Press Release
– Mazda3 Has Been Selected Eight Consecutive Years to the “Coolest Under $18,000” List
IRVINE, Calif. (June 24, 2011) – Mazda3 was named a 2011 “Top 10 Coolest New Car Under $18,000” today by Kelley Blue Book’s Kbb.com. For eight years running, Mazda3 has been deemed by Kelley Blue Book’s Kbb.com annual list as a cool and fun-to-drive car for a very reasonable price tag.
Kelley Blue Book’s Kbb.com selects “Top 10 Coolest New Car Under $18,000” vehicles based on simple criteria. Cars must be fun-to-drive, fun-to-own, possess a certain ‘cool factor’ and adhere to the under $18,000 price tag. Mazda3 has held the title since it came to market in 2004.
“At some point we’re going to have to give Mazda3 a lifetime achievement award for its unequaled streak of appearances on our annual list of coolest cars,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s Kbb.com. “For the 8th year in a row – every year of the car’s existence, in fact – the Mazda3 has earned a spot on our list for its standout sheet metal, excellent interior and exceptional driving dynamics.”
The Mazda3 compact sedan is powerful and fuel efficient with a standard 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that offers 148 horsepower and 135 lb.-ft. of torque. An available 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine,that offers 167 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft. of torque. Starting at $15,800, the sedan has an EPA fuel economy rating of 33 highway/24 city when equipped with the 2.0-liter engine (automatic) and 29 highway/22 city when equipped with the 2.5-liter engine (automatic).
“Nearly half of all Mazdas sold in the United States are Mazda3s, so we are proud of the 2011 Mazda3 for earning a spot on Kelley Blue Book’s Kbb.com ‘Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000’ list,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations. “This award illustrates Mazda’s dedication to producing engaging and fun-to-drive vehicles.”
Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource, is the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the industry. Each week the company provides the most market-reflective values in the industry on its top-rated website www.kbb.com, including its famous Blue Book Trade-In and Retail Values and Fair Purchase Price, which reports what others are paying for new cars this week. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies as well as governmental agencies. Kbb.com is a leading provider of new car prices, used car values, car reviews, new cars for sale, used cars for sale, and car dealer locations. Kelley Blue Book Co. Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of AutoTrader.com
Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif. and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers.Operations in Canada are managed byMazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; and in Mexico byMazdaMotor de Mexico in MexicoCity.
For more information on Mazda vehicles, visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com.
Product B-roll may be ordered online by visiting The News Market at www.thenewsmarket.com/mazda.
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