As soon as I arrived in Rancho Valencia, I felt that the Mazda Event was going to be special!
We were welcomed to a beautiful lane, covered in flowers and local vegetation where the rooms and Villas rest, surrounded by nature and birds, as if placed by God to allow us to relax and contemplate nature’s beauty.
Coming Attractions
Our cocktail at sunset and Japanese food, surrounded by the Mazda Cars: MX-5 RF and CX-5 gave us the perfect preview of coming attractions
Drive Day
I was really surprised by the morning presentation from designer Julien Montousse.
Julien Montousse is director of design for Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). In this role, he oversees all of Mazda’s North American design operations, including next-generation vehicle design, exterior, interior and brand strategy development.
If you know me, and follow me in social media, you know I’m all about energy, I believe we’re all connected and we’re all a part of something bigger and what we think and feel, shape our present and ultimately, our future.
Mazda took that concept to the next level by sharing that the designers and hands which were involved in manufacturing the vehicles carry that concept to the next level, Julien said:
- The energy concept, which starts with the design and goes all the way to the last details on assembly line.
- The Skyactiv technology and high end custom features make Mazda vehicles unique in its category and price point is not an indicator of how much that goes into their vehicles.
But nothing compares to driving and experiencing the vehicles! Our drive started on board the MX-5 RF
We stopped at a beautiful Olive Garden & Restaurant , where we had lunch and I had a chance to chat with Julien!
What I really love about the MAZDA MX-5 RF:
- The power roof opens and closes with the press of a button while moving at speeds of up to 10km/h. Thanks to the folding system, the MX-5 RF offers the same trunk space as the soft top model.The RF retractable hardtop, promising the best of both coupe and ragtop worlds.
- While the range of drivetrain and transmissions has been maintained, the MX-5 RF we drove had one of my favorite colors: the Machine Grey.
Bolder lines and Paint which reflects the light, give this vehicle an endless color/shaping moving unique perspective. The painting technology originally created for Soul Red, a premium color with a high-quality finish that looks as if it were hand-painted.
The system uses a three-coat paint structure consisting of color, reflective and clear coats. The reflective layer, which contains extremely thin, high-brightness aluminum flakes, shrinks during the drying process to about one-quarter the thickness of most reflective layers.
- More interior space on the driver side: My driving partner was 6’3″, last year we had an MX-5 and my husband is 6’2″ and he had a hard time fitting in it.
- Once you step inside, the most notable change is the new seven-inch #MazdaConnect touchscreen system, which includes a number of apps and features to make your drive easier. The Commander control knob lets you rapidly change between music from your phone to satellite radio, and it even recognizes voice commands so you can operate it hands free. You can also readjust the automatic retractable fastback found on the car.
The MAZDA CX-5
The CX-5 was our ride back, packed with features, this Crossover is packed with features and handles the road so well, that you will have to look no further when shopping for a family vehicle which offers: safety, space, comfort and technology all at your fingertips!
- All New Exterior Design
- Newly developed exterior color, Soul Red Crystal
- Full LED headlights
- LED foglights
- Power rear liftgate
- Rear LED Signature tailights
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS)
- BOSE® 10-speaker surround sound system with Centerpoint® 2 and AudioPilot® 2
- MAZDA CONNECT infotainment system with 7-inch full-color touchscreen display and voice command – which is one of my favorite features!
We ended our ride with a meditation session where the Buddhist Priest guided us through the process of raising awareness of our inner thoughts and being present. I have medicated for a few years, my practice is focused not on a train of thought or religion but on my never-ending search to be a better person and find myself through the daily noise, focusing on what really matters.
Next was learning more about how the Mazda vehicle design is conceived, starting the same way you start a work of art! Back to the basics, to the craftsmanship so valued in the high end models, while not losing sight of the future; which is definitely making Mazda approach very unique, placing it on a category of its own.
Our dinner that night also made this Latina happy! Tacos, fresh guac and tortillas and queso hondido?? Soooooo good, followed by a sunset Tequila tasting, Que Rico!!!
Last week, I was able to grasp and feel the concept and energy that powers the Mazda Team, at the event at Rancho Valencia; where they effortlessly showcased the brand’s renewed efforts to provide a luxury experience, not compromised by a price point.
We were truly able to #ExperienceMazda!!
I can’t wait to have both vehicles in my driveway and share more about each one soon!!!
What do you think of my experience? Have you driven a Mazda? Do you love them as much as I do? Are you a top down or SUV kind of driver??? Tell it all!! Can’t wait to hear what you think!!! As usual, give us a Trendy Shout!
Two pictures in this review were provided by Mazda.
i love to drive cars, especially mazda. Their cars are always so comfortable and fun to drive.
I love Mazda! They are full of great features. Good to know about how you feel about the concept and energy that powers the Mazda Team.
Oh, I would love to drive this. I’m driving a Ford but I’ve always had my eye on sexy Mazda cars.
Those new models of Mazda cars are powered by the right technology. The design is really nice and unique and each car look extravagant.
I love Mazdas! I’ve had two and I loved how zippy they were.
I am so a SUV kinda driver. I have always been a Toyota girl but Mazda sounds just as great!
Looked like such a fun time! I have never own ed a Mazda, but I have heard great things about them. Definitely a brand I will keep in mind. Thanks for the great tips and for sharing!
I love the sports car – I would love to drive one! I may have to check out Mazda for my next car purchase!
It sounds like you had lots of fun! I love a sporty and classy designer car. The red MX-5 RF is my favorite.
I LOVE Mazda! They have such great features, are comfortable to ride in and I love the team behind the scenes that works so hard.
innovation in car design and performance is so important. Mazda does a great job in keeping their customer up to speed and looking great while driving.
All of these Mazda vehicles are so beautiful! I have always wanted to test drive one.
I’ve test drove a few Mazda cars and they are smooth as can be. I love the look of them too, so classy and uptown looking.
Looks like a great time. I am a HUGE fan of Mazda. I have the CX 5 and LOVE it!
I don’t know anything about cars, but i do believe at love at first sight! And Mazda is LOVE!
I am not in the market for car but I love that this car which has style, speed, many features has the space I would require!! Cars like this always seem so small inside but love that a 6’3″ guy fit so easily!! Gorgeous colors too!!
That car makes me want to go fast. I mean, it really screams ‘drive me.’ I love how it looks and I bet it’s so much fun to drive!
Believe it or not, I have never actually driven a Mazda before! It’s usually been Toyota or Lexus for our family, but maybe one day I’ll give one a test drive. They have some sexy cars!
Mazda does such a great job with their vehicles. I love how sleek and sexy they are, yet functional as well.
What a fun exprience and it looks like the Mazda brand really went all out for you all! Hope you had a blast!
Those vehicles look pretty awesome! Looks like you had a wonderful time! Xx-Doran @HauteBeautyGuide
What a great experience! I am so excited by the details you listed. I would love to drive one also. Sounds like an amazing vehicle.
The MX-5 RF looks like one sweet ride. I love the sporty look it has to it and that it has a power roof.
These are both beautiful vehicles. The CX-5 is definitely something I would drive. I love that it is spacious and has a power rear liftgate.
This sounds like it was an amazing event indeed and a lot of fun. The CX-5 I would love to test drive. The Soul Red Crystal color I love and I tend to favor red vehicles. Thanks for sharing your amazing experiences.
That car is powerful and beautiful! I’d love to take it on a spin for a drive by the beach!
What a fun event! The scenery was gorgeous and the cars were next level. I think it is pretty sweet that they gave you guys tacos, the lime cilantro Baja shrimp had my name written all over it!
http://prettyfitfoodie.com/
What a lovely looking car. I never would have thought it was a mazda. These tacos look amazing too
wow you only find good features and benefits on this car maybe it can be my next one!
Those are some fancy looking cars. I remember a dear friend who always bought this sporty brand and would spin around the neighborhood in it whenever he got a new set of wheels.
We aren’t looking for a new car but I do love the Mazada’s. I’m always drawn to the chic style.
Such a great car! I love those Mazda features! So stylish too!
I’ve always loved Mazda. They are such a beautiful car.
Wicked awesome event from Mazda! It would be so nice to be part of it. You’ll definitely enjoy being there, being pampered and getting to know the Mazda vehicles! SO COOL!
Look amazing!! Mazda has some really nice looking vehicles!
Wow this sounds like it was an amazing event! I love the MX5, it’s my dream car!
What an amazing event. I’ve never driven driven a Mazda. These cars look and sound cool.
The Mazda Event sounds like an amazing event to attend. Mazda cars look so comfortable and fun to drive.
I would have loved to go to the Mazda Event. The MX-5 RF looks like an amazing car with all the best features. I have a Mazda and I love it.
Wow, what a beautiful car. I have always thought Mazda’s were so nice. Sounds like you had an amazing time too!
Would be fun to have a cute little car but I would still probably be the SUV gal, like to be up a little higher.
phew that is a pretty car! Holy crap. Mazda’s are good vehicles too.
My mom was a huge fan of the vehicles from Mazda. Now my sister drives one as well!
Great wheels. Mazda’s are such high quality vehicles. I would love my next car to be a Mazda.
What an awesome car! We just bought a Camry last year, but we considered a Mazda, the dealer didn’t have the one in stock we wanted, so we ended up with a Toyota. The Mazda’s drive so nicely.
This looked like so much fun. It sounds like the Mazda team is committed to making quality cars with some great features. I’m impressed with the CX-5!
What an amazing experience! The new line of Mazda vehicles are beyond gorgeous and equipped with the type of safety features we look for. Love that essence of luxury too!
My husband wishes he was the one doing this. He loves cars and this one looks like a fun drive.
I’ve now had 2 Mazda cars and am in love with them! My partner recently surprised me with a brand new Mazda 2 GT in beautiful red – it is the most gorgeous car and I adore driving it!
What a GORGEOUS place!! I would love to spend a day there. Mazda puts out some pretty tough looking cars that is for sure! You showed up in style!
I’ve been a Mazda fan for years. These past few years they’ve really upped their game. Their vehicles look sharp, and they’re always so much fun to drive. I have to remind myself that I am NOT on a closed course. LOL
That’s so fun! It sounds like you had a blast getting to see all those sweet rides. Those vehicles are dead sexy!
That looks like such an amazing time! I love Mazda. Their cars are always so comfortable and fun to drive.
That is one nice car. That taco bar is calling my name.
Pretty sure this is what fantastic looks like! Great car brand!
My father is a Mazda man. He has had at least six or seven of them over the years and he keeps going back for more.