By Joy Fanning
Mazda in is the spotlight again with the 2017 Mazda6 and Mazda MX-5 Miata RF both earning 2017 Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Awards. Each of these cars has reasons of their own for standing out among others in their class.
The new Mazda6 has several new things to boast about with the 2017 model. It includes acoustic glass and tighter door seals which allow for more sound suppression. G-Vectoring Control comes standard on the Mazda6. According to Inside Mazda, this allows for a more controlled ride via using “the engine to control chassis dynamics by shifting an imperceptibly small amount of weight to the front tires.” Regenerative breaking also adds to the value by helping the Mazda6 get as much as 40 mpg on the highway. This may not be a sports car, but it is fun to drive due to all Mazda as put into it. It also compares to higher priced cars in its class due to its in-car electronics, which are on par with Audis and BMWs. The sleek design and the option to add Nappa leather seating surfaces as well as a heated steering wheel is ample reasons for putting it ahead of its competitors.
The other winner, Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is a show stopper in its own right. Weighing at just 2,445 pounds it is one of the lightest cars on sale in the U.S. The MX-5 RF is an excellent example of “Mazda’s Jinba Itta-horse and rider as one-steering and handing philosophy.” This best-selling roadster now also has a power hardtop that takes just 13 seconds to go up or down, hence the “RF” which stands for the retractable fastback. Starting at just $32,000 this is the perfect sports car that is big on the fun with just a bit of practicality in it.
Head over to O’Daniel Mazda today to see for yourself.
