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August 20, 2018 by Arlene

Mazda CX-5 & Mazda CX-9 Named Best in Class

Mazda crossovers CX-5 and CX-9 were both named the best in class by Car and Driver in 2018. The CX-9 also won it its category for the second year in a row, over some especially strong competition.

In order to obtain this honor, both models had to have certain attributes to make them notably more impressive than similar vehicles. As you may expect, the winning vehicles have to come at a great value. This does not mean that they are the cheapest, but rather that they are the best vehicles for the price. And they have to be incredibly efficient and practical, with great convenient features.

But to be the very best the winners also have to be especially pleasing to drive, and to have a certain engaging qualities that really set them apart.

So, what is it about the CX-5 and the CX-9 that puts them above and beyond the rest of the vehicles in the same class?

Mazda CX-5 Named Best Compact SUV

Car and Driver made sure to note that the Mazda CX-5 is more exciting and fun to drive than other compact crossovers, without sacrificing any of the expected practicality. They were also very impressed by its style, also calling it the best-looking compact crossover.

The recently redesigned interior, along with the new leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob certainly helped the 2018 CX-5 win that reputation.

Both the exterior and the interior are so stylish, and use such fine materials, that the Mazda crossover appears much more expensive than it actually is. The Touring trim level also comes with 19-inch wheels for an extra stylish touch.

The seats are also incredibly comfortable, and the Touring and Grand Touring trim levels come with heated front seats. As part of the 2018 updates, the Grand Touring also has memory settings for the driver’s seat and six power adjustments for the passenger seat.

In addition to the redesigned interior, there were a number of improvements that came with both the 2017 and 2018 editions that helped the CX-5 win best in class. These include a lower center of gravity, which improves the grip of the tires and the handling, as well as a wider track.

The four-cylinder engine now comes with cylinder deactivation, which is a technology that will shut down two of the four cylinders during cruising.

This is a beneficial update because it improves the fuel economy. The CX-5 is the first four-cylinder car in North America to offer this technology.

The 2018 model is also safer than ever because the CX-5 now comes with standard blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert. This kind of safety technology notifies the driver to potential hazards, which allows you to feel more confident and in control. Additional safety options include adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

Mazda CX-9 Named Best Midsize SUV

Midsize SUVs are a top choice for family cars, but as the Mazda CX-9 shows, that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. Like the CX-5, this Mazda crossover is quite elegant and expensive-looking, which makes it a more attractive buy than similar SUVs.

The 2018 CX-9 was totally redesigned and as a result is now more aesthetically appealing than ever. Stylish touches include the gorgeous Nappa leather seats and a large chrome grille, as well as the option of 20-inch wheels.

But despite looking like a luxury vehicle, the Mazda crossover is actually one of the most affordable options, so it provides great value, especially compared to similar vehicles like the Honda Pilot Elite and the Ford Explorer Platinum.

The CX-9 has great visibility and is one of the lightest vehicles in its class. It weighs between 4200 and 4400 pounds, which is impressive for its size. The fact that it’s a lighter vehicle also gives it better fuel economy than other three-row crossovers. And it has one of the lowest centers of gravity.

An extra bonus is Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control software, also known as the GVC, which improves steering feel and traction. Responsive, electrically-assisted steering and good breaking are very beneficial whenever drivers have to encounter roads with a lot of twists and turns.

The navigation and audio controls are easy to use, and come with a convenient LCD touchscreen, which is seven inches in the Sport trim level and eight inches in the other trim levels. These features make the CX-9 a smooth, comfortable drive.

For safety, the driver assistance systems Mazda includes are blind-spot monitoring, radar-based cruise control, and lane-departure warning and correction. Touring and Signature models also have radar-based active cruise control.

Both the CX-5 and the CX-9 come with a three year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. These warranties are standard. However, if you purchase either of the Mazda crossovers at the Royal Moore Subaru dealership in Hillsboro, you also have the option of the lifetime powertrain warranty. As the name implies, this is a warranty that will be good for however long you own the vehicle. Royal Moore Mazda will include a lifetime powertrain warranty with every new Mazda sold at no extra charge. Find more information on the lifetime powertrain warranty today. 

When looking at both the 2018 CX-5 and the CX-9, it becomes clear that Mazda is one of the brands that really puts a lot of thought into how the driver feels. That isn’t something you can necessarily count on with a lot of other brands.

Mazda vehicles are some of the most fun to drive. Meanwhile, a lot of other SUVs are willing to settle for just being practical.

For both these Mazda crossovers, Car and Driver is extremely impressed by their style, which is a major reason why they both stand out. It’s a nice treat to own a vehicle that both looks and feels luxurious.

Just because you need a larger, more family-friendly car, doesn’t mean you can’t have a little excitement. Overall, the CX-5 and CX-9 will provide you with a car that you actually look forward to driving every day.

Filed Under: Auto Tagged With: auto, car, Mazda, vehicle

March 5, 2018 by Arlene

A Guide to Buying Roof Box Storage

Whether you’re planning a big holiday getaway and need more room to store camping equipment, or you want to take up a new outdoor adventure hobby and just don’t have the boot space for the equipment you need to transport, a roof box can solve these problems and help you move your belongings from point A to point B. There are many benefits to having a roof box installed, including vastly increasing your vehicle’s luggage carrying capacity, providing you with the ability to carry specialist equipment for sports and hobbies, and freeing up space inside your vehicle for other items or extra passengers. This article will provide some information to help you choose the best roof box to transport your goods and offer helpful advice in regards to how to best use and get the most out of your roof box.

 

What Will the Roof Box Be Used For?

Before purchasing a roof box, it’s important to put some thought into what you’ll be carrying in it. This is important, as there are many different size roof boxes available on the market, each of them offering different levels of carrying capacity. While you want the roof box to be able to carry all the equipment you need, you don’t want it to be far too big, as this can make your vehicle less economical and waste more fuel. It’s therefore important to measure the items you plan to transport so you can accurately select a roof box that’s the perfect fit.

Permanently Fitted or Not?

It’s also important to consider whether or not it’s worth having your roof box permanently attached. Having a roof box permanently fitted to the roof of your vehicle can be worthwhile if you plan on using it to move heavy equipment on a regular basis. However, you should keep in mind that this may impact on your vehicle’s performance and economy, as a roof box can add extra weight and require your vehicle to use more fuel. If the roof box is especially large, it may also add a considerable amount of wind resistance, which will also cause your vehicle to use more fuel. If you plan on using the roof box only a handful of times a year for holidays or trips out of town, then purchasing a model that can be easily attached and detached is probably going to be the best option.

In Conclusion

When selecting the right roof box for your needs, it’s important to take into consideration what you need to use it for so you can select the right size for your needs. Another decision you’ll need to make is whether or not it should be permanently fitted. In addition to these considerations, it’s also important to select a roof box that’s made by a reputable and trustworthy brand. This way, you can rest assured that it’s going to stand the test of time and provide you with years of reliable use.

Filed Under: Auto, Travel Tagged With: accessories, auto, car, road trip, storage, travel

January 23, 2018 by Arlene

Five Tips for Buying a Used Mercedes Benz

If you’ve been thinking about buying a Mercedes Benz, getting a used one is an option you should consider. This is a great way to get one of the best cars in the world at a much cheaper price.

However, if you’re looking for a used Mercedes Benz for sale, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Today, we’re going to take a look at what those things are.

Here are five tips for buying a used Mercedes Benz.

Decide Which Model You Want: Mercedes Benz has a number of models to choose from, some of which date back to the 1920’s. To this day, the company puts out a few new lines every year. When making your decision, age is one thing you need to think about. There are obvious advantages to getting a newer vehicle, but some people enjoy the vintage look. You should also consider your needs. Will you be driving by yourself, or do you have a family to take care of?

Decide How Much You’ll Spend: Of course, your budget is going to be an important factor when making your decision. After you’ve decided on a model, you need to think about how much you can afford. Next, you need to compare prices. The best thing to do is find the average price for the model you’re looking for. From there, you will have a better idea of what to look for and how much you should spend on it.

Get a Car History Report: This is very important, especially if you’ll be buying online. A car history report will tell you everything you need to know about the car, including accident reports, salvage reports, sales history, and other useful information. You can usually get one of these from the DMV although they’re also available from online resources. This will help you determine if there’s anything you need to know about a car before you buy.

Explore Financing Options: Obviously, you’re likely to find better deals if you can pay with cash, but this isn’t always realistic. That said, it’s possible to get a loan as long as you have the proper information. Make sure you have a copy of your credit report handy, along with the car’s make, model, and car history report. You also want to go to a few different lenders, so you know you’re getting the best deal.

Ask a Lot of Questions: Finally, the best way to learn about a used car is to simply ask. You want to get as much information as you can from the person who’s selling. One thing in particular that you need to know is why they’re selling the car in the first place. Other questions you should ask are how often it was driven, how often the oil was changed, and where they bought it. The more you know about a car, the easier it will be to make a decision.

As long as you keep these tips in mind, you should have no problem finding the right Mercedes Benz for yourself.

for. Just remember to do your research, and good luck finding the car that’s right for you.

Filed Under: Auto Tagged With: auto, car, Mercedes Benz, used car, vehicle

July 26, 2017 by Arlene

How to Stop Your Car From Costing You So Much Money

Cars can prove to be quite a costly accessory in our lives and whilst for many it is an absolute necessity, there is no reason to blow most of your wage each month on running your vehicle. The cost of a car alone is substantial enough without needing to fork out huge amounts each month on the running and the caring of your car. If you are looking to reduce your monthly spends then the car would be a good place to start and here are just some of the ways that you can cut down on how much your car costs you each month.

Car Insurance

When your car insurance is up for renewal, make sure that you pore through your options with a fine toothcomb. Far too many people simply accept the first offer that comes along or they decide to allow their existing policy to continue, both of which could see you paying more than you should do for  the rest of the year. Head to a site like Chill. ie and find out if you can get an even better offer on your car insurance for next year.

Gadgets

Many of us get sucked in to buying any number of gadgets and pieces of tech for our cars and the spending could soon add up. Try to remember that the car is for purpose and whilst there is nothing wrong with improving the way things are inside the car, we should all remember that there is a lot of junk on the market that we simply don’t need.

Cleaning

Cleaning your car on your own is something which the majority of us have the capability to do and for the sake of a couple of hours of your time every fortnight, you could save a lot of money each month. You may think that spending four or five pounds on a wash and valet may not be much, but over the course of a year it will really add up. Fill up that bucket and start saving money.

Driving Style

Driving style has a huge impact on how much your car will cost, in many different ways and a smart and calculated driving approach can really help you to save some money. Firstly there is the fact that you are less likely to be involved in a potentially costly accident; secondly you will do far less damage to your car’s parts through your method of driving, and finally you will use significantly less petrol as you go.

Car Sharing

Car sharing is a great way to not only save some money but also to improve road conditions and help to protect the environment. There are many apps out there which can help you to get in touch with other people who are taking the same route as you and you can alternate driving with sharing each day.

These are just a few of the ways in which you can save money on your car each month, if you have any others that work for you, let us know in the comments section below.

Filed Under: Auto Tagged With: auto, car, driving, money, save money

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About Seek Your Trip

Here at Seek Your Trip, we post twice-weekly articles that will get your travel juices flowing. The idea is to inspire you to get out there and explore far-flung places and unusual cultures.