I know I posted a few iphone pics on a different thread, but took some more pics with a real camera for a more 'official' bitog 'new car' thread...
The color changes a LOT with angle and light - it's not as dark as some pics show, (that's why I added several pics that might look similar)
Wife wanted something that's not too common but at the same time getting very good MPG, and has a very simply laid out dash without being gimmick - the mazda's exterior and interior looks and the 26/38 MPG met the demands...
We got the Touring model (mid-level trim) with the only option being the tech package -
color is Blue Reflex Mica
Interior is black with black leatherette seats (ignore the blue-ish hue in some interior pics...i took these just before sunset)
Impressions:
Tighter and firmer than almost all mid-size sedans I have driven - partly due to the suspension being on the sporty/agile side, and the 19" wheels (225/45/19 Dunlop tires - they're meh).
But it's still a very comfortable ride, never being 'floaty' or boring - wife enjoys driving it. It is a rather large car, and i feel that the steering (electric) during slow speeds is over-boosted and too light compared to my BMW, but wife loves it.
GREAT seats, very well bolstered and VERY comfortable.
All interior materials feel great - knobs and switches are VERY well done and feel solid. Lovely simple arrangement-driver focused. Top of the dash and the are in front of passenger seat are very soft, feels great. 'richer' feeling than any other mid-size we drove.
DSC/Traction control, the rain sensing wipers and auto dimming driver/rear view mirror functions can be turned OFF (Thankfully)
Same goes for blind sport monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and City Smart Auto braking.
Transmission is very quick to shift, and response is really fast - great auto!
Huge trunk. Gooseneck hinges are nicely hidden in a 'pocket'
Gas cap has a cap holder just like my BMW does, so it doesn't dangle..
We are currently averaging about 35 MPG- probably 65% hwy and the rest city.
Lots of tech/safety gadgets: (lot of them were standard) - love the blind spot monitoring.
Still haven't played with 'dash computer' fully - lot of vehicle/lighting settings are done with that...
- - btw, This car is one of the only 5 cars that passed the latest/revised IIHS crash safety test and earned the Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) certification. (accord/camry/altima/maxima all failed it)
(See the pic of the window sticker for all the standard features and optional tech package details...)
Bose stereo sounds good (I hate Bose, but for a car stereo it's ok - it even monitors noise levels in the cabin and adjusts volume, in addition to being speed sensitive - whatever!)
Gripes:
Tom Tom nav is so-so- it's ok but not great.
Arm rests are weird - it's like your elbow doesn't 'fall' naturally to them - but we have gotten used to them.
19" wheels/tires - still playing with the idea of going to a smaller size.
Any other details - just ask.
NOW THE PICS
The color changes a LOT with angle and light - it's not as dark as some pics show, (that's why I added several pics that might look similar)
Wife wanted something that's not too common but at the same time getting very good MPG, and has a very simply laid out dash without being gimmick - the mazda's exterior and interior looks and the 26/38 MPG met the demands...
We got the Touring model (mid-level trim) with the only option being the tech package -
color is Blue Reflex Mica
Interior is black with black leatherette seats (ignore the blue-ish hue in some interior pics...i took these just before sunset)
Impressions:
Tighter and firmer than almost all mid-size sedans I have driven - partly due to the suspension being on the sporty/agile side, and the 19" wheels (225/45/19 Dunlop tires - they're meh).
But it's still a very comfortable ride, never being 'floaty' or boring - wife enjoys driving it. It is a rather large car, and i feel that the steering (electric) during slow speeds is over-boosted and too light compared to my BMW, but wife loves it.
GREAT seats, very well bolstered and VERY comfortable.
All interior materials feel great - knobs and switches are VERY well done and feel solid. Lovely simple arrangement-driver focused. Top of the dash and the are in front of passenger seat are very soft, feels great. 'richer' feeling than any other mid-size we drove.
DSC/Traction control, the rain sensing wipers and auto dimming driver/rear view mirror functions can be turned OFF (Thankfully)
Same goes for blind sport monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and City Smart Auto braking.
Transmission is very quick to shift, and response is really fast - great auto!
Huge trunk. Gooseneck hinges are nicely hidden in a 'pocket'
Gas cap has a cap holder just like my BMW does, so it doesn't dangle..
We are currently averaging about 35 MPG- probably 65% hwy and the rest city.
Lots of tech/safety gadgets: (lot of them were standard) - love the blind spot monitoring.
Still haven't played with 'dash computer' fully - lot of vehicle/lighting settings are done with that...
- - btw, This car is one of the only 5 cars that passed the latest/revised IIHS crash safety test and earned the Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) certification. (accord/camry/altima/maxima all failed it)
(See the pic of the window sticker for all the standard features and optional tech package details...)
Bose stereo sounds good (I hate Bose, but for a car stereo it's ok - it even monitors noise levels in the cabin and adjusts volume, in addition to being speed sensitive - whatever!)
Gripes:
Tom Tom nav is so-so- it's ok but not great.
Arm rests are weird - it's like your elbow doesn't 'fall' naturally to them - but we have gotten used to them.
19" wheels/tires - still playing with the idea of going to a smaller size.
Any other details - just ask.
NOW THE PICS
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