Author: fentonmazdaamarillo

2016 Mazda CX-9: Real World Review

fentonmazdaamarillo , , ,

256412The 2016 Mazda CX-9 is a 3-row family SUV for those who’d rather not drive a 3-row family SUV. It’s big without being lumbering to drive. It’s attractive without sacrificing utility. And it generally makes it easier to transition to a family hauler from a fun-to-drive car.

Needless to say, then, that our Autotrader team was quite fond of the completely redesigned CX-9. Here are some of our thoughts after spending a week with Mazda’s impressive new SUV.

A Superior SUV to Drive

In all the comments put forth by our testers, one impression was clear: The CX-9 is great to drive.

“The driving characteristics are what raise this so much higher than a Toyota Highlander, a Nissan Pathfinder or a Honda Pilot,” said one test driver. The CX-9 demonstrates a level of precision and transmits a feeling of control to the driver that can’t be matched in this segment. This SUV is agile, regardless of whether you’re on a winding road that leads to a family ski spot or hitting a highway on-ramp with a little extra zing.

“This clearly is one of the best SUVs out there,” noted another tester. “One specific impressive trait is how great it rides compared to the Pilot. By comparison, there’s little to no body roll. It also feels more in control on rough roads and doesn’t bounce around.”

Perhaps another of our testers said it best: “This is a great vehicle if you want something that provides a third row but doesn’t feel like a heavy SUV.”

Surprising Performance, So-So Fuel Economy

The 2016 Mazda CX-9 is only available with a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive. It produces 227 horsepower with regular fuel, but opting for premium results in a significant bump up to 250 hp. Ultimately, though, this engine’s 310 lb-ft of torque remains the same regardless of the fuel, and its impressive kick is what you’re likely to notice when driving around town or passing on the highway.

“The 4-cylinder turbo engine was a surprise to me,” noted one of our testers. Just about every competitor in this segment relies on a V6 engine. “It moves this vehicle with ease and does well with acceleration.”

Now, we did fall short of the Environmental Protection Agency’s estimates of 21 miles per gallon in the city, 27 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg combined when equipped with all-wheel drive. However, additional miles traveled may result in better figures. For comparison, the V6-powered Pilot with all-wheel drive achieves 21 mpg combined, while the all-wheel-drive Highlander gets 20 mpg combined.

A Great Interior

“Mazda did a great job with the interior,” wrote one of our testers. “The materials choices feel rich and look elegant.”

Indeed, the CX-9’s cabin is a clear step up from its predecessor in terms of quality, and it has a premium look and feel that its more utilitarian competitors can’t match. The design is interesting without being over the top, while the high center console and low, sloping dash help the CX-9 disguise its SUV-ness further.

The seats were praised for being comfortable and offering commendable support, but the power driver’s seat adjusts in only six directions (not counting lumbar adjustment) versus the usual eight. As a result, there were complaints that there was insufficient thigh support. Second-row space and comfort were praised, and although the third row isn’t as adult-friendly as that of the Honda Pilot or the Dodge Durango, kids will nevertheless find enough space.

A Different Kind of Tech Interface

Like other Mazda models, the CX-9 comes with a tech interface that consists of a dash-mounted screen and a knob/button controller on the center console. Distinctively, that screen can be operated by touch but only when parked, which limits its effectiveness. It’s also quite far away. The knob controller takes some time to get used to, and it isn’t always logical in some of its commands.

“The infotainment system is the one area that slightly hurts this vehicle,” one of our testers wrote.

Packed With Features

“I kept thinking that it would be missing features found in more expensive cars like the Acura MDX, but they were all there,” noted one of our test drivers. Indeed, our all-wheel-drive CX-9 Signature model topped $45,000 but came loaded with items such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, a blind spot monitoring system, frontal-collision warning and automatic braking, LED headlights, a navigation system, a heads-up display, leather, retractable sunshades and a Bose premium sound system. Even the base CX-9 comes with an ample list of equipment.

“The CX-9 Signature provides all the current safety features that the current driver needs. Its heads-up display helps to highlight some of these safety features.”

AutoTrader Take

Quite simply, if you’re in the market for a 3-row family crossover, you need to check out the 2016 Mazda CX-9. It provides the practical elements you’re likely seeking in a family vehicle, without looking or driving like the typical family vehicle. The CX-9 sets a new standard for how great an SUV can be.

To find your perfect CX-9 visit Fenton Mazda of Amarillo today!  Shop online at www.fentonmotorsofamarillo.com

2016 Jeep Compass FWD 4dr Sport

fentonmazdaamarillo

Despite obvious shortcomings, the 2016 Jeep Compass continues to be a steady seller, just like its cheap-Jeep sibling, the Patriot. There’s little doubt that the Compass’ rock-bottom starting price has a lot to do with it. Those baby-Grand Cherokee looks certainly don’t hurt, either, and the Jeep name has enduring appeal for many shoppers. But that doesn’t change the fact that the Compass is largely subpar and outdated when compared to the competition.

One of the 2016 Jeep Compass’ few draws is its Grand Cherokee-lite exterior design.

To be fair to the Compass, it will go farther off-road than most compact crossovers if you select the Freedom Drive II off-road package. To get that capability, however, you’ll have to make do with the power-sapping and generally unpleasant CVT. The five-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions are more tolerable, but refinement isn’t exactly a strong suit of any Compass configuration.

Jeep’s newer small SUVs, the compact Cherokee and the subcompact Renegade, just do it all so much better. And if you compare the 2016 Compass to the likes of the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson or Mazda CX-5, you’ll get an instant reminder of how far we’ve come during this crossover’s many years on the market. Yes, these models are more expensive than the Compass, but there’s a good reason for that. They’re worth it.

Summary Body Styles
No Video Content
Read Review Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options Performance

The 2016 Jeep Compass is a five-passenger small crossover SUV available in two primary trim levels: Sport and Latitude. Two sub-trims — Sport SE and High Altitude Edition — add features to the Sport and Latitude, respectively.

Standard features for the Sport include 16-inch alloy wheels (upgraded to 17s if the larger 2.4-liter engine is specified), foglights, roof rails, air-conditioning, cruise control, manual accessories (windows, mirrors and locks), 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, a tilt-only steering wheel, Bluetooth and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.

Options for the Compass Sport include the Power Value Group (full power accessories, heated mirrors, body-color trim, automatic headlights and remote keyless entry) and other option packages shared with the Latitude (see below). The Sport SE package adds 18-inch gray alloy wheels and matching gloss-gray body trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls, heated front seats and upgraded cloth and vinyl upholstery.

The Latitude starts with the Sport’s standard features and adds the contents of the Power Value Group as standard, plus chrome exterior accents, silver interior trim, a height-adjustable driver seat, the Sport SE’s heated front seats and upgraded upholstery and steering wheel, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with hard-drive music storage and optional navigation), reclining rear seatbacks and a 115-volt power outlet.

The 2016 Compass is one of the only vehicles in the Jeep/Chrysler/Dodge lineup that gets the brand’s old tech interface.

The High Altitude Edition package, offered only on the Latitude, adds unique 17-inch wheels, a sunroof, additional chrome exterior trim, leather upholstery and a six-way power driver seat with manual lumbar adjustment. Other options unique to the Latitude include 18-inch wheels, a towing package and automatic climate control.

The Latitude is also eligible for three additional packages. The Security and Cargo Convenience Group includes remote ignition, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, an alarm system, an upgraded trip computer, a USB port and voice controls. The Premium Sound group includes nine Boston Acoustic speakers (two of which swing down from the tailgate) with a subwoofer. The Sun and Sound group bundles the Premium Sound package with a sunroof.

Both Sport and Latitude can be equipped with the All-Weather Capability Group, which consists of 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, tow hooks, daytime running lights, an engine block heater and all-season floor mats. Every Compass is additionally eligible for the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Group, which includes 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, an upgraded all-wheel-drive system with simulated low-range gearing, skid plates, a brake-lock differential, tow hooks, a full-size spare tire, a heavy-duty alternator, an engine oil cooler and (for the Sport) a height-adjustable driver seat.

Finally, the Sport can be specified with the 6.5-inch touchscreen interface and rearview camera, though the navigation system is limited to the Latitude.

Read Review Performance
Body Styles Powertrains and Performance Safety

The 2016 Compass’ base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 158 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the 2.0-liter Sport, while the 2.0-liter Latitude comes with a CVT. Front-wheel drive is mandatory with the base engine.

The EPA estimates fuel economy at 26 mpg combined (23 city/30 highway) for the 2.0-liter Compass with the five-speed manual. The CVT drops those numbers to 24 mpg combined (22/26).

Optional on front-wheel-drive models and standard with all-wheel drive is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 172 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque. The five-speed manual is once again offered on the Sport, but otherwise the six-speed automatic handles the shifting — unless you specify Freedom Drive II, which substitutes a CVT with a crawl mode that simulates a 4×4 vehicle’s low-range gearing.

The Jeep Compass isn’t the kind of Jeep you take off the beaten path, but Freedom Drive II offers some semblance of off-road ability.

With the manual and front-wheel drive, the 2.4-liter Compass is rated at 25 mpg combined (23 city/29 highway). Add the six-speed automatic and you’re looking at 23 mpg combined (21/28). With all-wheel drive, the 2.4-liter Compass returns 24 mpg combined (22/27) with the manual, 22 mpg combined (20/26) with the six-speed automatic and a woeful 21 mpg combined (20/23) with Freedom Drive II’s CVT.

In Edmunds testing, an all-wheel-drive Compass with the 2.4-liter engine and six-speed automatic went from zero to 60 mph in 9.4 seconds, an average time for this class.

Body Styles Safety
Performance Safety Special Features

Standard safety features for all Jeep Compass models include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. Front-wheel-drive models feature inferior rear drum brakes, while all-wheel-drive models get disc brakes front and rear.

In Edmunds brake testing, an all-wheel-drive Compass came to a stop from 60 mph in 121 feet, which is a bit better than average for this class of vehicle.

In government crash testing, the Jeep Compass received just three stars out of a possible five for frontal impact crash safety.

Performance Special Features
Safety Interior Design and Special Features Driving Impressions

The Compass got a much-needed interior upgrade in 2014, but we’re still less than happy with the industrial-grade plastics. Moreover, in this day and age, it’s exceedingly rare to find a vehicle that still comes with crank-down windows and manual locks as standard. That’s something to keep in mind if you’re eyeing a low-priced Compass — it might not be equipped with the features you expect.

Contrasting colors look great in photos, but the plastics feel cheap and chintzy in the real world.

The front seats are comfortable enough and adequately supportive for longer drives, though the seatback cushions are a little narrow for larger adults. Rear legroom is tight for this class, reminding us more of a compact hatchback than a typical high-riding, airy crossover. In terms of infotainment, the optional 6.5-inch touchscreen is older and less user-friendly than the 8.4-inch “Uconnect” interface found in most other Jeep and Chrysler models.

The Compass does offer some clever interior features, such as distinctive (and optional) speakers that flip down and out from the raised liftgate for beach parties and the like. However, the maximum cargo capacity of 53.6 cubic feet pales in comparison to rival crossovers. Behind the second row, the Compass’ 22.7-cubic-foot cargo hold is also quite stingy.

Safety Driving Impressions
Special Features Driving Impressions

The 2016 Compass’ 2.0-liter engine keeps the cost down, but it’s rowdy, underpowered and not all that great for fuel economy considering its modest output. Remember, too, that if you can’t drive a stick shift, you’re stuck with the decidedly uninspired CVT. The 2.4-liter engine, on the other hand, has enough pep to keep up with traffic, and there’s little fuel economy penalty compared to the 2.0, though refinement isn’t much better. The six-speed automatic is a big improvement over the CVT, but it still shifts too slowly for our tastes. If you opt for the Freedom Drive II off-road setup, the CVT is unfortunately part of the deal.

Ride quality is another weak spot for the Compass. The basic suspension design was sourced many years ago from the underwhelming Dodge Caliber hatchback, and it struggles to cope with today’s well-worn urban roads. Expect a nervous, bouncy ride on such surfaces, with more impact harshness than you’ll feel in most rivals. Handling is also below average, with an initial sense of control giving way to excessive body roll and vague steering in corners. At least you can do some respectable off-roading with Freedom Drive II, though other Compasses are unremarkable in this department.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Named Performance Compact Winner at Texas Auto Writers Association’s ‘Texas Auto Roundup’

fentonmazdaamarillo , , , , , , , ,

MM5A6313liv-1-1024x683The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata rolled into Texas Motor Speedway for the Texas Auto Writers Association’s (TAWA) annual Texas Auto Roundup, where more than 60 journalists from across the country gathered at the two-day event to drive and evaluate more than 50 vehicles in 17 different categories. The MX-5 entered the ultra-competitive Performance Compact Category, besting stiff competition from Germany and Italy.

“The Mazda MX-5’s combination of exterior, interior finish, delightful performance and overall appeal equated to one of the highest scoring vehicles in any category in this year’s Roundup, and just short of the overall Car of Texas award. To say the journalists were impressed is an understatement,” said Nic Phillips, TAWA president. “Given the competitive class, let alone the entire field, everyone at Mazda has a right to be proud. Not only that, our journalists also gave it the highest value score of any car at the event.”

With more than 950,000 Mazda MX-5 Miatas sold globally, and production of the one-millionth MX-5 announced just last week, the Miata is a true testament to Mazda’s fun-to-drive brand and the epitome of why driving matters. The fourth-generation MX-5 draws inspiration from MX-5s that came before it, pairing the driver as one with the car – in Japanese, it’s loosely translated as “Jinba Ittai.” But it also carves a path that is thoroughly modern and unchartered for Mazda’s flagship roadster.

Lighter, smaller, quicker and more nimble than its predecessor, the 2016 MX-5 also has adopted Mazda’s full suite of SKYACTIV Technology and KODO—Soul of Motion design with a starting MSRP of $24,915.

Mazda North American Operations is proud of its award-winning vehicle lineup. The 2016 model year vehicles have already earned over 100 industry accolades including other impressive wins for the MX-5 including World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year.

To see the award-winning Mazda MX-5 and all of the great vehicles in the Mazda lineup visit Fenton Mazda of Amarillo at 4401 South Georgia Street in Amarillo, Texas or online at www.fentonmotorsofamarillo.com today!