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NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON, Oct. 26, 2012 /CNW/ - The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) announced a win today for the 2013 Mazda3 SKYACTIV sedan, naming it the Best New Small Car Under $21,000. As the first vehicle equipped with Mazda's new SKYACTIV Technology, this is an important win for the Mazda3.

This is the fourth time AJAC has awarded the Mazda3; twice as Best New Small Car and once for overall Canadian Car of the Year when the vehicle was first introduced in 2004.

In a fiercely competitive field of six new small car entries, the Mazda3 SKYACTIV was voted as the best in its category by over 80 AJAC members at the annual TestFest. Throughout a week of intense vehicle testing, journalists poured over every detail of more than 60 new vehicles in 11 categories, testing on road and track. Vehicles are rated based on a thorough set of characteristics regarding occupant environment, performance, and vehicle dynamics, and weighted based on price and objective data such as fuel economy and safety equipment.

"This award represents the best compliment we could get for our engineers, designers, and everyone that brought the Mazda3 SKYACTIV to market," said Kory Koreeda, President of Mazda Canada. "We knew going in that even with such great competition, SKYACTIV Technology brings together all the benefits that consumers are looking for in their next vehicle."

The Mazda3 SKYACTIV sedan has impressed journalists in all categories, receiving praise and top marks for its excellent ride and handling dynamics, fuel efficiency, and interior quality. SKYACTIV Technology in the 2013 Mazda3 includes the all-new 2.0L SKYACTIV-G engine and new 6-speed automatic or manual transmissions, providing the Mazda3 SKYACTIV with more power and better fuel economy, compared to the previous 2.0L engine.

By winning its category at TestFest, the 2013 Mazda3 automatically becomes a finalist to win the coveted title of 2013 AJAC Canadian Car of the Year, which will be announced in February 2013 at the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto.

Mazda Canada Inc. is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer service and parts support of Mazda vehicles in Canada. Headquartered in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Mazda Canada has a nationwide network of 165 dealerships. For additional information visit Mazda Canada's media website at www.media.mazda.ca

Image with caption: "2013 Mazda3 SKYACTIV sedan wins 'Best New Small Car under $21K' at AJAC's TestFest (CNW Group/Mazda Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121026_C2510_PHOTO_EN_19770.jpg

Image with caption: "Kory Koreeda, President & CEO of Mazda Canada, accepts an award for 'Best New Small Car under $21K' at AJAC's TestFest (CNW Group/Mazda Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121026_C2510_PHOTO_EN_19772.jpg

SOURCE: Mazda Canada Inc.