Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) members gave it their coveted Best Small Car in Canada award at the Montreal International Auto Show. Company president and CEO of Mazda Canada, David Klan, said it was an honour to receive such an award once again and that the Mazda 3 had had a lasting impact on the vehicle market, thanks to its “beautiful craftsmanship, timeless design, and dynamic performance.”

The AJAC Canadian Car and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards program is one of the most prestigious in the country, representing the collective opinions of thousands of experts. Judges rate vehicles on subjective and objective characteristics, helping to build a balanced picture for customers looking for more insight. Top-placing vehicles must demonstrate a well-rounded package, offering comfort, good fuel economy, quality, and value for money.

About The Award-Winning Mazda 3

The 2023 Mazda 3 delivers several innovations designed to enhance the driving experience. For instance, the Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture intuitively responds to every input and provides an unparalleled driving experience. Engine options include Skyactiv-G 2.0L and 2.5L naturally aspirated engines and Mazda’s 2.5L Turbo, available with a manual or automatic transmission (on select models).

Additionally, the Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback can be equipped with Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel drive system, making it the only Small Car finalist with AWD. The optional Skyactiv-G 2.5L Turbo engine generates up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, making it a favourite among automotive enthusiasts. The turbo models in the sedan and hatchback come standard with i-Activ all-wheel drive.

The Mazda 3 received critical acclaim from AJAC journalists in the past for its high quality and outstanding driving dynamics. The vehicle previously won the Canadian Car of the Year awards in 2020 and 2021, owing to its unique design, offering consumers more value for their money than the competition. It was the first back-to-back win for any vehicle in AJAC’s history of the competition, with the car beating other highly-capable competitors, including the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.

For 2023, Mazda offers four trim levels for the Mazda 3: GX, GS, GT and GT Turbo. The GX comes with 16-inch silver metallic alloy wheels, G-Vectoring Control Plus and Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring. The GT offers leather-trimmed upholstery, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and a 360-degree view monitor. And the GT Turbo comes with 18-inch black alloy wheels, increased diameter exhausts, and a turbo badge on the trunk.

So, are you interested in driving the all-new award-winning Mazda 3? Start with a test drive by clicking on the button below.

Please Note: The details of this article were accurate at the time it was written. Manufacturers may change the details of any vehicle’s specifications at any time without notice.