The 2012 Mazda3 was named to the “10 Best Back-to-School Cars of 2012” list by Kelley Blue Book’s www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new and used vehicle information. Mazda3 also is listed by KBB.com as one of the “10 Best Sedans Under $25,000” and one of the “10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000 of 2012.”

The site gives the Mazda3 a glowing review. “Available in sedan and hatchback forms, even the most affordable four-door version of this well-finished compact comes with a respectable measure of Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom character, impressive safety features and a utility-enhancing 60/40-split-folding rear seat.”

“A global winner for Mazda, the Mazda3 continues to find itself on Top 10 lists with its attractive combination of style, safety and value,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). “Also, thanks to its SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY components, Mazda3 offers one of the highest EPA-rated fuel economy ratings in the compact car segment.”

The 2012 Mazda3 starts at $15,200 MSRP and is available with four powertrains on either four- or five-door styles. Models equipped with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY boast a segment competitive 40 highway miles per gallon (MPG) on the sedan and a class-leading 39 highway MPG on the hatchback, both when equipped with the SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission. All 2012 Mazda3 and MAZDASPEED3 models are equipped with a high level of standard safety features and are recognized as a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Vehicles were chosen based on several factors including being available for $16,000 or less according to Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Purchase Price, which is calculated as the average price paid by others in a shopper’s area based on actual transaction data updated each week.