Mazda3 Goes Back-to-Back With AJAC's 2021 Canadian Car of the Year Win

March 31, The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) announced the winner of the Canadian Car of the Year for 2021, choosing the Mazda3 for the second year in a row. The 2021 Mazda3 is available with the new Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo engine producing best-in-class torque, and won over the judges with top marks in throttle response, engine refinement, and vehicle dynamics. With this win, the Mazda3 achieved multiple firsts in AJAC award history; the Mazda3 is the only nameplate ever to win Canadian Car of the Year two years in a row, and the only nameplate to have won the overall award three times.

"This is a historic win for Mazda and we are honoured to be the first to reach these milestones with AJAC," said David Klan, President & CEO, Mazda Canada. "The Mazda3 has always been a core model in our lineup that reflects our philosophy and brand strengths, and this award once again shows that our dedication to designing and crafting the very finest is paying dividends."

The fourth generation Mazda3 was redesigned for 2019 and introduced a new level of refinement and craftsmanship within the compact car segment, quickly winning over fans and media. The Mazda3 won AJAC's overall Canadian Car of the Year award in 2020, the first year it was eligible. The 2021 Mazda3 is available as a sedan or hatchback (Mazda3 Sport) and is available with the choice of 2.0L or 2.5L Skyactiv-G naturally aspirated engines, or a 2.5 Turbo engine and 6-speed Skyactiv manual (on select models) or automatic transmissions. MSRP for the entry-level Mazda3 GX starts at $20,500^[1]. GS and GT models are available with Mazda's predictive i-Activ AWD system, starting at $26,500^[1].

With the recent introduction of the 2021 Mazda3 Turbo, Mazda has added another layer of appeal for a nameplate that offers multiple body styles, engine and transmission options to suit all drivers, and rich feature content at every trim level.

At the top end of the range, the Mazda3 GT Turbo elevates its status above the everyday options in the segment, and offers a new alternative for fans seeking a premium driving experience. With its combination of responsive torque on demand at any speed, i-Activ AWD providing additional confidence in any driving situation, and advanced technology, the Mazda3 Turbo delivers a refined, yet exhilarating drive and AJAC journalists would seem to agree.

"AJAC members continue to view the fourth-generation Mazda3 as worthy of recognition by presenting it with our association's highest honour for a second year in a row," said AJAC President Stephanie Wallcraft. "It's fitting to see history being made with this record-breaking achievement in the Canadian Car of the Year awards as AJAC celebrates its milestone 40th anniversary in 2021."

Within the 2021 Mid-size Car category, AJAC journalists scored the Mazda3 best in a number of areas: Styling/Appearance, Quality, Driver Position & Ergonomics, Noise/Vibration/Harshness (NVH), Performance, Vehicle Dynamics, and Safety. It also received the highest score for Subjective Value across all entries in the segment.

With this win, all four generations of the Mazda3 have been recognized by AJAC, previously winning the overall title of Canadian Car of the Year in 2004 and 2020, and taking category wins in 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2018, and 2020.