Mazda3 claims 'red dot' design award

Another internationally renowned prize is awarded to the all new Mazda3, as its hatchback variant captures a 'Red Dot award: Product Design 2014' in Germany.

The design-oriented Red Dot recognition for the new Mazda3 echoes the ongoing and widespread acclaim for the motion-inspired 'KODO: Soul of Motion' design theme featured on the Japanese carmaker's new generation of models.

The all new Mazda3's superb design innovation, functionality and ergonomics were among the decisive factors for the 40-strong jury of independent design experts when deciding on recipients of a 2014 Red Dot award.

The all new hatchback follows the path of the Mazda6, another KODO model, which won the same prize last year.

The next major honour could also be just around the corner thanks to the new Mazda3 being shortlisted as one of the top three finalists for the World Car of the Year - the automobile industry's single biggest accolade - and World Car Design of the Year titles.

The Mazda3 will compete for the overall trophy with 24 candidates this year and rivals include the Audi A3 and BMW 4 Series. The jury of design experts, meanwhile, will size up Mazda's all time best-seller against the BMW i3 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class for the Car Design crown. The winners will be announced on 17^th April at the New York International Auto Show.