New Mazda3 wins AutoBild Design Award

•200,000 AutoBild readers in 27 European countries take part in voting
•Readers chose new Mazda3 exterior design best in the Small/Compact segment
•Mazda3 places first in nine European countries

Leverkusen, 29 May 2009.

Mazda continues to introduce exciting, fuel-efficient cars with high levels of design appeal. This was proven again this week when the all-new Mazda3 claimed top spot on the 2009 AutoBild Design Awards in the Small/Compact Car segment – Europe’s largest and most important. AutoBild polled a total of 200,000 readers in 27 European countries. They were asked to choose which new car in their country has the most appealing exterior design according to an individual model, and according to an individual segment.

Just out of the Starting Blocks and already a Winner
Despite the fact that Mazda’s new compact is only now hitting showrooms around Europe, voters overwhelmingly chose it as the car with the most appealing exterior design in its segment. It was voted first in nine European countries, and tallied a total of 43 points to take gold – ahead of the VW Polo in second and the VW Golf a distant third.

Another Example of Award-winning Mazda Design
This design award is only the latest of several such awards won by Mazda Motor Corporation. In 2008, the concept car Mazda Kaan won first place in the “Motor Sports 2025” Design Challenge (at the Los Angeles Auto Show), and the prestigious Grand Prix du Design for its innovative Nagare design language. In 2007, the Mazda Ryuga design concept won the Louis Vuitton Classic Concept Award, and in 2006 Mazda Senku won the Grand Prix du Design as “Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year.”

 

They must not have been looking at the front of the car. Put on a happy Face!

 

On a sad note.

Mr. Neil Warrior ,a PR director for Mazda Europe, aged in his 40s was on the Air France flight 447.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worl...g-victims.html

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2...03/464214.html

 

I think it looks awesome if it werent so damn expensive Id go get one,,, on the plus side they did step up all the features, which is why it had a spike in its MSRP... Good Deal...

 

The new look is not for me, but I can see how the average compact-sized car buyers would be persuaded by the new design.
Some people just like to buy cars that look different than the masses, to each their own.
I'm sure its driving dynamic, being a Mazda, is still best in class.

 

Had a real good look today, Mazda 3 sedan and hatch...

Very impressive, looks much better in the flesh, a bit like the S2 RX-8.

Attention to detail is excellent for a car of this size and price.

Interior is very neat and all the fittings and plastics fit with VERY tight tolerances, no gaps or bumps, you can see Mazda have really concentrated in going to another level inside.

Hood (Bonnet) shuts with a heavy clunk, and feels heavy too.

You can see the large (Tall) rear end now required for US rear collision regulations.

All in all given the design, safety parameters, dimensions and constraints Mazda have done a great job.

What we have seen is Mazda taking the lead with their new generation 3, you will see all other manufacturers follow soon with their new designs, and we will see new opinions, no doubt.

 

tested a velocity red 150 hp diesel...a damn good car, prices are quite competitive for the overall product

4000 euros less than a similar Golf,and no less quality than the "standard" of category here..... but design more personal and sporty

 

Yikes! Yea for the award, sad day for his family and friends (all of those that lost their lives on that flight).

 

Some visually impaired voters I guess.

The AF crash is a very sad tragedy.

 

I actually like the design of the car, especially the back of the hatch version. Congrats for Mazda

 

I hear they found wreckage from the plane? any other news?

 

NO, the last I heard that it appears an electrical fault, maybe from lightening, and the plane would be so deep they don't think *they* will ever recover the black box?..

Very sad all those lives lost in one moment.

There are tributes coming in from Mazda Motors Europe, and their PR exec lost in the crash, 49, he was single, no children, no wife or partner.

Apparently devoted to his job and extremely well liked and respected at Mazda Europe.

 

Agreed. I guess they only saw side, top and rear shots... unless they were all blind or had too much wine

My 2 cents,
Carlos

 

Was behind a stone-gray (with a hint of blue/purple) new 5-door hatch yesterday but it turned off to the right before I could develop any impressions of the front. The overall shape, rear and sides looked really good in person though, especially in that color.

 

has anyone one seen the mazda 3 photo shop with the "sad face" it looks 10 times better. no joke.

 

The new 3 in black and GT package actually looks very upscale in person. The stupid smile blends in nicely with the black paint too.