June 20, 2017 Cars

That Hiroshima Spirit: Behind The Wheel Of Mazda’s 2017 CX-5 And MX-5 Miata RF

Japanese carmaker Mazda is one of the automotive world’s best-kept secrets. This small but fierce car company has been innovating for nearly a century from its hometown of Hiroshima, and we recently had an opportunity to learn all about Mazda’s 2017 CX-5 and MX-5 Miata RF. Not only that, but we got to spend some serious time behind the wheel of each. Spoiler alert: we loved them.

Pulling Out All the Stops

Mazda invited us to an exclusive weekend retreat at the luxurious Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa in Southern California. After a decadent dinner on the Croquet Lawn and an evening in front of the fireplace, we were treated to an in-depth presentation on the CX-5 and the MX-5 RF before being let loose.

READ: Out for a Low Country Adventure with the All-New 2017 Mazda Lineup

Spending the day roving the Rancho Santa Fe and Temecula roads were punctuated by a lunchtime visit to the Temecula Olive Oil Company for a tasting before returning back to the Rancho Valencia for a meditation session at the resort’s Yoga Pavilion. The day was capped in style with dinner under the stars at the resort’s Sunrise Terrace, making for a memorable weekend.

Affordable Luxury and Beautiful Dynamism

Our time spent behind the wheel showcased the values that Mazda pours into each and every vehicle. The Miata MX-5 roadster, with its sleek lines and Japanese aesthetics, was an engaging ride, especially with its power-folding hardtop that let the Southern California wind stream through our hair. Beauty at every angle, the lightweight sports car is available in several trims including Sport, Club, and Grand Touring. With a 2-liter engine outputting 155 horsepower, the super-light Miata was fast, nimble, sexy, and loaded with interior luxury. The expressive details quickly confirmed to us why the MX-5 is the best-selling roadster of all time.

The compact crossover SUV CX-5 turned out to be no slouch, either. With creature comforts designed to delight, the Mazda CX-5 has all the bells and whistles you never knew you wanted, including a full-color HUD projected on the windshield with the ability to recognize oncoming traffic signs, a new 4.6-inch digital TFT color instrument cluster, and a 2.5-liter four cylinder engine with available all-wheel drive. This best selling crossover utility vehicle (CUV) has an EPA-estimated 31 highway mpg. The artfully elevated 5 passenger CX-5 is boldly sophisticated, carefully crafted, refined, and has what it takes to get you wherever you’re going in the ultimate of comfort.

The Hiroshima Spirit

If there’s one thing that Mazda embodies, it’s a challenger mindset, devoted to making people smile and enriching their lives. The company calls it “the Hiroshima Spirit,” named after Mazda’s hometown and corporate headquarters in Japan. The automaker takes its role seriously, and it’s apparent in every line of the CX-5 and MX-5 Miata RF; Mazda delivers unique brand value, and we loved every minute of our time behind the wheel.