2014 MAZDA3, MAZDA6 NAMED SEGMENT BESTS BY HISPANIC MOTOR PRESS

- Completely Redesigned, Mazda's All-New Compact and Mid-Size Cars Top Their Segments -

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Nov 19, 2013, 01:11 ET

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The all-new 2014 Mazda3 compact car and 2014 Mazda6 mid-size sedan today were named to the 2014 Top Ten Car list by jurors of the Hispanic Motor Press Awards (HMPA). Selected as the best cars in their respective segments both vehicles launched into the market this year with an aggressive campaign touting real-world fuel economy, best-in-class performance, all-new technology and unmatched value. With SKYACTIV®¹TECHNOLOGY and the KODO "Soul of Motion" design language as part of their competitive arsenal, both Mazda3 and Mazda6 were primed for success as the vehicles combined account for more than half of all Mazda sales in the U.S.

"We are absolutely honored by this recognition from the Hispanic Motor Press Awards jury," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "From driving dynamics and fuel economy to safety and reliability, we build vehicles for consumers not looking for compromises or excuses but for those expecting excellence, performance, quality and value. To have Mazda3, our best-selling vehicle worldwide, and Mazda6, our flagship mid-size sedan, be named the best of their respective classes by an international jury of market experts is something every manufacturer strives to achieve and is a success we share with our Mazda colleagues and, most importantly, our customers."

Adds Ricardo Rodriguez-Long, jury director, HMPA: "Mazda continues to impress, incorporating the SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY approach to these two cars, the Mazda3 and Mazda6, which are agile and comfortable while maintaining the mechanical reliability the brand is known for. These cars are two great examples of what the Hispanic family should have in their garage."

This is the third time Mazda has been recognized by the Hispanic Motor Press Awards. The 2011 Mazdaspeed3 was named Best 5-Door Vehicle during the awards' inaugural year and last year the then all-new 2013 CX-5 was named the best vehicle in the Crossover Vehicle category.

The 2014 Mazda3 starts at $16,945² MSRP for four-door models and $18,945 MSRP for the five-door. Available with a standard SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine (155 horsepower, 150 lb-ft of torque) or optional SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter (184 horsepower, 185 lb-ft of torque), 2.0L models can be configured with either a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission or a SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic while 2.5L models are currently only available with the automatic. The SKYACTIV-MT transmission has been confirmed to be offered on 2.5L models at a later date. Both engine displacements are available for either body style. Mazda3 also offers an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy of 41 mpg, one of the best in the segment.

The 2014 Mazda6 starts at $20,990 MSRP and is currently equipped with a SKYACTIV-G 2.5L engine, which can be paired with either the manual or automatic transmission. The SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter clean diesel engine will be offered on Mazda6 vehicles beginning late spring of 2014. Similar to its fuel-efficient smaller sibling, Mazda6 offers best-in-class highway fuel economy with an EPA estimate of up to 40 mpg³.

While both vehicles offer an exceptional level of standard equipment, both also offer unexpected features within their segments with all-new safety and in-car technologies. Both the 2014 Mazda3 and 2014 Mazda6 offer:

i-ACTIVSENSE: An umbrella term for active safety features such as High Beam Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, a Lane Departure Warning System, Forward Obstruction Warning, Smart City Brake Support, Mazda Radar Cruise Control and an Adaptive Front-lighting System.
i-ELOOP: Derived from "Intelligent Energy Loop," this capacitor-based regenerative engine braking system converts a vehicle's kinetic energy into electricity as the accelerator pedal is released and, in turn, prevents fuel from being wasted to charge the battery.
Active Grille Shutters: Mounted in front of the radiator, this feature automatically opens and closes in accordance with driving conditions to improve aerodynamic performance, achieve best-in-class coefficient of drag (C_d) and increase fuel economy. When equipped with active grille shutters and i-ELOOP, Mazda3 and Mazda6 sedans have a C_d of 0.255 and 0.260, respectively, while Mazda3 five-doors have a C_d of 0.275.

The 2014 Mazda3 also is the first Mazda vehicle to offer MAZDA CONNECT™, an all-new HMI/infotainment system based on the "Heads-Up Cockpit" concept which allows more information to be presented to a driver without the need to take his/her eyes off the road. This system is meant to improve the driver's focus while minimizing distractions, but without compromising the stream of necessary driving information and desired in-vehicle entertainment.

About the Hispanic Motor Press Awards
In its fourth year, the Hispanic Motor Press Awards are chosen by a 12-person panel of judges consisting of highly-respected Hispanic-market journalists, many with automotive backgrounds, as well as Hispanic leaders in the automotive industry. Only vehicles that are all new and available to consumers in all 50 U.S. states are eligible. Winners in the 10 vehicle categories are selected based on design, comfort, safety, fuel economy, handling, performance, functionality, overall value and driver satisfaction. More information on the Hispanic Motor Press Awards and this year's Top Ten vehicles can be found at www.hispanicmotorpressawards.com.

About Mazda North American Operations
Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com.

¹ SKYACTIV is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation (MC).

² Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRP does not include $795 destination charge (Alaska $840), title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

³ 2014 Mazda6 Grand Touring models equipped with 6-speed automatic and i-ELOOP. Sport and Touring models are not available with i-ELOOP and are EPA-estimated to achieve 37 highway mpg (6-speed manual) or 38 highway mpg (6-speed automatic). Actual fuel economy will vary based on driving habits and road conditions.

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations