These last few weeks have been both busy and fun-filled, from attending several blogger events in both Manhattan and on Long Island, to dinner, to brunch with an old college roommate, and then a short road trip to Greenport, NY. We did all of this while cruising in the ‘Inferno Red’ 2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD with parchment leather interior.
Our first stop in the 2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD was at the newly opened, semi-upscale, family-style Italian restaurant: Maggiano’s Little Italy in Garden City. We attended a special preview and tasting of their 2016 Eat a Dish for Make-a-Wish menu (read here). If you’re familiar with Garden City, you know the types of vehicles that are usually around. Well, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 fit right in as we pulled into the Maggiano’s parking lot.
Inspired by the predatory stance of an animal stalking its prey, the CX-5’s KODO “Soul of Motion” design captures the essence of poise, aggression and power. Yet there’s more to those curves than what meets the eye; each was meticulously sculpted to slip through the wind with the least resistance while shifting weight rearward for greater stability. Creating true harmony between form and function.
The following day we drove from Long Island into Manhattan aka “The City” to attend two blogger events. The first event, Breakfast in Bed with DAVIDsTEA took place at the Bleeker Street location, and the second took place in Union Square for the Momtrends Travel Trends event at the Ivivva Store.
Driving in the city literally gives me anxiety. Something about city driving makes me feel unsafe. Not unsafe in the sense that I will get robbed or worse, but unsafe due to the unpredictability of the millions of yellow taxi’s zipping in and out of traffic, cutting you off, which can lead to an accident. However, while driving the 2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD, I felt safer in it than when driving my own compact SUV thanks to its high-tech driver assist features like Blind Spot Monitoring, lane-departure warning, and Smart City Brake Support (SCBS). The system can help prep the brakes for emergency stops, or if the driver fails to slow the vehicle in time to avoid a collision, SCBS will activate an automatic braking system. New York City drivers can understand why I love this feature.
Parking in New York City can be a daunting and stressful experience. The size of the Mazda CX-5 made finding a spot easier. We were able to find spots quicker, and closer to the venues where we were visiting. The backup camera came in-handy for fitting into the tight spots for which Manhattan is known.
The weekend had more in store for us as we drove the 2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring. I finally had the chance to meet up with my friend, an old college roommate, for brunch in Brooklyn. We caught up over New Orleans-style dishes like shrimp and grits, and a catfish po’boy. This meant a lot to me since I don’t always have extra time to get together with friends.
The following day, the husband and I took a 74 mile road trip up to Greenport, NY. We took in the sights, listened to a live band, and enjoyed some pretty tasty burgers and fries from the North Fork Test Kitchen Food Truck.
Driving long distances, at least for me requires having comfortable seating. The parchment leather heated seats were comfortable, and added a hint of luxury. I would have preferred all black interior versus the stark contrast of the parchment against the black dash and console. I’m short, I like being able to see above the dashboard, past the hood and onto the road ahead. The driver’s seat of the CX-5 is adjustable for height, which is important for me.
Where the driver seating excels, the Mazda CX-5’s rear seating comfortability lacks. The 2016 AWD Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring, even when our five year old was seated in her carseat she complained about not having enough room. Granted, at 44”, she’s tall for her age, but imagine a full-sized adult back there, it would be too cramped. Our car is also a compact SUV; however, it doesn’t lack the legroom space. In the Mazda-CX-5 we know we can’t comfortably travel long-distances as a family, but it’s great for short trips or date nights.
The 2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD is excellent on gas mileage. Between the events, going to work, taking our daughter to school, and our mini road trip, you’d think we’d be at the gas station frequently. Surprisingly enough, we only had to fill up the tank once since receiving the car. I spent no more than $20.00 filling up the tank. That’s a amazing!
Another feature we appreciated in the 2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD was the large trunk. This crossover SUV, although compact, doesn’t lack in trunk space. We can do our food shopping, carry luggage, and more. The rear seats even fold down to accommodate larger/longer items.
The 2016 AWD Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring is a stylish car. The look of it suits my style and personality; however, I think the car suits a single person who likes the look and feel of luxury without the cost, or young couple or college student – basically anyone who doesn’t have children.
The 2016 AWD Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring package retails for $32,640. Visit http://www.mazdausa.com/ for more information.
Get social with Mazda!