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2014 Mazda3 to Undergo 9,300 Mile Test Drive


mazda3 (select to view enlarged photo)
2014 Mazda3

Lengthy road trip set to showcase durability of new Mazda3

JOLIET, IL--July 24, 2013: The 2014 Mazda3 has garnered plenty of attention from auto enthusiasts, bloggers, and journalists since its unveiling in June. But now, Mazda is letting some of those same people get behind the wheel of the 2014 Mazda3 for a 9,300 mile test drive from Hiroshima, Japan to Fankfurt, Germany.

Officially named the "Mazda Route3 – Hiroshima to Frankfurt Challenger Tour 2013," the extreme test drive will feature a motorcade of 2014 Mazda3s driven by automotive journalists and bloggers, as well as Mazda dealers. The group of eight 2014 Mazda3 cars are expected to arrive in Frankfurt three days prior to the opening of the 2013 International Motor Show.

During the journey, each 2014 Mazda3 will cross nine time zones, five countries, and two continents. The caravan also will take a ferry across the Sea of Japan before each car hits the extended stretch of its journey.

This won't be the first time Mazda is putting its cars to the test on this monumental test drive. The automaker held a similar event in 1977 and again in 1990.

While this promotion will continue building momentum toward the release of the 2014 Mazda3, it also likely will provide some new details about the new car. While it is expected to join the 2014 Mazda lineup in Joliet, IL this fall, many have been looking forward to finally getting behind the wheel. Now, a group of drivers will have the opportunity to get more than a little comfortable with the Skyactiv-packed new hatchback.

While the 2014 Mazda3 shares some features and concepts with the 2014 Mazda6 in Joliet, IL, it has been completely redesigned from the 2013 version and few will know the car better than those participating in the extended test drive.