My brother Sean is a sophomore at the University of Southern California studying Engineering and I am super proud of him!

Trojan Family Weekend at USC

I was quite fortunate to get to spend a long weekend in Los Angeles celebrating his accomplishments with my mom during Trojan Family Weekend. During our visit to Southern California, my mom and I had the opportunity to drive the Mazda CX-5 and it turned out to be the perfect vehicle for the occasion.

We drove up to campus in a Soul Red Mazda CX-5. The bright, sharp crossover SUV was so close in color to the school’s cardinal red that it really helped us get into the Trojan spirit.

Dozens of movies, including The Graduate, Legally Blonde and Forrest Gump were filmed at USC, so it’s important to always be “film ready” when visiting the campus. Lucky for us, the car has a sleek design that would fit right in on the big screen. The SUV’s eye catching design was inspired by the predatory stance of an animal stalking its prey, capturing the essence of poise, aggression and power. The design is also allows for higher wind resistance, meaning the vehicle is more stable when hitting the highway at fast speeds.

The inside of the vehicle is just as sleek with leather trimmed sports seats, push button engine start and a leather wrapped steering wheel.

Sean is studying at the Viterbi School of Engineering and so our Trojan Family Weekend itinerary included many learnings about the world of engineering. Following a speech by Dean Yorstos during a breakfast reception, I turned my focus of the Mazda CX-5 to its engineering.

The SUV is powered by a 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G engine that has capabilities of 184 horsepower. The vehicle is equipped with four wheel drive, four-weel disc brakes, electric power assisted steering, independent front and rear suspension as well as front and rear stabilizer bars. For those non-engineers out there like me all this jargon simply means that driving the Mazda CX-5 is a smooth and enjoyable experience.

When it comes to safety engineering, the Mazda CX-5 is at the top of the game, being named a 2014 top safety pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It’s long list of safety features include five air bags, 4-wheel ABS, brake assist, electronic stability control, daytime running lights, child safety locks, traction control and integrated turn signal mirrors.

After spending a few days with my brother at USC I can definitely tell that his University experience will be a balanced concoction of serious, focused study and downright fun. Seriously, attending a USC football game infused me with an unprecedented level of want-to-be school spirit.

While driving the Mazda CX-5, I got the feeling this SUV reached that balance too. For every technical advantage of the vehicle, it is equally matched with elements that make the driving experience more fun. There’s a moonroof to let in all that glorious L.A. sunshine, Bluetooth hands free phone and HD Radio.

What are you waiting for? Strap in, fight on, and enjoy your drive in the Mazda CX-5!

Note: I was provided with a 2015 Mazda CX-5 for review. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.