weekend road trip

[biglou]

Guys

I have had the car for 3 weeks now and last weekend the family and my son's friend went from ny to baltimore(500 mile rnd trip) to see a european soccer game. Six of us total.(4 kids) Here are my observations about the car:

Cons
1. second row does not have enough cup holders when 3 people sit in the 2nd row seats.
2. a 12v outlet would be helpful in the second row.(kids electronics)
3. wife complained about space, but hey its not a minivan.
4. avg 17mpg, mostly hwy with ac on(hopefully will improve with breakin)

Pro's
1. Great ride(even wife was impressed). drives like a sedan
2. seats firm and comfortable
3. split 3rd row seat came in handy.
4. it poured two nights, handled beatutifully.
5. good visiability all around, although I wish it had BSDM.(should be standard on all models)
5. pickup and passing was fantastic,parking was easy compared to my friends suburban
6. decent room behind the 3rd row seats.(better than my explorer)

No regrets at this point. love this car

 

[ceric]

biglou:
avg 17mpg? I wonder how fast was your average speed on highway.
I often travel from Fremont to Sacramento (112mile one way - some hilly area near at 580/5).
I average 21-22mpg easily at 75mph with 2-3 persons on board. I have GT-AWD.
At 65mph, I can achieve 24mpg.

Also check your tire pressure. Tire pressure is one of the major factors of MPG on highway.

 

[hamproof]

On the 12v outlet on 2nd row, can't you use the one in the center armrest storage bin? Or are you already using that?

About MPG, I've taken 2 trips thus far. From DTW to ATL (total 1600miles) and to NYC (1400miles). My average is (sadly) ~18mpg. 3 adults (420lbs total), usual cargo (mostly clothings for a few days). Tire pressure was checked before each trip.

 

[sjg]

Good point on the cupholders

I think Mazda was shooting for a certain number of total cupholders without bothering to care where they were located. If someone/something prevents you from folding down the 2nd row armrest you are left with only 2 cupholders in the second row for 2/3 passengers. One in each door and too close to the floor to be within reach of properly restrained children. The third row, however, has 4 cupholders for only 2 seats. WTF? Someone at Mazda decided that the magic number for cupholders is 4 per row and nobody bothered to think any further.