Well, Oliver & Firm hit the nail on the head! The new ride is a 2025 Mazda CX-70 GT-P. Was looking at a few used options, Merc GLE, Audi Q8, Cayenne, X5, but in the end the new CX-70 seemed to make the most sense for me at this time. I decided on the GT-P over the Signature mainly for a few options that the Signature had that I didn't want & I wanted the red interior which was unavailable in the Signature. And one of the biggest draws for me was how MUCH nicer the interior was over my Passport & pretty darn close to the German offerings. The inline 6 is also a perk with the RWD bias, handling is quite nice.
Was looking in May and then when the June incentives came out it was kinda hard to pass up. Because Bella has a 3 that was purchased a couple of years ago I was able to get the Mazda Loyalty deal which gave me $1k off and then a 1% rate reduction on the financing as well, which ended up at 0.95% now over a three year term. I managed to negotiate a little bit of a discount on the car as well & then got them to give me $28k for the Passport as well.
Initial impressions are that it does feel heavier than the Passport, which it is by 400-ish lbs, doesn't sound like much, but you can feel it. Engine is smooth & quiet, haven't really pushed it yet, basically drove it about 18kms so far today after picking it up. Still need to program all the infotainment & settings, that'll be a weekend job.
Here are a few quick pics, might get a few more on the weekend ;D
Nice! Love the red interior. The I-6 makes these a whole lot more interesting than just about anything else in that range.
Congrats!
Awesome! I figured this might be the logical progression for you. These look really nice, and I like how the CX-70 has the blacked out trim over the CX-90. If I was in the market for a crossover of this size this is what I would gravitate to for sure.
Quote from: Firm on Jun 26, 2025, 11:01 PMNice! Love the red interior. The I-6 makes these a whole lot more interesting than just about anything else in that range.
Agreed on both points.
Quote from: Oliver on Jun 27, 2025, 08:53 AMAwesome! I figured this might be the logical progression for you. These look really nice, and I like how the CX-70 has the blacked out trim over the CX-90. If I was in the market for a crossover of this size this is what I would gravitate to for sure.
Quote from: Firm on Jun 26, 2025, 11:01 PMNice! Love the red interior. The I-6 makes these a whole lot more interesting than just about anything else in that range.
Agreed on both points.
Yeah, it just is so much more upscale interior wise than the Passport was. That was the really the only downfall of the Passport, the interior was a bit low rent even though it was a "Touring" trim. My old JGC was MUCH nicer interior wise than the Passport. Still so much to figure out with the CX-70 though, the heads up display, all the different interior settings and getting used to the controller as well.
Thanks all.
A couple more pics this morning.
Congrats!
Hurry up and get it tuned!
Congrats Gurgie!!
+1 for the red seats
Nice choice in SUV and colors. Those mazdas are very good looking units. congrats! though I'm a bit shocked you didn't buy a Cybertuck ;D
Very nice. How does the interior space compare to the Passport? Were there any other new vehicles you were considering?
I really don't get why these Mazda CUVs aren't more common, such good looking products and interesting powertrains.
Quote from: RRocket on Jun 27, 2025, 10:30 AMCongrats!
Hurry up and get it tuned!
Snorts in coffee...
Quote from: Johnnymac on Jun 29, 2025, 11:42 AMVery nice. How does the interior space compare to the Passport? Were there any other new vehicles you were considering?
I really don't get why these Mazda CUVs aren't more common, such good looking products and interesting powertrains.
Interior wise they're very close to the same. I think the front seats have a couple inches more leg room, while the rear has 1" less. Cargo wise they're close as well,CX-70 has about 1.5 cubic feet less cargo space. The CX-70 might be a tad more narrow, though my golf clubs are able to fit sideways in the rear hatch still. Passport was more boxy, and definitely had a more airy feeling cabin as you sat high & above the windows more.
As for other new options, I played around on the Acura site looking at an MDX, but I really didn't want a 3rd row.
Quote from: RRocket on Jun 27, 2025, 10:30 AMCongrats!
Hurry up and get it tuned!
Are you referring to these guys? https://burgertuning.com/products/jb4-tuner-for-mazda-cx-90-cx-70-turbo?srsltid=AfmBOoom8VQ8uQjCZfzbHXaOyg6q0Ty9w4VBD4lqHUopEtn0WB0ktUzx
Quote from: Gurgie on Jun 30, 2025, 10:51 AMQuote from: RRocket on Jun 27, 2025, 10:30 AMCongrats!
Hurry up and get it tuned!
Are you referring to these guys? https://burgertuning.com/products/jb4-tuner-for-mazda-cx-90-cx-70-turbo?srsltid=AfmBOoom8VQ8uQjCZfzbHXaOyg6q0Ty9w4VBD4lqHUopEtn0WB0ktUzx
Ya.
Congrats Gurgie! These are great looking units.
Quote from: Gurgie on Jun 30, 2025, 06:13 AMQuote from: Johnnymac on Jun 29, 2025, 11:42 AMVery nice. How does the interior space compare to the Passport? Were there any other new vehicles you were considering?
I really don't get why these Mazda CUVs aren't more common, such good looking products and interesting powertrains.
Interior wise they're very close to the same. I think the front seats have a couple inches more leg room, while the rear has 1" less. Cargo wise they're close as well,CX-70 has about 1.5 cubic feet less cargo space. The CX-70 might be a tad more narrow, though my golf clubs are able to fit sideways in the rear hatch still. Passport was more boxy, and definitely had a more airy feeling cabin as you sat high & above the windows more.
As for other new options, I played around on the Acura site looking at an MDX, but I really didn't want a 3rd row.
I figured it was around that type of difference in interior space. Do you feel lower to the ground at all?
You didn't consider any of the Toyota products, like the new 4Runner? That's a little surprising as I thought they were pretty nice looking products.
Quote from: Johnnymac on Jul 03, 2025, 08:57 AMYou didn't consider any of the Toyota products, like the new 4Runner? That's a little surprising as I thought they were pretty nice looking products.
Nope, never considered any of the Toyota products. 4Runner is more off-road orientated than I'd ever need at this point in my life... my off-roading days are long gone, been there, done that. Then the 4-pot turbo is not very exciting either from what I've seen in several reviews/videos. The Land Cruiser is pretty cool, but again too off-road-ish for my use case.
Quote from: Gurgie on Jul 03, 2025, 09:10 AMQuote from: Johnnymac on Jul 03, 2025, 08:57 AMYou didn't consider any of the Toyota products, like the new 4Runner? That's a little surprising as I thought they were pretty nice looking products.
Nope, never considered any of the Toyota products. 4Runner is more off-road orientated than I'd ever need at this point in my life... my off-roading days are long gone, been there, done that. Then the 4-pot turbo is not very exciting either from what I've seen in several reviews/videos. The Land Cruiser is pretty cool, but again too off-road-ish for my use case.
I had a shuttle from an airport that was the new Grand Highlander and it was pretty nice, but definitely not for you as it's 3 rows.
I love the look of the Land Cruiser but the powertrain options as you noted are a bit blah.
I just knew there was a market for a 3rd-row delete CX-90 ;D
Congrats on the purchase! Didn't want to go with the PHEV? We're at 3.2 L/100 km lifetime, and nothing since the early front diff leak except recalls for various software updates. I only briefly driven one with a six, an early one, felt peppy but tranny programming left to be desired. The more recent CX-70 PHEV I reviewed drove smoother than my early unit.
https://www.autohebdo.net/editorial/20240909/mazda-cx-70-phev-gt-2025-essai-routier (https://www.autohebdo.net/editorial/20240909/mazda-cx-70-phev-gt-2025-essai-routier)
(https://www.autohebdo.net/editorial/media/1wrdytdf/2025-mazda-cx-70-td-db-240822-1.jpg?v=1daf4d3c98da130&width=1178&height=670)
I know the topic was kinda beaten to death on the old forum but I think the CX-70 was initially so disappointing because everyone was expecting a more compact CX-90, and simply removing a row of seats and making some minor styling changes as pretty half-assed.
But, I'm not surprised that people are buying them.
At least if you're gonna half-ass a copy the CX-90 was a great place to start.
Quote from: Blueprint on Jul 04, 2025, 12:59 PMI just knew there was a market for a 3rd-row delete CX-90 ;D
Congrats on the purchase! Didn't want to go with the PHEV? We're at 3.2 L/100 km lifetime, and nothing since the early front diff leak except recalls for various software updates. I only briefly driven one with a six, an early one, felt peppy but tranny programming left to be desired. The more recent CX-70 PHEV I reviewed drove smoother than my early
Congrats on the purchase! Didn't want to go with the PHEV? We're at 3.2 L/100 km lifetime, and nothing since the early front diff leak except recalls for various software updates. I only briefly driven one with a six, an early one, felt peppy but tranny programming left to be desired. The more recent CX-70 PHEV I reviewed drove smoother than my early unit.
Yeah, I wasn't interested at all in the PHEV at this time, just not my bag at this point in my life. A turbocharged inline 6 was just too tempting. The tranny programming has been improved, but it's still got some work to do in normal mode, it really upshifts quickly at light throttle application to achieve fuel economy numbers. In sport mode though its a different story. Still getting to know it, only have had it for a week & put about 440kms on it, most of which was on Canada Day going to Montebello & back.
Quote from: Oliver on Jul 04, 2025, 01:19 PMI know the topic was kinda beaten to death on the old forum but I think the CX-70 was initially so disappointing because everyone was expecting a more compact CX-90, and simply removing a row of seats and making some minor styling changes as pretty half-assed.
But, I'm not surprised that people are buying them.
I was one of the ones disappointed!! But the damn thing grew on me as I saw more & more on the road, and then reading/watching reviews as well. Wish they did a little more to distinguish it, but I do love the overall look & the interior is top notch.
I saw a couple other CX-60's on my Euro trip last April. The fenders are really narrower, but I think the vehicle is the same door to door. The "swells" to accomodate our larger tires are flattened down, hence the trimmer width. And they look REALLY good in person!
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/64/Mazda_CX-60_PHEV_Automesse_Ludwigsburg_2022_1X7A5890.jpg/960px-Mazda_CX-60_PHEV_Automesse_Ludwigsburg_2022_1X7A5890.jpg)
Cool. I like all the recent Mazda offerings.
Congrats Blueprint! These are really nice, I like the proportions a lot.
First big roadtrip with the new ride, Ottawa - Scarborough - Caledon - Niagara Falls. All one tank, ended up at 9.3l/100km. And a good chunk of that was 401 with cruise set a 130km/hr! Bella & I loaded up with golf clubs, luggage for a week, cooler, etc. & then our bikes on the hitch mounted rack. Much better than what the Passport would've done on the same trek. Weird since the CX-70 is about 600lbs heavier, more power & only an 8spd vs 9spd.
I think the weight is negligible on a steady highway cruise.
Quote from: Gurgie on Aug 04, 2025, 05:57 PMFirst big roadtrip with the new ride, Ottawa - Scarborough - Caledon - Niagara Falls. All one tank, ended up at 9.3l/100km. And a good chunk of that was 401 with cruise set a 130km/hr! Bella & I loaded up with golf clubs, luggage for a week, cooler, etc. & then our bikes on the hitch mounted rack. Much better than what the Passport would've done on the same trek. Weird since the CX-70 is about 600lbs heavier, more power & only an 8spd vs 9spd.
Hey got to like that. Would you say it's as comfortable, less comfortable, or more comfortable than the Passport for such journeys?
Quote from: Johnnymac on Aug 05, 2025, 01:14 PMQuote from: Gurgie on Aug 04, 2025, 05:57 PMFirst big roadtrip with the new ride, Ottawa - Scarborough - Caledon - Niagara Falls. All one tank, ended up at 9.3l/100km. And a good chunk of that was 401 with cruise set a 130km/hr! Bella & I loaded up with golf clubs, luggage for a week, cooler, etc. & then our bikes on the hitch mounted rack. Much better than what the Passport would've done on the same trek. Weird since the CX-70 is about 600lbs heavier, more power & only an 8spd vs 9spd.
Hey got to like that. Would you say it's as comfortable, less comfortable, or more comfortable than the Passport for such journeys?
I find the seats a bit short, so I'm still having a hard time getting it where I like it. Doesn't help that the 997's seats are soooooo fantastic. But the actual drive is nicer, smoother, quieter & generally more refined feeling.
Return trip yesterday came in at 8.3l/100km. Was in Waterloo golfing with Vman & Evil_Twin. Stopped in Thornhill just off the 407 to fill up 370km in total from there mainly on hwy 7.
Quote from: Gurgie on Aug 10, 2025, 07:15 PMReturn trip yesterday came in at 8.3l/100km. Was in Waterloo golfing with Vman & Evil_Twin. Stopped in Thornhill just off the 407 to fill up 370km in total from there mainly on hwy 7.
Does Vman still have the C43 wagon?
Quote from: Oliver on Aug 10, 2025, 09:07 PMQuote from: Gurgie on Aug 10, 2025, 07:15 PMReturn trip yesterday came in at 8.3l/100km. Was in Waterloo golfing with Vman & Evil_Twin. Stopped in Thornhill just off the 407 to fill up 370km in total from there mainly on hwy 7.
Does Vman still have the C43 wagon?
Yup, got to see it in person yesterday & it looks fantastic! Has just over 50k kms on it. Saw Evil_Twin's Blackwing as well which looks absolutely awesome as well.
Quote from: Gurgie on Aug 10, 2025, 10:47 PMQuote from: Oliver on Aug 10, 2025, 09:07 PMQuote from: Gurgie on Aug 10, 2025, 07:15 PMReturn trip yesterday came in at 8.3l/100km. Was in Waterloo golfing with Vman & Evil_Twin. Stopped in Thornhill just off the 407 to fill up 370km in total from there mainly on hwy 7.
Does Vman still have the C43 wagon?
Yup, got to see it in person yesterday & it looks fantastic! Has just over 50k kms on it. Saw Evil_Twin's Blackwing as well which looks absolutely awesome as well.
Good to hear both guys are doing well and still have those two amazing vehicles.
Put the CX-70 to work on Sunday moving son #1 to Montreal. Towing that Uhaul down & back averaged 13.6. Was a pain in the ass brining it back empty, looked at leaving it behind in Montreal, but the rate was stupid, much cheaper to bring it back empty. It seemed fine towing, didn't even break a sweat, not sure how much weight was in there, but it would've been MUCH less than the 5000lbs max it can tow, guessing somewhere around 3500lbs at the most. It has a towing mode, but that just seemed to keep it from upshifting most of the time, so I just left it in normal, set the cruise at 115 & had no issues.
That's pretty solid mileage. The Highlander wouldn't use much less without a trailer.
It is pretty impressive towing mileage, especially with an enclosed. On the highway It's not the weight that kills your mileage but the aerodynamics.
I really didn't think the mileage was that great, LOL!!
I mean, you were dragging a barn door down the highway. Seems good to me. Granted there's not many hills.
Quote from: Tortoise on Sep 03, 2025, 01:07 PMI mean, you were dragging a barn door down the highway. Seems good to me. Granted there's not many hills.
True enough ;D
I'm in a CX-90 Signature this week, Artisan red over white leather. First occasion I have to spend time with the six cylinder and I really like it so far. Feels lighter on its feet / less "clumsy" than my PHEV. The MHEV system is impressive, I was in the 9's (and you know my usual mileage scores...) before hitting back-to-school traffic mayhem. Now sitting at 10.2, which is very impressive for a rig this size with a powerful six in what essentially is city driving.
Your 8.3 is just 0.3 worse than the PHEV on the open road - solid!
Oh and this is the 3rd unit I drive with the 21" Falkens. The ride is better than my CX-90 on its oem 19" Toyos. Looking forward to changing the all-seasons with something better down the road...
Quote from: Gurgie on Sep 03, 2025, 09:07 AMI really didn't think the mileage was that great, LOL!!
I just towed a similar, but maybe slightly taller trailer 200km with my Q7....until the engine had enough, but I was getting 19l/100km and that was the best I've seen with an SUV while towing that trailer. Speed was 110kph
Quote from: Blueprint on Sep 05, 2025, 08:59 AMI'm in a CX-90 Signature this week, Artisan red over white leather. First occasion I have to spend time with the six cylinder and I really like it so far. Feels lighter on its feet / less "clumsy" than my PHEV. The MHEV system is impressive, I was in the 9's (and you know my usual mileage scores...) before hitting back-to-school traffic mayhem. Now sitting at 10.2, which is very impressive for a rig this size with a powerful six in what essentially is city driving.
Your 8.3 is just 0.3 worse than the PHEV on the open road - solid!
I was impressed with the 8.3, didn't think it would be THAT good and considering the engine isn't broken in yet either.
Quote from: Blueprint on Sep 05, 2025, 09:01 AMOh and this is the 3rd unit I drive with the 21" Falkens. The ride is better than my CX-90 on its oem 19" Toyos. Looking forward to changing the all-seasons with something better down the road...
I have the Falkens as well, they're not bad, I find them a bit noisy. They certainly won't last long though, treadwear is something like 360 if I remember correctly.
Brilliant. I love that you got this (just catching up). I'd LOVE to have one of these - not only for the drivetrain, but also for the increased towing capacity over my CX-5 (I've been mulling over getting another small camping trailer).
Then again, seeing what new cars are going for these days, I think I'll probably just stick with my CX-5 for a few more years until the CX-70's are 3-4 years old and available on the used market.
Oh, and 8.3 isn't too far off what my NA CX-5 will do on the highway. I'll do 7.2-7.5. And I pretty much match you exactly in the city - and that's on a vehicle with like 155 less hp.
You guys all know what kind of "fuel economy" I get with my rinse-and-repeat urban mixed driving in the GMA. Well, the CX-90 delivered a 10.1 :o That's better than a lot of subcompact SUV's I reviewed !!!
Mild hybrid drivetrain for the win I guess.
I'll be looking forward to see what long term reliability is like with these. It's a fairly complex drivetrain.
Ordered winter shoes last week from PMC, originally had 17's ordered, but received an email from them letting me know that they wouldn't fit. I was surprised to see they had them as an option on their website & figured they had the knowledge as to whether or not they'd fit, but I guess I shouldn't have trusted them. So a phone call & $250 more & I ended up with 18's & Blizzak DM-V2's (originally had Toyo GSi-6's in the 17's). Had them a day later ::)
Had some time this afternoon to test fit one to double check, fits perfectly. First time with Blizzaks, will be interested in seeing how they perform.
Look at those pristine, sharp biting edges. My Blizzaks are going on their 4th winter now... the tread isn't quite as sharp as it used to be.
The tricky bit with winter shoes for my '90 PHEV was getting wheels with the proper load rating. PMC is now well aware of that, I would hope, as they took back the set they initially sold me. Is the load rating as strict with the MHEV?
Quote from: Blueprint on Oct 22, 2025, 10:12 AMThe tricky bit with winter shoes for my '90 PHEV was getting wheels with the proper load rating. PMC is now well aware of that, I would hope, as they took back the set they initially sold me. Is the load rating as strict with the MHEV?
Maybe PMC learned their lesson from you last year & only offer wheels that meet the load ratings now :) I think these wheels would be good enough for the PHEV as well as the load rating is 1800lbs.
I have the DM-V2's on the Highlander and have no complaints. They are quiet, provide great traction and seem to wear slowly. They will likely be softer than your OE tires but shouldn't be too bad.
Let us know how you like them Gurgie. Have the DM-V2 on the MDX and I find them more harsh/stiff than the summers. I should check the load rating on them, never crossed my mind previous to typing this.
Quote from: Bridgecity on Oct 23, 2025, 12:13 AMLet us know how you like them Gurgie. Have the DM-V2 on the MDX and I find them more harsh/stiff than the summers. I should check the load rating on them, never crossed my mind previous to typing this.
The last set of all-seasons I had purshased for my old Odyssey were "LT-rated", and I regretted it. The higher the load rating, the harsher/stiffer the tire.
The alt size I used for the '90s snow shoes renders a much smoother ride and even better steering feel - I really hate the way-stiff oem Toyos.
Quote from: Bridgecity on Oct 23, 2025, 12:13 AMLet us know how you like them Gurgie. Have the DM-V2 on the MDX and I find them more harsh/stiff than the summers. I should check the load rating on them, never crossed my mind previous to typing this.
The summers are 21" with a 275/45/21 tire, these are 265/60/18... thinking they'll be a softer ride right off the bat with all the sidewall. Both have the same load rating of 110.
Quote from: Blueprint on Oct 23, 2025, 10:50 AMThe alt size I used for the '90s snow shoes renders a much smoother ride and even better steering feel - I really hate the way-stiff oem Toyos.
I've got the OEM Falkens, don't think they're that great, I find them a bit loud overall. Don't think they'll last much more than 2yrs though as the wear rating is only 360 on them. Funny enough, buy them thru Falken as replacements and the wear rating is 500.
Quote from: Gurgie on Oct 23, 2025, 01:25 PMQuote from: Blueprint on Oct 23, 2025, 10:50 AMThe alt size I used for the '90s snow shoes renders a much smoother ride and even better steering feel - I really hate the way-stiff oem Toyos.
I've got the OEM Falkens, don't think they're that great, I find them a bit loud overall. Don't think they'll last much more than 2yrs though as the wear rating is only 360 on them. Funny enough, buy them thru Falken as replacements and the wear rating is 500.
Reminds me of the shaved thread on the oem Tesla Michelins.
Try a lower spec rig with the 19" Toyos and you'll start to love your Falkens - it's all in comparing the oem options ;) Ironically, the 19" on the Crosstrek are Falkens, and I have nothing bad to say about them.
Quote from: Blueprint on Oct 23, 2025, 10:50 AMQuote from: Bridgecity on Oct 23, 2025, 12:13 AMLet us know how you like them Gurgie. Have the DM-V2 on the MDX and I find them more harsh/stiff than the summers. I should check the load rating on them, never crossed my mind previous to typing this.
The last set of all-seasons I had purshased for my old Odyssey were "LT-rated", and I regretted it. The higher the load rating, the harsher/stiffer the tire.
Ya, I avoid "LT" tires for my pickup for that reason. Great for when towing heavy loads (reduced sway and more capacity) but ride terribly compared to a passenger tire.
Installed the Blizzak's last Saturday before the snow storm hit here on Sunday. Took it for a little rip on Sunday in the greasy snow & the tires seemed to grip well, and the AWD system on the CX-70 felt a little rear biased, which I was happy about. Monday I hooned around in it a bit as well, and it all performed as expected. On Tuesday I took it down to Montreal to visit my Son and I have to say that the extra sidewall of the Blizzak's softened up the ride, not floaty or bad, or alarming in any way, just softer. Gas mileage was decent as well going to Montreal & back managed 9.5 with a strong headwind on the way back :)
Yeah, they've always treated me well.
Now that you've had it for a while, how is the CX-70 to live with compared to the Passport? It (or the CX-90) is pretty high on my list to replace the Highlander when I no longer trust it.
Quote from: Tortoise on Nov 13, 2025, 11:39 AMNow that you've had it for a while, how is the CX-70 to live with compared to the Passport? It (or the CX-90) is pretty high on my list to replace the Highlander when I no longer trust it.
I've had it for just over 4 months and I think it's got about 5,500kms on it or so roughly, still getting used to it though. I get in the 997 and it's like an old friend, the CX-70 is still like a mistress, discovering new things ;D Overall, it feels a lot more substantial than the Passport, just a more weighty feeling on the road, smoother overall ride and definitely less body roll when taking a corner at a higher speed. You can feel the rear tires pushing it around, compared to the Passport pulling from the front. Power wise the inline 6 hauls the mail better than the Passport, it doesn't rev out as high as the VTEC 6 did in my Passport, but the turbo shove is significant. Fuel mileage is surprisingly MUCH better with my brutal short trips and shitty driving habits. The Mazda in house transmission does still have some quirks to it at low speeds, I've gotten used to it, and I know they've updated the software for it already, but I'm anticipating future updates on it. Interior wise, it's just as spacious for leg room, but shoulder room wise it's a bit more narrow, had all 3 of the boys (young men I suppose since the youngest is now 20) in the back seat a few weeks ago & while they still fit comfortably, they did notice it being a bit tighter. Interior materials are a big step up from my Passport, the layout, softer touch surfaces, less hard plastics, etc.
Two gripes with it though, the remote start is stupid, only can use it with the app, and it's only free for 2yrs... and when you start it through the app, then open the door, it shuts the car off. It also doesn't automatically turn on the defrost, heated seats & heated wheel... my 2015 Grand Cherokee used to do all of that with the remote start. Maybe a future software update will address this, or maybe I need to adjust something in the settings, but I haven't found anything yet. Next up is the wireless Android Auto, I have it set to "always ask" before connecting, once I confirm the connection it changes to "automatically connect", so I have to go back into the settings & change it back. Again, possibly an update required, or a re-configuration at the dealership,
In summary, I do like it, I find it luxurious for the cost and where it sits in the market, plenty of power & space. Will see how it treats me.
I would say if those are the two biggest annoyances, that's not too bad at all. There are no perfect vehicles (at least in these price ranges).
Would you consider the Mazda more "Euro" feeling and the Honda more "Japanese"?