Whitney Nic James

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Auto Review | 2017 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring AWD Review

December 14, 2016 by Whitney 4 Comments

I had the pleasure of test driving the 2017 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring AWD last week. I’ll be the first to say that this car is definitely a head turner! From it’s sleek and sporty body to the Dynamic Blue Mica color, all eyes were on me while driving the CX-3. While smitten with its exterior, I was also impressed with the cream and black interior (with a hint of maroon). It felt very luxurious inside, to say the least.

mazda-cx-3

car-review-mazda-cx-3

It was just me driving in the car most days, so I was OK with the compact size. Although the CX-3 can fit 5 passengers, I’m not sure how 3 people can comfortably fit in the backseat. I was, however, able to fit a few of my work bags and other items comfortably in the backseat, as well as a lot of groceries in the trunk. There was even a removable bottom in the trunk that made transporting groceries even easier. So carrying around items in this car is no problem. Several people, I’m not so sure. Check out some of my pros and cons for the Mazda CX-3 features below:

Pros

  • Clean Dashboard (no distractions)
  • 60/40 Split Fold Down Rear Seat
  • Compact & Easy to Park
  • Blind Spot Monitoring
  • Reasonable Cost
    • $28,510 (with optional features) 

Cons

  • Limited Space in the Front Console
  • Hidden Cupholder in the Front
  • Small Backseat

car-review-mazda-cx-3

2017 Mazda CX-3

I travel the Maryland roads and highways quite a bit each week, so having the rear-view camera to help me park and the blind spot monitoring while traveling up and down 95 was extremely helpful! Having a smooth ride each day made driving a real treat and I even noticed that the car was very sturdy. I was able to control the steering wheel and brakes without feeling like the car was jerking me all over the place. I felt extremely safe and that’s a VERY good feeling. Here are a few more Mazda CX-3 features:

– Keyless Entry & Push Button Engine Start

– Steering Wheel with Audio Controls

– Leather with Lux Suede Sports Seats

– 7-inch Color Touchscreen Display 

– Power Mirrors with Turn Lamps

– Bluetooth Handsfree Phone

– Heated Front Seats

– Rear-view Camera

– Power Moonroof

2017 Mazda CX-3


So tell me, what do you think about the 2017 Mazda CX-3? Would a car like this fit your lifestyle? Let me know! 

As always, thanks for reading and until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Filed Under: Lifestyle, Style Tagged With: Car Review, Drive Shop, Mazda

#WNJDrives | 2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco

September 27, 2016 by Whitney 2 Comments

A few months back I test drove the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco for a week. When the cute and compact car pulled up I was all smiles. From its red exterior to the sleek body, I was ready to hop in and start driving! Once inside I was equally impressed with the cream interior, huge touchscreen and spacious backseat.

* See Also: 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited Review

2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco

During my time with the car I enjoyed being able listen to my morning podcasts on the way to work, as well as my many iTunes playlists. Like the other cars I’ve recently tested, the Hyundai Elantra Eco was equipped with Apple CarPlay. I love this feature and I’m glad to see that it’s becoming the norm for so many of the newer car models. Receiving and sending messages while driving was extremely safe and hassle free, thanks to Apply CarPlay. Check out some of the other feature below!

– Leather Steering Wheel with Audio & Cruise Control 

– Front, Front Side Impact & Side Curtain Airbags

– Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System

– Touchscreen Display Audio System 

– Android Auto & Apple CarPlay

– Hands-free Smart Trunk

– Blind Spot Detection

– Heated Front Seats

– Rear-view Camera 

– SiriusXM Radio

Check out this review on the 2017 @Hyundai Elantra Eco! #wnjdrives

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2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco

2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco

I also made a Target run while test driving the car. I was able to pack in quite a bit, plus a few extra goodies from the grocery store, thanks to the spacious trunk! The rear-view camera came in handy as well while maneuvering in and out of the parking lot(s). The Hyundai Elantra Eco also provided plenty of space to hold drinks, as well as your cellphone while driving. I don’t like holding my phone in my lap while driving or having to put it in the passengers seat next to me. Having a specific area to place my phone and drinks was very convenient. 

2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco

2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco


So tell me, have you ever driven the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco? After reading the review, what do you think? Let me know! 

Thanks for reading and commenting. Until next time, 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. *

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Style Tagged With: Car Review, Drive Shop, Hyundai

#WNJDrives | 2017 Hyundai Elantra Review

June 17, 2016 by Whitney 8 Comments

A few weeks ago I had to chance to test drive the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited. My first reaction to this compact sports-like car was, “WOW!” I was thoroughly impressed with the sleek design, shiny wheels and overall chic exterior. Siting inside the car I was even more impressed! From the soft leather trimmed seats to the modern dashboard, the interior was superb. And although the car is compact, there’s much more room on the inside than I expected.

* See Also: 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited Review

2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited

2017-hyundai-elantra-interior

Photo Credit

During the week I drove to and from work here in Columbia, as well as in and around D.C. and Baltimore for work purposes. All week the gas gauge stayed steady and I didn’t have to fill it up once. Of course I had to test the sound system as soon as I got it, which by the way was exceptional! Whenever I’m able to listen to music, podcasts and audio-books on the go, I’m a happy girl!  

* See Also: 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Review 

Check out this review on the chic and compact 2017 @Hyundai Elantra Limited! #wnjdrives

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The one feature I was very impressed with was Apple CarPlay. By plugging up your iPhone to the car, this feature literally takes what’s on your iPhone screen and puts it on the built-in touchscreen display right in front of you. While focusing on the road you can ask Siri for directions, make calls, send and receive texts and of course, listen to music.

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2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited

This car is perfect for college students, young professionals and even families because of its safe and modern features. Check out some of the other noteworthy features:

– Blind Spot Detection System with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

– Leather Trimmed Steering Wheel & Shift Nob 

– Bluetooth Hands-free capabilities

– Apple CarPlay OR Andriod Auto

– Heated Front & Rear Seats 

– Steering Wheel Controls

– Hands-Free Smart Trunk

– 7 inch Color Touchscreen 

– Rear-view Camera

– Sirius XM & HD Radio


So tell me, what do you think about the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited? Let me know! 

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

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Style Tagged With: Car Review, Drive Shop, Hyundai

#WNJDrives | 2016 Mazda CX-5 Car Review

May 13, 2016 by Whitney 2 Comments

I don’t know about you, but I am SO happy it’s the weekend! The dreary weather we’ve been experiencing here in Maryland has put a slight damper on my mood, which has made me extremely tired lately. It’s literally been grey skies and rain for weeks, with a few peaks of sunshine here and there. However, as much as I miss nice weather, there’s still a lot to be thankful for. Speaking of thankful, I was extremely grateful to Drive Shop for allowing me to test drive the 2016 CX-5 Mazda a few weekends ago. My family and I attended an event that called for lots of trunk space, so this Mazda crossover came in very handy!

2016 Mazda CX-5

Mazda CX-5 2016

2016 Mazda CX-5

The trunk was able to hold more than 100 donated canned goods and non-perishable items. It was also the perfect companion while navigating through D.C., thanks to the touchscreen navigation display. I was able to connect my iPhone to the Bluetooth and have the directions come through the speakers. I also used that function to listen to my iTunes playlists, as usual. Take a look at a few other standard features for the 2016 Mazda CX-5 below:

– 7” Color Touch-Screen Display

– Audio & Bluetooth Controls 

– Push Button Engine Start  

– Blind Spot Monitoring

– 5 Passenger Seating 

– Heated Front Seats

– Power Moonroof

– Rearview Camera

– All-Wheel Drive 

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 is affordable & comes with great features. Check out this @MazdaUSA review!

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I figured driving the car everyday back and forth to work would be a breeze, especially since I’d just tested another Mazda a few weeks prior. The ride was extremely smooth ride and I had no trouble fitting into parking spaces. During the week I drove the car in and around Howard County, back and forth to D.C., and even back and forth to Baltimore. Thanks to the 26 MPG fuel economy guarantee I didn’t have to worry about stopping at a gas station once.

2016 Mazda CX-5

2016 Mazda CX-5


So tell me, what do you think about the 2016 Mazda CX-5? Have you ever driven a Mazda? Let me know! 

Priced at $29,470 with the standard features only and $32,340 for the optional features, this 4-door crossover is a great option for just about anyone. Thanks again Drive Shop for providing me with yet another spacious, 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. *

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Style Tagged With: Car Review, Drive Shop, Mazda

#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.

theworldis youroyster.

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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Mazda6

Mazda 6 - Review

Mazda 6 Car Review

Mazda6 Car Review


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. *

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Style Tagged With: Auto Review, Car Review

#WNJDrives | 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited Car Review

March 23, 2016 by Whitney 2 Comments

A few weeks ago my younger sister hosted her 3rd annual charity pageant, Heart of Charity, here in Columbia, MD. I knew the week leading up to, and the week of the event, I’d be running last minute errands. Having the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited came in very handy during that time! The trunk and backseat space alone left plenty of room for the event supplies, donations, food, etc.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

As with most hybrids, the engine was extremely quiet. There were times I didn’t even realize the car was on. And the fact that the gas gauge barley moved throughout the week was rather impressive! Driving a car that takes 2.4 gallons per 100 mile isn’t bad, at all! Another plus was being able to take and make calls while driving, thanks to the the Bluetooth Hands-free capabilities. Other features included, but not limed to, are:

– Front, Front Side Impact, Side Curtain & Driver Knee Airbags 

– Blind Spot Detection System with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

– Heated & Ventilated Front Seats & & Heated Rear Seats

– 5-inch Color Touchscreen Audio Display

– Panoramic Sunroof w/ Tilt Slide

– SiriusXM Satellite Radio

– Rear-view Camera

– First Aid Kit

2016 Sonata Hybrid Limited

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited

Sonata Hybrid Limited

Of course I had to sync my iPhone to the car upon entering the vehicle. Once that was all squared away I was able to listen to my personal iTunes playlists and favorite podcasts all week. Listed at $35,765.00 the 2016 Hyundai Sonata’s sleek design and hybrid model definitely caters to the young professional or even millennial crowd. I can also see couples, with possibly one child, enjoying this car as well. There’s plenty of room in the back for 2 (or possibly 3) passengers to fit comfortably.

Check out this review on the sleek and smooth 2016 @Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited! #wnjdrives

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Because of the fickle weather I wasn’t able to use the panoramic sunroof as much as I’d hoped. However there was one sunny day during the week where I was finally able to open up the sunroof and let the breeze in. It was lovely. Picture driving down the road, wind in your hair, listening to your favorite song on SiruisXM Radio – perfection!

2016 Sonata Hybrid Limited - Car
2016 Sonata Hybrid Limited Review


So tell me, have you ever driven a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid or another model? Let me know! 

Thanks for reading! As we wrap up this month I plan to share a few more posts, however once April comes I’ll be back to blogging “on schedule”. I’m looking forward to a new month and a new season here on WNJ. 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. *

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Style Tagged With: Car Review, Drive Shop, lifestyle

#WNJDrives | 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Car Review

December 3, 2015 by Whitney Leave a Comment

Last month I had the pleasure of test driving the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE AWC for a week. I’ve driven an Outlander before and although I was a fan of the look and interior, I wasn’t 100% sold on the actual driving experience. However this time, I was very pleased! The car drove very well, I didn’t feel the bumps on the road like last time. Above all I felt very safe. My experience with the Outlander Sport was enjoyable and one I wouldn’t mind having again.

** Previous Outlander Review HERE

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Source

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

As a certified music junkie the first thing I do is check the sound system in any car. Knowing that I was able to listen to my iTunes and Apple Music playlists while driving was such a treat. I don’t mind the radio, especially Sirius, however being able to control what you listen to is always my favorite option. Thanks to the Bluetooth capabilities, it was possible to pick and choose my tunes. Another plus, the sleek design. Let’s be honest, we all love to drive around in a nice looking car. This sporty vehicle was indeed a looker!

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport review, thanks to @mitsucars and @driveshop! #DriveMitsubishi

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Noteworthy Features 

– Spacious 2nd Row AND Trunk

– Steering Wheel Controls

– Handsfree with Bluetooth

– All Wheel Control (AWC)

– Sirius Digital HD Radio

– Touchscreen Navigation

– Panoramic Sunroof 

– Rearview Camera

2015 Outlander Sport

AM/FM Radio, CD, Sirius & Bluetooth 

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport


So tell me, have you ever driven the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?  If not, what car do you currently drive? Let me know! 

Thanks for reading! I’ll be back soon with another auto review. Hubs and I are out of town this weekend, once again, and I’ll be test driving another ride. Follow along with us on social media searching the #WNJDrives hashtag, or on Snapchat at @wnicjames. Until next time, be blessed and be safe!

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

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Style Tagged With: Car Review, Drive Shop, Mitsubishi

#WNJDrives | 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander #DriveMitsubishi

September 9, 2015 by Whitney 3 Comments

For most of the summer I’ve had the pleasure of test driving several different cars. Hubs and I are not in the market for a new car, however we don’t mind test driving for future reference. Also since we were moving this summer, the cars I’ve been able to drive have been spacious enough for us to pack and load up during the move. Last week this cute red 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander SE S-AWC Premium was my companion. It was the perfect ride for everyday errands, last minute packing, and a few back and forth rides to D.C.

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi-Outlander-2015

At first glace I was smitten with this cute car. Once I opened the doors and saw all the space, I was even more pleased. The last row of seats folds down to make for even more space, which came in very handy when we picked up our new bed-frame! I was also impressed with the sound-system and the Sirius radio capabilities. I went from The Heat to the Heart & Soul stations the entire time the car was in my possession.

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander car review, thanks to @mitsucars and @driveshop! #DriveMitsubishi

Click To Tweet

Overall I had a good experience while driving the car, but I must be honest and say the car was not as smooth as the others I’ve driven this summer. I felt a lot of the bumps and turns on the highway while commuting. Hubby and little sis both agreed and while it wasn’t bad enough for me to stop driving the car, it was a bit disheartening.  However the following additions (available when purchasing the SE S-AWC Premium) made up it for the bumps along the way:

  • power glass sunroof with tilt and slide function
  • leather seating surfaces
  • power driver’s seat with (back) seat pocket
  • wood grain interior trim panels

Mitsubishi-Outlander


So tell me, have you ever driven the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander SE S-AWC Premium?  If not, what car do you currently drive? Let me know! 

As always thanks for reading and commenting. I’ll be back with one more car review this month (next week). I have a car being sent for my Blogalicious trip this weekend, so be sure to look out for that recap and car review. Until next time, be blessed and be safe!

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

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Style, WNJ Travels Tagged With: Car Review, Drive Shop, sponsored

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