Recently redesigned and featuring the Mazda-developed SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY, the 2014 Mazda3, Mazda6 and CX-5 today earned a "Top Safety Pick+" distinction from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
(IIHS). Only 22 vehicles earned a Top Safety Pick+ award, with the
Mazda brand garnering the second-highest number of safety honors.
"A redesign is not simply a matter of changing a vehicle's sheet
metal draping but involves dramatically altering its insides, outsides
and everything in between to make that vehicle not only look great but
be more efficient, more powerful and, most importantly, safer," said Jim O'Sullivan,
president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "With our
new fleet of SKYACTIV vehicles, the 2014 Mazda3, Mazda6 and CX-5 were
created to be the best in their segments from fuel economy and safety to
dynamics and performance, and having earned Top Safety Pick+
distinctions is further proof to their success."
New criteria were administered by the IIHS this year. A Top Safety
Pick award requires a "Good" performance in the Institute's moderate
overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests and, for the
first time, requires "Good" or "Acceptable" performance in the small
overlap front test that was introduced in 2012. The same level of
performance in those tests, along with at least a "Basic" rating for
front crash prevention, is required for the highest accolade of Top
Safety Pick+.
Ratings for the five crash impact tests are Good, Acceptable,
Marginal and Poor. Ratings for crash prevention are Superior, Advanced,
Basic and NA (not applicable). The 2014 Mazda3 and CX-5 both earned a
Good rating for all crash impact tests and an Advanced rating for front
crash prevention. The 2014 Mazda6 also received an Advanced rating for
front crash prevention and a rating of Good for all crash impact tests
while earning a grade of Acceptable in the small overlap test. For more
information on these ratings, visit www.iihs.org.
All-new from the ground up for the 2014 model year, the Mazda3
compact car and Mazda6 mid-size sedan both feature an exceptional level
of standard equipment and also offer unexpected features within their
segments with all-new safety and in-car technologies. This includes the
capacitor-based regenerative engine braking system known as i-ELOOP and MAZDA CONNECT™,
a next-generation driving-focused in-vehicle connectivity system that
also features an innovative Active Driving Display. While MAZDA CONNECT is currently only available on the Mazda3, i-ELOOP is a segment-exclusive technology for both the Mazda3 and Mazda6.
Available in two body styles, pricing for Mazda3 starts at $16,945 MSRP for four-door models and $18,945
MSRP for five-doors. Featuring a standard SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter
gasoline engine (155 horsepower, 150 lb-ft of torque) or optional
SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter (184 horsepower, 185 lb-ft of torque), 2.0L models
can be configured with either a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual
transmission or a SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic. Models with the
2.5L are currently only available with the automatic. The manual
transmission has been confirmed to be offered on 2.5L models at a later
date. Both engine displacements are available for either body style.
Mazda3 also offers an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy of up to 41
mpg, one of the best in the segment.
The 2014 Mazda6 starts at $20,990 MSRP
and is currently equipped with a SKYACTIV-G 2.5L engine, and can be
paired with either the manual or automatic transmission. Similar to its
fuel-efficient smaller sibling, Mazda6 offers best-in-class highway
fuel economy with an EPA estimate of up to 40 mpg.
Redesigned for the 2013 model year, CX-5 was the first Mazda to
feature the full suite of SKYACTIV technologies and the all-new design
language known as KODO "Soul of Motion". Starting at $21,395
MSRP, the CX-5 also offers an EPA-rated best-in-class highway fuel
economy amongst its non-hybrid competitors. CX-5 is available with
either the SKYACTIV-G 2.0L or 2.5L engine and can be had equipped with
either transmissions.
All vehicles feature a suite of active-safety pre-crash detection systems collectively known as i-ACTIVSENSE.
These technologies use sensing devices such as milliwave radars and
cameras to support the driver in recognizing hazards, avoiding
collisions and minimizing damage should accidents occur. While these
systems will not eliminate accidents, their intent is to minimize them
and reduce the severity of a crash.
The features available under i-ACTIVSENSE for North America are:
- High Beam Control – The system automatically switches the headlamps between high and low beams.
- Blind Spot Monitoring – This safety confirmation system detects
objects located in blind-spot areas to the sides and rear of the vehicle
and issues a visual alert within the outside mirrors for the driver to
see. Should the turn signal be on for the direction in which the
"blind" object is located, audible beeps will alert the driver.
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert – Using the same sensor as Blind Spot
Monitoring, this system detects and informs the driver of any vehicle
approaching from the side while the driver is reversing out of a parking
space.
- Lane Departure Warning System – This system monitors the lane
markings on the road and issues a warning to the driver when it predicts
that the vehicle is going to depart from its lane unintentionally.
- Forward Obstruction Warning – This system monitors the road ahead
and issues both audible and visual alerts to help the driver take
evasive action when it determines a high risk of collision to exist.
FOW operates when traveling between speeds of 9 and 92 mph.
- Smart City Brake Support – When traveling at speeds of less than 19
mph, SCBS helps prevent or minimize a collision with a vehicle. Should
the imbedded laser sensor detect an object, and the system calculates
there may be a high risk for collision, the brake pedal travel is
reduced in order to hasten braking. Should the driver fail to perform
an avoidance maneuver, the system will activate an automatic braking
function.
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control – The system determines the difference in
speed and distance to the vehicle in front and will automatically
adjust the cruising speed in order to maintain a safe distance. (Not
available on CX-5.)
- Adaptive Front-lighting System – Optimizes distribution of light
from the headlights in accordance to driving circumstances. Depending
on vehicle speed and steering input, AFS turns the low-beam headlights
up to 15 degrees into the direction the driver intends to travel.
Come test drive a Mazda today at Liberty Mazda and be sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter for further news and updates.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) noted in their most recent Light Duty Fuel Economy Trends
report that Mazda Motor Corporation is the most fuel-efficient auto
manufacturer in the U.S. With the highest fleet-wide adjusted fuel
economy performance of 27.1 miles per gallon (MPG), and the lowest CO2 emissions of 328, Mazda led the chart for model year (MY) 2012.
While still retaining the fun-to-drive characteristics for which
Mazda is known, the company had the second largest increase (2.1 MPG) in
the report over their MY 2011 MPG (25.0). Mazda has achieved the
highest fuel efficiency of any other mainstream automotive manufacturer
in the industry, without offering a hybrid or electric vehicle. Mazda's unique SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY
has made this level of efficiency possible. SKYACTIV is a suite of
component and engineering technologies that incorporate ultra-high
compression ratio gasoline engines, super-efficient manual and automatic
transmissions, lightweight chassis and body components, reduced rolling
resistance and low-drag body styling.
"Mazda has long had a history of doing things differently, and SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY is no exception," said Jim O'Sullivan,
president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations. "While other
manufacturers have turned their attention to hybrids and electric cars,
we chose to focus on perfecting the base technology used in more than 90
percent of the cars and SUVs sold today: the internal combustion
engine. Through analyzing and refining this technology, as well as every
other component in a modern automobile, Mazda has been able to achieve
class-leading fuel economy in nearly every segment it competes in, and
bring that technology – at an affordable price – to every customer."
Mazda's SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY brought the company to the forefront of fuel efficiency through such vehicles as the all-new 2014 Mazda3, the 2014 Mazda6, and the 2014 CX-5.
Mazda3 reaches near best-in-class fuel economy with 41 highway MPG when
equipped with the i-ELOOP energy regeneration system. Mazda6 equipped
with i-ELOOP achieves class- leading fuel economy with 40 highway MPG.
At 35 MPG, CX-5 still retains the title of the highest highway MPG of
any SUV in North America, including hybrids.
Come test drive a Mazda today at Liberty Mazda and be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for further news and updates.
The completely redesigned 2014 Mazda3 has been named the "Best Compact Car" for 2014, according to Yahoo! Autos. From art pad to assembly line, this third-generation Mazda3 is all new and features the full suite of SKYACTIV® technologies and fluid styling of the KODO "Soul of Motion"
design language. This 2014 model also receives all-new game-changing
technology with the full suite of active-safety pre-crash detection
systems of i-ACTIVSENSE, which includes class exclusives Mazda Radar Cruise Control and Smart City Brake Support, the next-generation in-vehicle connectivity of MAZDA CONNECT™, which features an innovative Active Driving Display, and the capacitor-based regenerative engine braking i-ELOOP system.
"Our best-selling vehicle worldwide continues to win over the
critics, impressing not only with its expected dynamics and performance
but also with its top notch fuel economy, all-new technologies and
excellent value," said Jim O'Sullivan,
president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations. "The Mazda3 has
always been competitive within its segment and will continue to bring
its best to the table with the all-new 2014 model."
The Yahoo! Autos' testing methodology rates vehicles based on
interior design, exterior styling, power delivery, ride, handling, fuel
efficiency and value. Editors also kept in mind how readers might
approach these vehicles if their hard-earned money were at stake. In
its second year, this is the first time category winners have been
announced.
"Even during Silicon Valley rush hour, the five-door Mazda3
continuously made us smile," said Yahoo! Autos. "It's plenty peppy,
handles brilliantly for a front-wheel drive hatchback and sports an
engaging, well-executed manual transmission. Boasting 33 [combined]
mpg, and a price tag starting around $17,000, there really is a Mazda3 for everyone."
Starting at $16,945 MSRP for four-door models and $18,945
MSRP for the five-door, the 2014 Mazda3 is available with two engine
choices and two transmissions. The SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine
produces 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 150 lb-ft of torque at 4,000
rpm, and can be paired with either the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual or
SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic. Offering one of the best fuel
economy numbers in its class, four-door models achieve an EPA-estimated 41 highway mpg while five-doors are rated at 40 highway mpg, regardless of transmission choice.
The larger SKYACTIV-G 2.5L engine boasts 184 horsepower at 5,700 rpm
and 185 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm and currently is only available
with the automatic transmission. However, the six-speed manual has been
confirmed to be added as a transmission selection at a later date.
Four-door models equipped with the 2.5L are EPA-estimated at 39 highway
mpg while five-doors are EPA-rated at up to 38 highway mpg (with
i-ELOOP).
Come test drive the Mazda3 at Liberty Mazda and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more news and updates.
The all-new 2014 Mazda3 was today awarded a 2014 Residual Value Award for the Compact Car Segment by ALG,
the industry benchmark for residual values and depreciation data. The
Mazda brand held steady with its overall industry ranking by again
placing fifth among all brands for predicted resale value.
"We are honored to be recognized by ALG with a distinction that
speaks volumes not only to the quality, dependability, reliability and
value of the 2014 Mazda3 but also to the overall strength of the Mazda
brand," said Jim O'Sullivan, president
and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "With a slew of new
products in the pipeline to follow the success of our all-new SKYACTIV offerings the Mazda3, Mazda6 and CX-5, we're excited for what the future holds."
The annual ALG Residual Value Awards recognize automakers'
outstanding achievements for vehicles that are predicted to retain the
highest percentage of their original price after a conventional
three-year period. Awards are given in 24 vehicle categories and also
for the two brands with the highest overall predicted residual values
among all mainstream and all premium vehicles. This year's awards are
based on 2014 model year vehicles.
"The Mazda3's combination of style, technology, fuel economy and
fun-to-drive attitude makes it one of the most complete vehicles in the
segment," said Eric Lyman, Vice President
of Editorial, ALG. "With modest price increases, it's poised to have
the level of success that gave the first generation such incredible
retention."
Award winners are determined through careful study of the competition
in each segment, historical vehicle performance and industry trends.
Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand as well as pricing
and marketing strategies present key factors that impact ALG's residual
value forecast.
Previous ALG Residual Value Awards winners for Mazda were the 2012 Mazdaspeed3 (Sporty Car), 2011 CX-9 (Mid-Size Utility) and 2010 Mazda3 (Compact Car).
On sale since September, the 2014 Mazda3 starts at $16,945[2]
MSRP and is offered with two engine choices, two transmissions, two
body styles (four- and five-door) and a cornucopia of features and
options not expected of the compact car segment, which will keep
consumers (and their pocketbooks) happily impressed.
Completely redesigned, the 2014 Mazda3 features the full suite
SKYACTIV technologies – an umbrella term for Mazda's proprietary
engineering of performance-oriented, fuel-saving engine, transmission,
body and chassis components. The brand's best-selling vehicle worldwide
with more than 3.5 million units sold, this third-generation model
continues to defy convention with an EPA-rated 41 MPG, one of the best
in the segment, as well as all-new technology with i-ACTIVSENSE safety-oriented segment-first features, the energy-conserving regenerative engine braking i-ELOOP and a savvy HMI/infotainment MAZDA CONNECT™ system.
The standard engine on i-designated trims (SV, Sport, Touring
and Grand Touring) is the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine, which
produces 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 150 lb-ft of torque at 4,000
rpm. For s-designated trims, the larger SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter
gasoline engine will be standard equipment and boasts 184 horsepower at
5,700 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm.
Fuel economy for all four-door
models featuring the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine is rated by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at 29 city/41 highway/33 combined
mpg (6MT) and 30 city/41 highway/34 combined mpg (6AT). Five-door
models are EPA-rated at 29 city/40 highway/33 combined mpg with a
manual transmission and 30 city/40 highway/33 combined mpg when equipped
with an automatic.
The SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine is reserved for s
models, which are available only in Touring and Grand Touring trims. At
launch, the SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission will be the
only transmission available, but the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual is
confirmed to be offered at a later date.
EPA-estimated fuel economy for the s sedans is 28 city/39
highway/32 combined mpg. Five-doors are estimated to achieve 27 city/37
highway/31 combined mpg, or 28 city/38 highway/32 combined mpg with
i-ELOOP. All i and s Mazda3 vehicles deliver their fuel economies equipped with standard temporary spare tire.
Come test drive a Mazda3 today at Liberty Mazda and don't forget to check us out on Facebook and Twitter for further news and updates.
The completely redesigned 2014 Mazda6 mid-size sedan was today named "Car of the Year" by Popular Mechanics, an award-winning special interest magazine covering the best of today's technologies and beyond. Combined with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY
– the umbrella term for a host of performance-oriented, fuel-saving
engine, transmission, body and chassis components – this
third-generation Mazda6 features even more all-new groundbreaking
Mazda-engineered technology.
"To be named 'Car of the Year' by a publication as esteemed as Popular Mechanics is as flattering as it is humbling," said Jim O'Sullivan,
president & CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "And the
continued success of the 2014 Mazda6 is a testament to the brand's
'clean slate' approach, where everyone from every team – R&D and
design to strategy and marketing – rolled up their proverbial sleeves to
answer the question 'If we could start all over, what can we do
better?' We believe in 'One Team, One Mazda' and it is a proud honor to share this accolade with the entire global Mazda family."
After a year of test driving the latest automotive offerings, PM's
automotive editors and contributors judged vehicles and selected the
Car of the Year for its overall excellence and their top 10 choices by
segment. The Car of the Year is the vehicle that best exemplifies
qualities that are most important to Popular Mechanics readers:
affordability, utility, fuel efficiency, performance, innovation and
bold design. The SKYACTIV family of engines garnered an Automotive
Excellence Award last year in the "Technical Innovation" bonus category.
"At Popular Mechanics, we love it when bold engineering and great design come together," said Jim Meigs, editor-in-chief, Popular Mechanics.
"The Mazda6 really impressed us with how well it delivers so many
things modern car owners want: great mileage, fun road-handling, upscale
features and looks – and remarkable value."
From the global debut of the capacitor-based regenerative engine braking system i-ELOOP to the North American introductions of the front collision-detecting Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system and SKYACTIV-D
2.2-liter clean diesel engine, the 2014 Mazda6 has been the dynamic
brand ambassador to shake up the mid-size segment stasis by turning its
stifled amps to 11. By offering unmatched driving capability, excellent
performance, striking design, exceptional safety and best-in-class
highway fuel economy (40 MPG), this four-door family sedan thrives on
surpassing expectations.
Available in three trim levels – Sport, Touring and Grand Touring – all Mazda6 vehicles are currently 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 or SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic. Featuring the lean, muscular character lines of the KODO "Soul of Motion" design language, the 2014 Mazda6 touts 184 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm.
Shapely and sophisticated, Mazda6 also offers a best-in-class
coefficient of drag as low as 0.26 (Grand Touring only) as well as an
impressive EPA-rated fuel efficiency of 25 city/37 highway/29 combined
MPG when equipped with the standard manual transmission.
Automatic-equipped vehicles see fuel economy increased to an
EPA-estimate rating of 26 city/38 highway/30 combined. When coupled
with i-ELOOP, which is part of the Technology Package (Grand Touring
only), fuel economy is a best-in-class EPA rating of 28 city/40
highway/32 combined MPG.
The SKYACTIV-D 2.2L engine is expected to go on sale in North America
in late spring of 2014. Final specifications and packaging information
of the diesel engine and trim combinations will be announced closer to
its on-sale date.
Named a 2013 Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the all-new i-ACTIVSENSE
suite of safety technologies utilizes sensing devices such as milliwave
radars and cameras to support the driver in recognizing hazards,
avoiding collisions and minimizing damage, should accidents occur.
While these systems will not eliminate accidents, their intent is to
minimize them and reduce the severity of a crash. Safety features vary
by trim level.
Standard safety features for all 2014 Mazda6 models include six
airbags (front, side and full side-curtain), whiplash-reducing front
headrests, power-assisted ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes,
anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and
Brake Assist, daytime running lights, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a
Traction Control System (TCS), hill launch assist, a fold-away brake
pedal assembly, a trunk entrapment release system, a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS), three-point safety belts for all seating
positions, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters as well as
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH).
Touring models feature a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system and Rear
Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) as standard equipment with the Smart City
Brake Support (SCBS) system available as part of an optional package.
Grand Touring models feature BSM, RCTA, SCBS and an Adaptive
Front-lighting System (AFS) as standard equipment. Forward Obstruction
Warning (FOW), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and High Beam
Control (HBC) are available as part of an optional package.
On sale nationwide, the 2014 Mazda6 starts at $20,9902 MSRP. Come test drive a Mazda6 today at Liberty Mazda and don't forget to check us out on Facebook and Twitter for further news and updates.
