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X-Series - Mazda CX-7 2.3 (A), Mazda MX-5 2.0 (A) & Mazda RX-8 1.3 (A)
10 Nov 2010|18,326 views
Although being behind the wheels of the three cars was never about speed or power, they inspired me with their guts. And that felt good. It was more of being in the moment and I never realise this until I tried them myself.
That's the inner beauty concept about Mazda's X-Series.
If there is a car that you can have "your cake and eat it", it'll be Mazda. What makes it particularly attractive to the public of this generation goes beyond the fact that it is a fine specimen that represents stylish living.
It is simply the case whereby the Japanese carmaker has positioned itself to win the hearts of the people.
The Aura of the Xs
Mazda has been very well-known for creating cars that are stylish and sporty and the Mazda3 and RX-8 are living proof of such an assembly. But you almost cannot feel the aura just by looking at it.
The new five-point front grille with pronounced fenders and sleek 'flowing' lines are the current distinction of the Mazda family. And it's these designs that have helped the Japanese carmaker raise its bars in terms of muscular yet pleasant on the eyes outlook.
But that's on the outside. When you're in one, a different sensation awaits you.
That's the inner beauty concept about Mazda's X-Series.
If there is a car that you can have "your cake and eat it", it'll be Mazda. What makes it particularly attractive to the public of this generation goes beyond the fact that it is a fine specimen that represents stylish living.
It is simply the case whereby the Japanese carmaker has positioned itself to win the hearts of the people.
The Aura of the Xs
Mazda has been very well-known for creating cars that are stylish and sporty and the Mazda3 and RX-8 are living proof of such an assembly. But you almost cannot feel the aura just by looking at it.
The new five-point front grille with pronounced fenders and sleek 'flowing' lines are the current distinction of the Mazda family. And it's these designs that have helped the Japanese carmaker raise its bars in terms of muscular yet pleasant on the eyes outlook.
But that's on the outside. When you're in one, a different sensation awaits you.
 |
None of the three cars makes you want to floor the pedal to see how fast it can go. Of course, for the sake of a review, it has to be done. But that's not the point. It's the feeling of being satisfied just being able to drive one of these.
For the CX-7, it reinforces the importance of space over speed and power. After all, it's a Sport-Utility Vehicle (SUV) and transporting your family could just be your main priority.
The RX-8, on the other hand, is a car that not everyone will reckon it's pretty since it's weird in both good and bad ways. But it certainly feels contemporary. Step inside and the Mazda RX-8 exudes a dynamic sentiment, evoking the driver to have positive feelings about the car.
It also has a similar intellectual substance as the CX-7, with space and practicality being the more important factors than performance. The mere 1.3-litre rotary engine will not be able to raise your hair with its acceleration.
 |
What will, though, is the idea of creating a sports car with the practicality of hauling four adults instead of just two. It has a serious advantage over its class rivals, thanks to its true four-passenger capacity.
Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy. And that's what the Mazda MX-5 brings - a smile.
Be that as it may, it's not that kind of car that makes you grin just because you won the Subaru driver on the next lane by an inch. It's a car that has a slightly different proposition. It defines your character, the clothes you wear, the shoes you put on, the hairstyle you wish to have, the sunglasses you own and even that Bottega Veneta bag that you carry.
Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy. And that's what the Mazda MX-5 brings - a smile.
Be that as it may, it's not that kind of car that makes you grin just because you won the Subaru driver on the next lane by an inch. It's a car that has a slightly different proposition. It defines your character, the clothes you wear, the shoes you put on, the hairstyle you wish to have, the sunglasses you own and even that Bottega Veneta bag that you carry.
The MX-5 is never about the speed. It may be a sports car but similarly to the BMW Z4, the MX-5 is all about the style of the driver's life. The Porsche driver on the next lane may be faster but nothing gives an MX-5 driver so much advantage over another as to remain cool and unruffled under all circumstances.
 |
Similarities of the Xs
Good weather is like good cars. It doesn't always happen and when it does, it doesn't always last. But Mazda has made its point with the three cars. The Japanese carmaker has a history of building exciting cars that are practical, fun, and of course, reliable.
Apart from that, these cars have indeed epitomised Mazda's "Soul of a Sports car" philosophy. Although only the MX-5 is based on the principle of Jinba Ittai - rider and horse as one, which is Mazda's belief in integrating the driver and the MX-5 as one, all three cars felt that way.
On the go, spirit and pride best describes the three Xs. They are practical, versatile and confident, with a sporty demeanour that gives the driver a strong feel-good quotient. They handle well with a heart of a young mind, unashamed of their flaws and yet remain humble of their strengths.
Good weather is like good cars. It doesn't always happen and when it does, it doesn't always last. But Mazda has made its point with the three cars. The Japanese carmaker has a history of building exciting cars that are practical, fun, and of course, reliable.
Apart from that, these cars have indeed epitomised Mazda's "Soul of a Sports car" philosophy. Although only the MX-5 is based on the principle of Jinba Ittai - rider and horse as one, which is Mazda's belief in integrating the driver and the MX-5 as one, all three cars felt that way.
On the go, spirit and pride best describes the three Xs. They are practical, versatile and confident, with a sporty demeanour that gives the driver a strong feel-good quotient. They handle well with a heart of a young mind, unashamed of their flaws and yet remain humble of their strengths.
Conclusion
I reckon in a world where authorities seem to want to strangle the speed of cars more and more, it's a philosophy that will become ever more relevant and one that we should embrace.
The CX-7, RX-8 and the MX-5 can't give you speed, but they can definitely give you the desire and confidence you need while driving.
As I was once told, Mazda is nothing like a mainstream brand that can be a sore to the eye. Instead, the Japanese carmaker is the leading alternative - subtle, classy and sophisticated.
Now that's inspiration.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
I reckon in a world where authorities seem to want to strangle the speed of cars more and more, it's a philosophy that will become ever more relevant and one that we should embrace.
The CX-7, RX-8 and the MX-5 can't give you speed, but they can definitely give you the desire and confidence you need while driving.
As I was once told, Mazda is nothing like a mainstream brand that can be a sore to the eye. Instead, the Japanese carmaker is the leading alternative - subtle, classy and sophisticated.
Now that's inspiration.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Although being behind the wheels of the three cars was never about speed or power, they inspired me with their guts. And that felt good. It was more of being in the moment and I never realise this until I tried them myself.
That's the inner beauty concept about Mazda's X-Series.
If there is a car that you can have "your cake and eat it", it'll be Mazda. What makes it particularly attractive to the public of this generation goes beyond the fact that it is a fine specimen that represents stylish living.
It is simply the case whereby the Japanese carmaker has positioned itself to win the hearts of the people.
The Aura of the Xs
Mazda has been very well-known for creating cars that are stylish and sporty and the Mazda3 and RX-8 are living proof of such an assembly. But you almost cannot feel the aura just by looking at it.
The new five-point front grille with pronounced fenders and sleek 'flowing' lines are the current distinction of the Mazda family. And it's these designs that have helped the Japanese carmaker raise its bars in terms of muscular yet pleasant on the eyes outlook.
But that's on the outside. When you're in one, a different sensation awaits you.
That's the inner beauty concept about Mazda's X-Series.
If there is a car that you can have "your cake and eat it", it'll be Mazda. What makes it particularly attractive to the public of this generation goes beyond the fact that it is a fine specimen that represents stylish living.
It is simply the case whereby the Japanese carmaker has positioned itself to win the hearts of the people.
The Aura of the Xs
Mazda has been very well-known for creating cars that are stylish and sporty and the Mazda3 and RX-8 are living proof of such an assembly. But you almost cannot feel the aura just by looking at it.
The new five-point front grille with pronounced fenders and sleek 'flowing' lines are the current distinction of the Mazda family. And it's these designs that have helped the Japanese carmaker raise its bars in terms of muscular yet pleasant on the eyes outlook.
But that's on the outside. When you're in one, a different sensation awaits you.
|
None of the three cars makes you want to floor the pedal to see how fast it can go. Of course, for the sake of a review, it has to be done. But that's not the point. It's the feeling of being satisfied just being able to drive one of these.
For the CX-7, it reinforces the importance of space over speed and power. After all, it's a Sport-Utility Vehicle (SUV) and transporting your family could just be your main priority.
The RX-8, on the other hand, is a car that not everyone will reckon it's pretty since it's weird in both good and bad ways. But it certainly feels contemporary. Step inside and the Mazda RX-8 exudes a dynamic sentiment, evoking the driver to have positive feelings about the car.
It also has a similar intellectual substance as the CX-7, with space and practicality being the more important factors than performance. The mere 1.3-litre rotary engine will not be able to raise your hair with its acceleration.
|
What will, though, is the idea of creating a sports car with the practicality of hauling four adults instead of just two. It has a serious advantage over its class rivals, thanks to its true four-passenger capacity.
Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy. And that's what the Mazda MX-5 brings - a smile.
Be that as it may, it's not that kind of car that makes you grin just because you won the Subaru driver on the next lane by an inch. It's a car that has a slightly different proposition. It defines your character, the clothes you wear, the shoes you put on, the hairstyle you wish to have, the sunglasses you own and even that Bottega Veneta bag that you carry.
Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy. And that's what the Mazda MX-5 brings - a smile.
Be that as it may, it's not that kind of car that makes you grin just because you won the Subaru driver on the next lane by an inch. It's a car that has a slightly different proposition. It defines your character, the clothes you wear, the shoes you put on, the hairstyle you wish to have, the sunglasses you own and even that Bottega Veneta bag that you carry.
The MX-5 is never about the speed. It may be a sports car but similarly to the BMW Z4, the MX-5 is all about the style of the driver's life. The Porsche driver on the next lane may be faster but nothing gives an MX-5 driver so much advantage over another as to remain cool and unruffled under all circumstances.
|
Similarities of the Xs
Good weather is like good cars. It doesn't always happen and when it does, it doesn't always last. But Mazda has made its point with the three cars. The Japanese carmaker has a history of building exciting cars that are practical, fun, and of course, reliable.
Apart from that, these cars have indeed epitomised Mazda's "Soul of a Sports car" philosophy. Although only the MX-5 is based on the principle of Jinba Ittai - rider and horse as one, which is Mazda's belief in integrating the driver and the MX-5 as one, all three cars felt that way.
On the go, spirit and pride best describes the three Xs. They are practical, versatile and confident, with a sporty demeanour that gives the driver a strong feel-good quotient. They handle well with a heart of a young mind, unashamed of their flaws and yet remain humble of their strengths.
Good weather is like good cars. It doesn't always happen and when it does, it doesn't always last. But Mazda has made its point with the three cars. The Japanese carmaker has a history of building exciting cars that are practical, fun, and of course, reliable.
Apart from that, these cars have indeed epitomised Mazda's "Soul of a Sports car" philosophy. Although only the MX-5 is based on the principle of Jinba Ittai - rider and horse as one, which is Mazda's belief in integrating the driver and the MX-5 as one, all three cars felt that way.
On the go, spirit and pride best describes the three Xs. They are practical, versatile and confident, with a sporty demeanour that gives the driver a strong feel-good quotient. They handle well with a heart of a young mind, unashamed of their flaws and yet remain humble of their strengths.
Conclusion
I reckon in a world where authorities seem to want to strangle the speed of cars more and more, it's a philosophy that will become ever more relevant and one that we should embrace.
The CX-7, RX-8 and the MX-5 can't give you speed, but they can definitely give you the desire and confidence you need while driving.
As I was once told, Mazda is nothing like a mainstream brand that can be a sore to the eye. Instead, the Japanese carmaker is the leading alternative - subtle, classy and sophisticated.
Now that's inspiration.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
I reckon in a world where authorities seem to want to strangle the speed of cars more and more, it's a philosophy that will become ever more relevant and one that we should embrace.
The CX-7, RX-8 and the MX-5 can't give you speed, but they can definitely give you the desire and confidence you need while driving.
As I was once told, Mazda is nothing like a mainstream brand that can be a sore to the eye. Instead, the Japanese carmaker is the leading alternative - subtle, classy and sophisticated.
Now that's inspiration.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Julian Kho & Siddiq Bin Sulaiman
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