2014 MAZDA6 NAMED TO WARD'S '10 BEST INTERIORS' LIST

IRVINE, Calif., April 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The all-new 2014 Mazda6 today was named to WardsAuto World's 10 Best Interiors list, as chosen by the publication's editors.  The redesigned mid-size sports sedan features Mazda's new design language called KODO "Soul of Motion," which translates muscular movement and power into agile proportions, detailed sculpting and expressive character.  The Mazda6 also was recently named one of the top three vehicle designs in the world for 2013 by the World Car Awards.

"The automotive industry, regardless of segment, is extremely competitive," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO).  "From engineering to design, auto makers are feverishly working toward finding the perfect combination of class-best numbers and emotional connections that captivates consumers wholeheartedly.  And we've done that with the Mazda6, a vehicle that goes beyond the expectations of its segment."

Adds Derek Jenkins, director, Design, MNAO, "With our all-new products, we were able to start with a clean-sheet approach.  Where Mazda's Research & Development teams revolutionized the engine and bolted underpinnings, Design re-sculpted the heavy layers and created a vehicle that offers a lean yet commanding aesthetic appeal, inside and out."

All new or significantly changed production vehicles are eligible for review by the editors of WardsAuto.  Interiors are rated based on material selection, ergonomics, driver information, safety, overall value, touch points/comfort, fit and finish as well as aesthetics/design harmony.  There is no price cap for vehicle entries.  The 2014 Mazda6 Grand Touring was entered this year.

The awards had previously been called "Auto Interiors of the Year" as part of the annual Auto Interiors Show held in Detroit.  WardsAuto now presents the honor as Ward's 10 Best Interiors, a centerpiece of its WardsAuto Interiors Conference, to be held this year on May 22 in Dearborn, Mich.  Previous Mazda vehicles named to the list are the Mazda5 (2008), MAZDASPEED3 (2010) and CX-5 (2012).

The 2014 Mazda6 starts at $20,880¹ MSRP and is the second vehicle in the Mazda lineup to fully incorporate SKYACTIV®² TECHNOLOGY, the brand's engineering philosophy of building fuel efficient vehicles without compromising power and dynamics.  Mazda6 offers both powerful performance and improved fuel economy, with a best-in-class 38 miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway, as rated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and also was recently named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

On sale now, the 2014 Mazda6 is fitted with a SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine, which can be paired with a choice of transmissions: the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission or SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic.  A SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter clean diesel engine as well as the i-ELOOP brake energy regeneration system will be offered during the second half of the year. 

Standard interior equipment for all Mazda6 models include a push-button start, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, cloth seat upholstery, power windows with a driver's side one-touch auto open/close feature, sliding sun visor extensions, a 60/40-split fold-down rear seat, carpeted floor mats, six-way manual driver's seat adjustments with lumbar support, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 six-speaker audio system, auxiliary and USB connection ports as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, parking brake and shift knob.

As tested, the highly-optioned Mazda6 Grand Touring offers Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio connectivity, a 5.8-inch touch screen display, a rearview camera, HD Radio™ Technology, Pandora®, Sirius Satellite Radio, dual-zone climate control, an auto-dimming rear view mirror with Homelink®, an 11-speaker Bose® Surround Sound System, a TomTom-based navigation system with real-time traffic alerts, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and memory settings, a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, leather-trimmed seats with front seat heaters and paddle shifters.  Grand Touring models start at $29,495 MSRP.

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.
² SKYACTIV is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation (MC).

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations