#PRODUCTWATCH: 2025 MAZDA3 GT

The 2025 MAZDA3 GT is a Sedan that combines comfort with performance, meaning it is perfect for your everyday drive and whatever obstacles are placed before it! We had the pleasure of testing this gem in a stunning Snowflake White Pearl, with a striking dual-tone black and garnet red interior. It is powered by a Skyactiv-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission engine with manual-shift mode, Drive Selection switch and paddle shifters. A smooth ride that ticks all the boxes.

Some noteworthy new additions to the model include from prior renditions:

– Alexa Built-in function added
– Mazda Online Navigation added
– Wheel finish changed from Light Grey High Lusture to Silver Metallic

The Sedan’s Entertainment features are elevated, including Bose® premium sound system with 12-speakers. SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (complimentary 3-month trial subscription). AM/FM/HD Radio (which we got to figure out finally), and USB ports (2) – Type C (fast charging) ports to ensure you always stay connected. It also connects via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well, enabling you the ability to navigate directions from your phone, enjoy Spotify playlists, plus also have your text messages read out to you while you drive. All this is navigated through a sizable 10.3″ display.

Mazda shows are incredible concern for driver and passenger safety. Active safety features here include:

-Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR) and this is particularly handy with back-to-school and speed limit enforcement 
-Smart Brake Support Rear (SBS-R)
-Smart Brake Support Rear Crossing (SBS-RC)
-Front and rear parking sensors
-Windshield-projected colour Active Driving Display (ADD)
-360° View Monitor and rearview camera and rear-seat reminders so nobody gets left behind!
-Traffic Jam Assist (TJA)

The Mazda3 GT is full of intuitive features designed to make the Driver’s user experience more simplified. These include:

-Advanced keyless entry (proximity and ignition)
-a very reactive Walk-Away Door Lock 
-Exterior mirrors linked with memory seat function
-Frameless rearview mirror with auto-dimming
-HomeLink® wireless control system
-Engine starter button (bright ring detail)

The Driver also gets Driver’s seat memory function, 10-way power adjustment with lumbar support, and both Driver and front passenger get the heated seats as well, which will be very handy in upcoming months. Our passengers appreciated having dual climate zones as everyone has different definitions of comfort. And did we mention a power moonroof for ambient drives as well? The Mazda3 GT feels spacious and above that there’s plenty of cargo in the trunk for your everyday errands and hauls.

With a 48 litre fuel tank, you get a Fuel Economy 10.1, 7.3 and 8.8 litres/100 km, which isn’t bad especially with a slight drop in gas prices of late.

Some notes we made during our Test Drive. We felt the vehicle shaky occasionally, particularly when waiting at lights, though this wasn’t a major issue. We also found it cumbersome at times once connected to the car via Android Auto, to come out of it and go into AM/FM radios. Occasionally, we’d have to restart the car completely to be able to get to navigate AM/FM radio. Also, with our days running shorter at this time of the year, we found that the auto headlights and brightness on our display were running a bit dark after sunset. Again, not major issues but small tweaks would make a world of difference.

Some highlights from our action-packed Test Drive:

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A post shared by William Wong (@mrwillwong)

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A post shared by William Wong (@mrwillwong)

Regardless, the 2025 Mazda3 GT offers super value at its suggested retail price of $38,450 CAN. More here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#PRODUCTWATCH: MAZDA CX-70 MHEV

Though we didn’t think it would ever come, Summer 2025 finally has arrived! What a week it’s been, attending premieres, red carpets, launches, the races, parties and seeing the stars and we had the perfect companion to do it all with, the MAZDA CX-70 MHEV in a stunning Soul Red Crystal Metallic.

Powered by a 3.3L e-SKYACTIV-G inline-six high-output turbo with M Hybrid boost and i-stop engine, and operating at 340 @ 5,000 – 6,000 rpm horsepower (on recommended premium fuel), this two-row midsize SUV with i-ACTIV (AWD) all-wheel drive, is sheer muscle. I’ve test driven many a midsize, but this one had me feeling a level of command I’ve never quite experienced.

Now with power often there is a little hesitation on the fuel economy side, but we were relieved at how economical the CX-70 actually was, giving us 9.9 L/100km in the city and 8.4 L/100km on the highway, with a combined rating of 9.3 L/100km. We got a lot of mileage from its 74 L fuel tank.

Mi-Drive (Mazda Intelligent Drive Select) gives you four driving modes: Sports, Normal, Off-road, and Towing, putting you in full control depending on your needs in that moment.

Right upon stepping into the CX-70, it is ever apparent that this will be an elevated experience with its elegant finishes and trimmings. Seats are made of Windsor Tan Nappa upholstery, while side door trims and dashboard mid-panel are made of Windsor Tan Luxe Suede. It is covered by an oversized moonroof made for those scorching, sunny summer days we’re experiencing, but also giving you an ambient drive year-round. Mazda is thinking big with 12.3″ centre displays with touchscreen option to navigate the menu here. The digital gauge display also is big too, tallying-in at 12.3″!

A big selling point of the CX-70 is its spaciousness, offering generous cargo space: 1,122 L (behind second row), 2,132 L (second row folded). Opening and close the rear door were as easy as pushing a button, securing any hauls we made.

Drivers and passengers get an unmatched level of comfort. The Driver gets 10-way power adjustment on their seat, while front passenger gets 8-way adjustment. Above this, there not only are seat heaters, but also very handy seat coolers, plus customizable climate control in the front, and also the back row as well. We appreciate that level of care and thought for our loved ones.

Connectivity is so important in this day and age and under its thoughtfully-designed arm rests were USB-C charging ports, But not only this, we are a little obsessed with its very seamless wireless charging pad which we finally realized we had after a few drives!

The CX-70 boasts a 12-speaker premium Bose audio system, which sounded glorious, and we were able to connect easily to our Spotify playlists via Bluetooth and also AndroidAuto. Don’t worry iPhone users, Apple CarPlay works like a charm as well here. And did we mention the joy of having SiriusXM enabled? SiriusXM Hits 1 is our favourite and how we often discover new music for our summer playlist!

We found it fascinating the the midsize SUV had a 360° See-Through view. Front-cameras ensured we could see everything ahead of us, as did the rear-view camera. Seeing it all on our oversized display ensured we weren’t missing a thing! We appreciated its mindful notifications if we left anything in the backseats as well.

Above this, Mazda‘s thoughtfulness with proximity keyless entry, folding exterior mirrors, and tinted windows in the back row (our beanie is a precious princess who loves her privacy) really showcases their deep level of care in the details for both driver and passenger.

Safety is a priority and perhaps the CX-70 is a bit too sensitive about it, particularly with Lane Departure warnings. Thankfully, these notifications can be disabled via system settings if you find them too much. You are benefitting from an abundance of safety measures here including:

•Front dual stage driver and front passenger •Front and rear side airbags •Front and rear curtain airbags •Front driver and passenger knee airbag •Passenger airbag deactivation system (auto switch) •Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) •Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) •Driver Attention Alert (DAA) •Distance & Speed Alert (DSA) •Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC with Stop&Go function) •Pedestrian Detection (front) •Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) •Traction Control System (TCS) •Trailer Stability Control (TSC) •Hill Descent Control •Hill Launch Assist (HLA) •Lane Keep-assist System (LAS) •Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) •Emergency Lane Keeping w/ Road Keep Assist •Rearview camera (w/static guide lines) •Smart Brake Support Front (SBS-F) •High Beam Control system (HBC) •Front and rear second row (outboard seats only) seat belt pretensioners with force limiters •Child-safety rear door locks •Latch 2nd-row seat child safety lower anchors & upper tethers (3) •3-point safety belts for all occupants •Height adjustable front and rear seat head restraints •Height adjustable front seat belts •Front active head restraints •Engine immobilizer theft deterrent system •Private eCall •Stolen Vehicle Assisatnce

Some highlights from our Test Drive. We even hit up a couple Mazda Canada-recommended spots including Gateau Ghost and Rooms 915, as part of their promotion of Coffee Tourism with some of the City’s top independent coffee shops!

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A post shared by William Wong (@mrwillwong)

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A post shared by William Wong (@mrwillwong)

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 MHEV as tested, retails at $64,995 CAN. More here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#PRODUCTWATCH: 2025 MAZDA CX-5 SPORT DESIGN

We are delighted to collaborate for the first time ever with Mazda Canada on a test drive of one of their most popular offerings, the 2025 MAZDA CX-5 SPORT DESIGN. Mazda‘s philosphy always has been to make driving a pleasure and also enrich the lives of owners, achieving this through a unity between vehicle and driver. This is known as “Jinba-Ittai”.

Our beautiful midsize SUV came in an eyecatching Soul Red Crystal Metallic, seating five comfortably on a sturdy Leatherette. The driver and passenger each get six-way seat adjustment, with and there are luxuries like a heated stearing wheel, seat heaters and coolers. And did we mention a gorgeous moonroof? All adventures begin with a simple pushbutton start.

The CX-5 is powered by a SKYACTIV-G 2.5T, DOHC 16-valve, 4 cylinder engine, operating on Regular fuel and 187 horsepower. We felt empowered on the road, driving with force whether we were in the City, on the highways, or in the suburbs.

It also runs on 17-inch alloy wheels (silver metallic), 225/65R17 all-season tires, complete with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Anyone who’s ever experienced a flat tire will understand the importance of having this feature.

We were blessed to be driving in a time of a Carbon Tax slash, which gave us even more value out of the CX-5‘s great fuel economy of 10.8, 8.7, 9.8 L/100km (city, highway, combined). This means more budget for shopping and its spacious allotment for cargo in the back, you know the CX-5 has got you.

Mazda’s focus on innovation is seen in the many day to day things that make our drives more pleasurable. Air conditioning with manual climate controls for driver and passenger show a real concern for others riding along, plus rear heater ducts (under front seats). We’ve never driven a car that had a Pollen Filter, but the CX-5 had this, and this would come in handy in the upcoming allergy season for many. Wheel- mounted controls were very handy, allowing us to adjust audio volumes and skipping ahead on our Playlists with ease during our drives.

One thing we will point out though is that we appreciate keyless entry with its fob type key, having Proximity Entry would have sealed the deal for us completely. It can be cumbersome fidgeting to open a door with full hands and the placement of the lock/unlock features on the key are a tad tricky, having such tiny buttons on the side of the key. Another small issue was not having actual USB charging ports as there was every other option available including C Port charging outlets and a 12V socket (who honestly uses a 12V socket for real?). These are minor issues however, and can be overlooked.

We love a large screen, and the CX-5‘s 10.25” full colour centre display with Mazda Connect Infotainment system, touch-screen centre display for Apple CarPlay™ / Android Auto™ was appreciated. Syncing to Bluetooth was a breeze, but where we had some struggles was not being able to disconnect from Android Auto once the car was connected. This means we couldn’t switch over to Sirius XM or the Radio. If there was a way, it truly didn’t feel easy. We found it interesting that you could not navigate the touchscreen at all during the drive out of safety, which can be a bit frustrating for some. While the car is braked or in park mode, that’s when you can navigate the menu again.

Other things that we loved were the front centre console with armrest, cupholders and a sizy storage. Latches for internal hood and fuel door release were thoughtful, and we love tinted windows in the back. Our dear miss beanie needs her privacy for her naps while we drive!

We love Mazda‘s next level concern for safety and the CX-5 is loaded with safety features including: Smart City Brake Support Front (SCBS-F); Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM); Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA); Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop&Go function (MRCC with Stop&Go ); Smart Brake Support Front (SBS-F); Pedestrian Detection (forward sensing); Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS); Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW); Lane keep-Assist System (LAS); Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS); High Beam Control system (HBC); Rearview camera (wide angle); Dynamic Stability Control (DSC); Traction Control System (TCS); Hill Launch Assist (HLA); Dual front and dual side airbags; Dual side curtain airbags; 3-point seat belts for all seating positions (2 front; 3 rear); Front and rear (outboard seats only) seat-belt pretensioners with force limiters; Integrated child-safety-seat lower anchors & upper tether anchors; Child-safety rear door lockouts; Height adjustable front and rear seat head restraints, Height adjustable front seat belts; and Engine immobilizer theft deterrent system.

We found Traffic Sign Recognition with navigation on our windshield an amazing feature not only for recognizing speed limits, but also knowing which way we’re turning next on our drives. This is a game changer. We cannot speak enough to the importance of a rearview camera for flawless parellel parking and reversing. Above this the CX-5 was always on the ball pointing our vehicles coming into our blind spots, giving us that extra piece of mind.

Some very star-studded and delicious adventures, thanks to the 2025 Mazda CX-5 Sport Design:

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The 2025 Mazda CX-5 Sport Design retails at $44,200 CAN. More here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#FIRSTLOOK: “FIRST TO THE FINISH” SPECIAL SCREENING IN TORONTO

Prime Video Canada are set to releasehighly anticipated sports original docuseries, FIRST TO THE FINISH, releasing March 25, 2025 on the streaming service. In celebration of this, a special screening was held March 19th at Hotel X Toronto!

FIRST TO THE FINISH was produced by Emmy-winning Boardwalk Pictures (known for Welcome to Wrexham and Cheer), and offers unprecedented access to female drivers and team owners who are breaking barriers competing in the thrilling MX-5 Cup racing series.

First To The Finish stars driver Heather Hadley, rookie Sally Mott, and team owner Shea Holbrook were in attendance as well as Jonathan Applegate, Senior Manager of Mazda Motorsports.

Some snaps from the night:

(Photo/video credit: Prime Video Canada/George Pimentel Photography)