Mazda Scoops Four Nominations in 2016 World Car Awards

The all-new Mazda MX-5 and all-new Mazda CX-3 make overall World Car of the Year finalists list.

Mazda accounts for two of the ten finalists listed for the overall World Car of the Year title.

Additionally the MX-5 and CX-3 are also nominated in the Design of the Year category.

DARTFORD, UK -- January 29, 2016: With Mazda leading the way with a total of four nominations, more than any other manufacturer, the finalists in the 2016 World Car Awards have been announced. The all-new Mazda MX-5 and all-new Mazda CX-3 have been named as finalists for the overall World Car of the Year title, plus both the MX-5 and the CX-3 are listed as finalists for the World Car Design of the Year award.

Launched last summer, the all-new Mazda CX-3’s style, quality and generous equipment tally help it stand out from other small crossovers in the market place. Available with 120ps and 150ps SKYACTIV-G petrol, plus 105ps SKYACTIV-D diesel engines, all versions of the sophisticated all-new Mazda CX-3 feature MZD-Connect with 7-inch colour touchscreen and Multimedia commander, while Sport Nav models are fitted with Mazda’s Active Driving Display system - a segment first head-up display system.

Having made its UK public debut at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the fourth generation of Mazda’s iconic MX-5 has already claimed a host of influential awards including being named 2016 Japan Car of the Year, 2016 What Car? Best Convertible and 2015 Auto Express Roadster of the Year. With a choice of 131ps 1.5-litre or 160ps 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engines, the nine model all-new Mazda MX-5 core range, has been enhanced with the launch of limited edition all-new Mazda MX-5 Sport Recaro.

The lightest MX-5 since the iconic original, the all-new Mazda MX-5 is shorter, lower and wider than the outgoing car, with the smallest overhangs and lowest centre of gravity yet. These dynamic proportions combined with Mazda’s KODO: Soul of Motion design philosophy ensure the latest version of the all-new Mazda MX-5’s styling reflects its focus on driving pleasure in a uniquely contemporary and dynamic way.

Reaffirming Mazda’s dominance of the affordable sports car sector, the all-new Mazda MX-5 maintains the classic rear-wheel drive layout and 50:50 weight distribution it’s famed for, yet developed under the ethos of ‘innovate in order to preserve’, Mazda has enhanced the sports car’s legendary agility, fun and engagement, while simultaneously improving safety, refinement and efficiency.

The annual World Car Awards are judged by a panel of 73 leading automotive journalist and the winners will be announced at the New York International Motor Show on March 24th.