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.

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

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

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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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!

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 

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.

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. *