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To solidify its position as the ideal support vehicle to the cyclist, the all-new Mazda3 has been chosen as a finalist for the prestigious Car of the Year 2014 award.
The nomination – akin to the coveted Velo d'Or, awarded to the best cyclist at the end of each season by French magazine Velo – validates Mazda’s unconventional approach to building uncompromising vehicles.
The popular compact, which was released at the beginning of the year, was shortlisted with six other cars from 30 candidates all vying for Europe’s oldest and most soughtafter automotive prize.
The all-new Mazda3 was the only Japanese model among the final seven and only one of two nonEuropean cars. A win would be the most prestigious title so far for the latest generation of Mazda’s alltime bestseller, which was originally launched in 2003.
Despite it recent release, Mazda3 also made the prestigious '10 Best Cars' lists in publications like Focus (Germany) and the American title Car and Driver. The all-new Mazda3 thereby follows in the footsteps of its predecessors: the first two generations won more than 130 awards around the world and both have been here before as finalists in the Car of the Year award, which will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on 3 March, 2014.
Both the five-door Hatchback and four-door Fastback versions of the all-new Mazda3 feature award-winning SKYACTIV Technology and stunning looking KODO – Soul of Motion inspired design.
The beautiful forms are packed with functionality too. Highlights of the brand new cabin are the enhanced humanmachine interface (HMI), which includes a 7” colour touch-screen display, an optimised rotary Multimedia Commander and one of the first headup displays* in the compact car segment, displaying essential driving information. The all-new Mazda3 was also chosen to debut MZD Connect, Mazda’s new incar connectivity system that connects the driver's smartphone to allow access to thousands of internet radio stations, ability to safely check and reply to text messages and even keep up to date with Facebook and Twitter**.
The all-new Mazda3 shines with a range of powerful, yet frugal petrol and clean diesel engines mated to either crisp sixspeed manual or automatic transmissions.
To top it off the stiffer, lighter, more sculpted body ensures topclass safety by protecting occupants and pedestrians should an accident occur. Together with an array of active safety systems including Smart City Brake Support to reduce the impact of low speed collisions and Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control, enhancing stability in critical driving situations.
Meanwhile, Euro NCAP safety tests recently granted the all-new Mazda3 the maximum five stars – the fifth Mazda to claim the top rating since 2009.
For more information visit the all-new Mazda3 website.
*Available on Sport Nav models only
** Requires compatible Apple® or Android™ device. Aha™ / Stitcher™ apps need to be downloaded to mobile device and app registration completed before connection. Data usage and costs will vary, please contact your network provider for more information. Data usage relies on a valid signal being available. These functions may not operate in areas of low signal strength. Please refer to www.mazdahandsfree.co.uk for the latest information regarding compatibility and functionality of mobile devices.
