A car isn’t simply a mass of metal. It isn’t simply an option to get you to point A to B. There’s a growing consensus that traffic is beginning to get unbearable in the major cities across Canada, so if you spend a lot of time in your car, you should be able to some fun in it. Creating an emotional bond between a driver and their car is the ultimate goal of Mazda’s “Soul of Motion” design. Conventional wisdom has it that cars built for safety are unrewarding to drive. Having just tested various brand new Mazda cars in their Soul Of Motion event, it’s no wonder Mazda cars are astounding to drive. They’re back for another shot at the greatest cars of the year, and they’re favourite of mine.
Mazda’s design is taken from the muscular beauty you see when an animal pounces, or when a human leaps into action. Everywhere you look on the Mazda lot, this dynamic poise is enhanced by elegant detail. The five-point grille, defining body lines and powerful stance all show their design philosophy in action.
The ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ design direction has shaped the dynamic style and premium presence of all-new Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-5, CX-9 and their first small SUV, Mazda CX-3. Their 2016 designs aims to breathe life and art into vehicle design, transferring the heart and soul of the artist into the machine. Yet these automobiles are more than a driving experience.
The 2016 Mazda6 GX has a SKYACTIV-G 2.5L DOHC 4-cylinder Engine, gets 8.8/6.1L (CTY/HWY), and comes with an optional Sport Automatic Transmission. Because you can’t use your handheld phone anymore, it’s perfect timing for their Bluetooth hands-free phone capability. my fave, the Mazda6 won the Canadian Car of the Year Award chosen by The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.The car with the awards to beat has now gotten even better.
“There’s more to creating a car with soul than simply sculpting its physical form,” explains the automaker’s website. “Mazda imbues its cars with soul through its quest to capture the dynamic beauty of life beyond the confines of conventional design.” Driving these cars are like putting on your favorite pair of slippers after a long walk.
The first production vehicle to incorporate the redesign was the 2010 CX-5. At Mazda, they simply cannot help but do things differently, and yet, still keep their vehicles highly personal. More than a few of the driving instructors today are race car drivers, technicians and trainers for the dealers – and you get the sense they love working for the company. When you have people working for your company who love what they do, they create extraordinary, powerful and compelling vehicles staying true to the origins of Mazda. Their designers studied everything from the movement in animals in their natural habitat to the energetic moment an archer releases an arrow to create the tense, muscular yet flowing lines in the Mazda6, Mazda3 and CX-5. Because they firmly believe that looking in unexpected places leads to truly unconventional design. These cars are some of the most powerful, dynamic and explosive cars in automobile history. And it’s a testament to their designers personalities that genuinely touch their buyer’s concerns, and pulls it off time and time again.
As a guy who loves gadgets and technologies, the Mazda6 contains CONNECT, giving me access to internet radio, my social network, navigation and more through a 7″ colour touchscreen with voice command or steering-mounted controls. The i-ELOOP Regenerative Braking saves on fuel and dedicate 100% of power to the engine by powering electrical systems when I brake. By making seat perforations moderately large and the distances between them small, their engineers created leather-trimmed upholstery that absorbs road noise for an enhanced audio listening environment. And more music heard is always a good thing. Cutting-edge technology, head-turning design and outstanding fuel economy prove that more than ever before, passion and performance are in MAZDA3’s blood. The car is a true testament to obsessive engineering and exhilarating driving.
With its spacious, functional interior, impressive fuel economy and top safety scores, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 is a top pick among small crossovers. The CX-5’s fun-to-drive demeanor is just a welcome bonus. It’s soft, vivid, and deeply, seductively clever.
Next up for the drive was the 2016 CX-3. Designed for those who think functionality is a must, yet long for something a little more, the CX-3 is adaptable and comfortable, with enough personality to deliver the excitement I’ve truly longed for in an automobile. Idealized and celebrated, the CX-3 will be frequently mentioned in the next batch of car guides for their excellence in spirit of inspiration and confidence. Starting off with a keyless entry and 6-way adjustable seats (perfect for a small guy like me), I was ready to go. I simply fire up the engine with the push of a button. Wow. Driving straight up the lane felt like a bullet while being in the clouds. Their superior fuel economy, low emissions and outstanding performance remains high when compared to the other car companies. With engineering that seamlessly co-ordinates how each part works together, thrifty fuel economy and nimble road manners unite under one very beautiful hood.
These aren’t just cars. These are machines with a heart, a life force, a profound batch of safety and technologies melding into a vital way to get from point A to point B, and have fun, even if you’re sitting in that traffic. Mazda ranks among the very best of automobile companies, and this Soul Of Motion event happening across Canada just proves it.
Although this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own with information of technical stuff provided by Mazda.