The Mazda 3 has been named 2019 Women’s World Car of the Year by a panel of female judges.
Established in 2010, Women’s World Car of the Year is based on the criteria women use when buying a car. Safety, value for money, aesthetic appearance, storage space, child–friendliness, ease-of-driving, colour, sex appeal and environmental footprint are the relevant categories.
The all-female jury is made up of 41 jurors from 31 different countries, including Sue Baker and Maggie Barry of the United Kingdom. The jury has a collective audience of around 260 million people.
Based on the female-friendly criteria, the Mazda 3 hatchback and saloon took top honours, while also securing the Women’s World Family Car of the Year award.
In the UK, the Mazda 3 is available from £20,595 in hatchback form and £23,555 as a four-door saloon. Standard spec includes LED headlights, keyless entry, air conditioning, rear parking sensors, alloy wheels, an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Right now, Mazda is offering a £1,250 deposit contribution on Mazda 3 models purchased on a Personal Contract Plan (PCP). Monthly payments start from £219 a month.
The following cars took category honours at the 2019 Women’s World Car of the Year, which was held at the Dubai International Motor Show.
- Urban car: Kia XCeed
- Family car: Mazda 3
- Green car: Kia Soul EV
- Luxury car: BMW 8 Series
- Performance car: Porsche 911
- SUV/crossover: Range Rover Evoque
‘A world first’
New Zealand’s Sandy Myhre, Woman’s World Car of the Year CEO, said: “Creating time in a motor show specifically for women is a world first. Women’s World Car of the Year has never announced their results live from a motor show so that’s innovative and to be able to interview women driving instructors from Saudi Arabia live on the stage is pioneering. The fact all these things are happening in Dubai in the UAE is highly symbolic.”
Previous Women’s World Car of the Year winners include the Volvo XC40 (2018), Hyundai Ioniq (2017), Jaguar F-Pace (2016) and Volvo XC90 (2015).
I agree that the Mazda 3 car is a good choice. I was surprised not to see ‘reliability’ as a factor on the criteria list. Do you assume today’s cars all will be? In my experience, this is what women say they want after safety. Assuming affordability etc.