Car 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 )!

Click To Tweet

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

Click To Tweet

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!

KEEP UP WITH ME

Instagram // Twitter // Snapchat // Facebook

Auto Review | 2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring

August 31, 2017 by Whitney 4 Comments

The week of my birthday, I had to pleasure of test driving the 2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring. Becuase I’d already tested the 2016 Mazda CX-5, I was a bit skeptical at first. I thought to myself, how much different can this model really be? Well, to my surprise the 2017 model had a few noticeable differences and improvements. The first being the size of the SUV. At first glance, there was no doubt the 2017 model was a bit larger than last year’s. I also noticed this when I sat in the driver’s seat. The larger size definitely made for a more comfortable driving experience.

Related: 2016 Mazda CX-5 Review

The most significant change, however, was the sleeker design in the dashboard, as well as the upgraded center consoles in the front and back. When I’m driving, I like to have an easy place to store my keys, phone, and water bottle. The 2017 model made storing these items hassle free. Moving to the backseat, the console included not only 2 cup holders but also a place to hold your phone and ports to charge the battery. My 2 backseat drivers had found those features extremely accommodating!

See how the (@mazdausa) 2017 Mazda CX-5 compares to the 2016 model. #DriveMazda

Click To Tweet

While driving, I also noticed that the engine of the 2017 Mazda CX-5 was very quiet. I’m not sure about you, but I’m not a fan of vehicles with loud engines. A quiet engine is a plus for both the driver and passengers. Check out more of my favorite exterior, interior, and safety features below:

Exterior

Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
19-inch Alloy Wheels
Rear Roof Spoiler

Interior

Spacious 5-Passenger Seating
Push Button Engine Start
Power Moonroof

Saftey & Security Features

Blind Spot Monitoring
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Rear Privacy Glass
Lane Keep Assist

Check out the (@mazdausa) 2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring auto review! #DriveMazda

Click To Tweet

So tell me, what do you think about the 2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring? Can you see yourself owning one?

All in all, I was very impressed with the 2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring upgrades. The SUV looks better, drives smoother and quieter, and has more interior space. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle and you want to drive something sophisticated, comfortable, sleek and safe I’d definitely think about purchasing this 2017 model. Thanks for reading and as always, be blessed and stay safe!

KEEP UP WITH ME

Instagram // Twitter // Snapchat // Facebook // Newsletter

Auto Review | 2017 Mazda 6 Grand Touring

June 7, 2017 by Whitney Leave a Comment

I know I’ve said it before, but I really enjoy test driving and reviewing cars for WNJ! As on-the-go as I am each day, it’s always nice to have a reliable and safe car to drive. A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to test drive the 2017 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, an extremely reliable and safe midsize car.

Related: 2017 Mazda CX-9 Car Review

Thanks to Mazda’s newest innovation, the SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS with G-Vectoring Control, the ride was extremely smooth. This feature made me feel particularly comfortable and confident while driving. Where I went, the car went. I was in total control and the car handled the curves of the road effortlessly. Check out a few more key features, as well as my pros and cons of the 2017 Mazda 6 below.

KEY FEATURES

7” Color Screen Display (IMPROVED)
Bluetooth Handsfree Phone/Audio
Traffic Sign Recognition (NEW)
Leather Trimmed Sports Seats
Smart Brake Support System
Lane Departure Warning
Advanced Keyless Entry
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
G-Vectoring Controls
Push to Start Engine
Lane-Keep Assist

* Price Starts at $30,695

PROS

Clean & Sleek Interior & Exterior
Active Driving Display
Good Trunkspace
- 60/40 split fold-down rear seat

CONS

Not Really a Spacious Backseat
- made to seat 3 but realistically seats 2 people, semi-comfortably
- not much knee or leg room
So-So Sound System
- could’ve had more bass & a better overall sound quality

Related: 2017 Mazda CX-3 Review

So tell me, what are your thoughts on the 2017 Mazda 6 Grand Touring? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and be sure to leave your thoughts below. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

KEEP UP WITH ME

Instagram // Twitter // Snapchat // Facebook // Newsletter

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

Auto Review | 2017 Genesis G80

May 4, 2017 by Whitney 2 Comments

I attended the Washington Auto Show back in January and as you can imagine, I saw and sat inside of several large, mid-size, small and luxury cars. However, the car that stuck out to me the most was the Genesis. After sitting inside of and learning more about the Genesis G80 and the Genesis G90, I was in awe of one of the newest luxury vehicles on the market. I secretly wished that one day I’d be able to test drive one of the cars and to my surprise, my wish came true! A few weeks back, I test drove the 2017 Genesis G80 for a week. The experience was nothing short of amazing.

At first glance, the Himalayan Gray 4-door 5 passenger luxury mid-size vehicle was absolutely stunning. Sleek and polished in design, I was already sold! Once inside the swooning continued. To say the interior is spacious would be an understatement. There is plenty of legroom for the driver, front seat passenger, and backseat passengers. The plush flooring, full-grain leather seats, and chic technology settings were extremely impressive. Below are several other key features.

Key Features

– 9.2-inch HD Touchscreen Display with Split Screen (ability to check navigation & audio at the same time)

– Integrated Memory System for Driver Seat, Exterior Mirrors, Steering Wheel, etc.

– AM/FM/SiriusXM Radio, HD Radio™, Bluetooth® Connection & Calling

– 9 Airbag System (dual front, front & rear sides, driver’s knee & curtain)

– Panoramic Sunroof & Power Sunshades for Back Seat

– Full-Grain Seats with 3 Levels of Heating & Cooling

– Lane Keep Assist (detects lane departure)

– Automatic Emergency Braking

– Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

– Hands-free Smart Trunk

– Automatic High Beams

– Blind Spot Detection

* Price Starts at $54,550

While driving the Genesis G80 back and for to work, as well as back and forth to Dover, Delaware, I felt extremely secure. The lane departure and blind spot features made me feel even safer. I was also impressed with the traffic alerts and navigation system. Not once did I have an issue with directions while driving. When my husband wasn’t being lulled to sleep by the smooth ride, he and I enjoyed the crisp surround-sound system. We even got a chance to test the panoramic sunroof, thanks to good weather.

The 2017 Genesis G80 is a mid-size luxury car that’s incredibly sleek in design. (@GenesisUSA )

Click To Tweet

So tell me, what do you think about the 2017 Genesis G80? Does it look like a vehicle you would drive? Let me know!

If you ever get a chance to test drive the Genesis G80, do so. Especially if you’re in the market for a luxury mid-size vehicle. This one will wow you, I’m sure of it! Thanks for reading and until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

KEEP UP WITH ME

Instagram // Twitter // Snapchat // Facebook // Newsletter

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

Auto Review | 2017 Mazda CX-9 Car Review + a Life Update

April 5, 2017 by Whitney Leave a Comment

Hello and Happy April! You’re probably wondering where I’ve been, right? Let’s just say the month of March was C R A Z Y. No complaints at all, but sometimes life happens, priorities shift and you have to go with it. However, despite the crazy month, I was able to skip town and travel to Atlanta, Georgia for a few days. I planned this trip back in December as a surprise for my husband’s 30th birthday.

A lover of African American History & Culture, especially Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I knew he would be thrilled to visit The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. My husband is also a Coke drinker, so visiting the World of Coca-Cola was the icing on the cake! Thanks to Mazda, I was able to chauffeur the birthday boy around all weekend in the 2017 Mazda CX-9. Take a look!

2017 Mazda CX-9

Related: 2017 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring AWD Review

The 4-door Mazda CX-9 provided a smooth ride while driving in and around the city each day. Although the body of the car is a bit large, the backup camera made maneuvering in and out of parking spaces a breeze. Just like the Mazda CX-3, I felt very safe while driving the CX-9. I was also in control of the steering wheel. I’m not a fan of driving lightweight vehicles; the heavier and sturdier the car the better. Below are a few other Mazda CX-9 key features:

Key Features:

– Bluetooth, AUX and USB Inputs (4)

– Heated Front Seats & Power Moonroof

– Wheel with Audio & Cruise Controls

– 8” Color Display with Rear Camera

– Auto On/Off LED Headlights

– Leather Trimmed Upholstery

– Push Button Engine Start

– Blind Spot Monitoring

– 7 passenger seating

Price: $41,810 (with additional features)

Fuel Economy: 24 MPG

Check out this 2017 Mazda CX-9 auto review! #wnjdrives

Click To Tweet

So tell me, what do you think about the 2017 Mazda CX-9? Would a car like this fit your lifestyle? Let me know!

As always, thanks for reading. I’ll be back to posting more frequently very soon, but in the meantime, I encourage you to sign up for my weekly newsletter, The WNJ Insider. You can look forward to the latest edition every Friday at 12 noon. If you want to be inspired and if you want to keep up with me, become an Insider! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

KEEP UP WITH ME

Instagram // Twitter // Snapchat // Facebook // Newsletter

Auto Review | 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander

February 8, 2017 by Whitney 2 Comments

I’ve been asked a few times why I post car reviews and how it correlates with the WNJ brand. It’s really quite simple. Driving is something I do every day and as a Lifestyle Content Creator, my purpose is to share certain lifestyle experiences in hopes to inspire you in some way. Many of you, myself included, are or will be in the market for a new car in the near future. If I can make your car buying decision a little easier, why not? That said, let’s get into my latest car review!

Related: 2017 Washington Auto Show Recap

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of test driving my first loaner of the year! The 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander was my companion for 7 days. Thanks to the fold down back seat(s) and a spacious trunk, the Outlander was extremely helpful during grocery store and Target runs. During the week I drove the car to and from Baltimore and D.C. and to my surprise, I didn’t have to fill the gas the entire time I had to the loaner.

This 4-door SUV comfortably seats 7-passenger and the Quartz Brown/Black color was very attractive. The SUV also has Government 5-Star Safety Ratings. Knowing that the Outlander is a safe and secure vehicle made my rides even more comfortable. For more specific information take a look at my list of pros and cons, as well as the price, below.

Price: $32,390.00 (with additional features)

Fuel Economy: 26 MPG and 3.8 Gallons per 100 Miles

Pros

Handsfree Link System with Bluetooth Technology
One-touch Start/Stop (OSS) Engine Switch
3rd Row Cupholder & Storage Space
Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Heated Steering Wheel
7-Passenger Seating
Rear-view Camera

Cons

2nd Row Seats Don’t Go All the Way Down
60/40 Split Fold Down in 2nd Row
Leather Seats

So tell me, what do you think about the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander? Let me know!

Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

KEEP UP WITH ME

Instagram // Twitter // Snapchat // Facebook // Newsletter

Events | 2017 Washington Auto Show

January 31, 2017 by Whitney 3 Comments

Last Thursday I attended my first event of the year, thanks to the She Buys Cars team! It felt great to be back in action, as a blogger and influencer that is. I thoroughly enjoyed my day serving as a She Buys Cars Ambassador at the Washington Auto Show. I spent hours swooning over hundreds of shiny vehicles during Industry and Media Day, courtesy of Hyundai and Genesis, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. It’s no secret that I love cars, hence the numerous #WNJDrives car reviews on the blog, so I was in my world that day!

As I walked through the show, I spotted this huge monster looking truck on the 2nd floor. Intrigued by it’s color and size, I headed over and started investigating. What kind of truck was this? Who would drive such a big car? Is this truck even allowed on the road? After a few minutes of exploring it’s interior, my questions were answered. The “huge monster looking truck” is called the ZH2 Fuel Cell Electric Army Vehicle and was developed and built by General Motors. The vehicle was built to test and evaluate the readiness of Fuel Cell propulsion – the action of driving or pushing forward – in military like environments.

Check out the next BIG thing in military vehicles, spotted at the @WashAutoShow! #WAS17

Click To Tweet

The ZH2 Fuel Cell Electric Army Vehicle

I eventually made my way to the lower level where I was able to sit in on the Hyundai Ioniq presentation. I’m a huge fan of Hyundai vehicles, but I must say that I’m was even more impressed to find out about their life-time battery warranty for electric cars. Already known for having one of the best warranty programs in America, they’ve raised the stakes even higher! Their latest electric model, the Ioniq, will actually be one of the first to have this warranty feature.

Did you know that @Hyundai offers a lifetime warranty on their electric cars? #WAS17 #HyundaiDC

Click To Tweet

Photo Credit: Fatima, Off the Potomac

From luxury to American made to minivans and sports cars, I viewed several vehicles at the Washington Auto Show. I was in awe quite a few times during the day when I had the chance to come face to face with some of my “Dream Cars”, including the Mercedes G-Class SUV. I mean who wouldn’t be a little excited to get a thorough look at his or her Dream Car?! Take a look at one of the the newest luxury cars on the market, the Genesis G90, as well as a few of the beauties I couldn’t help swoon over.

Genesis G90 Interior

So tell me, have you ever been to an Auto Show? Also, what’s your Dream Car? Let me know!

If you’re int he DMV area, I definitely suggest visiting the Washington Auto Show. Now until February 5th, tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and kids under 6 are free! You can purchase yours HERE. As always, thanks for reading. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

KEEP UP WITH ME

Instagram // Twitter // Snapchat // Facebook // Newsletter

* This post is sponsored by She Buys Cars, however all opinions expressed are my own.*

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!

KEEP UP WITH ME

Instagram // Twitter // Snapchat // Facebook // Newsletter