CoupéSignature BMW driving pleasure, sporting elegance and modern functionality come together in the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé. Its vehicle concept – comprising four doors, a large tailgate, dynamically flowing lines and five full-size seats – brings a highly distinctive character profile to the premium reaches of the midsize class. The second generation of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé also makes its mark in fine style with noticeably enhanced driving dynamics, a sharper design in the brand’s new design language, a refined premium ambience in the cabin and a wide array of innovations in the areas of control/operation and connectivity. Five model variants will be available from launch, developing between 135 kW/184 hp and 275 kW/374 hp.5.BMW i4All-electric mobility reaches the very heart of the BMW brand. The BMW i4 is the brand’s first electric vehicle focused squarely on driving dynamics. Locally emission-free driving pleasure, compromise-free premium quality and customer-oriented individualisation come to the traditional core of the midsize segment for the first time. Market launch gets underway in November 2021 with two model variants: BMW i4 M50 – the first purely electric performance car from BMW M GmbH, with 400 kW/544 hp, all-wheel drive and a range of up to 521 kilometres in the WLTP cycle; BMW i4 eDrive40 with 250 kW/340 hp, classical rear-wheel drive and a range of up to 590 kilometres in the WLTP cycle.6.BMW iXThe BMW iX is a modern SUV which has been designed from the inside out and which redefines the idea of interior spaciousness and luxury. The BMW Group has set a high bar for sustainability with the vehicle concept, materials selection, raw materials extraction and manufacturing of the BMW iX. The model variants available from launch will be powered by one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear axle, together producing a system output of 385 kW/523 hp in the BMW iX xDrive50 and 240 kW/326 hp in the BMW iX xDrive40.7.DS 4DS 4 has eye-catching proportions. With a benchmark width of 1.83 metres and large diameter 720-millimetre wheels (alloys up to 20 inches, 19 inches as standard from TROCADERO and PERFORMANCE LINE up), for a compact length of 4.40 metres and a roof height of 1.47 metres, the dimensions are striking with a memorably imposing presence.The profile combines fluidity and sharp lines. The flush fitting door handles go with sculpted surfaces on the sides. The ratio of the bodywork to the large diameter wheels (including a 20-inch offering with aero inserts) comes from the DS AERO SPORT LOUNGE concept, displaying an imposing and unique presence.8.Genesis G70All-new Genesis G70 saloon embodies premium design and on-road dynamismUnique and compelling character the result of Genesis’s tireless pursuit of perfectionTireless development on European roads, including the legendary Nürburgring circuitUnique chassis and steering calibration for dynamic and involving driving experienceLatest iteration of brand’s distinctive ‘Athletic Elegance’ design languageSpacious and well-equipped interior that emphasises high performance luxury9.Hyundai Kona NWith technology inspired by motorsports, the N brand excels at delivering driving enthusiasm by providing racetrack capabilities and ‘corner rascal’ ride and handling character in everyday sports cars, and the Kona N is no exception.Kona N is powered by a flat-power, 2.0-liter, turbocharged and intercooled, direct-injected engine with an N eight-speed wet, dual-clutch transmission (N DCT) with paddle shifters. This N DCT is the enhanced version of Hyundai’s in-house developed N DCT, an eight-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission.10.Kia EV6The all-new 2022 Kia EV6 crossover arrives as the brand’s first dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV). The introduction of EV6 signals the U.S. launch of Kia’s ‘Plan S’ strategy that will deliver 11 all-new electrified models across the world by 2026. The E-GMP modular platform maximizes development efficiency and enables the Kia brand to expand its dedicated EV portfolio across multiple vehicle segments – sedans, CUVs, SUVs – in a short time and with minimal complexity. The architecture provides an adaptable foundation with a long wheelbase and wide stance.11.McLaren ArturaThe all-new McLaren Artura is revealed today, marking the beginning of both a new chapter for the pioneering luxury supercar company and a new era in supercar technology and performance.McLaren’s first series-production High-Performance Hybrid supercar focuses more than half a century of the company’s racing and road-car experience and expertise into a next-generation supercar that blends ground-breaking technology with McLaren’s dedication to pure driver engagement.Underpinned by the McLaren philosophy of super-lightweight engineering, the all-new Artura is the distillation of every attribute inherent in a McLaren – distinctive design, unrivalled performance, dynamic excellence and engineering innovation – with electrification now bringing the additional benefits of even faster throttle response, lower emissions and being able to run in pure EV mode for emissions-free journeys of up to 30km.12.The new Mercedes-Benz C-ClassFollowing the recent launch of the new C-Class generation it is now possible to order the C 300 e and the C 300 e Estate as the first plug-in hybrid models. The market launch of the Saloon is taking place immediately, while the Estate will land in dealerships from December. The level control system thanks to air suspension at the rear comes as standard in both models. Prices start at €56,168 (C 300 e) and €57,9532 (C 300 e Estate), respectively. An environmental bonus of €5625 in Germany helps to makes both models particularly attractive. Diesel plug-in hybrid models are set to follow in due course.

Three 2021 Love Islanders have tested positive for Covid-19

Packed beaches in Rio de Janeiro on least lethal Covid-19 week of 2021

Rio de Janeiro, Aug 22 (EFE) .- Brazil registered 318 deaths from Covid-19 Sunday and reached a total of 574,527 deaths, but this week has been the least lethal since the beginning of the year 2021, according to official sources.(Camera: JANAINA QUINET / ANTONIO LACERDA)SHOT LIST: PACKED BEACHES IN RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL.