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2015 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD Recap #DriveSTI

2014 disclosure

Exterior
I have reviewed Kia’s, Ford’s, Mitsubishi’s and now I can add Mazda’s to my list.  Back in June we reviewed the 2014 Mazda3 S Grand Touring 5 door which we really liked and this time we reviewed the 2015 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD which was a really nice vehicle.

Interior

This is only my second time driving a Mazda and I must admit I really liked how they felt, drove and handled.  If I was in the market for a new vehicle I would be buying either a Mazda3 or Mazda CX-5 for sure.  But since I am not in the market let me just dream and tell you what I thought about the Mazda CX-5.

The Mazda CX-5 wais loaded and I mean loaded with awesome features like push button engine start (which I love), dual zone auto climate control (which rocks since Melinda is always cold and I am always sweating), bluetooth hands free phone/audio, Skyactive technology, sweet audio system plus a ton of other stuff.

Every vehicle we have reviewed including the Mazda CX-5 has had Sirius satellite radio which never gets old because I love all of the different types of music offered as well as Howard Stern.  I also loved the touch screen display with navigation and back up camera so I could see what was behind me.

Legroom

We are a family of 5 so having plenty of leg and cargo room is essential and the Mazda CX-5 didn’t disappoint.  Shaun (11 yrs old) and I are pretty tall dudes (me – 6’3 and Shaun – 5’6) and we fit in the Mazda just fine so that means if we are able to fit and be comfortable anyone can fit and be comfortable. I also loved the leather interior and the front heated seats.  It’s summer and hot here in Delaware so I didn’t test the heated seats but after the winter we just had I would have killed for heated front seats, LOL.

Trunk Space

The Mazda CX-5 had so many features that I didn’t get to test every single one but I did test as many as I could.  I feel it takes months to discover everything that a new vehicle has to offer but like I mentioned I really liked every feature that I was able to test.

interior space

Overall the Mazda CX-5 was an awesome vehicle that didn’t disappoint and I would give it 5 stars.  It met all of our families needs and wants and didn’t lack in comfort what so ever.

 

 




2014 Mazda3 S Grand Touring 5-door Recap #DriveSTI

2014 disclosure

My two favorite smells are pizza and new car smell, LOL.  I know that sounds weird but who doesn’t love a new car and how it smells as well as pizza?  A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of test driving the 2014 Mazda3 s Grand Touring 5-door and I must say I was really impressed.

mazda

I have never driven a Mazda and to be honest I’m not sure that I have ever even driven in a Mazda but I was really happy and enjoyed the driving experience.  My typical problem with a new car is it’s difficult learning all the new features of a car but the Mazda seemed like it was laid out really well and it was easy to learn.

This car was loaded with features like leather seats attractive red stitching, satellite radio, Mazda Connect infotainment system, active driving display (shows your speed & navigation on the small flip up screen so you don’t have to look down), navigation, power everything and the list goes on and on.  I will say that this Mazda wasn’t lacking when it came to features.  It had just about everything a person would need in a car.
Active Driving Display

mazda leather and red stitching

MAZDA CONNECT™ Infotainment system

Like I said the Mazda was a blast to drive; It handled awesome and the pickup was really amazing.  I enjoyed all of the head and legroom that the Mazda had to offer since I am 6’3 and a roomy car is a must.

headroom

In addition to the awesome head and leg room the truck was ridiculously huge.  As you can see from the below picture Melinda was able to fit $350 worth of groceries in the trunk with no problem at all.  We also used the Mazda to go to one of Shaun’s lacrosse games and the truck easily accommodated all of his gear as well as chairs, a cooler and a ton of other stuff that we needed for the day.

mazda3 trunk of groceries

We had the opportunity to test how well the Mazda did on gas because Shaun had a lacrosse game 2 hours away one way and let me tell you it did awesome.  It was inexpensive to fill and it seemed like it went forever on a tank of gas which is great compared to our vehicles.

My overall experience with the 2014 Mazda3 S Grand Touring 5-door was very very positive and I would recommend anyone looking to buy a new car to give this Mazda a look because it will not disappoint.

We’re still a couple years away from getting away from the minivan but this would be a great 2nd car.