ALL-NEW 2014 MAZDA3, MAZDA6 NAMED TO ROAD & TRACK'S 'BEST CARS OF 2013'

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The all-new 2014 Mazda3 compact car and 2014 Mazda6 mid-size sedan have been named to Road & Track's "Best of Everything" list, respectively taking the top spots in the "Economy Car" and "Family Sedan" categories.  Selected by editors of the longest-running automotive magazine brand in the United States, this is the inaugural year of the annual list which called out the best performers in nine categories.

"We are honored to be part of Road & Track's first-ever 'Best of Everything' list," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO).  "At Mazda we build vehicles without compromises for consumers who deserve nothing less than the best in quality, performance, fuel economy, safety, reliability and value.  And to have not one but two vehicles considered for this distinction is a testament to our mantra that with conviction, creativity and courage one can accomplish anything." 

Completely redesigned, both Mazda3 and Mazda6 feature exceptional fuel economy matched with uncompromising performance thanks to SKYACTIV®^[1] TECHNOLOGY and offer aggressive, luxury brand-worthy character lines as part of the new KODO "Soul of Motion" design language.  Both vehicles also spotlight all-new technology with the safety-supporting i-ACTIVSENSE, fuel economy-assisting i-ELOOP and driver-focused MAZDA CONNECT™ HMI/infotainment system.

According to Road & Track, "the 2014 Mazda3 is light – 2,800 pounds for the one you want, the 2.0-liter manual version – and stiff in the chassis where it counts.  You can drive it all day with a grin on your face. And you'll want to."  The editors similarly praised the 2014 Mazda6 on its dynamic capabilities: "This car is as close to perfect as you can get for the money.  The steering and chassis make other sedans feel ordinary."

The third-generation 2014 Mazda3 starts at $16,945^[2] MSRP for four-door models and at $18,945 MSRP for five-door versions.  Available with two engine options, the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine produces 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque while offering up to an EPA-estimated 41 highway mpg in sedans and up to 40 mpg with the five-door.  The larger SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter engine boasts 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque but does not get dinged on fuel economy with EPA estimates of up to 39 and 38 highway mpg, respectively, for sedan and five-door models (i-ELOOP equipped).  These figures are among the segment's best.

The 2014 Mazda3 is available with i-ACTIVSENSE, i-ELOOP and is the first Mazda to feature MAZDA CONNECT, an HMI system based on the "Heads-Up Cockpit" concept that is meant to minimize driver distractions, allowing for more engaged – and safer – driving habits.  At the same time, more information is available to be presented to the driver but in a more intuitive, eyes-on-the-road fashion.

The 2014 Mazda6, a vehicle also in its third iteration, starts at $20,990 MSRP and is currently equipped with a SKYACTIV-G 2.5L engine, which can be paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.  The SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter clean diesel engine will be offered on Mazda6 vehicles beginning in late spring of 2014, making Mazda6 the first Mazda sold in the U.S. to feature a modern-era smart technology diesel engine.  The 2014 Mazda6 also offers best-in-class highway fuel economy with an EPA estimate of up to 40 mpg^[3], and is available with i-ACTIVSENSE and i-ELOOP technology features.

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