Latest news with #Aqua
NZ Autocar
5 days ago
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Toyota Aqua Used Review
The Toyota Aqua, also once sold here new as the very similar Prius C, is New Zealand's most popular used import. It's a compact hybrid hatch that ticks a lot of boxes; excellent fuel economy, Toyota reliability and a purchase price that won't break the bank. Since its debut in 2011, the Aqua has become a go-to for those wanting cheap, efficient motoring, especially in city settings. It's essentially a downsized Prius, and shares a lot in common with the Toyota Yaris, Vitz and even Corolla. The Aqua is ideal for city dwellers, commuters, students, or anyone after a low-cost, low-maintenance runabout. It's easy to park, frugal to run, and simple to drive. Rear legroom is better than many competitors in this class and it can comfortably accommodate most adult passengers – you've likely sat in the back of one as an Uber. However, the boot's still modest so it's not for everyone. Families needing more cargo room may want to look at something larger, like the Toyota Corolla Fielder Hybrid, which shares a similar drivetrain but offers increased practicality. The Aqua's 1.5L petrol engine and electric motor produce about 74kW combined. It's not fast – the sprint to 100km/h takes around 11 seconds – but it's responsive enough around town thanks to the electric boost. It drives quietly, especially in EV mode at low speeds. While the regenerative braking takes a little getting used to, it is smooth overall. Fuel economy is a standout. Expect around 4.0L/100km, and in the right conditions, even less. The Aqua also holds a five-star Used Car Safety Rating according to Electronic Stability Control (ESC) was standard from launch in 2011. However, only a small number of imported models feature side airbags. Toyota Safety Sense, including autonomous emergency braking, was available as an option from late 2015 and appears on around 60 per cent of later-model cars. All Aquas are imports, and come in various trims, mainly L, S, and G. The L Package is ultra-basic but does include keyless entry via a remote fob; it uses a traditional key start. The S Package adds push-button start and better trim, while the G Package upgrades the interior with chocolate suede-style cloth, a leather steering wheel, and sometimes auto-on headlights. Climate control is standard across the range. Cruise control was an option on higher trims like the G, X-Urban, and G GS. Alloys are not standard across any trim, though the X-Urban (introduced in 2014) brought 16-inch alloys, a body kit, and part-leather trim. The Aqua received two facelifts during its production run. The first, in December 2014, included updated frontal styling and minor interior tweaks, particularly to the S-Package trim. The second came in late 2017 with further design changes and minor updates to the hybrid battery. Around this time, the X-Urban variant was replaced by the Crossover model. Despite the changes, there were no major updates to safety systems between facelifts. The Aqua is considered one of the better built, most reliable cars you can buy, but there are some common issues to watch for: Battery health: Look for rapid charge/discharge on the display—it's a sign the hybrid battery may be deteriorating. Replacement costs vary depending on where and how you buy. A used battery can be sourced by dealers for around $500–$600 (trade price, limited warranty), while retail customers may pay more. A brand-new battery from Toyota costs approximately $2000 plus fitting. Most buyers will find second-hand options sufficient, and reconditioning generally isn't worth the cost. Speak to your dealer to confirm battery condition and any available warranty coverage. AC compressor noise: A high-pitched whine is normal, but grinding or lack of cooling could mean trouble. Moisture in tail lights and paint fade on older models are also common. Avoid the L Package—it's too basic for most buyers and lacks smart key features. Generally, stick with the S or G grades, and ensure the car has factory keyless entry and immobiliser, a must for both convenience and security. If you're considering alternatives, the Honda Fit Hybrid and Nissan Note e-Power are two other common hybrid imports worth checking out. The Fit has a roomier cabin and cargo space, while the Note's electric-motor-driven system offers strong low-end torque. But the Aqua typically beats them both on price and simplicity. Pricing varies widely depending on whether you're buying from a private seller or a dealer. Dealer cars generally come with better presentation, warranties, and odometer certifications, and command a premium: 2011–2013: $9,000–$11,000 2014–2016: $11,000–$14,500 2017–2020: $14,500–$20,000 2011–2013: $6,500–$9,000 2014–2016: $9,000–$12,500 2017–2020: $12,500–$16,000 Condition, mileage, spec, and dealer reputation all impact price. Models with verified battery health, push-button start, and additional safety tech are worth prioritising. Because of the breadth of the Aqua range they are considered difficult to price by the trade. Just a note, before signing on the dotted line, check on insurance for your Aqua. Avoid the entry-level early cars and your Aqua won't find its way into the hands of a ram raider. Yes, they are fans of this car. While some insurance companies will only penalise those models without an immobiliser, some slap a penalty on the whole range. For many Kiwi drivers, the Aqua offers a nearly unbeatable combination of affordability, economy, reliability and simplicity. It's not a car that will get your pulse racing but for stress-free commuting, it's hard to beat. Just choose the right spec, check the battery's health, and you'll be set for years of reliable, low-cost it's not for everyone.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
NASA image reveals shocking transformation of world's largest iceberg: 'Thousands of ... pieces litter the ocean's surface'
A massive slab of ice that has been drifting through Antarctic waters is crumbling into smaller pieces, and it's happening just off the coast of a wildlife refuge. According to Live Science, the breakup of iceberg A23a, which is visible via satellite, could have damaging effects on fragile marine ecosystems. A23a is currently the largest iceberg in the world, with a surface area of about 1,200 square miles. Since breaking off Antarctica's mainland in 1986, A23a has made its way toward the territory of South Georgia, becoming stuck about 60 miles off its coast, according to Live Science. South Georgia's shallow waters and weather are chipping away at the iceberg. Earlier this month, NASA's Aqua satellite found multiple broken pieces in the sea, along with a surface area that has decreased "considerably" since the iceberg got stuck. According to NASA, "Thousands of iceberg pieces litter the ocean surface near the main berg, creating a scene reminiscent of a dark starry night." Ice shelves sometimes break off naturally, forming icebergs that can last decades. But the typical formation and breaking patterns of ice shelves have accelerated. According to glaciers have been shrinking each year for 37 years. Scientists and experts attribute much of this phenomenon to rising temperatures from human activities. Rising temperatures supercharge extreme weather, causing hurricanes and storms to be more powerful and dangerous. Stronger storms often lead to changing sea levels and ocean flow patterns. Warmer weather can also increase water temperature. Together, these forces create a perfect recipe for icebergs to break apart. Here's the problem with ice melt: Its impact doesn't usually stay local. When massive icebergs like A23a break apart and melt, sea levels around the world can rise. Higher seas cause higher tides that push water into coastal neighborhoods, flooding roads, damaging homes, and contaminating water supplies. The shift in ocean patterns and temperatures can also disrupt fisheries and agriculture, affecting food supplies that people around the world rely on. Other animals could feel the effects, too. A23a is breaking off near a wildlife refuge that's home to numerous species. According to Oceanwide Expeditions, South Georgia is home to the one of the largest global populations of king penguins. An iceberg and its broken pieces invading their space could disrupt their ability to reach feeding sites, per Dr. Andrew Meijers, an oceanographer at British Antarctic Survey. However, Meijers adds that as long as A23a stays where it currently is, penguin populations shouldn't be affected. The underlying cause of rapid ice melt is rising temperatures from human activities, such as driving gas-powered vehicles and using polluting energy sources like coal and oil. Scientists and policymakers are focusing on cutting down on these drivers through climate agreements, like the Paris Agreement, and promoting cleaner energy alternatives, like solar and wind energy. Scientists also use satellites to monitor icebergs, tracking their changes over time to understand their effects on sea levels, wildlife habitats, and communities. Individuals can explore critical climate issues to learn how everyday choices, from using energy-efficient appliances to choosing to walk instead of driving, can lead to a healthier planet and help slow the retreat of vulnerable ice shelves. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rollick and Aqua Finance Announce Collaboration to Enhance Digital Retailing in Outdoor Recreation Industry
AUSTIN, Texas, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rollick, the leading provider of digital retail solutions for the outdoor recreation industry, and Aqua Finance, Inc. (Aqua"), a leading provider of consumer financing solutions, today announced a collaboration designed to streamline the buying experience for RV, powersports and boat purchases through the integration of Aqua's financing prequalification experience within the RollickEngage digital retail tool. According to Rollick's recent Future of Buying Study, up to 54% of outdoor recreation vehicle shoppers want to begin the financing process online. Rollick's OEM and dealer customers have found that consumers who complete a digital prequalification through the RollickEngage tool close purchases at a rate of up to 3.1x a standard lead. This collaboration empowers OEMs like Winnebago and E-Z-GO, the first to leverage the integration, to extend their existing retail finance programs with Aqua by bringing the financing qualification experience online to meet consumer needs and boost close rates. "Aqua is excited to partner with Rollick to enhance the digital rollout of our full spectrum financing solution to the outdoor recreation industry," said Greg Wigent, Executive Vice President of Growth Initiatives at Aqua. "Our collaboration with Rollick provides a seamless prequalification experience that benefits both dealers and consumers, ensuring a smooth and efficient transaction process." Aqua's financing program offers several advantages to both consumers and dealers. With full spectrum financing, Aqua provides flexible options that cater to a variety of credit profiles, ensuring that more consumers can access the financing they need. The streamlined digital prequalification process through RollickEngage helps consumers understand their purchasing power early in their shopping journey, and dealers benefit from Aqua's efficient transaction processes, which minimize delays and improve customer satisfaction. "This collaboration is a tangible example of how we deliver on our mission to help recreation OEMs and dealers find, win, and keep customers," said Jason Nierman, Chief Revenue Officer at Rollick. "Industry collaborations like this one with Aqua are key to our success. We provide the most comprehensive digital retailing solution on the market, giving OEMs and dealers the flexibility to integrate processes with their existing partners, be it for financing prequalification, trade-in estimation, deposit taking, incentives eligibility checks, texting, and more." About RollickRollick is a leading provider of digital retail solutions for the outdoor recreation industry. Their innovative RollickEngage tool helps dealers connect with consumers at various stages of the shopping process, offering a range of features that make it easier for customers to make informed decisions. Rollick is committed to enhancing the buying experience through technology and strategic partnerships. About Aqua FinanceAqua is a trusted name in consumer financing, offering a full spectrum of financing solutions. Their expertise in providing a seamless financing experience has made them a preferred finance company for dealers. Aqua is dedicated to simplifying the financing process and supporting the growth of their partners through innovative financing solutions. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Rollick, Inc. Sign in to access your portfolio
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Business Standard
27-05-2025
- Climate
- Business Standard
Why a few hours of rain still bring India's biggest cities to a standstill
On Monday morning (May 26), commuters on Mumbai's much-hyped Aqua Line 3 metro were met not by the promise of smoother travel, but by ankle-deep floodwater. The newly inaugurated underground station at Worli was inundated after an intense burst of monsoon rain, water poured down its walls, flooded the platform, and leaked through the roof. The city's earliest monsoon arrival in 35 years had made its entrance, and left the latest civic showpiece in tatters. Meanwhile, in Delhi, Saturday's record-breaking downpour turned the capital's roads into rivers. With 185.9 mm of rainfall this May, nearly nine times the usual, the city is witnessing its wettest May ever. Flights were delayed, traffic choked, and low-lying areas submerged as thunderclouds ripped across the skyline. Down south, Bengaluru, last week, was battered by a 12-hour rain marathon that flooded 500 homes, killed at least three people, and filled over 20 lakes to capacity. The city, perched on a plateau with no natural river drainage, turned into a bowl of chaos, yet again. From north to south, the script is the same: a few hours of rain and entire cities collapse. Why do Indian cities flood so easily? Why haven't years of warnings, policies, and crores in spending fixed this? And more importantly, who is really accountable? People are left stuck, governments rush to react, and the damage runs deeper than just flooded roads—it hits lives, livelihoods, and the economy. Why are cities like Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai so flood-prone? Much of urban India relies on colonial-era drainage systems designed over a century ago. Take Mumbai: the city's stormwater network, laid out by the British in the 1860s, was engineered to carry 25 mm of rain per hour during low tide. That might have sufficed for a coastal town of 2 million people—not for a mega-metropolis of over 20 million that now routinely sees rainfall exceeding 100 mm/hour. In Delhi, the drainage network was built for just 50 mm of daily rain, based on standards from 1976. The capital, however, now regularly receives four times that amount in a single day. Bengaluru's stormwater drains are equally archaic and poorly maintained, clogged with silt, debris and sometimes even furniture. The result then is that rainwater that should drain away instead turns city streets into cesspools. How poor planning and lost wetlands made urban flooding worse Rapid and unplanned urbanisation has only made things worse, argue infra experts. Across cities, construction has bulldozed through natural buffers like lakes, wetlands and drainage valleys. Mumbai has lost nearly 80 per cent of its natural water bodies over the last four decades. So has Bengaluru, where once-interconnected lakes like Bellandur and Varthur are now flanked by tech parks and apartment blocks. In Delhi-NCR, high-rise colonies and malls stand where floodplains once soaked up excess rainwater. These wetlands acted like sponges. With them gone, there is nowhere for the water to go, except up into homes and down into basements. Even where drains exist, they often serve as dumping grounds rather than water channels. Solid waste, silt and construction debris routinely clog drainage lines, reducing their capacity by as much as 40–60 per cent. Mumbai, for instance, produces over 9,000 tonnes of garbage every day. Much of it ends up in the city's waterways. In 2025, despite a ₹550 crore desilting budget, only 37 per cent of the silt in the Mithi River was removed before the rains began. Court delays were blamed. The consequences were predictable. In Bengaluru, experts estimate that only 10 per cent of the city's stormwater drain capacity is functional. The rest is filled with solid waste, sewage or hardened silt. Why flood-control budgets don't solve India's waterlogging problem Infrastructure breakdowns are only part of the story. At the heart of the waterlogging crisis lies broken urban governance. Drainage systems fall under a patchwork of agencies, municipal corporations, state departments and central bodies, each working in silos, often at cross-purposes. In Mumbai, the long-delayed BRIMSTOWAD project, launched in 1993 to modernise stormwater drains—its Phase II remains just 50 per cent complete, while Phase I is at 75 per cent completion. Disputes between the BMC and state authorities have stalled key pumping stations for years. Delhi's new drainage master plan has been in the works since 2016 but remains unapproved. In its absence, the city continues to combine sewage and stormwater in the same pipes—a recipe for disaster when it floods. How topography and encroachment magnify urban flood damage Topography plays a cruel trick on Indian cities. Many of the worst-hit areas are built on reclaimed or low-lying land, where water naturally collects. Mumbai's plush neighbourhoods like Worli and Nariman Point are built on reclaimed land. When it rains, water from higher parts of the city rushes down to these pockets, often blocked by construction or tidal backflow. In Delhi, the Yamuna floodplains have been encroached upon by both formal and informal settlements. During intense rains, these areas are the first to drown, and the last to receive relief. Is climate change accelerating urban flooding in Indian cities? Climate change has turbocharged these vulnerabilities. Extreme rainfall events are now more frequent, intense and unpredictable. Mumbai received 944 mm of rain in a single day in 2005, a record many dismissed as a freak event. But by 2024, such 'freak' events are becoming annual. Climate models predict a 30 per cent increase in extreme rainfall by 2030. Delhi saw over 200 mm of rainfall in 24 hours in 2024. Bengaluru, too, has faced cloudbursts that its outdated infrastructure simply cannot handle. When heavy rains coincide with high tide or construction blockages, the system collapses, and the city drowns. Who is responsible when floods claim lives and paralyse cities? The toll is not just infrastructural, it's human. In 2024, Mumbai recorded at least seven deaths from open manholes and submerged drains. Delhi saw the death of nearly 20 people last year, mostly children and workers, to drowning or electrocution. In May 2025, Bengaluru saw three flood-related deaths, including a child and a 63-year-old man electrocuted while trying to drain his home. The economic losses are equally staggering. Flood-related disruptions in Mumbai alone have cost the city thousands of crores over the years, with halted trains, shuttered offices and damaged infrastructure. Meanwhile, authorities continue to offer reactive, band-aid solutions: temporary dewatering pumps, emergency desilting drives or new bylaws for rainwater harvesting. But without long-term, integrated planning, these remain cosmetic fixes. Upgrading city-wide drainage systems requires multi-agency coordination, consistent funding and data-driven design based on updated rainfall and runoff patterns, none of which urban India currently has in place. As the climate crisis intensifies, the water will only rise. The real question then becomes how long can Indian cities tread water before they sink under the weight of their own neglect?
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
I stayed in the exclusive VIP area of Norwegian's new cruise ship: Here's what $5,150 gets you
Norwegian Cruise Line's latest ship, Norwegian Aqua, has a section exclusive to its highest-paying guests. The Haven includes 123 suites and a private restaurant, bar, lounge, and two-floor pool deck. These high-end cabins start at $5,150 per person for a weeklong cruise this summer. The amenities on Norwegian's new ship are fairly routine, at least as mass-market cruises go. There's a water playground for toddlers, and a hybrid roller coaster-waterslide for taller kids. There's an LED sports court for groups of hoop-shooting teens and a pickleball court for groups of weaker-kneed adults. But the two-month-old Aqua has one secret that most of the ship's guests can't — or won't be allowed to — catch a glimpse of: the Haven. The Haven is a mini luxury ship hidden within the walls of the massive vessel. The Haven is a collection of Norwegian Aqua's highest-end suites with access to an exclusive lounge. On paper, this shared space has all the amenities of a typical cruise (like a pool and restaurant), except quieter, upscale, and more service-forward. This exclusivity has been a big selling point for a cruise line that doesn't usually target luxury travelers. The company increased its count of Haven cabins from 107 on its previous Prima-class ships to 123 on the new Prima Plus-class Norwegian Aqua. Demand is outpacing the expansion. About 9% of Norwegian Aqua's 1,387 cabins are in The Haven. The limited inventory means they're in hot demand. These high-end accommodations are reserved faster than other stateroom categories — often about four months before sailing, the cruise line told Business Insider. The Haven is sold out for about half of the ship's seven-day Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida, this summer. A 'haven' from what? Noise, crowds, and, maybe more subliminally, the less wealthy. The most affordable Haven option left for this summer, a balcony cabin in early August, starts at about $5,150 per person. The cost is steep compared to a standard (albeit smaller) non-Haven balcony stateroom, which is about $1,900 per person on the same voyage. Is paying almost triple the price for a somewhat similar accommodation worth it? Well, it depends on how much you value exclusivity and service. The Haven Lounge is gated from the rest of the ship behind keycard-activated glass doors. Life past these doors feels less like a commercial cruise and more like a luxury ship. The contemporary lounge is grounded with bright, neutral decor. It's as trendy (à la some statement furniture) as it is cozy (with plenty of couches and decorative books). Find the concierge desk if you need to make a spa reservation. Or, if you're looking for a peaceful afternoon, snag one of the windowside seats and a drink from the bar. The watering hole is hard to miss, with an opulent art deco elan that commands a glimpse or two from any passerby. Bespoke beverages from a bespoke bar. You could indulge in a sugary margarita. But why bother with the conventional when the drinks here are nothing like those outside the Haven? For one (or four), it uses in-house infused vermouths, liqueurs, spirits, and bitters. And if you're feeling especially daring, you could ask the bartenders to create a customized cocktail based on your ideal base and taste (refreshing versus spirit-forward, classic versus adventurous). If you're feeling peckish, head to the adjacent restaurant. No need to restlessly queue up at the main breakfast buffet for some lukewarm bacon. In the morning, the Haven Restaurant serves classics like eggs Benedict and other options like shrimp toast — all to be paired with a line-up of pastries and cold cuts from a small buffet. Enjoy your lunch at one of the outdoor tables. Satisfy your afternoon hunger with a fried seafood platter, lobster bisque, or Brie burger. For dinner, head back for steak tartare, porcini risotto, and more lobster, this time in the appetizer deviled eggs and entrée surf and turf (with filet mignon, of course). Nap off the food coma at the two-floor pool deck. There are no hard plastic poolside chaises here. Every lounge chair is topped with a thick cushion and garnished with a head pillow. If you're lucky, you can snag one of the cabanas (at no additional cost, unlike the cabanas out there). The outdoor lounge also has a bar. If standing up requires too much energy, wait for a waiter to request your order. Cool off in the infinity pool. Or warm up in the two hot tubs on the top deck, where you'll find more lounge seating. If you're temperature-confused, hop between the private sauna and ice room. The Haven's location at the aft of the ship is strategic. Its rear positioning blocks the chill from incoming headwinds while providing unobstructed ocean views from the infinity pool. It may be inconvenient for guests who want to access amenities at the front of the ship (such as the theater and Observation Lounge). Luckily, the private Haven keycard-activated elevators help expedite the journey. Plus, there's no need to rush when you get priority for almost everything. The Haven's amenities don't stop at the elevator doors. In addition to this exclusive space, Haven guests also have a cabin butler, reserved seating for theater shows, and priority embarkation, debarkation, and tendering — an underrated benefit when visiting Norwegian's private island, which will require taking a tender to shore until a pier is completed at the end of the year. That alone could make the Haven worth every penny. Read the original article on Business Insider
