I’m a fan of fun, efficient and stylish automotive packaging. I get excited when a new automotive technology increases power, overall performance, reduces emissions – and does it all in a smart, simple and cost-effective manner.

If you love hot hatches (and I do), then feast your eyes on the all-new 2014 Mazda 3 five door. Unveiled today before a group of journalists in New York City, this sporty subcompact is packed with Mazda’s signature KODO design, meaning ‘Soul of Motion’.

Last summer, I spent a week tooling around (quite swiftly, if i may add) in the 2013 Mazda Speed3 five-door. It was a beautifully designed car…and quick. At that time, I confessed that I would have picked it over my Honda Civic Si had it been available back in 2007.

It’s no secret that small crossovers are no longer a small segment in the market. Each manufacturer has its own take on what a compact ute should be, how it should look, drive and function for consumers who find themselves in between a four-door sedan and a full-on SUV.

First introduced in 2012, Mazda’s CX-5 slotted in below the CX-7 (now retired) and CX-9 SUVs at the start of what has officially become a “crossover craze” in America. Both larger SUVs had been well received by consumers, so Mazda took a chance to get in on the small utility vehicle game.

South Carolina’s Lowcountry is a region with a deep culture centered on enjoying nature alongside the finer things in life.

Over the past few years, I have gotten to know Bill Prosperi through Twitter and his blog. He is known in the online automotive community for two things – his grumpy Smurf profile image (see it here) and his passion for all-things-Mazda.

Last refreshed for model year 2013, Mazda’s CX-9 has become a fan favorite, providing a just-right blend of practicality, function and value. We first laid eyes on the company’s seven-seater in December 2012 during a private media preview of the car.

Photo credit: Car and Driver Please join WAPA and Mazda at The National Press Club on Wednesday, March 20, for a luncheon starting at 12:00 pm.

Tetsu Nakazawa speaks to D.C.