ALL-NEW 2014 MAZDA3, MAZDA6 NAMED TO CAR AND DRIVER'S '10BEST CARS' LIST

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2014 Mazda3 and 2014 Mazda6 have been named to Car and Driver's 2014 10Best Cars list, marking the 29^th and 30^th times a Mazda vehicle has been awarded a spot on the long-running Top Ten list, and is Mazda's 12^th consecutive annual appearance.  The 2013 MX-5 Miata made the coveted final cut last year.  Completely redesigned, both Mazda3 and Mazda6 feature the full suite of SKYACTIV®¹ technologies and sport the handsomely tailored suits of the KODO "Soul of Motion" design language.  For the 2014 model, both vehicles feature a slew of all-new technology with the safety-first i-ACTIVSENSE, capacitor-based regenerative engine braking i-ELOOP and MAZDA CONNECT™, a next-generation, driving-focused vehicle connectivity system.

"Mazda is honored to again be part of Car and Driver's 10Best list, a distinction that proves you don't need to be the fastest, loudest, most powerful and expensive vehicle on the road in order to command one's attention," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO).  "Both Mazda3 and Mazda6 have been hard-nosed competitors through and through, long being their segment's benchmark in performance and driving dynamics to now also leading the way in fuel efficiency, safety and in-car technologies."

The 10Best nomination process has three official restrictions: the vehicle cannot exceed an $80,000 price tag; a sample vehicle must be available for testing by mid-September of the current calendar year; and the vehicle must be on sale to the public by January of the following calendar year.  According to Car and Driver, "These are the vehicles that offer the most value, that elegantly and comprehensively fulfill their missions, and that engage their drivers in spirited conversation."

"The 2014 Mazda3 and Mazda6 are finesse cars, balanced and ergonomically perfect," said Car and Driver.  "In an industry in which most carmakers are trying to be everywhere at once, Mazda's dedication to doing what it does best earns it our highest acclaim."

Mazda's best-selling model worldwide with more than 3.5 million vehicles sold, the third-generation 2014 Mazda3 is available in two body styles – four- and five-door – and a choice of gasoline engines between the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter.  The former produces 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 150 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm while the latter boasts 184 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm.  Regardless of body styles, transmissions and under-the-hood performance, the Mazda3 offers one of the best fuel economy numbers in its class – up to an EPA-estimated 41 highway mpg for sedans and 40 highway mpg for five-doors – when outfitted with the 2.0L engine.  When equipped with the brawnier 2.5L, sedans offer an estimated 39 highway mpg while five-doors are EPA-rated at up to 38 highway mpg (with i-ELOOP).  Pricing for the 2014 Mazda3 starts at $16,945² MSRP for four-door models and $18,945 MSRP for the five-door. 

The 2014 Mazda6 maintains the brand's Zoom-Zoom pedigree while strongly making a case as the alternative-to-premium flagship mid-size sedan.  With its grin-inducing driving dynamics, chiseled-chin design, award-winning safety and best-in-class highway fuel economy (40 mpg³), happiness comes standard with this family four-door.  Starting at $20,990 MSRP, Mazda6 is currently fitted with a SKYACTIV-G 2.5L which can be paired with either a manual or automatic transmission.  Although not available at launch, the SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter clean diesel engine will make its U.S. debut in late spring of 2014. 

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