Drive Shop Archives - Whitney Nic James

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!

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* 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 )

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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!

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* 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

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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!

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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!

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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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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.

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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#WNJDrives | 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 SE

October 12, 2016 by Whitney 2 Comments

As you know, I had the pleasure of test driving several cars over the summer. The 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 SE is the last car I tested during Summer 2017 and to my surprise, I enjoyed driving it! My first reaction was, “WOW. That’s a small car.” I wasn’t sure how I felt about the size, but I quickly got over that once I saw/heard about the features. And the size actually came in handy when trying to find a parking spot.

Not only was I impressed with the Apple CarPlay feature, but I also appreciated the Bluetooth hands-free feature with steering wheel controls. I’m in the car A LOT during the week for work, as well as for my own personal activities. So being able to safely talk while driving it necessary. I thought the inside would feel a little tight, due to the fact that the car is so compact, but I was wrong. The inside has plenty of room. My passengers didn’t complain either; they all rode very comfortably. Here are some of my other favorite features:

– Bluetooth Hands-Free with Steering Wheel Controls

– 6.5” Display Audio with Smartphone Link

– Push Button Start/Stop Engine Switch

– Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

– Power Windows & Door Locks

– Steering Wheel Audio Controls

– Child Safety Rear Door Locks

– Rearview Camera System

– 12 Volt Accessory Outlet

– Front Seat Heater

– Fog Lights

* See Also, 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander

The one thing that irritated me a bit was having to open the glove compartment to hook up my phone. I mean, you don’t have to use the cord if you don’t want to use certain features, but I did. I found a way to close the glove compartment and still have my phone plugged up. It worked for the week, but what if I had to do that everyday? Can you imagine the wear and tear that might have on the cord? But hey, that was my only complaint. Nothing’s perfect, right?

Check out this review on the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 SE. #wnjdrives

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This list price for the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 SE is $17,830.00. Talk about affordable! It’s perfect for those who want a compact car with a lot of trunk space. My 14-year-old sister actually asked our parents if she could get this as her first car. She said it was cute, affordable, safe and perfect for teens! I have to agree. It really is the perfect car for a younger demographic. You can get about 37 MPG which is approximately 2.7 gallons per 100 miles. If you’re only driving to and from work/or school, you’ll be just fine. If you’re always on the go (like me) and do a lot of car traveling on a daily basis, you might want to consider another option.

So tell me, what do you think about the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 SE? 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. *

#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.

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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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.

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. *