Details and Luxury: What I Learned Driving the Mazda 6

A special thanks to Mazda for hosting me during this retreat and for giving me the opportunity to drive a 2017 Mazda 6 to learn more about their brand and their cars.

A couple of weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to be invited to visit the low country of South Carolina with Mazda. When I received the invitation I was super excited by the itinerary of the trip and let me just tell you, once I was actually there, it was even better than it had sounded originally.

I have to admit, Mazda isn’t a brand that I knew a lot about before my visit, but thankfully, one I know a lot about now.

Mazda invited influencers and car enthusiasts to Bluffton, South Carolina to not only check out this year’s new Mazda fleet of cars, but to also experience the atmosphere of the South. Now I live in east Tennessee which is just about a 7 hour drive to the Hilton Head/Savannah area, but let me tell you, there’s a lot of differences in my South and their South.

Although we’ve driven through these towns many times, I’ve never actually had the opportunity to stay there. Now I never want to stay anywhere different. During the trip, I spent a couple of nights at The Montage Palmetto Bluff. The 22,000 acre private resort was just amazing.

I found myself constantly taking pictures as I walked from my room in a guest house on the property to the main entrance. It was simply a breathtaking resort that had so much character of the South.

Details in my room, details around the grounds… everything about this trip was about the details. Little did I know, that was all completely planned and the whole idea behind Mazda’s invitation to us all.

When we pulled up to The Montage, the view of the plantation-themed hotel definitely stood out, but what else stood out? That fleet of beautiful red cars, of course! To see the line-up on the front lawn was so cool. I also loved seeing the versatility of the Mazda cars on the lawn – from family to adventure to sport… there was something for everyone there.

One of the most exciting days of the trip was when we were able to pair up and drive to our adventure. I teamed up with Rachel from Tools2Tiaras.com and had the chance to drive a 2017 Mazda 6. Details. That’s when it all came together for me… this trip is all about the details.

This car is all about the details. We were told just an hour before we took off on our drive, by a Mazda engineer, that their cars are literally built around the driver.

From the center console that was within arm’s reach, to the armrests that were positioned perfectly, to the steering wheel comfort, and the Active Driving Console by the windshield this car was engineered with details in mind.

During that same Mazda presentation, the engineers repeatedly talked about Mazda cars being fun to drive. They even shared a story about an employee who takes a longer way home because he loves to drive his car. I admit – I miss that feeling. I used to love to drive my car, but my current vehicle is just not that fun to drive. But this 2017 Mazda 6? Oh yeah, it is.

Rachel and I drove out to Hilton Head, South Carolina to enjoy some outdoor adventures. I actually had the opportunity to take a kayak up the shore to our lunch spot. While paddling we saw a group of dolphins, some even leaping out of the water not 20 yards away from us.

After lunch, we rode bicycles back and enjoyed a quick speedy pass by a rather large alligator who was hanging out by the road!

In addition to details, I feel like this trip was essentially a trip of luxury, which fits right within the Mazda mantra as well. When I got behind the wheel of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, well, let’s just say I didn’t want to come back home to my minivan!

From the outdoor dinner, to the kayaking adventure, to the quiet resolve of The Montage Palmetto Bluff, Mazda showed me what their company and cars are all about… details and luxury.

It IS possible to love to drive your car [oh how I want to trade mine in right now!] and enjoy that connection. It IS possible to have a car that is built for you, the driver, rather than just for hauling passengers… although those passengers are pretty important too.

I didn’t have the chance to drive the CX-9, but it was the automobile that I was picked up from the airport in and one I could definitely see my family of four utilizing the most. In addition the look and feel of the SUV, the details that meant the most to me were the 3rd row seating, for when the girls want to start taking friends along, back seat USB charging, and the safety technology.

This is a car I could enjoy driving as a Soccer Mom, without feeling like a Soccer Mom!

A special thanks to Mazda for inviting me to the low country of South Carolina to experience everything the area has to offer, and most importantly, everything Mazda has to offer their customers.