Advice From Your Mazda Dealer: 3 Best Ways To Practice Defensive Driving

Searching for a new car can be intimidating for first-time car buyers, but some essential tips will make the journey much more manageable. With so many options to choose from, finding a new vehicle from your local Mazda dealer that meets your requirements, preferences, and budget will require research, careful consideration, and time. more 1. Decide What Type of Car Suits Your Lifestyle Do you have a long daily commute, need to haul work supplies, or require something that will fit your family comfortably? You should consider these lifestyle activities to help you determine whether you need to focus on features such as fuel efficiency, hauling capacity, or backseat space. 2. Know Your Budget When buying a new Mazda, knowing your budget is crucial. There are online tools, such as payment calculators, that will help you determine how the numbers will look every month. 3. Understand What Affects Auto Loan Approvals Knowing whether you'll qualify for a loan is a common worry for those looking for their first car. Lenders will pull your credit report to get an overview of your account payment history and credit score. To improve your chances of getting approved for a loan, you can take the following steps: Provide proof of income Provide evidence of steady employment Save a larger down payment Find a co-signer or co-borrower 4. Locate a Mazda Dealer The salespersons in your local dealer's showroom are experts and will help you choose the suitable model for your needs. 5. Choose a New or Used Car New cars come with a warranty, the latest safety features, and that new car smell. However, they also come with a higher price point and insurance rate. Alternatively, a used car will be less expensive, allowing you to have the option of stepping up to a more admirable model, and your insurance will be more affordable. 6. Take Your Top Choice for a Test Drive No amount of research will tell you everything you need to know about your top choice like sitting behind the wheel. A test drive will allow you to experience how the car feels, its characteristics, and how it reacts to your driving. During this time, you'll also have the opportunity to review essential factors that are important to you, including comfort, performance, safety features, and more. Using these tips will make the process of looking for your first Mazda more straightforward and enjoyable. If you're looking for a fun, affordable, and reliable Mazda, visit us at Flood Mazda in Wakefield, RI. We are always eager to help with any questions you have during your search for your first car. Image via Pixabay

2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the Mazda lineup. Along with other upgrades for last year's models, Mazda is finally unveiling new hybrid options as the automaker gradually shifts away from combustion-only engine models. Learn more about what Mazda hybrids you can expect to find at your Mazda dealership next year. more As far as Mazda hybrid models go, Mazda has revealed the CX-90 as the main hybrid model of choice. This PHEV engine pairs nicely with all the features available on the base CX-90 model. You can anticipate seeing this eight-seat SUV model at your local dealership early next year. Powertrain The CX-90 will be equipped with a 2.5L e-SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder engine and a 68kW electric motor, which will generate 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque with premium unleaded fuel. The towing capacity for this SUV is 3,500 lbs and the drivetrain is rear-biased with i-ACTIVE AWD. The electric-only range is 26 miles, while the hybrid driving range is 490 miles. The electric vehicle charging is just under seven hours using a 120-volt AC charger. Key Features The CX-90 is equipped with standard features such as three-zone automatic climate control, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, 60/40 fold-down second-row seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Heated front seats, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch infotainment system are also standard. This SUV will also include rain-sensing variable-intermittent windshield wipers, heated side mirrors, a power sliding-glass moonroof, a rear power liftgate, and aluminum roof rails for standard exterior features. Standard exterior color options will include Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Jet Black Mica, and Platinum Quartz Metallic for the base model. Should You Pre-Order Your CX-90? Pre-ordering your hybrid SUV is a good idea if you want to access some advanced features, modify the body color, or apply special packages to customize the vehicle. It's best to place your pre-order as soon as possible so that your SUV will be first in line once production starts. When you place your customized order early, you will likely have your vehicle delivered shortly after production begins next year. To order your Mazda CX-90, you can contact your local dealership to help you build and price your vehicle. A configuration tool will be used to select your desired customizations, and then the dealership will work with you to finalize your auto financing. The CX-90 promises to be one of the best SUV hybrids on the market next year. From the astounding hybrid driving range to the spacious interior design, this sporty SUV is crafted to perfection. To learn more about pre-ordering these 2024 Mazda hybrids, contact Flood Mazda today. Image via Pixabay

Mazda continuously strives to elevate your driving experience through new technology, and its vehicles include state-of-the-art features designed to connect the driver with the car to create the ultimate ride. Here are some of Mazda's most innovative technologies. more SKYACTIV Technology SKYACTIV technology includes several different systems in Mazda vehicles. The SKYACTIV-X gas engine with a spark-controlled compression ignition is the first of its kind. There is also SKYACTIV-Vehicle architecture, which provides Jinba-ittai driving. This feature aims to allow the passengers to use their natural abilities to maintain their balance when the car is in motion. i-ACTIVSENSE Safety Technology The i-ACTIVSENSE system includes several different safety technologies that use cameras and radar to keep passengers safe.  Active safety technology, such as adaptive headlights, high beam control, and lane-keep assist systems, help prevent accidents. Precrash technology, including acceleration control and automatic braking, help reduce the risk of accidents. Environmental Technology Mazda wants to make its cars more environmentally friendly by reducing emissions to 50 percent of 2010 levels by 2030. The plan includes working on the internal combustion engine, incorporating more electric technology, and introducing more electric vehicles into their lineup. Mazda plans to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions as a whole from the company to the cars. Mazda's plan for the future includes designing vehicles that respond to drivers as though they are an extension of their body, and vehicles that are environmentally friendly and keep all their passengers safe. Image via Pixabay