The 2019 Prius is designed to take you more places than ever before with the addition of the AWD-e System. Here’s a quick guide to what you need to know about this revolutionary new feature!

How It Works

While many AWD systems are hooked up to one central motor, the AWD-e from Toyota is managed by an additional third electrical engine. When driving normally, the system uses front-wheel drive powered by the normal Prius powertrain. When the system senses the need, a third engine kicks on, operating the rear axle independently for enhanced performance control in all sorts of situations. The low-energy system can handle driving up to 43 miles per hour, which is perfect for getting up steep but slippery slopes or tackling slick road conditions. While we wouldn’t recommend using it for intense off-road conditions, this extra performance boost is ideal for drivers who live in areas with frequent inclement weather, including rain and snow.

Stay Efficient

Since the third motor disengages when not being used, the 2019 Prius stays hyper-efficient. The system automatically turns the additional motor on and off, removing any chance of you forgetting to switch it and improving overall responsiveness. The battery pack for the additional engine fits snugly under the seat and doesn’t compromise the Prius’ storage capacity.

The AWD-e driving system is available on the Prius LE and XLE trims. If you’re looking for improved performance and handling in slippery conditions without sacrificing efficiency, the AWD-e is the feature you need.

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The 2019 Toyota Corolla is a compact sedan with a big car presence. Many features included as standard would be high spec extras on other cars.

Trim Levels

The entry level L trim features bi-LED headlights, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and lane departure alert with steering assist. Inside, you’ll find a 6.1-inch touch screen, six speakers, Bluetooth wireless technology, a CD player, and a USB port.

The LE adds keyless entry, upgraded upholstery, and climate control, while the XLE gets upgraded lighting, sunroof, simulated leather seating with heated front seats, and app-based navigation.

The SE comes with a unique exterior and interior style. You have the option to choose a manual transmission instead of the standard CVT. The top-of-the-range XSE features paddle shifters with Normal and Sport driving modes, and 4.2-inch driver information display. The LE Eco model is available with a different engine, distinctive wheels and tires, and enhanced aerodynamics, resulting in improved fuel economy.

Standard Advanced Features

The Corolla is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense. The pre-collision system helps detect an obstacle or pedestrian and can apply the car’s brakes to avoid a possible crash. The lane departure system alerts you when you move out of your lane, while steering assist makes small adjustments to keep your car on track. When the adaptive cruise control is activated, it can adjust your speed to keep you at a set distance behind slower vehicles. Automatic high beams optimize your headlights without blinding other drivers.

To take a closer look at the features of the new Corolla, head down to Bennett Toyota.

Hybrids have gotten a bad rap for being unusual looking vehicles, but the 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is breaking those stereotypes with its gorgeous design. Combining classic design elements with a modern sensibility, the 2020 Corolla Hybrid is a testament to how far hybrids have come. Here are our two favorite design features of the 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid.

Sleek Exterior 

Beautifully sloping style lines mark the hood of the Corolla Hybrid, modulating into a bold yet stylish grille that is at once aggressive and cohesive. Slanting headlights complement the arcs of the vehicle’s design, which are carried through even into the back end. Carefully placed accent balance out the overall aesthetic of the vehicle. The Corolla Hybrid borrows its overall appeal from its normal powertrain cousin, offering a subtle yet elegant style punctuated by the grille and accents for a compact car that offers excellent efficiency without compromising looks.

Roomy Interior

One of the greatest challenges of hybrids is the battery. Hybrids use lithium-ion batteries that can be quite large and difficult to fit in a compact vehicle’s frame. This has lead to many compact hybrids not having a lot of trunk space due to the battery taking up most of the room. The Corolla Hybrid has reconfigured the battery position to underneath the rear seats, allowing for generous storage space that isn’t compromised by the battery component.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid will be the perfect vehicle for drivers looking for a classic vehicle with all the perks of the hybrid powertrain.

When you’re looking for something romantic to do with your partner, Allentown has plenty to offer. Here are three of the best things to do.

  1. Miller Symphony Hall

Home to the renowned Allentown Symphony Orchestra, Miller Symphony Hall is Lehigh Valley’s premier venue for the performing arts. This exquisite concert hall is perfect for a date night. See the orchestra play classic masterworks or the work of prominent modern composers.

If classical music is not your thing, you could try the Jazz Upstairs Series featuring various artistes of local and international repute. Alternatively, check out the many other events that are staged at the hall throughout the year.

  1. Historic Benner Mansion

This landmark building, constructed in 1910, has been beautifully restored to its former glory, and is now Allentown’s first and only bed and breakfast. What could be more romantic than spending a night in one of the queen size four-poster beds, while surrounded by the stunning architecture and historic furniture? Located in central Allentown, you will be walking in distance from theaters, restaurants, parks, and all the other attractions in the city.

  1. Amore Vineyard & Winery

Amore means “love” in Italian, and spending some leisurely time at this lovely vineyard will inspire your heart. In addition to the opportunity to savor some of the 30 estate wines, you can enjoy the estate’s cider, vegetables, fruit, and special seasonal offerings. There are events organized throughout the year, such as the Spring Wine & Cheese Pairing.

Take time to enjoy these and other romantic activities on offer in Allentown.

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International restaurants are some of the best places to try new dishes with exciting flavors or revisit a favorite meal. There are a number of fantastic businesses in the Lehigh Valley where you can satisfy your cravings. Here are our top three favorite international restaurants in the Valley.

Mesa Modern Mexican

With a welcoming and stylish interior, Mesa Modern Mexican offers an at-home feel combined with delicious, Mexican-style foods. Many of the dishes feature favorite ingredients with an upscale twist on traditional offerings. Tuck into their incredible pan-seared salmon or pollo asado. Their fabulous margaritas come in flavors like berry rhubarb, cucumber mint, and traditional lime. Mesa Modern Mexican is located at 42 S. 3rd St. in Easton.

Bay Leaf

A staple of Allentown for over 30 years, Bay Leaf offers American and Thai fusion, creating a truly fantastic and varied menu. Housed in a modern yet cozy space, it’s the perfect spot to share a meal with loved ones. Favorite dishes include the shrimp with lemongrass and spiced carrot sauce, duck breast, and veal Milanese. Bay Leaf is located at 935 W. Hamilton St. in Allentown.

Damascus 

With the tagline “Food So Good, You’ll Think We’ve Stolen Your Mother”, Damascus is one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in the valley. Indulge in fantastic, home-style baba gannouj and fried zucchini, and finish up your meal with their chocolate baklava, a local favorite. Damascus is located at 449 N. 2nd St. in Allentown.

These are just a few of the many international restaurants in the Lehigh Valley to satisfy your every culinary desire.

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Getting a good haircut is one of the best feelings, but for discerning customers, it can be hard to find the right barbershop. Here are our top two favorite barbershops in Lehigh Valley that are absolutely worth the trip.

American Male

As one of the most full-service shops in the Valley, it’s no wonder that American Male has even started attracting clientele from nearby areas like Philadelphia and New Jersey. This barbershop offers a huge, comprehensive menu of services ranging from massage to paraffin wax treatment to cut and color. They also offer hand and foot detailing for the interested customer. Their cuts are meticulous, and the shop prides itself on its range of services and its welcoming atmosphere. Appointments are recommended. American Male is located at 316 E. 3rd St. in Bethlehem.

Jimmy’s Barbershop

A true classic barbershop experience awaits guests at Jimmy’s Barbershop. Owned by couple Jim and Rose Moyer, this barbershop emphasizes excellence and family. Their razor work is always meticulous and guests can even treat themselves to a hot-towel shave or shoe shine while they get their hair cut. Beard maintenance is another specialty, and the excellence of their barbers shines through with every service. There are two locations to choose from: 619 Hamilton St. and 526 N. St. Cloud St. Both are located in Allentown. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are always welcome.

Whether you’re looking for a simple haircut or a full pampering, these two barbershops are some of the best in the area and can cater to your every need.

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If you’re in the market for a new car and searching for one that offers top-of-the-line features across the board, look no further than the 2019 Toyota Camry. Ranked as #1 by US News, this midsize sedan covers all the bases.

Performance

The 2019 Camry is a well-rounded vehicle available in multiple trim choices. Each has plenty of power with either a 2.5-liter I-4 or 3.6-liter V-6 engine and easy maneuverability with an eight-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The front-wheel-drive handles the car’s horsepower smoothly with 301 horsepower and 6,600 rpm.

Infotainment

There’s never a dull moment when driving the Camry with its user-friendly infotainment system. The Camry is equipped with standard items such as Apple CarPlay, AM/FM radio, satellite radio, Wi-Fi hotspot, CD and MP3 player, Bluetooth, a premium sound system, auxiliary audio input, 7-inch touchscreen, and smart device integration.

Comfort

The Camry offers comfortable seating for five with either leather, cloth, or synthetic upholstery. Standard on all but the base model are front seats with power adjustments and heated seats for a cozy ride. The Camry also is equipped with a LATCH system for the children’s safety.

Driver Convenience

The Camry comes standard with several features to assist the driver for a safer driving experience. Features include adaptive cruise control, rearview camera, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, and a forward collision warning system.

When style, performance, up-to-date technology, and overall comfort and convenience are on your checklist for a new car, the 2019 Camry is the total package.

Allentown, Pennsylvania, has many wonderful sightseeing opportunities available. Check out a few of the most unusual attractions in the area.

1. Liberty Bell Hiding Place

Most people know what, and where, the Liberty Bell is. Fewer people, however, know that the Liberty Bell was once hidden in an effort to prevent it from being melted for weapons during the British occupation of Philadelphia. The bell was hidden at Zion Reformed Church in Allentown, underneath the floorboards. The bell was returned to its Philadelphia location, but visitors can view a replica at the hiding place.

2. Lehigh Millennium Folk Arch

Art enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the Lehigh Millennium Folk Arch. Located on the campus of Lehigh University, the arch features numerous artistic sculptures from past and present college students. The Folk Arch was a part of a spiritual art class in an effort to display raw art visions. Today, guests can stroll through the grounds, taking in the unique art displays.

3. Hoover-Mason Trestle

The Hoover-Mason Trestle was once one of the largest steel producers in the entire country. It manufactured materials for many of the most important builds including the Hoover Dam and the Golden Gate Bridge. Although the plant is no longer in operation today, it has become a popular landmark that is worth checking out. Today, the 1,650-foot Bethlehem park allows visitors to explore the history and enjoy the native greenery.

Enjoy the beauty of Allentown, Pennsylvania, by visiting some of its most unusual attractions. Each of these destinations promises an entertaining and memorable experience.

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It’s always exciting to find out what’s new on the car front, and the 2019 Corolla Hatchback has a few surprises.

Under the Hood

The 2019 Hatchback has a new engine purring under the hood in the form of a 2.0-liter Inline-four cyliner naturally aspirated engine with the name “Dynamic Force.” The 16-valve twin-cam engine features a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and the D4-S system, which is a fuel-injection system for both port and direct fuel. The Corolla Hatchback is available with an automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

Performance

The new engine produces 168 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque. With adaptive cruise control at your fingertips, the Corolla Hatchback provides a fun, dynamic, and well-balanced driving experience. Good road grip and a solid suspension system provide smoother driving, responsiveness on curves, and power to the pedal when it’s needed. It’s estimated that the Corolla will do a little better than previous testing, which had a CVT-equipped vehicle going from zero to 60 mph in 9.1 seconds.

Technology

Several enhancements are available on the Hatchback, depending on the trim and model. For example, the XSE is fitted with a 7.0-inch digital screen bordered on each side by gauges, while the SE is fitted with a 4.2-inch screen. Both have easy access to an 8.0-inch touchscreen and the Entune infotainment system. The addition of Apple CarPlay is a plus across the Toyota line.

The 2019 Corolla Hatchback is not only practical, but it’s safe and fun to drive. With its exterior design promoting the Toyota grille, LED headlights, creative rear design, and overall stylistic lines, it makes an impression wherever it goes.

Whether you’re hoping to find a new way to stay in shape or you want to learn self-defense, martial arts is a great practice to take on. Adults and children alike can benefit from good teaching. Here are two places to study martial arts in the Allentown, Pennsylvania, area.

  1. Tiger Schulmann’s Martial Arts

Located in the Tilghman Square Shopping Center, Tiger Schulmann’s Martial Arts offers classes for both children and adults. Highly experienced trainers lead the adult classes and seek to train individuals to reach their optimal strength and ability. Adults can choose among classes like kickboxing, Muay Thai, self-defense, and more. Instructors are also available to support you in your all-around health goals. They will provide guidance for your lifestyle and advice on nutrition.

Classes for children include karate and self-defense to help neutralize bullying. Tiger Schulmann himself was bullied as a child, so one of his goals in opening a training center was to help kids improve their confidence.

  1. Leading Edge Martial Arts

Leading Edge Martial Arts on Hamilton Boulevard provides martial arts classes for kids, adults, and even little ones and their parents. Adults can learn the basics of martial arts, or they can take their strength and endurance up a notch with cage fitness training. Cage fitness is a program that uses high-intensity interval workouts to truly challenge and strengthen your body. Kids’ classes are focused on self-discipline rather than competition.

No matter your fitness past or present, you can benefit from martial arts training. Head to one of these centers for a fun challenge.

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