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RICHMOND HILL, ON, March 7, 2013 - The all-new 2014 Mazda6 today earned a "Top Safety Pick+" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).  Mazda6 is the first Mazda vehicle to earn this new, more demanding designation by receiving a rating of "Good" on frontal moderate overlap, side, roof, and head restraint tests, and "Acceptable" on the new small overlap test.

"Receiving a 'Top Safety Pick+' ranking from IIHS demonstrates Mazda's continued dedication to creating products that offer the highest levels of occupant crash protection combined with being fun to drive," said Mazda President and CEO Jim O'Sullivan.

IIHS introduced the small overlap test in 2012 to further improve occupant protection in frontal crashes.  The small overlap test replicates what happens when the front corner of a car collides with another vehicle or an object like a tree or utility pole.  In the test, 25 percent of a car's front end on the driver side strikes a 5-foot-tall rigid barrier at 40 mph.

The 2014 Mazda6 is equipped with Mazda's all-new suite of SKYACTIV technologies – engine, transmission, body, and chassis – all working together to deliver outstanding driving performance and fuel efficiency.  The SKYACTIV-Body and SKYACTIV-Chassis ensure that the vehicle structure is not only reinforced and quiet but also rigid and able to absorb impact.  The SKYACTIV-Body is comprised of 58 percent high-tensile steel, creating a lighter, stronger body with superior handling while the SKYACTIV-Chassis weighs less than current Mazda platforms and includes a front strut suspension and a multi-link rear format along with an assortment of design changes.

Standard safety features for all 2014 Mazda6 models include six airbags (front, side and full side-curtain), whiplash-reducing front headrests, power-assisted ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, daytime running lights, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a Traction Control System (TCS), hill launch assist, a fold-away brake pedal assembly, a trunk entrapment release system, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), three-point safety belts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters as well as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH).

2014 Mazda6 GS models feature a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) as standard equipment.  GT models also feature BSM and RCTA systems as standard equipment along with an Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS).  Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and High Beam Control (HBC) are available as part of an optional Technology Package.

Competitively priced, the 2014 Mazda6 starts at $24,495 MSRP, offering an attractive and affordable starting point for consumers.  Equipped with a SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine and SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual, entry-level GX models offer high-level features starting with standard 17-inch aluminum alloys, power side view mirrors, and automatic headlight shutoff as well as keyless entry, push-button start, rain-sensing wipers, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and heated front seats.  The 2014 Mazda6 also gets class-competitive fuel economy of 7.6 / 5.1 litres per 100 kilometers (city/hwy) when equipped with the optional SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission.

Additionally, the 2014 Mazda CX-5 and 2013 Mazda3 have earned "Top Safety Pick" designations from IIHS but were tested before implementation of the new small overlap test.

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