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Hyundai Wins Six 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards

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Hyundai dominated the 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards, earning six major honors, including Best SUV Brand, Best Car Brand, Best Truck Brand and three vehicle category victories.

The consumer-voted awards highlight Hyundai’s continued momentum in the United States, where the company has strengthened its reputation through competitive pricing, advanced technology, innovative safety features and an expanding lineup of SUVs, sedans and pickup trucks.

Hyundai Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 honors six winners

The Hyundai Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 recognized Hyundai across both brand and model categories, making it one of the most successful manufacturers in this year’s competition.

Hyundai received the following awards:

  • Best SUV Brand
  • Best Car Brand
  • Best Truck Brand

Its vehicles also dominated the new-model categories:

  • Hyundai Santa Fe: Best New SUV
  • Hyundai Elantra: Best New Car
  • Hyundai Santa Cruz: Best New Truck

According to Hyundai Motor North America President and CEO Randy Parker, these awards reflect Hyundai’s commitment to delivering vehicles that combine attractive design, value, technology and everyday usability for American customers.

Hyundai received six major honors in the 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards.

Consumers selected the winners

Unlike awards determined exclusively by industry experts, the Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards are decided directly by consumers.

Newsweek’s editorial staff, together with automotive specialists, selected more than 100 model-year 2026 vehicles for consideration. Readers then participated in a four-week public voting period, casting one vote per category each day.

The process aims to recognize the vehicles and brands that generate the greatest confidence among real-world owners and shoppers.

Ryan Kinney, Senior Vice President of Research Strategy & Revenue at Newsweek, said the awards highlight the brands that consumers trust as the automotive industry continues evolving through connected technology, safety innovations and changing mobility needs.

The Hyundai Santa Fe was named Best New SUV in the 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards.

Another milestone for Hyundai in the U.S. market

The latest recognition adds to Hyundai’s growing list of achievements in the United States, reinforcing the brand’s momentum across multiple vehicle segments.

Winning awards for its SUV, sedan and pickup lineup demonstrates Hyundai’s broad appeal, while the overall brand victories reflect increasing customer satisfaction across its portfolio.

The Elantra, Santa Fe and Santa Cruz helped Hyundai secure six awards in the 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards.

The six 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards further strengthen Hyundai’s reputation in one of the world’s most competitive automotive markets. Recognition from actual consumers carries significant weight, particularly as buyers increasingly prioritize technology, safety, value and everyday usability when choosing a new vehicle. With honors spanning three major vehicle categories and three overall brand awards, Hyundai continues to demonstrate the strength and diversity of its current lineup.

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Aston Martin Brings More AMR26 Upgrades to Zandvoort

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Aston Martin will introduce new aerodynamic upgrades at the Dutch Grand Prix alongside Honda’s latest power-unit update, building on the progress made in Hungary.

Aston Martin is continuing its push to recover from a difficult start to the 2026 Formula 1 season. The team will bring additional aerodynamic upgrades to the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, adding to the work already introduced in Hungary.

The latest changes will arrive alongside an important Honda power-unit update, giving the AMR26 several opportunities to improve its performance.

Aston Martin builds on its Hungary progress

The previous race in Hungary marked an important turning point for Aston Martin.

The team introduced a major B-specification AMR26 after deciding to focus its development effort on a larger package rather than bringing small upgrades to every race.

The Aston Martin AMR26 showed improved pace after receiving its major B-specification package in Hungary.

The result was encouraging.

Aston Martin moved closer to the midfield after struggling at the back of the grid earlier in the season. Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll both reached Q2 and finished 13th and 14th at the Hungaroring.

The improvement was still not enough to challenge consistently for points, but it gave the team a stronger foundation for the second half of the season.

New aero upgrades are coming to Zandvoort

The improvements will continue in the Netherlands.

Aston Martin trackside operations chief Mike Krack confirmed that the team will introduce another group of aerodynamic changes for Zandvoort.

Mike Krack confirmed that Aston Martin will introduce aerodynamic changes to the floor and front wing at Zandvoort.

The upgrades focus on two important areas of the AMR26:

  • The floor
  • The front wing

Krack said the parts were developed from the lessons Aston Martin learned during the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The team expects the changes to provide a small performance step, although it will not have much opportunity to test the aerodynamic package during Friday’s running.

Honda also brings a new power-unit update

The aerodynamic changes are not the only development arriving at Zandvoort.

Honda will also introduce an update to its power unit through the FIA’s ADUO system. Aston Martin hopes the revised engine will provide additional performance as the team works to close the gap to its rivals.

Honda’s latest power-unit update will debut alongside Aston Martin’s aerodynamic developments at Zandvoort.

However, the team will need to manage its track time carefully.

Zandvoort features only one free-practice session, making it more difficult to evaluate new aerodynamic components while also working through the engine update.

Weather could make the situation even more complicated.

A crucial weekend for Aston Martin

Aston Martin therefore arrives at Zandvoort with several important changes at once.

The B-specification car already produced a noticeable improvement in Hungary. The new aerodynamic upgrades could add another step, while Honda’s power-unit development could provide additional performance on top of that.

The team will now need to understand the new package quickly and extract as much performance as possible from a limited amount of practice time.

For Aston Martin AMR26 upgrades, Zandvoort could become another important checkpoint in the team’s recovery. After a difficult opening phase to the 2026 season, every development gain matters as Aston Martin tries to move closer to the midfield and eventually back into regular contention for points.

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Skoda Slavia Gets New Tech and Rear-Seat Massage

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Skoda has refreshed the Slavia for India with updated styling, more technology, new automatic transmissions, and a rear-seat massage function.

Skoda has unveiled the updated Slavia sedan for the Indian market, adding new technology, improved comfort features, and revised styling.

The facelifted model remains based on the local MQB-A0-IN platform, developed and produced in India. It forms part of Skoda’s “made in India, for India” strategy alongside the Kushaq and Kylaq.

The Slavia is also exported to markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Vietnam.

Updated exterior design

The Skoda Slavia first arrived in 2022 and has now reached almost 80,000 sales in India.

The refreshed sedan keeps its overall dimensions, with a length of 178.7 inches, but receives several exterior updates.

The facelifted Skoda Slavia gets new LED headlights and redesigned taillights with sequential turn signals.

The most noticeable change comes at the front, where new LED headlights give the sedan a fresher appearance.

At the rear, Skoda has redesigned the taillights and added sequential turn signals.

The range-topping Monte Carlo version also receives two-tone exterior paint, black accents, and exclusive badging.

More technology and comfort inside

The cabin receives several important updates for the facelift.

A 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster now works alongside a 10.1-inch infotainment display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available.

Skoda has also introduced an AI Companion based on Google Cloud’s Automotive AI Agent.

The updated Slavia combines digital displays with an AI assistant designed specifically for Indian English voice commands.

The system can recognize Indian English accents and respond to voice commands. Drivers can use it for music, phone calls, climate control, and other functions while also requesting real-time information.

However, the most unusual addition is aimed at passengers in the back.

The updated Slavia introduces a rear-seat massage function, which Skoda describes as a segment-first feature.

Other available equipment includes a 360-degree Area View camera, front parking sensors with Park Pilot, and additional convenience features.

Safety remains a major focus

Skoda has also expanded the Slavia’s safety package.

The sedan comes with six airbags as standard and more than 25 active and passive safety systems.

The Slavia has also earned a five-star Global NCAP rating for both adult and child occupant protection.

The Slavia combines six standard airbags with more than 25 active and passive safety systems.

That safety equipment adds to the sedan’s appeal in a market where buyers are increasingly focused on advanced driver assistance and occupant protection.

The updated technology package also makes the Slavia more competitive against newer rivals.

New eight-speed automatic transmission

The powertrain lineup continues to use TSI gasoline engines, but Skoda has introduced an important transmission update.

The 1.0 TSI can now be paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission with a torque converter. Skoda says this setup is a segment-first feature.

A six-speed manual transmission remains available for buyers who prefer a more traditional driving experience.

The larger 1.5 TSI continues with a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission.

Vehicles equipped with the 1.5-liter engine also gain rear disc brakes, adding another technical upgrade to the revised model.

Pricing has not been announced

Skoda has not yet revealed pricing for the updated Slavia.

For reference, the outgoing model currently ranges from approximately $13,000 to $22,000 at current exchange rates, depending on the selected trim.

The updated Skoda Slavia gives the Indian-market sedan a substantial technology boost while retaining its compact dimensions and gasoline powertrains.

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Range Rover SV Pearl Luster Is a One-Off Luxury SUV

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Range Rover has created the one-of-one SV Pearl Luster to showcase its expanding SV Bespoke program, with unique colors, materials, and design inspired by California’s coast.

Range Rover has unveiled the SV Pearl Luster, a one-of-one luxury SUV created to demonstrate the possibilities of its SV Bespoke customization program.

The long-wheelbase Range Rover SV made its debut during Monterey Car Week. Unlike a conventional special edition, this vehicle was built as a unique commission and will not be offered as a regular production model.

Range Rover has not disclosed the vehicle’s powertrain or final price, keeping the focus on its handcrafted design and exclusivity.

A unique Range Rover inspired by California

The exterior of the Range Rover SV Pearl Luster is finished in Bespoke White Pearl Gloss.

The color takes inspiration from White Abalone shells found along the California coast, giving the SUV a distinctive pearl-like appearance.

The Range Rover SV Pearl Luster features Bespoke White Pearl Gloss inspired by California’s White Abalone shells.

Range Rover also fitted the SUV with unique 23-inch wheels featuring machined spokes and engraved surfaces.

The result is a more exclusive interpretation of the Range Rover SV, with exterior details designed specifically for this single vehicle.

A handcrafted interior with coastal inspiration

The bespoke theme continues inside the cabin.

Range Rover uses Orchid leather, Natural Light Linear Wenge wood, and natural white mother-of-pearl inlays to create a bright and sophisticated interior.

The SV Pearl Luster cabin combines Orchid leather, Wenge wood, and natural mother-of-pearl details.

The long-wheelbase configuration also includes the rear SV Signature Suite with fully reclining seats.

The interior is designed to feel more like a private luxury lounge than a conventional SUV cabin. Each material contributes to the overall coastal-inspired theme.

Monterey debut highlights the SV Bespoke program

The SV Pearl Luster was presented during Monterey Car Week, an event that has become an important showcase for ultra-exclusive automotive commissions.

Guests were given the opportunity to register interest in the unique Range Rover during the event.

The one-of-one Range Rover SV Pearl Luster debuted during Monterey Car Week as a showcase for SV Bespoke.

A portion of the proceeds from the vehicle’s sale will be donated to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, extending the California-inspired theme beyond the SUV’s design.

The project also demonstrates how Range Rover is positioning SV Bespoke as more than a collection of additional paint and leather options.

The future of SV Bespoke

Range Rover launched SV Bespoke in 2023 and has continued expanding its commissioning capabilities.

The SV Pearl Luster shows how the program can combine custom paint, unique wheels, exclusive interior materials, and a specific narrative into a single vehicle.

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