The 2013 Mazda Mazda3 and the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray have been named the Innovation Vehicles of the Year by the Motor Press Guild for their engineering and value, a press release announced.

The Mazda3 took the prize in the less than $29,000 category, while the Stingray won against its more than $29,000 competitors. They were selected from a group of 12 finalists.

Motor Press Guild judges chose the winners based on innovation, technology, engineering, safety, environmental impact and affordability, said the press release.

The Mazda3 was selected for its safety innovations, sporty dynamics and forward-thinking technology.

"The 2014 Mazda3 is the compact car with a difference, and that difference is SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY," chairman of the judging panel, John Dinkel, said. "This umbrella of advanced technologies focuses on increasing overall vehicle efficiency, through lightweight materials and improved design, while increasing responsiveness. SKYACTIV takes us down a path of a future of highly efficient yet fun-to-drive affordable cars, making the Mazda3 a worthy recipient of the IVY award."

The Stingray uses lightweight but high-tech materials for efficient fuel economy and stylish design.

"The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette is an innovation and technology tour de force, resulting in a world class sports car with an unmatched combination of performance and value," Dinkel said. "The car is race track-developed, tuned and tested, yet it is as comfortable, refined and mild-mannered on the street as a Chevy Impala . . . until you mash down on the loud pedal. Finding this much technology and refinement in a sports car costing just over $50,000 is mind boggling."

Based in Los Angeles, the Motor Press Guild is the largest auto media association in North America and boasts more than 800 members.

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