This article is sponsored by Mazda Canada
At home, we’re always up for a roadtrip, whether abroad or in our beautiful province. There’s nothing like setting off on an adventure to discover new places and come back with a heads full of memories.
We recently had the opportunity to test-drive the new Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid, and we were very excited about the idea of an escapade, to evaluate the driving experience.
The idea? Combine outdoor activities with the discovery of local delicacies to create a feast on the way home.
As soon as I swallowed my first morning coffee, the Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid’s key twinkled on the table, promising a great day on the roads of the Eastern Townships, from Montreal to Sutton, via Bromont and Farnham.
I enthusiastically pressed the car’s start button, an invitation to rediscover the pleasure of driving in harmony with the environment. Ready to give it a try?
Choosing the right vehicle
The vehicle was really well chosen for this escapade. The Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid proved to be comfortable, fun to drive, safe and fuel-efficient.
With room for up to 8 passengers and 3 rows of seats, this is Mazda’s largest SUV, with space to spare.
But don’t let its size fool you. I have to admit that switching from my small car to this vehicle caused me some apprehension. And yet, thanks to a wide range of driving aids and clear mirrors, driving has become child’s play.
Parking, changing lanes on the freeway or navigating narrower city streets has never been easier. Add to this the not negligible advantage of being able to carry all our equipment without compromising on space.
Here are 5 reasons to choose the Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid for your next roadtrip :
1. Easy loading and fuel economy
If, like us, you don’t have a home charging station, you can charge the Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid at home in a standard electrical outlet thanks to its type 1 plug.
Although the process takes longer with a standard plug, requiring around 6 hours to fully recharge, it remains practical for occasional use.
For those who plan to use the vehicle on a regular basis, the installation of a type 2 charging station is a better option, considerably reducing charging time to around 1.3 hours to go from 20% to 80% of battery capacity.
We were impressed by the vehicle’s range. The CX-90 plug-in hybrid shines in its ability to extend distances thanks to the combination of a traditional engine and an electric battery. Total range, when the two are combined, can climb to 789 km.
This made our getaway remarkably fuel-efficient, for a vehicle of this size, and allowed us to extend our excursion without having to worry about finding a recharging point.
2. Storage space
When you’re planning a roadtrip, storage space is essential. Can we fit all our outdoor equipment and luggage in it, especially when travelling with several people?
On board, we greatly appreciated the abundance of space for both passengers and sports equipment. With my usual car, it would be unthinkable to go camping or on a cottage retreat with more than two passengers.
We were impressed by the rear cargo area, which is even more spacious once the last row of seats is folded. Snowshoes, crampons, poles and backpacks all found their place. And a special mention for the rear trunk, which opens and closes at the touch of a button, combining efficiency with clean hands.
3. Driving aids
I’m not the most confident driver on the freeway or on small country roads. My driving experience is limited to short trips around the house. But with the numerous driving aids provided by the vehicle, I quickly gained confidence.
Changing lanes has never been easier with blind spot warning.
As for the windscreen, it offers a good panoramic view and excellent visibility, while the windscreen projection lets you see your speed and the limit to be respected, without having to take your eyes off the road.
Parking technology is just as advanced, with sensors and a reverse camera that simplify every maneuver, making parking in tight or crowded spaces child’s play.
4. Safety on the road
After a day’s driving of the Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid, it’s clear that this vehicle combines comfort and performance to deliver a safe driving experience, whether in the city or the countryside.
In addition to convenient blind spot warnings when changing lanes, front and rear cross-traffic alerts enhance safety when exiting intersections or parking.
The Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid also features adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts the distance to the vehicle in front, ensuring safe highway driving by modulating speed or stopping according to traffic.
In the event of a collision, the intelligent Brake Assist system intervenes to prevent or mitigate impact.
I must confess that these are options I had no idea existed before this test drive.
5. Comfort and little luxuries that make all the difference
When it comes to long trips, on-board comfort isn’t just a trivial detail – it’s a must! Here, too, we’ve found what we’re looking for, with comfortable, heated seats that are perfectly adjustable.
The heated steering wheel, goodbye icy hands, and wireless cell phone charger are other little luxuries that were much appreciated.
And what about the panoramic roof, which offers a breathtaking view of the sky as well as illuminating the car’s interior!
Between the comfort, the feeling of safety behind the wheel, the ease and pleasure of driving the vehicle, it was a great day on the road.
And to round off a day in the great outdoors, what could be better than a feast at home, while the Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid quietly charges away! To see our full itinerary for the day, head over to Instagram.
Mazda’s electrified range
Mazda’s electrified range includes the all-electric MX-30 EV, the CX-90 hybrid and the CX-90 plug-in hybrid. To find out more about Mazda vehicles and electrified technologies, visit the Mazda Canada website.
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