(June 8, 2015) IRVINE, Calif. — The all-new 2016 Mazda CX-3 subcompact crossover utility vehicle has been rated with an EPA-estimated fuel economy as high as 29 mpg city/35 mpg highway, which positions CX-3's fuel economy as class-leading among all 2015 and 2016 subcompact crossover utility vehicles.

As Mazda's first foray into the quickly burgeoning subcompact crossover class of vehicles, CX-3 offers standard keyless ignition and backup camera, and is available with features that are are hard to find in its class like Mazda Radar Cruise Control, adaptive LED headlights and Mazda's signature driving experience.

Front-wheel-drive models have EPA-estimated fuel economy of 29 mpg city/35 mpg highway/31 mpg combined, while models equipped with Mazda's predictive i-ACTIV AWD have EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg city/32 mpg highway/29 mpg combined. That makes it among the most-efficient all-wheel-drive vehicles available in the U.S.

"SKYACTIV Technology means we don't have to compromise when it comes to performance, efficiency and fun-to-drive dynamics," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations. "CX-3 will deliver all of the core values customers have come to expect with the sixth-generation lineup of Mazda vehicles, and we hope to reach new audiences with CX-3."

All 2016 Mazda CX-3s will come powered by a 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G engine that produces 146 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. Both front- and all-wheel-drive models also will come standard with a highly efficient SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed automatic transmission. Models featuring the company's unique i-ACTIV AWD offer a proprietary predictive algorithm that enables the vehicle to pre-select the necessary drive mode to compensate for varying road and weather conditions.

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 will go on sale in the U.S. in late summer 2015.