2014 MAZDA3 Has Arrived

January 11 2014, 401 Dixie Mazda

We are very pleased to share with you pricing for the all-new 2014 Mazda3, a vehicle designed and engineered to redefine the segment standards in every way. The 2014 Mazda3 is our third nameplate to feature the full suite of SKYACTIV Technologies, Mazda's dynamic KODO "Soul of Motion" design language and Mazda's i-ACTIVSENSE advanced safety technologies.

Since the launch of the first generation vehicle, the Mazda3 has won an impressive 136 awards. It has consistently exceeded both customers' expectations and the industry standards. The 2014 Mazda3 yet again innovates and redefines the most basic elements of an automobile; dynamic and responsive performance, packaging, ride comfort and quality to name but a few, have been raised to a new level.

The 2014 Mazda3 offers two powertrain choices: the 2.0L SKYACTIV-G for GX and GS trims, producing 155 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, and the 2.5L SKYACTIV-G on the GT trim for those looking for an even sportier driving experience, producing 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. Once again, SKYACTIV Technology allows for a focus on performance and driving dynamics without sacrificing fuel economy. The 2.0L SKYACTIV-G powertrain achieves 6.7L/100km city and 4.7L/100km highway for the Sedan and 6.8L/100km city and 4.9L/100km highway for the Sport (both coupled with SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission). The 2.5L SKYACTIV-G powertrain achieves 7.1L/100km city and5.1L/100km highway for the Sedan and 7.5L/100km city and 5.4L/100km highway for the Sport. When equipped with Mazda's i-ELOOP regenerative braking system, highway fuel economy improves to an impressive 5.0L/100km for both the Sedan and Sport.

In redefining the sports compact, the all-new Mazda3 also sets a new benchmark for its competitive class. The 2014 Mazda3 has more horsepower, more torque and better fuel economy than the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra and Volkswagen Jetta. Stacked against the Honda Civic, the Mazda3's 2.0L powertrain offers 15 additional horsepower and 22 more lb-ft of torque, while still achieving better fuel economy. Pair the Mazda3's 2.5L powertrain with i-ELOOP against the 1.8L Honda Civic, and an astounding 45 additional horsepower and 56 lb-ft of torque come at absolutely no sacrifice in fuel economy. The 2.5L GT Mazda3 also has matching city fuel economy and highway fuel economy that is 0.1L/100km better than the Hyundai Elantra, powered by a 1.8L engine - all while offering 37 more horsepower and 53 lb-ft of additional torque. Even the Volkswagen Jetta is no match for the Mazda3, offering 40 horsepower and 25 lb-ft of torque more when comparing the 2.0L Mazda3 to a 2.0L Jetta. The Mazda3 2.0L offers fuel economy that is better by 2.6L/100km city and 2.0L/100km highway!

For the 2014 model year, the Mazda3 line up has simplified trim levels and option packages, designed to better fit consumer preferences. The line-up for both the Sedan and Sport remain consistent to the prior generation Mazda3, with pricing on the Sport variant remaining a familiar $1,000 over the Sedan.

Pricing for the entry GX trim remains unchanged from 2013 model year, starting at $15,995 for the Sedan and $16,995 for the Sport variant. Even with the entry-level pricing, this trim is far from a base model boasting standard Bluetooth connectivity, push-button start, keyless entry and USB connectivity, as well as the full suite of SKYACTIV Technologies. Available as options are air conditioning on the SKYACTIV-MT Manual Transmission and the SKYACTIV-Drive Automatic Transmission (includes air conditioning).

As the core volume grade, the GS trim offers an outstanding value proposition, again with carryover entry pricing from 2013 model year. Starting at $19,695 and $20,695 for Sedan and Sport, respectively, the GS trim features 16" alloy wheels, rear spoiler, trip computer, TFT colour display, rearview camera, and Mazda's HMI Commander Switch. Optional on this trim are the features most desired by the compact segment customer; the SKYACTIV-Drive Automatic Transmission, a Convenience Package with heated seats, rain sensing wipers, leather steering wheel and shift knob, and fully automatic headlights, as well as a Moonroof Package featuring a power moonroof and fog lamps.

For customers who desire the truest embodiment of Mazda's "Zoom-Zoom" promise, the GT trim will be the model of choice. Entry pricing for the 2014 Mazda3 has been reduced from 2013 and starts at $25,855 for the Sedan and $26, 855 for the Sport. With the 2.5L SKYACTIV-G engine and SKYACTIV-Drive Automatic Transmission with Paddle Shifters, the GT offers superb driving dynamics and as well as the latest luxury items and technologies. As standard equipment, the GT features 18" alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon HID headlights, a premium BOSE audio system with 9 speakers, navigation, and the all-new Active Driving Display. Optional on GT are a Leather Package and a Technology Package, which offers drivers advanced i-ACTIVSENSE safety features, including Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Control, Smart City Brake Support and Adaptive Front-Lighting System, as well as extraordinary fuel economy with the addition of i-ELOOP.

In addition to outstanding performance, fuel economy, and value for money, the 2014 Mazda3 also features several segment-firsts. Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Control, Active Driving Display and Smart City Brake Support are all first-in-class features that solidify the new Mazda3's status as a game changer in the Canadian market. Yet another differentiating factor for the Mazda3 will be the all-new MAZDA CONNECT infotainment system, allowing drivers to interact with their car on a level never before seen. MAZDA CONNECT allows users to seamlessly connect their smartphone to their car via Bluetooth and offers a variety of infotainment features accessed from the internet. Internet radio programming access, including Aha Radio, allows users to access more than 30,000 broadcasts from around the world and utilize Yelp via Aha Radio to help choose restaurants or businesses close by. MAZDA CONNECT also allows for SMS to voice functionality, and the ability to reply with preset messages. Additionally, this system has the functionality to read aloud the latest Twitter or Facebook updates in the user's social media accounts.