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-- Combination of style, quality, and driving dynamics scored high with journalists –

RICHMOND HILL, ON, Feb. 12, 2016 /CNW/ - At a press conference in Toronto yesterday, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) announced the 2016 Mazda CX-3 as their winner for the 2016 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year as voted upon by over 70 of Canada's top automotive journalists.

The CX-3 was entered into the Best New SUV/CUV (under $35K) at AJAC's annual TestFest in October 2015, where it was tested back to back against the Fiat 500X, Honda HR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Jeep Renegade. Throughout four days of testing, the AJAC journalists drove every vehicle on the street and off road to test their capabilities for everyday driving scenarios Canadians might face. At the end of their thorough examination of each vehicle, the CX-3 was deemed to be the best overall in its segment, winning the title of AJAC's Best New SUV/CUV (under $35K) for 2016. The CX-3 was given high scores in a broad spectrum of categories, including exterior and interior design and quality, vehicle dynamics, and fuel economy.

"We're especially excited about this award for the new CX-3, not only because Canada's automotive experts selected it above our worthy competitors, but also because the affordable crossover segment is where Canadian consumers are spending their time shopping today," said Vincent Reboul, Director, Marketing. "The CX-3 takes our blend of distinctive style, dynamic driving characteristics, and excellent fuel economy with SKYACTIV Technology, and distills it to perfection in a subcompact crossover form."

The Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year is one of the most coveted automotive awards available on the Canadian automotive landscape, and represents the collective voice of Canada's top automotive experts. Vehicles are judged on a large variety of objective and subjective qualities, meaning there is no single factor that determines a win. Instead, the vehicle must represent an overall package of quality, value, comfort, fuel economy, and many other factors that are critical to the Canadian consumer.

The CX-3 is Mazda's entry into the rapidly growing subcompact crossover segment in Canada, and has quickly established itself as a major player in the segment. MSRP for the 2016 CX-3 starts at $20,695 and is very well-equipped, featuring many options that are unexpected at this entry price such as push-button start, SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, rear view camera, and Mazda Connect with 7-inch touchscreen display and HMI Commander. Every CX-3 is powered by a 2.0L SKYACTIV-G engine with 146 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque, which delivers a dynamic driving experience and fuel economy which is among the best in class.

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

SOURCE Mazda Canada Inc.

Image with caption: "Mazda Canada Marketing Director Vincent Reboul accepts award for CX-3. Photo credit: Michelle Siu (CNW Group/Mazda Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160212_C5736_PHOTO_EN_619983.jpg