Whitney Nic James

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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 
2018 Mazda3 Grand Touring

2018 Mazda3 Grand Touring

2018 Mazda3 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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2018 Mazda3

2018 Mazda3 Grand Touring

2018 Mazda3 Grand Touring

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

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

2017 Mazda CX-5

2017 Mazda CX-5

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

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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

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2017 Mazda CX-5

2017 Mazda CX-5

2017 Mazda CX-5

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!

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Filed Under: Style Tagged With: Car Review, lifestyle, Mazda

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

2017 Mazda 6 Grand Touring

2017 Mazda 6 Grand Touring

2017 Mazda 6

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

2017 Mazda 6 Grand Touring

2017 Mazda 6 Grand Touring

2017 Mazda 6

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. *

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

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!

Mazda CX-9 Car Review

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

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 | 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

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