Participants test drove cars between Montage Palmetto Bluff and Sea Pines Resort, in Hilton Head Island, SC. At Sea Pines, participants kayaked and explored on bikes.
© Tim Zielenbach for Mazda USA
Disclosure: I was a part of a press trip by Mazda to test drive their vehicles.
When I was younger, I always wondered why I saw older people (and I was very young so I say older people lightly) driving the hottest cars. Now that my kids are grown and I’m still young, I totally get it! It’s our time to have fun, get what we want, when we want it. We finally got a hang on this phase of life and empty nesting is made easy with Mazda.
I like it hot and fast! My cars, that is.
I spent some time with Mazda at the beautiful Montage Palmetto Bluff Resort, in Bluffton, South Carolina. It was the perfect spot to test Mazda’s 2016 crossover lineup of vehicles including the MX-5, CX-3, CX-5 and CX-9, and I was the first to drive the newly refreshed 2017 Mazda3 and 2017 Mazda6.
They were all beautiful but oh my…. how this empty nester fell in love with the MX-5 Miata! Of course there was a car to fit everyone’s needs. Millennials, families, shoppers, and road trippers all had the perfect car that would fit their needs.
Here are my favorites
CROSSOVERS & SUVS
Participants test drove cars between Montage Palmetto Bluff and Sea Pines Resort, in Hilton Head Island, SC. At Sea Pines, participants kayaked and explored on bikes.
© Tim Zielenbach for Mazda USA
The CX-9
Families can drive in class and have plenty of room in the CX9 with 7 passenger seats. All of the latest safety features will give you an A+ for parenthood and you’ll still be envied by your friends.
The 2017 edition comes fully equipped with the new SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine that gets a confident 21/27/23 (city/hwy/combined) mpg with i-ACTIV all-wheel drive and the 6-speed automatic transmission and 22 /28 /25 (city/hwy/combined) when in four wheel drive. A beast on the road, yet a mansion on the interior the CX-9 offers comfort and luxury with everything you could possibly want in an SUV for just over $31,000.
SEDANS & HATCHBACKS
The Mazda 3
Starting at $19,095 the SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS with G-Vectoring Control, gave a smoother drive. The system works seamlessly by adjusting power delivery and shifting vehicle weight while turning. It helps you steer easily giving you more control. Mazda believes no detail is too small when Driving Matters, and I agree! Plenty of room for shopping or going on road trips. Your millennial may give you a fight for this car.
The Mazda 6
Here is Lindsey and I driving the Mazda 6. Not what I expected. It handled so well and was super comfortable. Riding shotgun gave me the opportunity to play with everything. How sharp does this car look????
SPORTS CARS
The Mazda MX-5 Miata
Miata – meaning “Reward”. This is so fitting because when you need to reward yourself, this is how. Yes, I drove the other cars and would be very happy with them but the Mazda MX-5 Miata made me feel 20 years young. Candy apple red, the top down, hair blowing, and the tunes playing. As I ripped down the road with Lindsey from soeasybeinggreen-blog it shifted with ease and hugged each corner and curve like a toy car on a track. Everything is at your fingertips and I still can’t figure out if me or the car had more adrenaline. The drive will have you and the car become one. I think the best part of the drive was when the white MX-5 Miata was riding along side of me. I do believe we turned many heads in South Carolina. Warning*** This car may distract other drivers*** It’s that hot! Perfect for a couple with only two seats who want fun and hot! It starts at only $24,915
Lindsey and I almost didn’t come back we were having so much fun!
Which car would be for you?
Head to your local MAZDA DEALERSHIP or check out ALL of the 2016 and 2017 Mazda’s at MazdaUSA.com.
My dad is a Mazda guy. He has had Mazda cars and SUV’s for as long back as I can remember!
I love that MX-5 Miata. It is sharp! Of course, a car like that won’t come until I’m finished hauling around my brood.
These are all awesome rides! Mazda makes some of the sharpest looking cars out there. I really love them.
Those look great! I think the CX-9 would be perfect for my family. We’re on the go, and there are a lot of us!
My family wouldn’t fit in a Mazda, but my FIL has a Mazda CX-9 and I love the way it rides. It’s very comfy and cute!
I’m totally dreaming of a new car now! A crossover would be wonderful!
Mazda makes some great cars. We had a Mazda 626 and it lasted just about forever.
Wow. What an amazing event. those red Mazda’s are looking super sharp. I haven’t driven a Mazda before, but they’re nice looking cars.
oh my, these are some beautiful cars! I have drove a Mazda for a few years now and really like the brand.
I totally agree with that, it’s really the time to yourself since you don’t have kids to take care of anymore. I am loving all of these hot and stylish cars! Mazda has always been a good brand.
I’ve definitely been impressed with Mazda before. The CX-9 is definitely a good choice for a family car.
This born and raised New York City girl never got a license, parking is insane here and we just take public transport as it’s really the fastest away around the city. I don’t have kids so I won’t have to wait for ‘an empty nest’ to get a hot whip, just got to get licensed first! LOL 🙂
All these Mazda cars look so handsome! However, my preference would always be a crossover or an SUV. I like cars to be big and roomy over sleek and sassy.
These cars look great! We are in the market for a new car too! I’ve will check them out.
These look great! We’ve had Mazda before and we loved it! 😀
I LOVE the Mazda 6! It’s sporty yet classy, i need to get out and test drive one of these. I have been in the market for a new car.
hahaha! Older and without kids means more money you didn’t realize was there because it was always gone! Kids are expensive!
I love Mazdas! Every car in the lineup is so awesome! I’ll be checking these out in a few years when I become an empty-nester myself!
I like the red colored Mazda, classy and edgy. Mazda is a very versatile car.