Car Q&A: 2017 Mazda6 Grand Touring

2017 Mazda6 Grand Touring | getinmymouf.com

This post is made possible through a partnership with the awesome folks at DriveShop and Mazda, who provided us with a vehicle to test drive for a few days. You can follow the conversation on social media with the hashtag #DriveMazda.

Specs

MSRP (as tested): $34,350
MPG Estimate: 21 city – 27 highway
Engine: Skyactiv-G 2.5L 4-Cyl Engine
Power: 184 hp | 185 lb-ft of torque
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Color: Machine Grey Metallic (exterior) / Parchment Nappa Leather (interior)
Options: GT Premium Package (regenerative braking system, active grille shutters, shifter LED accent lighting, bright finish interior trim, Nappa leather-trimmed upholstery, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, steering wheel w/ unique stitch, black headliner)

For more info, click here to view the 2017 Mazda6 Brochure.

We spent a mostly rainy week with the 2017 Mazda6. Sure, we wished the weather was better, but the Mazda6 still made the most of running errands, commuting to work, and chauffeuring a labradoodle around town. Although we didn’t have an opportunity to take any fun road trips or long weekend drives, the Mazda6 did make for a solid daily driver.

With features galore, for example excellent handling and surprisingly good gas mileage, we were excited to sit down with this beautiful automotive creation for a quick Q&A:

Get in my Mouf (GIMM): Should we discuss the elephant in the room first?

Mazda6: Not sure I follow you…

GIMM: I test drove a previous version of you–2015, I think–and came very close to making a purchase.

Mazda6: Way to make this awkward interview right out of the gate. Why didn’t you?

GIMM: It just wasn’t a fit at that time–Look, I wanted to address it, but let’s not dwell in the past.

Mazda6: For the record, you brought it up. Why don’t you go ahead and ask what my favorite food is. This is a food blog. That’s your schtick, right?

GIMM: We’ll get to that, but I wanted to first ask you about the Lane-Keep Assist. It’s a pretty slick safety feature that autocorrects the steering wheel if you start to drift out of a lane.

Mazda6: Apples. That would be my favorite food.

GIMM: Okay. That’s jumping ahead a bit–

Mazda6: Crisp and juicy. They can be sweet, tart, or both. It’s a breakfast food, it’s a dessert, it’s a snack. What can’t an apple do? As a vehicle that’s what I aspire to be. I want people to think of me as being as versatile as an apple.

GIMM: Judging by your reviews on Edmunds, Car and Driver, and Motor Trend, I think it’s safe to say people are viewing you a versatile option. Speaking of safe, the Lane-Keep assist is a nice feature that–

Mazda6: Sure I get solid reviews from all the pros, but you know what really gets me psyched? The people. That’s who I do this for. Read these reviews.

GIMM: Yes, I have read those. We prepare pretty thoroughly for our interviews.

Mazda6: Of course you do. Anyway, when I read things like “Best car out of 12 that I have owned” it makes me feel like I’m truly making a difference out there. When people go car shopping, too often they have to sacrifice something–budget, performance, options. But, I feel like I do a pretty good job of minimizing those sacrifices. I help people realize that they can have it all in one vehicle: Race-car like handling, high-tech safety features, luxury-car comfort, impressive fuel economy–all combined in a family sedan that looks “sexy as hell”. That last description is an actual quote from a reviewer.

GIMM: Of course it is. Anyway, speaking of high-tech safety features–

Mazda6: *Sighs* Yes, the Lane-Keep assist is cool. If the driver is distracted, it allows me to temporarily take control of the steering wheel to ensure the car doesn’t drift out of the lane.

GIMM: You like to be in control, don’t you?

Mazda6: This interview is over.

***

Disclaimer: As noted above we were provided this vehicle courtesy of DriveShop and Mazda. Other than being allowed to test drive this vehicle, we were not provided any monetary compensation for this post. All opinions and fake interviews with inanimate objects remain our own.

Car Reviews

Car Q&A: 2016 Mazda CX-9 AWD Signature

2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature | getinmymouf.com

Specs

MSRP (as tested): $44,915
MPG Estimate: 21 city – 27 highway
Engine: Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo Engine
Power: 250 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Color: Sonic Silver Metallic (exterior) / Auburn (interior)
Options: Navigation System and Sirius XM Satellite Radio

For more info, click here to view the 2016 CX-9 Brochure.

Look, you don’t need me to convince you to check out the 2016 Mazda CX-9 AWD Signature. Plenty of experts have already written enough praise about this vehicle to make you want to trade in that ’98 Explorer for something far more fun. Oh, you want me to list the experts? Fine. Car and Driver gave it a perfect five star review. Consumer Reports called it the “Driver’s Choice”. Maybe an “A” grade from Edmunds is what you’re looking for.

Rather than listen to one more person rave about this piece of four-wheeled vehicular art, we thought it would be better to go straight to the CX-9 itself on what the spotlight is like. While spending some time eating tacos and pie in LA, we sat down in the CX-9 for a quick interview:

Get in my Mouf (GIMM): You’ve received quite a bit of accolades over the last year. From your design, to interior craftsmanship, to performance. What are you most proud of?

CX-9: Definitely the performance. Looking good is nice, having all the bells and whistles is great and all, but first and foremost, I’m a vehicle. My fleet’s motto is “Driving Matters” for a reason. It ain’t “Comfortable Seats Matters.” But, without sounding too boisterous, my seats are very comfortable.

GIMM: Yes, they are–And beautiful in that Auburn color. Seeing as how you pride yourself in performance, what are some of your favorite roads to travel on?

CX-9: Easy one. I’ve spent most of my time in California, so definitely the PCH.

GIMM: You and I actually spent a bit of time on the PCH in Malibu together.

CX-9: And that was nothing! Next time you’re out here, I’ll take you up further north into Santa Barbara and up to the holy grail of driving at Big Sur.

GIMM: You mention Big Sur–We’ve previously driven on that road with a Mazda CX-3 and I think most people think of sports cars or smaller vehicles to get the full experience of the road. Being an SUV, how would you like to change people’s minds about the “big and bulky” SUV stereotype?

CX-9: It’s more difficult than simply telling them. To break the stereotype, they really need to meet me. Sit behind the wheel and let the performance do all the talking. Look, I enjoying doing interviews like this, but what really brings me joy is getting out there to meet people and change minds. I encourage any of your readers who may be undecided about SUVs to just take an hour or so to visit their local dealer and give the CX-9 a shot.

GIMM: You mentioned the fact that you’re based in California, home to some of the most amazing food in the country. I know you don’t eat human food, but is there any genre or dish that you wish you could eat?

CX-9: Tacos.

GIMM: Nice choice – Any particular type?

CX-9: No. I spend a lot of time in Los Angeles, so I see a lot of taco stands and my drivers are always tossing bags of tacos in the back seat. They smell so amazing. One time someone spilled carnitas juice on my floorboard. That was as close as I’ve gotten to tasting a taco, but it made me wish I was a human for a second.

GIMM: Getting back to bells and whistles, you do have quite a few. The Bose stereo system is pretty sweet – What’s your favorite type of music to rock out to?

CX-9: I’m partial to television and movie soundtracks – Stranger Things is a recent favorite and of course Drive. It makes me feel like I’m one of those famous cars in the film industry. And with my performance, the driver can easily pretend they’re in an action movie.

GIMM: While obeying all traffic laws.

CX-9: Absolutely.

GIMM: I want to wrap things up by talking about dogs. What are you thoughts on having a dog in the car?

CX-9: I can tell you’re trying to push me into saying something bad about dogs and how I get frustrated with their loose hair clogging up my vents and getting stuck to my carpet.

GIMM: I wouldn’t dare.

CX-9: The truth is that when I see their heads hanging out the window, tongue flapping in the wind, and wagging tails, it’s all worth it. Dogs get it…the performance, the thrill of driving (or riding in this case). The fun and exhilaration of exploring the world, one road at a time. That’s why driving matters.

GIMM: Now that’s how you end an interview!

***

Car Reviews

2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo

This post is made possible through a partnership with the awesome folks at DriveShop and Kia, who provided us with a vehicle to test drive for a week. You can follow the conversation on social media with the hashtag #DriveKia.

This marks the second Kia Optima that we’ve been able to try out. The last one was a model year older and was not a turbo. So, there will be a lot of comparisons to our experience with the older, non-turbo, Optima. Was this Kia worth waiting an extra year and spending more money for the turbo and additional features? Sure! And I’m really wondering why they make cars without turbos…

Oh and don’t forget to check out our companion video post, in which we take full advantage of the Optima’s turbo on one of our favorite local roads.

Specs

MSRP (as tested): $35,315
MPG Estimate: 22 city – 32 highway
Engine: 2.0L Turbo Gas Direct Injection, 4 cylnders
Power: 245 hp @ 6000 rpm | 260 ft-lbs @ 1350 rpm
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic Transmission w/ Active Eco System
Color: Remington Red
Options: SXT Premium Technology Package (HID headlights w/ high-beam assist, panoramic sunroof, Harmon Kardon QLS premium surround sound, power front passenger’s seat w/ lumbar, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seat cushions, front collision warning, blind spot detection system, rear cross traffic alert, rear parking assist system, lane departure warning system, autonomous emergency braking system, advanced smart cruise control, surround view monitor, and LED overhead interior lighting)

Click here for the 2016 Kia Optima brochure.

Comfort

I remember the 2015 Optima’s driver’s seat being a tad bit comfier, with a softer couch-like feeling. These seats aren’t uncomfortable, but they felt stiffer. The SXT Premium Technology Package does include a front power passenger’s seat, which was a vast improvement over the stationary passenger seat in the 2015 model we tried. As a passenger it was waaaaaaaay too low and felt like you were sitting on the floor. So, if you have shorter passengers, they’ll be happy you splurged for the package with the better seat.

Amenities

The entertainment system remains above average and is easy to use, but the show-sealers (much like in the 2016 Kia Sorento) included the 360-view camera and panoramic sunroof. The car isn’t huge, but it’s still nice to have that 360 view…just in case. And that sunroof is ice cold (cooler than being cool). You don’t even need to really use the sunroof, just the fact that it creates a two-toned look, adds some real street cred. And by using the term “street cred” I probably just lost all of mine.

Performance

Is it worth it to spend a bit more and lose some MPG’s for the turbo? Yes. Of course. Always, yes. When someone offers you turbo, you accept it. Sure the non-turbo is fine. But do you really want to live life with just “fine”? Seriously, is this even a conversation? Just get the turbo.

As far as handling goes, the road feel is improved–Still not to a place where I’m excited to drive solely based on handling, but it’s getting closer than last year’s car.

Who Should Buy This Car

If you’re looking for an affordable TURBO-CHARGED sedan with all the bells and whistles, give a hard look to the 2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo. Look, I realize that for some people, buying a Kia isn’t even on their radar. Before we were given the opportunity to test drive a few, I honestly didn’t think they could compete with some of the other brands. So, if you are in the market for a sedan, just take it for a test drive. You might be surprised!

Gratuitous Dog Picture

Since this wasn’t an SUV, Cooper had no problem getting into and out of the Optima. I’m not sure he even noticed that it wasn’t my daily driver. The only thing he’s not quite sure about is that sunroof–Anything that moves by itself is clearly powered by evil wizards sent to destroy all dogs from earth.

***

Disclaimer: As noted above, we were provided this vehicle courtesy of DriveShop and Kia. Other than being allowed to test drive this vehicle, we were not provided any monetary compensation for this post. As always, all opinions remain our own.

Car Reviews

2016 Mitsubishi Lancer 2.4 SEL AWC

2016 Mitsubishi Lancer SEL AWC | getinmymouf.com

This post is made possible through a partnership with the awesome folks at DriveShop and Mitsubishi Motors, who provided us with a vehicle to test drive for a week. You can follow the conversation on social media with the hashtag #DriveMitsubishi.

***

We needed a small, sporty car for a California trip starting in Los Angeles and ending in San Diego, so we were matched up with a 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer 2.4 SEL AWC. Having minimal experience with Mitsubishi, I was intrigued since the Lancer is one of the least expensive all-wheel-drive sedans money can buy.

Specs

MSRP (as tested): $22,805
MPG Estimate: 23 city – 31 highway
Engine: 2.4L MIVEC SOHC 16-valve, 4 cylnders
Power: 168 hp @ 6000 rpm | 167 ft-lbs. @ 4100 rpm
Transmission: CVT
Color: Diamond White Pearl

For more info, click here to view the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer brochure.

An evening in University Heights – San Diego, CA

Comfort

I’m seat-spoiled in my daily driver, so I wasn’t expecting a compact sedan to have comfortable seats. Fortunately, the driver’s seat didn’t cause any back pains on the trip from Los Angeles to San Diego. The seats were firm and not necessarily something that I’d fall asleep in like a recliner, but they do the job surprisingly well.

Was disappointed that there was no telescoping steering wheel, but despite this, the wheel position wasn’t a distraction. Overall driving comfort was good – nothing ends up standing out as uber-comfortable, but after driving the car a lot you realize that everything does it’s job to a point where you don’t even think about it. Like the car isn’t trying to distract you in any way. It simply wants to do its job.

Oh, Lancer…you’re so humble.

Performance

Power was sufficient enough that I don’t recall ever feeling like we needed more umph to get around or to merge on to the highway. I’m also a big fan of car having good handling over a soft ride, so I enjoyed the car’s nimbleness around turns. I can safely say that if you need to make a quick U-turn in the middle of a neighborhood street, the Lancer can easily handle it.

We didn’t really need to use the all wheel drive for anything, but it was nice to have…just in case. Would love to take this car for a spin in some light snow to check out its capabilities.

Gas mileage for our trip was closer to the low end of the range at about 24 MPG, which might have been affected by the L.A. traffic for part of the trip.

Living like a local in Silver Lake – Los Angeles, CA

Who Should Buy This Car?

You should buy this car if you want a humble car with all wheel drive at a reasonable price. You might like this car if you enjoy spirited acceleration and fun handling, but don’t need something filled with a bunch of technological bells and whistles. It also doesn’t hurt that Mitsubishi offers a solid warranty with a 5 yr/60,000 mile basic coverage and 10 yr/100,000 mile powertrain coverage.

Wine time at Miramonte Winery – Temecula, CA

***

Disclaimer: As noted above (you did read the whole post, right?!) we were provided this vehicle courtesy of DriveShop and Mitsubishi. Other than being allowed to test drive this vehicle, we were not provided any monetary compensation for this post. As always, all opinions remain our own.