Auto Review Archives - Whitney Nic James

Auto Review | 2018 Mazda3 Grand Touring

April 18, 2018 by Whitney 8 Comments

I drive and review a lot of cars. Some I like, some not so much. However, when I’m able to test drive a Mazda I know I won’t be disappointed. So, when this 2018 Mazda3 Grand Touring pulled up outside my house I was thrilled! At first glance, I noticed this “Snowflake White Pearl” 4-door vehicle was super sporty. The lines and curves also made the car extremely chic, and the smooth, buttery parchment interior was the cherry on top!

Related: 2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring

During the week, I drove the 2018 Mazda3 back and forth from Columbia to Baltimore, twice. I also drove my regular routes around my neighborhood. On the highway, I gave it a little gas and quickly found out this car gets OUT! Despite the elevated speed, I still felt in control of the car. Major plus! With all the highway driving, the blind-spot monitoring feature came in very handy.

Looking for a sporty car with awesome safety features? Check out the 2018 Mazda3 ( @ MazdaUSA )!

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Navigating my way in and around parking lots was a breeze. Because the body of the car is on the smaller side, I was able to zip in and out of parking spaces effortlessly. Thanks to the rearview camera feature, I opted to back into most parking spaces without hesitation. Check out a few more of my favorite features below!

Total MSRP: $28,470

*MSRP (Manufactured Suggested Retail Price) *

Fuel Economy: 30 Miles Per Gallon (27 City & 36 Highway)

Exterior

Rearview Cameras
Rain-Sensing Wipers
18-Inch Alloy Wheels
LED Daytime Running Lights
Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers
Power Sliding-Glass One-Touch Moonroof

Interior

7-inch Display Touchscreen
Variable Heated Front Seats
Leather Trimmed Sport Seats
60/40 Split Fold-Down Rear Seat
Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone and Audio Streaming
SiriusXM Satellite, Aha™, HD Radio™, and Pandora^® Radio

Safety & Security Features

Rearview Camera
Tire Pressure Monitoring
Front Side-Impact Airbags
Front & Rear Side Air Curtains
SMS Text Message Audio Delivery and Reply
Blind Spot Detection with Rear-Cross Traffic Alert

Check out this ( @MazdaUSA ) 2018 Mazda3 Grand Touring Auto Review! #DriveMazda

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So tell me, what do you think about the 2018 Mazda3 Grand Touring? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and commenting and until next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Love & light…xo!

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Auto Review | 2018 Genesis G80

February 8, 2018 by Whitney 6 Comments

Last May, I had the opportunity to test drive the 2017 Genesis G80. After seeing this vehicle up close at the 2017 Washington Auto Show, I was thrilled to get behind the wheel! Fast forward 8 months, and I’m test driving the 2018 model. #WINNINGWait, do we still say that in 2018? Either way, sitting in the driver’s seat of this Casablanca White 2018 Genesis G80 made me feel like a winner, for sure! I describe this car as, “affordable luxury at its best.” From the Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers to the Wood Grain Interior Accents, the 2018 Genesis G80 has everything you need, and more.

Related: 2017 Genesis G80 Auto Review

The 2018 model comes equipped with a new Pedestrian Detection System. This feature watches people outside the car while the driver awareness system monitors the person behind the wheel. Another addition I noticed was the Integrated Memory System. The 2018 G80 remembers your personal comfort settings in the driver seat, with the exterior mirrors, the steering wheel, and with the Heads-up Display. They’re automatically adjusted to your stored preferences. I kept wondering why the seatbelt automatically got a tad tighter, in the driver’s and passengers seats, once I took off. Now I know!

This sturdy eye-catching sedan drove over bumps and turned corners with such ease. I haven’t felt a smoother ride since I test drove the 2017 G80. While I did notice the backseat and trunk measured a bit smaller than the 2017 model, the slightly smaller space(s) wasn’t an issue for me nor with my passengers. For even more exterior and interior specifics, as well as more safety features and the price, check out the information below.

Total MSRP: $41,750

*$310 more than the 2017 model*

*MSRP (Manufactured Suggested Retail Price) *

Fuel Economy: 19/27 City/Highway Miles Per Gallon

*2017 Model MPG: 18/28 City/Highway*

Exterior

Hands-Free Smart Trunk with Auto Open
Auto Defogging Windshield
18” Aluminium Wheels
Rain-Sensing Wipers
Rearview Cameras
High Beam Assist

Interior

Google POI search, Android Auto™, and Apple CarPlay™
Full Grain Leather Seats (3 levels of heating & cooling)
High-Definition 9.2-inch Display Touchscreen
Bluetooth® Hands-Free System
The Integrated Memory System
Woodgrain Accents
New Analog Clock

Safety & Security Features

Blind Spot Detection with Rear-Cross Traffic Alert
Lane Departure Warning
Pre Active Seat Belts
Lane Keep Assist
9 Airbag System

Check out this ( @GenesisUSA ) 2018 Genesis G80 Auto Review! #GenesisUSA

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So tell me, what do you think about the 2018 Genesis G80? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and commenting and until next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Love & light…xo!

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Auto Review | 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Review

December 22, 2016 by Whitney 4 Comments

This week was bitter sweet as I was reluctantly returned my loaner of the year. I’d been driving the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe for the past week and by far, this was my absolute favorite loaner. Granted I’ve been extremely fortunate to test drive several amazing vehicles, but the Santa Fe was like no other. From the luxurious interior to the insanely spacious 2nd and 3rd-row seats, driving this car was a treat! The video below will give you a quick and detailed look inside of the 6-passenger Hyundai Santa Fe. Take a look!

Pros:

Apple CarPlay
Luxury Interior
Spacious 3rd Row
Lane Departure Warning
Fold Down 3rd Row Seating
Front & Rear-View Camera
2nd Row Captain’s Chairs
$39,400.00 (without added features)

Cons:

Seating in 3rd Row
- a passenger mentioned that the seating was a bit low
Electronic Parking Brake
- a little difficult to figure out

During the week, and throughout the weekend, I put the Santa Fe to good use! My family and I packed the car with groceries, luggage and Christmas gifts. We even packed over 100 Blessing Bags in the trunk, thanks to the split 3rd row storage space. Below are a few other features worth highlighting.

– Dual Power Side Mirrors with Turn Signal Indicators

– 7” Touchscreen Color Audio with Rear-View Camera

– 6 Passenger Seating with Split 3rd Row

– Dual Temperature Control

– 7” Touchscreen Navigation

– 2nd Row Cupholders

– Panoramic Sunroof

– 19” Alloy Wheels

– Low Fuel Indicator

If you’re in the market for safe, spacious and affordable family vehicle definitely check out the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. There’s no doubt in my mind that you’ll be very pleased! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…xo!

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#WNJDrives | 2017 Kia Sportage SX Review

July 29, 2016 by Whitney 3 Comments

All summer long I’ve been test driving some pretty awesome cars! My latest test drive was with the 2017 Kia Sportage SX. I feel like each time I drive a Kia I want one even more! This time was no different; I truly enjoyed my week with the this midsize beauty. I mean just by looking at this car I fell in love! Body-wise it’s incredibly sleek and the color is perfection!

* See Also: 2016 Kia Sorento Review

The Sportage SX dives very well and has a slight luxurious feel once inside. For a while, I forgot I was driving a Kia! For the most part just my husband and I rode in the car, but there was room in the backseat for 3 more passengers. The trunk also has plenty of room for storage, which came in handy on grocery shopping day. I also enjoyed riding with the the panoramic sunroof open. Check out some more features:

– Lane Departure Warning & Automated Emergency Braking

– Dual Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags

– Heated & Cooled Leather Front Seats

– Handsfree/Bluetooth Capability

– Audio Controls on Steering Wheel

– Touchscreen Display Screen

– Daytime Running Lights

– Blind Spot Detection

– Panoramic Sunroof

– Rearview Camera

* See Also: 2016 Kia Optima Review

I must say that I appreciated the Blind Spot Detection feature. Granted I’m a safe driver, but it’s quite the necessary feature for someone like me who drives on the highway quite often. Because of the size, I can see the 2017 Kia Sportage SX being purchased and driven as a family car. I can definitely see this being one of the cars on our list when hubs and I have a baby.

Even if you don’t have children the Sportage SX is a great choice for those who don’t want a big truck, but crave the space and feel of an SUV. Like an SUV, this car is sturdy, safe and spacious. Unlike (some) SUV’s, this car is much easier to maneuver in and out of parking spaces. For me, that was a definite plus!

So tell me, what do you think about the 2017 Kia Sportage SX? Let me know!

As always, thanks so much for reading and commenting. Until next week, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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* Drive Shop USA provided me with this vehicle to test drive. All opinions are my own.*

#WNJDrives | 2016 Mazda6 Car Review

April 8, 2016 by Whitney 5 Comments

From wifely duties at home, to working a 9-5, updating/managing content on WNJ and FWIAM, taking little sis to a pageant appearance or an acting/modeling gig/audition, to meeting up for a brunch or dinner date with hubs or friends, it’s safe to say I have a pretty active life. And let’s not forget about my weekly me-time activities, going to church and spending time with the family! Thankfully I love (all of) what I do. However, these activities keep me on the road quite a bit. So of course anytime I have the opportunity to test drive a Drive Shop vehicle, I’m all in and very grateful! Not only does it save me some gas, but it also gives me and hubs a chance to test different car models, as we’re thinking about purchasing a new car in the next year or so.

Last week I had the pleasure of test driving a 2016 Mazda6. I’ve never driven a Mazda so I was excited to get behind the wheel and give it a go! At first glance I loved the color, which was surprising because I’m usually not a fan of white cars. I was also very impressed with the interior. The leather-trimmed heated (front) seats, along with the rest of the inside, was gorgeous. Of course the first thing I did was connect my iPhone to the car; I must listen to my Apple Music playlists while driving. Here are some other features worth sharing, as well as a breif video for an even closer look:

– Bluetooth Hands-free Phone/Audio

– 7.0” Color Touch-Screen Display

– Bose 11” Speaker Sound System

– Blind Spot Monitoring

– Heated Front Seats

– Power Side Mirrors

– Rear-view Camera

– Power Moonroof

– Key-less Entry

Looking for an affordable, safe and stylish car? Check out the @MazdaUSA Mazda6! #wnjdrives

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This compact and sporty Mazda6 was the perfect companion during a busy week! The trunk had plenty of space to pack and deliver a food few (Heart of Charity) non-perishable donations, as well as store groceries and clothes from the cleaners. Priced at $30,195 with the standard features, and $33,715 for the optional features, the car is reasonably priced. It’s the perfect purchase for anyone looking for a stylish, compact, 4-door vehicle.

The 2016 Mazda6 is stylish, safe and has amazing features. Check out this @MazdaUSA review!

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So tell me, have you ever driven a Mazda6 or another model? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and thanks again Drive Shop for yet another stylish and safe ride. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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* Drive Shop provided me with this vehicle to test drive. All opinions are my own. *

#WNJDrives | 2016 Kia Optima Car Review

February 11, 2016 by Whitney 4 Comments

Just before the New Year I had to opportunity to test drive a 2016 Kia Optima LX Turbo. Hubs and I aren’t in the market for a new car immediately, however we plan to purchase a new car within the next 2 years. So whenever I have a chance to test drive a vehicle, I’m excited! I’ve become very found of the Kia brand over the past year and after driving the Optima for a week, it’s safe to say that a Kia purchase just might happen in the near future.

I put this car to the test, traveling up and down 95 for meetings and other wok related events, as well as driving my usual routes in and around Howard County. The sleek and sophisticated design caught my eye at first glance and once inside, I was very impressed with the space. The car is compact, but not so small that you don’t feel comfortable. Once I became acclimated with the car, I noticed one thing for sure – this car gets OUT! Now of course I wasn’t speeding recklessly, but the need for speed was met while cursing down 95. Below are a few important features of the 2016 Kia Optima:

– Push Button Start / Smart Key & Trunk

– Dual Front Advance Airbags

– SIRIUSXM Satellite Radio

– USB/Auxiliary Input Jack

– Steering Wheel Controls

– Rear Parking Assistance

– Bluetooth Capabilities

– Navigation System

– 12 Volt Outlet

Again, I’m not usually a fan of compact sport-like cars, but driving this Kia swayed me a bit. I had plenty of room to stretch and felt very safe while driving. Because I’m constantly on-the-go, I’m always pleasantly surprised when there’s a place to charge multiple electronic devices in a vehicle. Hubs and Mom were equally impressed with the features and also loved the chic design and Platinum Graphite color.

The 2016 @Kia Optima is perfect for young professionals and college students! #wnjdrives

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I can definitely see this car being a great option for a young professional on-the-go, or even a college student. The price of this model, including the features mentioned and a few others, is $27,415. With all the driving I did I was surprised that I din’t have to fill up the tank. The Fuel Economy is listed at 32 MPG. Not bad, at all!

So tell me, have you ever driven a 2016 Kia Optima or another Kia model? Let me know!

As always, thanks for reading and commenting. If you’re in the market for a new ride I highly suggest you checking out the Optima, or another Kia model. The more I drive these cars the more I understand the high satisfaction rate among many consumers. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

P.S. Don’t forget to link your recent outfit to my Personal Style Linkup, HERE!

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* Drive Shop provided me with this vehicle to test drive. All opinions are my own. *

#WNJDrives | 2016 Kia Sorento Review

December 15, 2015 by Whitney 7 Comments

As mentioned in this post, hubs and I traveled to his home state of Delaware for Thanksgiving. The following weekend, we headed back to Delaware for a baby shower. Aside from road tripping, we’ve both been quite busy for the past few weeks. Because of that I wanted to make this trip as comfortable and stress free as possible, for the both of us. I also wanted a smooth and easy drive so at the last minute, I reached out to the lovely people at Drive Shop. Thankfully I was provided with a beautiful 2016 Kia Sorento SXL AWD the next day, just in time for our road trip.

When the driver pulled up with this vehicle, I was immediately impressed. Further examining the Sorento I opened the door and fell in love with the deep red leather seats, the comfortable drivers seat, and the easy to use 8-inch touchscreen display. I remember testing a Sorento a few years back and was rather pleased. However the 2016 model blew me away! Check out some of the awesome features:

– 19” Alloy Wheels

– Blind Spot Detection

-Side Curtain Airbags

(1st & 2nd Row)

-Surround View Monitor

– Full Time AWD (All Wheel Drive)

– Heated & Ventilated Front Seats

– Heated Leather Steering Wheel

– Blue Tooth Wireless Capability

– Navigation System & Sirius XM Satellite Radio

Charging Station & Electrical Outlet Station in Back Seat

Needless to say the drive to Delaware and back was smooth, safe and so relaxing. I even caught hubs napping in the passengers seat a few times – he never falls asleep while I’m driving, lol. On our way home, we stopped to grab a few things from Whole Foods. There was still tons of space left in the trunk after storing our suitcase, a few miscellaneous items, water and 3-4 bags of groceries. Looking back it was as if the trunk was laughing at us like, “that’s all you got?!” LOL!

@Kia’s make safe, family friendly, good looking cars. Read this 2016 Sorento review! #wnjdrives

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This car was the perfect road-trip companion, to say the least. Kia is easily becoming one of our favorite brands. After riding this beauty for a few days, hubs and I are strongly considering this vehicle as our next car purchase. All weekend I raved about how comfortable and safe I felt. The only negative thing I can say about my experience was that I wish I was able to drive it a bit longer, lol.

So tell me, what are you driving? What do you think about the 2016 Kia Sorento SXL AWD? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and be sure to leave your comment below. Until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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* Drive Shop provided me with this vehicle to test drive. All opinions are my own. *