ALL-NEW 2014 MAZDA3 NAMED A 2014 ALL-STAR BY AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE

- Redesigned Compact Car Garners Fourth Award, 22nd for Mazda Brand Overall -

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Apr 08, 2014, 07:34 ET

IRVINE, Calif., April 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The redesigned 2014 Mazda3 compact car was today named one of the ten "All-Stars" for 2014 by the editors of AUTOMOBILE Magazine, America's leading automotive lifestyle publication. This marks the 22^nd All-Stars award earned by Mazda and fourth overall award for Mazda3.

As the brand's best-selling vehicle worldwide, this all-new, third-generation compact car receives the full SKYACTIV®^{^[1]} TECHNOLOGY treatment to achieve one of the best fuel economies in its class – without sacrificing the Mazda standard of dynamic performance and engaging handling. The 2014 Mazda3 also features the distinctive character lines of the KODO "Soul of Motion" design language as well as introduces new vehicle technology with MAZDA CONNECT™, an in-car connectivity system developed for safer, focused driving habits, and i-ACTIVSENSE, a safety-first system that includes active-safety pre-crash detection systems.

"To be named an AUTOMOBILE Magazine All-Star for the 22^nd time is a humbling honor," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "Mazda is by no means a large car company yet is no less driven to excel, whether it be on performance, design, technology or quality. And the confirmation that we're succeeding in those aspects continues with approval from critics and consumers alike."

Since 1990, AUTOMOBILE Magazine chooses its All-Stars from a complete array of vehicles on sale in the U.S. for the current model year, including passenger cars, sports cars, sport-utilities, minivans and trucks. The magazine's collective editorial staff and contributors cast their private ballots after three days of driving a variety of 2014 contenders at GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, Mich., as well as on public roads. Also, for the first time, the editorial team took all ten All-Stars on a Great American road trip, from AUTOMOBILE's headquarters in Ann Arbor, Mich., to New Orleans. Read their full adventure at www.automobilemag.com/2014allstars.

"Long the most entertaining of compact cars, the Mazda3 now also happens to be one of the nicest," said David Zenlea, associate editor, AUTOMOBILE. "The switchgear feels nearly as good as that in our BMW 4-Series – right down to the click-wheel controller – and, amazingly, so does the steering."

Available in four trim levels, the 2014 Mazda3 starts at $16,945[2] MSRP for four-door models and $18,945 MSRP for five-doors. Also, two engine choices are available for either configuration. The SKYACTIV-G 2.0L is standard on i-designated models (SV, Sport, Touring, Grand Touring) and produces 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 150 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. This engine can be paired with either the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual or SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission. Mazda3 i models offer one of the best fuel economy numbers in its class, with four-door models achieving an EPA-estimated 41 highway mpg and five-door models are EPA estimated at 40 highway mpg, regardless of transmission.

The larger SKYACTIV-G 2.5L is standard on s-designated models (Touring, Grand Touring) and offers 184 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm. Currently available with only the SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission, four-door models offer an EPA-estimated 39 highway mpg while five-door versions are EPA-estimated to achieve up to 38 highway mpg (when equipped with i-ELOOP). i-ELOOP is a capacitor-based regenerative engine braking system aimed at improving fuel economy, particularly during frequent stop-and-go driving. This technology is a first for the Mazda3 and is a segment-exclusive feature.

Earning a "5-Star Safety Rating" by the NHTSA and named a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS, the 2014 Mazda3 features i-ACTIVSENSE, which includes active-safety pre-crash detection features such as Smart City Brake Support. These technologies use a variety of sensing devices such as milliwave radars, lasers and cameras in helping the driver to recognize hazards and avoid collisions, and to minimize damage should accidents occur. While these systems will not eliminate accidents, their intent is to help minimize them and reduce the severity of a crash.

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.

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SOURCE Mazda North American Operations