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- 2014 Mazda3 takes the bear from worthy competitors -

MONTREAL, Jan. 16, 2014 /CNW/ - The all-new 2014 Mazda3 compact car was named the winner of the fifth annual 'Best of the Best' award by The Canadian Automotive Jury (CAJ) today, beating out the two other finalists: the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and Jaguar F-Type.

The CAJ's 'Best of the Best' is an automotive award of excellence that is presented annually. As any vehicle (or family of vehicles) on sale in Canada on September 1 is eligible for the award, and the previous year's overall 'Best of the Best' winner is automatically invited back to defend its title, the award is unique as it recognizes "the one and only, best of the best."  The initial Best of the Best selection process narrows the list of vehicles to 12 finalists, with the winner coming from this group.

The distinctive trophy - an Inuit soapstone carving of a polar bear - handed out annually by the Canadian Automotive Jury joins a growing number of trophies that the 2014 Mazda3 has already won in its short on-sale span since October 2013. As more and more outlets and associations come to the same conclusion in their own competitions, a clear picture emerges, showing that the completely redesigned Mazda3 has raised the bar for new vehicles available in Canada this year.

"When we unveiled the all-new Mazda3 recently, we called it a Game Changer; for us, as well as for the compact car segment," said Kory Koreeda, President, Mazda Canada. "This Best of the Best award from the Canadian Automotive Jury is another strong indicator that we are onto something, and we're honoured to be receiving so much positive support for our best-selling vehicle."

"With each previous generation the Mazda3 has set a new standard for the compact segment. The latest Mazda3 does that yet again. Its combination of styling, practicality and a full suite of Mazda's SKYACTIV technologies make it a dynamic, fun to drive car that is equally fuel-efficient and affordable. The combination saw the Mazda3 earn an easy victory as Jury's Best of the Best," said Canadian Automotive Jury member Graeme Fletcher, automotive writer at the National Post and reporter at Motoring TV.

The Canadian Automotive Jury is a not-for-profit organization independently funded by its 11 Jurors and Secretary, all veteran automotive journalists who, with a combined experience of more than 285 years, account for the vast majority of automotive industry coverage in Canada.

About Mazda Canada Inc.
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 162 dealerships. For additional information visit Mazda Canada's media website at www.media.mazda.ca

SOURCE Mazda Canada Inc.

Image with caption: "Representatives of the Canadian Automotive Jury and Mazda Canada Inc. with the Best of the Best trophy (CNW Group/Mazda Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140116_C9239_PHOTO_EN_35610.jpg