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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Harsh weather can do a number on your vehicle's paint job. Snow and ice and all that scraping are just as rough on your car as they are on you, dulling its shine and making it susceptible to rust. Give your car what it needs to weather the winter storm. Try these four strategies for protecting your car's finish during the next cold season. Keep It Clean During the winter months, dirt and road salt accumulates on your car's painting finish and can wreak havoc on its appearance. Not only is worn paint unattractive, but it will also reduce your vehicle's value if you ever decide to sell it or trade it in. Take your wheels through the car wash or use a pressure washer to blast away grime. Rinse well and remember to use a microfiber towel to dry it thoroughly. You don't want the water to freeze on your finish. Pay close attention to the lower parts of your vehicle, such as behind the wheels and under the quarter panels. Ice, snow, and salt tend to build up and stick in these areas. To keep your vehicle protected all winter long, make sure to wash your car before the cold weather hits. Apply Wax or a Finishing Polish Don't forget about the importance of wax during the winter months. Sure, wax protects a vehicle's paint job during summer's heat, but keeping it polished all year will ensure it always looks its best. Adding a fresh coat of wax before the snow starts falling lays down a layer of protection during the cold months. This sheen helps protect your car's paint, creating a shield against road salt and grime. more As tempting as it may be to start with the wax, remember to follow step one first. Otherwise, all you're doing is waxing over the dirt, causing micro-scratches in your paint job. Those scratches will lead to corrosive damage over time. Go the Extra Mile With a Quick Detailer To get your car through the winter months with its paint intact, consider going the extra mile with a quick detailer. This versatile liquid spray is the ideal complement to polymer wax and provides car-fanatic level paint protection. Detailers are easy to use and deliver that glossy finish we all love. Put Your Car in Storage Consider storing your car inside during the winter months. Your garage or carport may be filled to the rafters with storage, so take a weekend to make room for your vehicle before the snow flies. If you don't plan on driving it often, invest in a fleece-lined car cover. This added tier of defense will keep your paint job in pristine condition. Winterizing your car is an essential step in the overall maintenance process. Providing additional protection for your vehicle during winter's harsh conditions is vital to maintaining its finish. Protect your car's resale value with these tips. Don't wait until the first freeze. Start winterizing your car or truck today. Image via Flickr by Jim Bauer | CC BY-ND 2.0.

As soon as the first Mazda Miata sportscar was released in 1989, it was clear that there was something different about this roadster. A new style for the time, the Miata was at once a reference to cars from an earlier time while embracing modern, clean lines and an available palette of eye-popping colors. Four generations later, this spritely two-seater still has rock star status for its zippy performance and curvaceous lines. The 2019 MX-5 Miata RF is the newest model to the hit the road, packed with key updates and the desired form-meets-function synergy. Let's explore some of the changes to the newest generation of the Miata. Upgraded Power Once you get the new Miata RF out on the road, you will notice a nice dose of power. As compared to earlier iterations, the 2-liter inline-four engine bumps up to 181 horsepower from the previous engine's 155 horsepower. This extra boost makes a significant difference in the driving experience, whether you're taking twisting mountain roads or cruising on the highway. The additional power also makes the car more forgiving on tight turns and more easily corrects for braking too hard or too early. The Miata's impressive fuel economy is similar to prior models, offering 26 mph in the city and 34 mph on the highway with a six-speed manual transmission. Take the Top Down In case you were wondering what the "RF" stands for, you may be pleasantly surprised when you realize that it indicates a Retractable Fastback roof. This unique style of open top is an interesting choice for the Miata and something that is typically seen on the higher price bracket sportscars. It is a welcome, sophisticated addition to the already clean and elegant lines of the Miata, accompanied by a price tag that far belies its offerings and sleek look. more Once you sit inside, you'll find all of the same upgraded features that you would expect of a car of this caliber like automatic headlights, heated leather-trimmed seats, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. New for this year is an adjustable telescoping steering column that will accommodate drivers of any height and provide them a much more comfortable driving experience. Drivers and passengers will find further interior comfort from available Recaro seats. Safety First New this year, the 2019 MX-5 Miata RF boasts the available I-Activesense Club package. Features such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and additional brake support provide additional security and comfort in all sorts of terrain and in all sorts of driving conditions. Enjoy the security of knowing that you are as safe as the technology allows. This package is made available in addition to the Miata's standard safety offerings including front and side airbags, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and a rearview camera that you would expect from a safety pioneer like Mazda. Enjoy the thrill of the open road in a truly exciting and affordable contemporary sports car. Image via MazdaUSA.com.

St. Louis is one of the biggest cities in America, and even if you limit yourself to the neighborhoods within the city limits, you can find plenty of vibrant, exciting places to live. The downtown district by the Mississippi River has great retail stores and old restaurants, and the suburban west end has plenty of clean, quiet neighborhoods where you can choose from hundreds of lovely homes and apartment buildings. The city's neighborhoods have unique shops and small boutiques, so if you're thinking of moving to St. Louis, here are a few neighborhoods to consider. Hi-Pointe Hi-Pointe is a neighborhood just southwest of Forest Park, and it covers the area from Oakland Avenue to Dale Avenue and from Louisville Avenue up to the city's border with Richmond Heights. It's a mostly residential neighborhood with single-family homes, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants in the area. You won't have trouble finding things to do as a family, either, since the St. Louis Zoo and the St. Louis Art Museum are in the nearby park. Wydown-Skinker Wydown-Skinker is another neighborhood at the west end of the city. It's just north of Hi-Pointe and it covers the sliver of land between Forest Park and the suburb of Clayton. It's just as residential as Hi-Pointe and is just as close to the Forest Park's attractions, but the north end is only a block away from Washington University. Thanks to its proximity to the college, residents of this neighborhood are mostly young people, so there are plenty of cafes and bars in the area. more Skinker DeBaliviere Skinker DeBaliviere is adjacent to Wydown-Skinker between Delmar Boulevard, DeBaliviere Avenue, Forest Park, and the city limits. This neighborhood is also close to Forest Park and Washington University, but it has a few more apartment complexes for residents who don't need the space a single-family home offers. You can also find plenty of businesses along Delmar Boulevard at the north end of the neighborhood. Benton Park Benton Park is on the east side of the city and is one of the oldest neighborhoods in St. Louis. You can find it between Gravois Avenue, I-55, Cherokee Street, and Jefferson Avenue. Benton Park was a popular location for breweries back in the day thanks to its natural underground caves ideal for storing beer. Today, the Anheuser-Busch brewery is located just across the street. For a more local flavor, Bluewood Brewing is in the south end of the neighborhood. Benton Park also includes plenty of places to eat, like Gus' Pretzel Shop, a bakery that has been open since 1920. There are plenty of other great neighborhoods in St. Louis in addition to the ones listed here. Across St. Louis, you'll find lovely places to live. Deciding which neighborhood is best for you depends on your housing needs and where you work or go to school. In any case, one of these neighborhoods is sure to be perfect for you and your family. Image via Flickr by Christian Collins | CC BY-SA 2.0.

With tighter handling, better performance, and nicer interiors than the average competitor, Mazda's cars and SUVs are a cut above other models. High-tech features are another way Mazda's vehicles stand out. These features include advanced driver assistance features that are blazing the trail towards the future of self-driving cars. Not only will you find the usual rear cross traffic alerts, blind spot monitors, and rearview cameras, Mazda also offers advanced safety features you'd normally only find in the luxury market. The following list includes just a sample of the brand's cutting-edge safety features. Adaptive Front-Lighting System Mazda vehicles come with an adaptive front-lighting system. This feature turns your headlights as you're going around a curve so you can see more of the road in front of you. This is a very important feature for spotting potholes, pedestrians, wild animals, and other obstacles in the dark. AFS can also be outfitted with an additional auto-leveling feature to keep your headlights focused on the road even when the trunk of your car or SUV is packed with heavy cargo. Driver Attention Alert Driving long distances can be tiring. Experts recommend that you take a break every few hours to stretch and get your eyes off the road, but not everyone does so. Many people will drive while drowsy or distracted even though both are dangerous. A Mazda equipped with driver attention alert can learn your driving style, so it can notice when you're tired and tell you it's time for a break. more Advanced Smart City Brake Support When you're driving in the city, this feature scans the road ahead to look for approaching obstacles like stopped cars, cross traffic, and pedestrians. When it sees something in your path, the system alerts you and firms up the brakes to help you stop in a hurry. If you don't react fast enough, the feature will automatically bring your vehicle to a full stop. This feature may be one of Mazda's best. In fact, its advanced smart city brake support was one of the reasons 2019 Mazda CX-5 earned an "Advanced" rating in the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety's new pedestrian crash prevention test. Intelligent Transport Systems True self-driving cars require a full set of sensors and a network of information so cars can share their locations and road obstacles with each other. The required infrastructure isn't available yet, but Mazda has been working on making this technology a reality since 1991. For instance, in 2013 they developed an advanced safety vehicle prototype that demonstrated sensing technology that you still can't find on any car on the market today. Mazda offers a lot more safety features than those on this list. Mazda vehicles can also be equipped with features like adaptive high beams, an advanced all-wheel drive system, hill launch assist, and radar cruise control that automatically maintains a safe following distance. With their fine interiors, excellent handling, and top-notch safety features, Mazda's vehicles are top of their class. Image via MazdaUSA.com.

Out on the edge of the St. Louis, Missouri, suburbs you'll find Ellisville, a nice place to live with beautiful homes, busy shopping centers, and quiet parks. This small town is far enough from the city center that you can find plenty of good walking trails in the area. Not all of the trails on this list go through town, but those that don't are just a short drive away. Wildwood Greenway The Wildwood Greenway is in Wildwood, Ellisville's western neighbor, and includes over 18 miles of paved biking and walking trails throughout the city. Many of these trails follow the main roads through town, but others head off towards the residential neighborhoods and parks where you can enjoy some peace and quiet. Finding parking is easy since the greenway crosses several parking lots throughout Wildwood. Rock Hollow Trail The Rock Hollow Trail is a relatively short walk, just 2.3 miles, and is all downhill from the trailhead near Ridge Meadows Elementary School. This means it's all uphill on the way back, but there are plenty of benches. The trail is very scenic and quiet, and you'll cross 13 bridges on your way to the trail's end. Once you get there, you'll find the Meramec River and the Al Foster Memorial Trail, a 7-mile trail that follows the river east to west. more Monarch Chesterfield Levee Trail A work in progress, the Monarch Chesterfield Levee Trail will eventually loop around the Chesterfield Airport north of Ellisville. Parts of the trail along Bonhomme Creek and the Missouri River are already done. To reach the trail, you can park at one of the many shopping centers along I-64 or Edison Avenue. Together, the two trail segments are 10.4 miles long, and since the trail passes plenty of stores and restaurants, you'll have no trouble finding a place to take a break. If you're looking for some peace and quiet on your hike, other parts of the trail are nothing but you and nature. Katy Trail State Park The Katy Trail is great if you want to go on a real wilderness hike. The trail covers a converted railroad that follows the Missouri River west for a total of 240 miles until it breaks off and continues toward Kansas City. The trail is on the north side of the river, so the best place to reach it from Ellisville is to take the Daniel Boone Bridge north of Chesterfield. Then, take the first exit after the bridge and head to the Busch Greenway, a short trail that takes you to Katy. There are other trails farther north and south, and you may be surprised by how many nature walks you can find in St. Louis itself. So, if you're a fan of nature or you just want a quiet space where you can relax and clear your head, one of the trails on this list should fit the bill. Lace up those hiking boots! Image via Flickr by Heath Cajandig | CC BY 2.0.

When you purchase a convertible, you want a car that speeds around corners and leaps from the starting line. You want to feel the rush of fresh air when you take the top down. These are the reasons why so many people choose the Mazda MX-5 Miata as their convertible of choice. It's fast, fun, and full of features that remind you why buying a convertible is the best decision you ever made. Weight Balance Vehicles tend to weigh more in the front or the back depending on their design. For example, pickup trucks are front-heavy when they're empty but balance out once you add cargo or a trailer. Sports cars like the 2019 MX-5 Miata, on the other hand, work best with a 50-50 balance that helps you stay in control when you take a high-speed turn. To that end, Mazda engineers designed the Miata to be slightly back-heavy, but when you sit in the driver's seat, the weight balances out. Weight Reduction Sports car designs either focus on eliminating weight or adding power. The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata is designed to be lightweight, so although its engine only has four cylinders, this sports car makes the most of its horsepower. Speaking of which, the 2019 model comes with a brand-new 2.0-liter SKYACTIV engine manufactured with aluminum alloy instead of heavy steel. Even though this engine doesn't have a turbo, it manages to deliver 181 horsepower, more than its 2018 predecessor. more Easy Top The 2019 MX-5 Miata's roof is easy for anyone to take down and put up. Just push a button, pull a lever, and push the roof back until it clicks. To put the roof up, you pull another lever and then pull the top forward until it clicks. Even though this system is low-tech, Mazda's engineers chose this simple design because an automatic system would add extra weight. However, if you want an automatic roof, the Miata RF hardtop has one that retracts electronically. High-Tech Interior The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata might be on a diet, but it still has room for a powerful audio system. The top Grand Touring trim comes with a nine-speaker Bose audio system and speed-sensing audio, not to mention a 7-inch touch screen with MAZDA CONNECT, turn-by-turn navigation, four months of SiriusXM Radio, HD Radio, internet radio apps, and a text message audio delivery and reply system. The Mazda Miata is one of the most popular convertibles on the market, and while part its popularity is due to its affordable price tag, it's also because the MX-5 is a fun car to drive. That goes double after you pull the top down and find a winding country road to explore. Of course, if you've never experienced the feeling first hand, you should schedule a test drive at your local Mazda dealership as soon as you can.  Once you're driving down the highway with the wind in your hair, you'll know you made the right choice. Image via MazdaUSA.com.

With spring quickly approaching, you're probably itching to get outside and enjoy nature. The best places to go to see the new flowers and work off some of that winter fatigue are area parks. If you're in Ellisville, Missouri, or planning to travel there, check out these area parks for your nature fix. Bluebird Park The largest park in Ellisville is Bluebird Park. This 167-acre facility is the Cadillac of parks and has everything you can imagine: bike paths, picnic pavilions, tennis courts, playground, disc golf course, aquatic center, amphitheater, and softball/baseball fields. With all of these possible activities, you would think that's enough. Not quite. Bluebird Park is also the location for summer camps, youth sports, and fitness programs. The pavilions and ballfields are available to rent for residents and non-residents alike, with availability depending on residency. The park also hosts special events throughout the year, including an Independence Day celebration, a chili cook-off, movies in the park, and a Red Cross blood drive. You can enroll your kids in swim lessons at the aquatic center or do some laps for your own personal fitness. more Mockingbird Park A smaller, shaded neighborhood park, Mockingbird Park is located at the end of Bridgeport Drive, just off Cherry Hill Drive. With large trees surrounding the park on three sides, the shade will protect you and your little ones from the sun's harsh rays. The play area features slides with multiple ladders to climb, baby swings, sling swings, a balance beam, and a bouncy car. With nearby picnic tables and benches as well as a grill and a water fountain, this is a perfect location for a family barbecue lunch or picnic. There are even cement trails and large grassy areas where you can kick a soccer ball around or take a nice walk after lunch. Bobwhite Park Bobwhite Park is another great neighborhood park in the Ellisville area. The playground has baby swings, sling swings, slides, a balance beam and more balance toys. It has a play structure as well, great for improving climbing skills and dexterity. Without a lot of shade, the park can get pretty warm during the summer but is great for spring and fall outings. Bobwhite Park is located on Parkdale Circle and features a basketball court as well as additional picnic areas and open grassy spaces. Owl Hollow Park Ellisville is rich with neighborhood parks, and Owl Hollow Park does not disappoint. With swings, slides, spring toys, and dexterity games, your kids will have a great time playing here. This park covers over 3.16 acres with plenty of grassy areas as well. You can bring your basketball for some one-on-one or ride your bike around the neighborhood and park it in the bike rack while you enjoy your family lunch. After a long, harsh winter, the idea of getting your family outside to the parks and enjoying the sunshine is intoxicating. Flowers are blooming, leaves are growing back on the trees, and most importantly, the weather is getting warmer. Make the time to pack up the family and enjoy some of the great parks in Ellisville. Images via Pixabay

For 2019, several changes have been made to the Mazda CX-5. This model has a new available engine, several features that it didn't offer before, and even a few new trims you couldn't get for the 2018 CX-5. All in all, there are a few good reasons why you should consider buying the newest model  Mazda vehicle. The New Engine Last year's model only had one engine available: a 2.5-liter I-4 that provided up to 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. That's still the standard engine in the first three trims, but if you get the Grand Touring Reserve or Signature trims, you'll get a 2.5-liter engine that comes with a turbocharger and can get up to 227 horsepower with 250 pound-feet of torque. These numbers set the CX-5 apart and make it one of the most powerful crossovers in the compact class. more Two New Trims Returning from last year are the Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trims for the Mazda CX-5. However, you can now experience a new level of quality thanks to the two new trims that come with the improved engine, the Grand Touring Reserve and the Signature. Aside from the engine, both trims also come with improvements like standard all-wheel drive and a set of luxury features you don't often find in the compact class. These new trims really show what a Mazda has to offer. New Tech Features All of the 2019 CX-5's trims come with a great audio system that uses voice commands and offers HD Radio, a Bluetooth connection, and the ability to integrate with audio apps like Pandora and Aha. However, the new model now also offers an upgraded audio system, starting with the Touring trim, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. The upgraded system also gives you two extra USB jacks. The top Signature trim also gets a 360 View Monitor, a feature that uses four cameras to give you a top-down view of your vehicle. New Comforts The two new trims for the 2019 Mazda CX-5 offer comfort features you couldn't get from the vehicle in past years. For instance, both new trims feature seats with both heating and ventilation and three power settings for each one. The Signature also comes with luxury features like Nappa leather upholstery and real wood trim that highlights the luxury of the model. You'll also get a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel with a unique stitching design. While the 2019 Mazda CX-5 hasn't had a full redesign, the compact crossover comes with a lot of new features and engine options thanks to the two new trims it offers. With a better list of features, a stronger engine, and more high-tech options throughout the trim range, this crossover has something for everyone. Stop by Bommarito Mazda to take the brand new 2019 model for a test drive. It's a great time to buy a new CX-5. Images via mazdausa.com

Vehicle infotainment systems are growing more important with each passing model year. Touchscreens have become standard equipment for most cars and SUVs, and as the displays become bigger, they take over more functions like the audio system, climate control, and driving mode customization. Modern infotainment systems can even run apps from your phone and come with their own set of applications. Mazda Connect is the company's newest infotainment interface. The company has taken a long look at its previous offerings and at the competition's systems and has prepared one of the best new interfaces on the market. It combines physical controls, simple interfaces, and a constantly updated software system to give drivers full control over their electronic features and comforts. The Rotary Interface While Mazda Connect's main display is up on the dashboard to keep it close to the driver's regular sight lines, the interface is down on the center console between the seats. The buttons are easy to reach in this position, and Mazda has designed them to be easy to use without having to look down. The main interface is a rotary dial that lets you quickly scroll between options on the screen, and you can push the dial left or right to jump between menus and lists. more The Bluetooth Options You can connect any Android or Apple phone to the Mazda Connect system thanks to its standard Bluetooth wireless connection. Not only can you stream audio directly from your phone, you can also make hands-free calls using voice commands or get all the functions of Siri Eyes Free by connecting an iPhone and using the voice button on the steering wheel. Mazda Connect also supports several apps like Aha, Pandora, and Stitcher. This list may grow as time goes on because Mazda Connect supports software updates. CarPlay and Auto Mazda Connect supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which means you can get extra features and a wider app selection by plugging your phone directly into the car's USB port. While these programs may have different interfaces than what you'd expect thanks to the rotary dial, you'll quickly get used to how it works. Intelligent Drive Master Along with audio controls, Mazda Connect also features the Intelligent Drive Master, or i-DM. This feature analyzes your driving habits, including acceleration rates and lateral G-force, and tells you whether you're driving rough, mild, or smart. To i-DM, smart driving means keeping body sway to a minimum while still pushing beyond the mild, cautious driving that isn't nearly as exhilarating. Smart driving, on the other hand, is fun but fuel efficient. Mazda is doing something new with its infotainment system, and there's a lot to love about it between its intuitive interface and extensive options. In fact, you can add navigation to any model with Mazda Connect, even after you purchase it, thanks to a card slot you can use to update the system. Either way, Mazda Connect is a promising new interface drivers will love. Images via mazdausa.com

Like most Midwestern cities, everyone looks forward to spring St. Louis, Missouri. The snow is melting, the grass is coming back, and all the flowers and trees erupt in colorful blossoms. Not every St. Louis spring celebration is all about the season, but with the weather warming up, people love to have an excuse to go outside and enjoy themselves. If you're looking for such an excuse yourself, you should make time for one of the St. Louis events on this list. St. Patrick's Day St. Louis has a strong Irish heritage that the city likes to celebrate every year in March. In fact, St. Louis hosts two major celebrations each year in St. Patrick's honor. The big downtown celebration includes a five-mile run, a parade, and a dinner the night before. St. Louis' St. Patrick's Day parade is one of the biggest in the country, and it is held every March on the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day. The parade also includes an entertainment area called the Irish Village in Kiener Plaza that stays open before and after the parade. more If you haven't had enough St. Patty's Day celebrations, the Dogtown district of St. Louis holds its own parade and festival on the holiday no matter which day of the week it is. Food and drink options include a lot of local breweries and pubs, so while the Dogtown Irish Festival is family friendly, there are also plenty of ways for adults to have fun. Mardi Gras The Irish aren't the only big influence on St. Louis. After all, the city takes its name from a sainted king of France. That's why Mardi Gras is just as important in St. Louis as it is in New Orleans. The dates change from year to year based on when Easter and Lent take place, but in St. Louis, the Soulard Mardi Gras celebrations take place throughout the months leading up to the big day. They include balls, a Cajun cook-off, and of course a big celebration and parade on the Saturday before Fat Tuesday. The Laumeier Art Fair The Laumeier Art Fair takes place at the Laumeier Sculpture Park every year during Mother's Day weekend. This celebration of art is a nationally recognized event, and artists from around the country submit their works for display. However, only 150 of the best artists receive this honor. The festival jurors also award prizes to the best submissions in each medium. Aside from displaying artwork, the fair also features a music festival, food, and hands-on activities for kids who want to express their inner artist. Spring is a time of renewal in the Midwest, and it's a time to go outside and enjoy the weather after the cold winds of winter fade and before the humid air of summer arrives. St. Louis residents have plenty of ways to celebrate the season, so get out there and find out for yourself what makes a St. Louis spring worth experiencing. Image via Pixabay

Road trips are a great way to get the family together and make some fun memories. Whether you're exploring or heading to visit family, don't get stuck with cranky kids in the car. There are tons of options for high-tech ways to entertain kids, but sometimes we might want some low-tech options. Here are some technology-free ways to keep the kids busy during a family road trip. Print Books and Audiobooks If your kids are older, encourage them to bring some books along for the ride. This is a great time to catch up on reading for school or get into an exciting novel. For those who tend to get car sick when trying to read print books, audiobooks are a great option. Audiobooks can also be fun because they get the whole family involved in the story. Stop at your local library to stock up before the trip or download some audiobooks to your smartphone. Metal Baking Pan and Magnets Little ones who enjoy more tactile activities will love a simple toy like a metal baking sheet and some magnets. Be careful which magnets you choose so that you avoid any choking hazards. Bring magnets like letters and numbers that they can use to learn. Older siblings can even play along with younger ones for fun and learning for everyone. Some games like tick-tack-toe also come in a magnetic version. more Verbal Car Games Everyone remembers those car games you and your family used to play during road trips like "I Spy" and "Twenty Questions." Why not bring those back? The alphabet game is another great one where each person in the car tries to get through the whole alphabet by finding letters on road signs and license plates. The first one to z wins. There are lots of online lists of road trip games if you can't think of any. Travel-Sized Games Most department stores have a travel game section full of affordable games that are perfect for road trip fun. Get everyone laughing with some travel tablets of Mad Libs. Many board games come in travel-friendly magnetic versions. Bring along games like checkers, chess, Blokus and more, which are all available in travel size. Rubik's cubes are also great for entertaining older kids. Window Clings and Stickers Another fun option for kids of all ages is window clings. You can find these in tons of different varieties. Get some clings in different shapes or characters that your kids like. You can find alphabet and number clings as well. Stickers will also keep little ones entertained for longer than you might think. You may end up needing to peel things off your car windows, but at least the kids will give you a peaceful ride. Keep in mind that stickers and window clings can be choking hazards to really little ones. There are many ways to keep your kids well-entertained during a road trip without using technology. Stop by Bommarito Mazda West County to find a family-friendly vehicle that will keep them safe and comfortable as well. Our great selection of new Mazda models offers plenty of great options for your lifestyle. Image via Flickr by viralbus | CC BY-SA 2.0.

Mazda has some exciting new models in store for the 2019 year. Whether you're looking for a beautiful new SUV or a powerful sedan, the future of Mazda has something you'll love. Here are some of the new models featured in Mazda's 2019 lineup and what you can expect from them. 2019 CX-3 The updated 2019 Mazda CX-3 offers three trims: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. If you go with the base trim, you certainly won't be stuck with any basic features. The Sport trim comes with great perks like the Mazda Connect infotainment system, all-wheel drive, 16-inch alloy wheels, ambient temperature, and much more. Taking a step up to either the Touring or Grand Touring trim will add luxury perks like leather interior accents and seating options, additional technology features, and LED lighting. All trims are equipped with a 2.0-liter engine that creates 148 horsepower and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Mazda's vehicle dynamics system with G-vectoring control gives drivers peace of mind even in poor driving conditions. more 2019 CX-5 For those looking for a little more size and space, the 2019 CX-5 is a bigger version of the CX-3. This crossover SUV brings luxury and convenience together to create a high-quality vehicle. A step up to the CX-5 will also offer you two additional trim levels — the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims. Choose the Signature trim for some seriously amazing features like Nappa leather seating, an advanced keyless entry and remote start system, beautiful interior wood trim, and much more. A 2.5-liter engine comes with the top two trim levels and offers up to 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. A turbocharger works with the accelerator to provide seamless responsiveness and eliminate any lag. 20 19 CX-9 The 2019 CX-9 adds a third row, which is great for families and weekend adventurers alike. This is a great model for families who need space but still want the perks that come with a luxury vehicle. With both the second and third rows folded down, you'll enjoy 71.2 cubic-feet of cargo space. With a 3,500-pound towing capacity, you'll be able to bring your favorite oversized toys along for relaxing getaways. 2019 MX-5 Miata With three different trim levels, the 2019 MX-5 Miata offers drivers plenty of great options for their perfect fit. Whether you choose the Sport, Club, or Grand Touring trim, you'll get a powerful 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder engine that pumps out 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. This power is a serious upgrade from previous Miata models and it's well-handled with a lightweight SKYACTIV chassis designed to deliver a stable but exciting ride. You'll surely turn some heads in this new Miata with its sporty look inspired by the classic 1960 roadsters. Go with the newly available brown paint color for a smoky, unique look. Active safety features are available to keep you and your new 2019 MX-5 Miata well protected. Stop by Bommarito Mazda West County to see our wide range of new Mazda vehicles. Get out for some test drives and see which model is right for you. Image via Flickr by SoulRider.222 | CC BY-ND 2.0.