This week was a busy one, and I had the 2025 Mazda CX50 HEV to help get me around.
Its compact size and ease of handling had me miss owning a sedan, especially given its mix of modern yet classic functioning. A manual gearshift and the bounce back from pushing actual buttons not on a touch screen. Although, you still get a push button to start. The CX50 offered a certain nostalgia that you are seeing less and less of in newer models, a reminder of how it felt to drive and a feeling of manual, before the days of self driving vehicles.
The seats just could have used some more padding. They felt hard like I was sitting on a mound. Not plush, but good on the hips in the long run.
I almost missed the wireless charging pad, hidden under the lip grip of the centre console compartment. A discreet nook that not only saves space, but ensures the driver’s safety as the phone is out of eyesight. But you can still easily tell it is charging by looking at the battery bar on the discrete infotainment screen. With Apple CarPlay it mimics your phones’s home screen with map, media, settings, and the aforementioned battery life.
The main focus of the 2025 Mazda CX50 HEV is the hybrid functionality. The ability to charge itself, thus relying on limited battery life to offset gas prices. The EV charge option is also great for teaching you how to drive defensively. With each brake you fill the EV bar. The more you coast while engaging the breaks, the more you fill. I found my speedy ways converted trying to maximize said charge, and in turn save money at the pump. Although it quickly became a game of chicken as I waited for the last possible moment to hit the brake in order to capture as much of this as possible.
However, being able to use the stored charge was not my choice. There was an EV mode with a push of the button, but it was only accessible under the right conditions. Pretty much only when the car is fully stopped, but then it quickly disengaged once you accelerated to anything above 40km/hr. “EV mode cancelled due to acceleration”.
So basically this was only effective in rush-hour traffic, school and construction zones, underground parkades, and when idle at a stop signs or red lights. Other than that it was “EV mode currently or temporary unavailable and “EV mode unavailable due to vehicle speed”. You can only tell EV mode was disengaged when the “mode” words were removed from under the permanent EV sign on the dash.
Although, in the long run, I guess it didn’t really matter. After five days of regular commuting and social activities, I only used a quarter of the tank, which only cost me $30 to fill. You can’t argue with results like that.
As for the way it handles, I fully enjoyed the drive. The 2025 CX50 was easy to navigate, quick and nimble. Great at ducking in and out of traffic, changing lanes with a little tap on the accelerator. I got and felt substantial speed from behind the wheel. Everything felt natural and uncomplicated, great for the monotony of day to day driving.
The weekend prior had me attending bartender popups prior to the grand ceremony of North America’s 50 Best Bars on the following Tuesday. Bespoke cocktails and artisan pours from acclaimed bartenders from all around the world, it was like travelling without leaving the city. And it all climaxes on the live awards ceremony that I had the great privilege of attending.
Although the Monday before was all about Prosecco, learning more about the most popular designation of sparkling wine from its Italian DOC. We discovered their favourite brands, noting how well they paired with most foods.
On Wednesday I celebrated Mother’s Day early at Metrotown. This was a private event in advertisement of their upcoming activations for the second largest shopping occasion, after Christmas. It was all set up with a glamping theme that including s’mores from firefighters and as a cocktail.
I ready enjoyed myself at DTF on Thursday. This is the highly anticipated first Canadian location of the Michelin famous Din Tai Fung, known for their award winning Xiao Long Baos.
And Friday wound the week down with some laughter at Granville Island. A quick dip into Granville Island Brewery for a couple of drinks and shared appetizers, before our The Bachelor themed improv show at the Improv Centre nearby.
