Mazda CX-5, feels like home

Mazda-CX5-HeaderAs soon as I stepped up to the driver’s seat of the Mazda CX-5 (this is going to sound like I’m buttering up the Mazda people but…) it felt like home.

Now, don’t stop reading just because I stated that. I’m pretty sure it has something to do with the fact that I currently own a Mazda already. Heyyy?

Mazda-CX5-steering-wheelIt’s also pretty much the reason I felt comfortable driving it all week long. So much so that I ended up putting 500 miles on it during the week I had it. It was almost as if it was all mine, even though those seven days simply flew by. It’s a perfect size, has a bit more room in it than my Mazda 3 hatch, but overall felt the same with regards to driving it.

Alfie seems pretty comfortable in it too.Alfie-in-front-seat

BMC-in-back-of-MazaCX5Remember my 4th of July recap and Santa Clara Uni trip? That was pretty fun.Not to mention all the Instagram pictures I took for the duration. That’s my husbands bike laying flat with the two back seats folded down in it. In my Mazda hatch he has to turn his wheel up  in order for it to fit. But you can see here it has plenty of room.

This was the first car I was disappointed in handing back over the keys to. I walked up the stairs last Friday after walking into the house and my husband asked me if I was okay! His concern for me “losing the car” definitely made me chuckle a bit. Honestly, I really loved driving it. I really loved the looks of it. And I really enjoyed the size.

Santa-Cruz-Mazda-CX5Every car I’ve test drove so far has had an automatic transmission. I’ve taken a driving course with Young Drivers of Canada a few years ago to learn how to drive a stick-shift, and although I can probably drive one if absolutely necessary, I feel more comfortable driving an automatic, especially after all these years of driving. I probably wouldn’t review a car if it were a manual. If anyone ever wants to make fun of me for driving the automatic, they can — and what odds? I don’t see it as a flaw at all, besides, car manufacturers are making and selling many more automatics than manual transmissions these days how it is.

Alfie-smilingIsn’t that the cheesiest photo ever? My dog and I smiling back at one another? Minus the dirty dog-shirt I have on, I say this could easily be in a print ad for Mazda. Don’tcha think?

Inside-Mazda-CX5Adaptive Cruise Control you can set not only the cruise control, but you can also set how far away from the vehicle ahead of you is, and if that car slows down a tad, your car will too. It was definitely a bit of a learning curve to get used to it, especially on the higway when people merge in front of you, you feel like you’re slowing down a little without doing anything. But after a full day of using it I had come to rely on it while on the highway to give my right butt cheek a little break from always hovering over the gas peddle. Just sayin’. In conjunction with that, the ‘dead peddle’ on the left hand side, something I look for in cars when cruising on the road. I need a spot for that left foot when driving an automatic!

Another good feature is the lane assist. If you go over the line when you’re driving, it can either making a beeping noise at you or a vibration noise, whichever you prefer. Great for those travelling on the highway all day every day, commuters. etc.

Mazda-CX-5-side-viewBright and early one morning while taking this exact photo in Santa Cruz, a couple walking down the sidewalk stopped me and said “What a cute little car, what kind is it?” Mazda CX-5 I promptly replied.

Alfie-smile-front-seatWhen I parked it outside one afternoon in our complex, I clearly walked straight past the car and up to a BMW SUV, thinking that it was the Mazda! I suppose they have simiilar traits as to sizing, and the rear of the vehicles, so I thoght that was a bit funny and should be noted here! Looks a bit fancy snazzy hey?

Let’s talk about the cons of the car. I’m not a huge fan of the automatic dimming of the driver’s rear view mirror come darkness. Either I’m getting old and can’t see when it’s dark out, or I prefer being blinded by headlights in the mirror. I didn’t see an option to turn the dimmer off to have it be ‘normal’. Perhaps you can, and my mistake if I’m incorrect. It also has a D-window mini blind spot. Nothing too huge, but that’s where you become more aware of switching over lanes, especially in the dark. You can definitely turn on the blind spot detection but don’t let that be your eyes, use your own two as well. Of course.

If you know the seats in Mazda cars, well, the CX-5 has the same sort of comfort as my 2007 Mazda so if you know what that means, you know your butt can go numb after about an hours drive or so. Considering I’m quite used to it with my car, it didn’t have any affect on me.

Santa-Clara-Uni

Mazda-Sunroof-and-backseat

Mazda-CX-5-Rear

Mazda-CX-5What do you guys think of the Mazda CX-5? Pretty snazzy right? As I stated above, I was sad to hand over the keys back to the company that loaned it out to me. Guess that means I’m pretty much sold on it, I mean it’s almost time for me to upgrade my car…. I don’t mind the red colour it comes in, either.

If you’re looking for more information regarding the 2016 Mazda CX-5 check out their website.

Disclaimer: The 2016 Mazda CX-5 was loaned to me for the week for my review. 

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21 Comments

  1. We are in the process right now of looking for a new vehicle. We have 2 cars and 1 truck right now and are planning on trading in the Toyota and the Chevy Truck for something. Not sure what we want and plan to test drive until we find something we both can live with. This Mazda looks like it might work well for us. I am sure we will be test driving one.
    Terry recently posted..Our Sandbrige Beach Vacation ~ Perfect For Our Entire FamilyMy Profile

  2. The Mazda looks like such a great car when you are transitioning from a couple to having kids. You would be surprised how much extra stuff you have to cart around just because of one little baby. Love that an entire bike fits in the car too, perfect for summer!

  3. I love it! I think this car looks amazing! I actually was just telling my husband how cool it would be took get a red SUV for our next car. I love the automatic cruise control feature and the mirror that you mentioned that helps you switch lanes.

    1. @Zoe: Lol your comment cracked me up. Honestly, I don’t review cars often. This is like my 3rd car review in all my blogging history. Plus, I’m still exploring around California like it’s my job – loving life down here…and plus my lil’ car is giving me some issues, so there’s that. I also try not to venture anywhere where there is rush hour traffic, cause driving gives me the sweats sometimes too lol.
      Nancy recently posted..Mazda CX-5, feels like homeMy Profile

      1. @Nancy: haha fair, i remembered seeing one here before too so I wasn’t sure if it was a regular thing and I was checking this post out and thinking how terrible that sounded! I live in rural Nova Scotia and I still avoid driving… For perspective, the car I bought in October is about to hit 4,000 and it came with 450 on it…
        Zoe recently posted..DAVIDsTEA Summer 2015 CollectionMy Profile

        1. @Zoe: Yeah I’m pretty new to it – so I honestly have no idea what I’m talking about when it comes to car reviews. But all I can do is give my honest opinion. I ‘spose no one likes people reiterating the press releases lol.

          Ahh hello from Newfoundland! Except, I’m not there any more. I didn’t know you were an east coaster!
          Nancy recently posted..Mazda CX-5, feels like homeMy Profile

          1. @Nancy: Definitely! I think you give a personal, honest touch which is great. I definitely could have used some of that when I was looking for cars, I found it very overwhelming, I ended up buying the same one (Hyundai Elantra) my boyfriend and my mom’s boyfriend had and loved.

            I first moved here in 2006 from Montreal (with a 2 year detour to Alberta) and my boyfriend (who was born here) tells me I will never really be an East Coaster ;) But I love it!
            Zoe recently posted..DAVIDsTEA Summer 2015 CollectionMy Profile

            1. @Zoe: Ah! Before my Mazda hatch I test drove an elantra – I was debating between that an the Mazda 3 hatch that I got. Pfth, if you live there and you love N.S. then you’re definitely an east coaster. I’ll adopt you, then screech you in when you fly over to Newfoundland ;)
              Nancy recently posted..Mazda CX-5, feels like homeMy Profile

  4. This is such a cute car and cute dog! My mother in law has a car like this and a Pomeranian. If I didn’t know any better I would swear this was her review! I love the bright color of the car and the interior seems roomy. Great review, I will have to share this with the MIL:)
    Melissa recently posted..Healthy Zucchini Bread RecipeMy Profile

  5. Now, I am about to age myself. My first car was a 1985 Mazda GLC. I loved that car. All new and shiny with the sunroof. Lol. I have not driven a Mazda since I stopped driving that car, but the brand is one I consider high quality. Your review points out everything one would need to know to head to the dealership today.
    Shonda recently posted..Explore Along South Africa’s Garden RouteMy Profile

  6. I love this! I have to agree – I have driven cars before and felt the same exact way. I am a big fan of the Mazda vehicles myself. I haven’t driven this model but I have how nice they are to drive. Great pics too!
    Melissa recently posted..Crockpot RibsMy Profile

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