MAZDA EARNS MULTIPLE 'BEST VALUE AWARDS' FROM KIPLINGER'S PERSONAL FINANCE

The 2014 Mazda3, Mazda6 and CX-5 today were named the best values in their respective classes by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. As further proof that the brand's SKYACTIV®1 TECHNOLOGY engineering produces real-world results, this Mazda triple threat includes recently redesigned models that comprised more than 80 percent of the brand's 2013 vehicle sales. Offering dynamic performance, some of the best fuel economies and leading-edge technology on both safety and in-car connectivity, the best is yet to come.

"The Mazda brand is large on offering luxury – meaning best-in-class fuel economy, superior materials, forward-thinking technologies, award-winning design and unbeatable performance – at an affordable price," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "Value also is of utter importance, and is something we proudly offer consumers. Premium craftsmanship and advanced materials should no longer be reserved only for those with deep pockets."

The Best Value Awards are part of Kiplinger's Annual Car Buyer's Guide, which sorts vehicles by price and segment, ranking each one on performance, safety and value-minded qualities including residual pricing and fuel economy. Best New Models have to be new or redesigned while Best in Class need to have a track record of a year or more, or have a substantially unchanged powertrain compared to prior years. In addition to the Best Value Awards for Best In Class and Best New models, Kiplinger's also names the Most Fuel-Efficient and Best Resale Value winners in each category.

Of the 13 categories, a Mazda topped the list for Best New Car Under $20,000 (2014 Mazda3 i Sport), Best New Car $20,000-$25,000 (2014 Mazda6 i Sport) and Best in Class – Small Crossover (2014 CX-5 Touring).

"Mazda had a really strong showing this year," said Jessica Anderson, associate editor, Kiplinger's. "Both the Mazda3 and Mazda6 redesigns are fantastic examples of what a carmaker can (and should) do with a mainstream model – they're engagingly designed, far more upscale than you'd think from their price tags and a blast to drive. And the CX-5 is without a doubt the most fun in the crossover segment. It packs all the safety and space you look for in an SUV but has the soul of a sports car. Zoom-Zoom, indeed."

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 this third-generation Mazda3 starts at $16,9452 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.

Also in its third iteration, 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 mpg3. And along with the 2014 CX-5, Mazda6 became one of the first Mazda vehicles to be equipped with Smart City Brake Support, a pre-crash avoidance safety feature.

A new-to-market model starting with 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, CX-5 also offers an EPA-rated best-in-class highway fuel economy of 35 mpg compared to its non-hybrid competitors. The 2014 CX-5 is available with either the SKYACTIV-G 2.0L or 2.5L engine and can be equipped with either transmission.

2014 Mazda3, Mazda6 and CX-5 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, lasers 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.

Save Gas Money In Eight Simple Steps

With gas prices skyrocketing and living wages stagnating, it's only logical that we would try to stretch every dollar a little further. That includes certain habits to get the most out of each tank of gas when we fill up. But have you heard about these lesser-known yet expert tips to help maximize each tank for longer periods of time? Check out these eight steps below:

Step 1. It's ok, enjoy your air conditioner on the highway. Consumer Reports says that AC's gas-guzzling reputation is undeserved. And, at higher speeds, opening the windows or sunroof can hurt on gas miles by increasing drag.

Step 2. Don't fill up your tank until you're practically on empty; the less fuel you're toting, the lighter your car, and the more you will save on gas.

Step 3. After filling up your car, turn the nozzle upside down before you remove it from your tank. You'll get another half a cup of gas that's stuck in the hose that will save on gas.

Step 4. Tighten your gas cap after filling up so you don't let any precious fuel evaporate. Try to park in the shade. This will also help save on gas by preventing evaporation.

Step 5. Put your car in overdrive for highway driving. It lowers your RPM, or revolutions per minute, which saves you gas money. Check your owner's manual for the recommended speed at which you may use overdrive. If you're due for new tires, get radials; they improve gas miles by two or three percent saving you gas money.

Step 6. Stay in one lane as much as possible; weaving uses up more gas miles.

Step 7. Use cruise control when you're on a flat highway, where it can increase gas miles by 7%. But don't use it on uneven roads, where it's not efficient.

Step 8. Turn off all electronics and climate controls before you cut the engine. With the extras off, your engine won't have to strain so hard to restart, leading to better gas miles.

Millennials skip showroom, use social media for car-buying

When 20- and 30-somethings go car shopping, they’re likely to ask their friends for help – their Facebook friends, that is. The youngest generation of car buyers is far more likely to turn to social media for advice than head for the showroom, according to an eBay Motors study.

More than nine of 10 so-called millennials -- "Generation Y" babies born between 1980 and 2000 -- turn to the Internet when shopping for a new car or truck, according to the eBay research.

They aren’t alone. A separate study found that the majority of buyers now go online to begin the car buying process – and more than half will be strongly influenced by what their friends have to say on Facebook.

94 percent of millennial car buyers gather information online;

More than a third use mobile devices to do that research, compared to 19 percent of older car shoppers;

Only 13 percent of millennials view visiting a dealership as their preferred method of shopping, while 25 percent of older buyers prefer to go to a showroom.

The study, based on responses from over 1,000 U.S. adults, also found that millennials are more comfortable using portable devices than older drivers when researching a possible purchase. One of five of these young motorists reported that they would be open to going through the entire purchase on a mobile device, according to eBay Motors.

Millennials aren’t alone. The survey found that two of three older motorists say technology is changing how they shop for a car.

That’s supported by the Automotive Social Media and Reputation Trend Study which finds 81 percent of buyers read reviews to narrow down the right car or truck, a figure that has grown substantially in the past six months. The study, by research firm Digital Air Strike, named Cars.com, Edmunds.com and Yahoo! among the most influential sources of reviews. It also noted social media outlets Facebook, Yelp and Google Plus.

Twenty-four percent of those surveyed indicated online reviews are the single “most helpful” factor in the final choice of a vehicle. According to the study by Digital Air Strike, “There is a 59 percent probability that a consumer will trust a review from a Facebook friend more than reviews on other sites.”

Meanwhile, the survey of 2,000 shoppers found that 43 percent said they would use Facebook to search for a local dealership.

While there has been a lot of debate about the effectiveness of Facebook advertising, the Automotive Social Media study found that clicks on dealership ads jumped to 39 percent from 16 percent between October 2012 and April 2013.

Mazda Receives Multiple 'Top Safety Pick+' Distinctions From Insurance Institute For Highway Safety

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.

MAZDA NAMED THE MOST FUEL-EFFICIENT AUTO MANUFACTURER IN EPA REPORT

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.

Mazda Partners with Four National Charities to Help Provide for Those in Need

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) is collaborating with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital^®, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and Mazda Foundation for its all-new charitable giving campaign set to run throughout the 2013 holiday season.  For every new Mazda sold during the Mazda Drive for Good campaign, Mazda will donate $100 to one of these four national charities as, selected by the new Mazda owner.  Additionally, and uniquely Mazda, for every vehicle test-drive during the Mazda Drive for Good campaign, Mazda will donate one hour of charitable service from its employees and dealers across the nation, to begin in the 2014 calendar year.

"Mazda and its dealers have always had a history of charitable giving and it is time that we include our customers in doing good things for those in need," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO.  "In typical Mazda fashion, it isn't just about writing a check. That is why we wanted to go the extra mile and donate an hour of charitable service for every test drive. Mazda, its employees, and dealers want to give not only their money, but also time, attention, and hard work to help others."
The Mazda Drive for Good event will run from November 25, 2013 through January 2, 2014. In addition to the four national charity organizations, Mazda Dealer Marketing Groups around the nation also have the opportunity to select a fifth local charity that enables new Mazda owners to select a charity option closer to home.

In Connecticut, our local charity option is the Where Angels Play Foundation.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital^®:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other deadly diseases. St. Jude has the world's best survival rates for the most aggressive childhood cancers, and treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since we opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude is working to drive the overall survival rate for childhood cancer to 90 percent in the next decade. St. Jude freely shares the breakthroughs we make, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing and food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org or following St. Jude on facebook.com/stjude and twitter.com/stjude.

American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

American Heart Association:
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – America's No. 1 and No. 4 killers. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit www.heart.org or call any of our offices around the country.

Mazda Foundation:
Acting on a strong sense of responsibility to give something back to the communities in which it operates, Mazda established a philanthropic foundation. As the corporate foundation of Mazda North American Operations, it has awarded over $8 million to worthwhile causes across the United States since its initial grants in 1992.

Come test drive a new Mazda at Liberty Mazda and help us give back. Be sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter for further news and updates.

All-New Mazda3 Named 'Best Compact Car' By Yahoo! Autos

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.