The 2014 Mazda3 has been named a finalist for the 2014 Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal. Finalists are selected for their achievements in environmental performance.

According to Mazda, the all-new Mazda3 is built with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY — Mazda’s engineering approach toward increasing overall vehicle efficiency, performance and fuel economy while reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

“Mazda continues to push the boundaries with its SKYACTIV technology in order to offer consumers world-class vehicle efficiency, and it is an honor to have the 2014 Mazda3 named a finalist for the Green Car of the Year,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations (MNAO).

Combining the SKYACTIV technologies with the i-ELOOP capacitor-based regenerative engine braking system, the 2014 Mazda3 has a fuel economy with 41 highway mpg, says Mazda.

Available in four-door and five-door models, the 2014 Mazda3 is offered in four trim levels: SV (sedan only), Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. On sale now, pricing starts at less than $17,000 MSRP for sedans and less than $19,000 MSRP for five-door configurations, according to Mazda.