A couple of Mazdas, including one of which I’ve driven in recent days, will be among several 2014 models on display at next month’s annual Denver Auto Show at the Colorado Convention Center.
Being readied for the show, which will run March 20-24, are the new-generation Mazda6 midsize sedan and the Mazda CX-5 compact crossover.
The 2014 CX-5 is little changed from the ’13 version, except for two key options – new power and an innovative safety feature.
The step up in power is with a 184-horsepower, 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder Skyactiv engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Base power remains the 155-hp 2-liter.
Also added as an option is the new safety system, Smart City Brake Support, which can apply aggressive braking at low speeds to avoid collisions, similar to that introduced by Volvo several years ago.
Otherwise, the CX-5 remains much the same. It competes with the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage.
The CX-5 is a nimble handler and delivers improved acceleration from its new 2.5 engine. It produced an average of 26.3 miles per gallon of fuel in my tests; EPA estimate is 24/30.
The 2.5 is the same power equipping the new 2014 Mazda6.
The well-equipped CX-5 I drove carried a sticker price of $31,890, including a Grand Touring tech package of navigation, the new safety brake program and auto-leveling HID headlamps.
Leather-trimmed sport seats (heated), leather-wrapped steering wheel and power moonroof dressed up the interior, along with Bose audio and rearview camera.
It rides on 19-inch wheels, with front and rear stabilizer bars and electric power-assisted steering.
The car show is little more than four weeks away. Hours will be 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, March 20; noon to 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, March 21 and 22; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 24.
The show is produced by the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association, with organization by the Paragon Group.
Bud Wells can be reached via e-mail at bwells@denverpost.com.
