2013 MAZDA5 NAMED TO AAA'S LIST OF 'TOP CARS FOR GROWING FAMILIES'

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2013 Mazda5 today was named to AAA's list of "Top Cars for Growing Families" as chosen by the organization's auto-buying experts nationwide.  The award-winning multi-activity vehicle offers an unmatched combination of functionality, design and performance in a just-right-sized package.  AAA's latest top vehicle list – the first to focus on family-friendly vehicles – targeted expanding families needing more room, easy handling and dependability when shopping for a new vehicle.

"As families grow so do their expectations, and the Mazda5 was created with versatility in mind," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO).   "Whether you need seats for six or cargo room for the latest big-box store shopping trip, the Mazda5 can meet your needs.  Its compact frame allows for driving dynamics like no other yet its smart design, inside and out, allows for many creature comforts and conveniences for all passengers."

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 54 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services.  AAA's Auto Buying experts test drive and evaluate hundreds of vehicles each year with free vehicle reviews, localized pricing information and more available at www.AAA.com/carbuying or download the AAA Auto Buying Tools app for iPhone available in Apple's app store. Media can visit the AAA Newsroom for news releases and other information.

Starting at $19,940[1] MSRP, all 2013 Mazda5 vehicles feature a 2.5-liter MZR engine that offers 157 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 163 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.  Standard features include 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels with P205/55R16 all-season tires, power door locks and windows with a driver's side one-touch up/down feature, power door mirrors with integrated LED turn-signal lamps, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, air conditioning with pollen filter, AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible audio system with six speakers, USB and auxiliary jack connection ports, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, a remote keyless entry system and 50/50-split fold-flat third row seats.  A six-speed manual is standard with an available five-speed Sport automatic transmission.

Safety also is standard as all Mazda5 vehicles are equipped with a long and impressive list of safety offerings, including six airbags (advanced dual front, front-seat mounted and full-length side curtain), anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) with Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with a Traction Control System (TCS), a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), "Triple H" body construction, side-impact door beams, a "crushable" brake and accelerator pedal assembly, three-point safety belts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters as well as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH).

Also, all Mazda vehicles come with the Mazda Certified Roadside Assistance Program. Using either the toll-free number or free Mazda Assist app for iOS- and Android-operated mobile devices, owners and their family members can contact roadside assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year throughout the United States and Canada. In addition, the New Vehicle Limited Warranty includes a comprehensive three-year/36,000-mile warranty, which covers every part of the vehicle except those subject to normal wear, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and a five-year/unlimited-mileage corrosion warranty.

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]  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.

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations