TORONTO — Reaching across the automotive spectrum, jurors have named the Mazda3 compact the Canadian Car of the Year and awarded the the technology-laden Jaguar I-Pace the utility vehicle prize.
The awards were presented Thursday at the beginning of media previews at the Canadian International AutoShow,
The electric I-Pace becomes the first vehicle in the 36-year history of the Automobile Journalists of Canada awards program to win back-to-back Utility of the Year awards. Other contenders were Kia's popular new Telluride and the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel from Fiat Chrysler.
In a statement Thursday, Wolfgang Hoffmann, president of Jaguar Land Rover Canada, called the I-Pace “a true technological marvel.”
“What a great honour to make history with the Jaguar I-PACE, Canada’s premier battery electric vehicle,” he said.
The 2020 Mazda3 is the latest generation of Mazda's compact stalwart, which has made frequent appearances in the AJAC awards. Other finalists were the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Porsche 911 Carrera.
Even as many automakers have shifted their promotional focus to social media influencers, they still covet the yearly awards from traditional auto reporters.
"This is a fantastic day," said Mazda Canada chief executive David Klan.
