The all-new Mazda3 has been awarded the maximum five star safety rating by Euro NCAP* in its latest series of tests. The newest version of the Mazda3 – the brand’s all-time bestseller – achieved outstanding marks in all four test categories, scoring 93 per cent (for adult) and 86 per cent, (for child) occupant protection (both among the highest scores recorded in Europe this year), and 65 per cent and 81 per cent, respectively, for pedestrian protection and safety assist.
The all-new Mazda3’s figures easily surpassed the respective Euro NCAP category thresholds required to achieve an overall rating of five stars**. This is the first rating for the all-new Mazda3, which goes on sale in the UK in January, from a major safety assessment authority.
Available as a hatchback or Fastback (saloon), the all-new model is the fifth Mazda to earn the exclusive five-star rating since Euro NCAP introduced a tough new rating system in 2009. The latest model follows in the tyre tracks of the outgoing Mazda3, the previous and current Mazda6, and the Mazda CX-5.
Like the New Mazda6 and Mazda CX-5, the all-new Mazda3 comes with the unique impact-absorbing yet lightweight SKYACTIV-Body and SKYACTIV-Chassis. Around 60 per cent of the body, for example, is made from high and ultra-high tensile steels. That’s up from 50 per cent in its predecessor, making the all-new Mazda3’s lighter yet some 30 per cent stiffer than the previous model. Consequently, the latest Mazda3 delivers even better passive safety protection, which is complemented by the cutting-edge range of sensor-based active safety technology.
Starting next year, Euro NCAP safety evaluations will also include these kinds of active safety systems in its vehicle assessment.
Another highlight of the all-new Mazda3 is its linear, responsive and predictable acceleration, braking, handling and steering. By making the car easier to drive safely, such attributes further reduce accident potential without compromising Mazda’s traditional fun-to-drive character.
The all-new car also features a completely redesigned interior based on a new cabin concept developed to help the driver make the best possible use of all the information the vehicle’s systems has to offer.
Mazda’s newest model, which will be available at 137 Mazda dealers across the UK early next year, is the safest compact car to be tested by Euro NCAP thus far in 2013.
The 36-strong range of all-new Mazda3 models will feature five equipment levels (SE, SE Nav, SE-L, SE-L Nav and Sport Nav), with 21 hatchbacks (including eight diesel models) and 15 Fastbacks, (five with diesel power), including 13 models with automatic transmission. Prices will start at £16,695 (on-the-road) and rise to £23,345.
* Euro NCAP = European New Car Assessment Programme, an independent agency awarding automotive safety ratings since 1997.
** Adult occupant 80%, child occupant 60%, pedestrian 60%, safety assist 65%, and overall 80%. Scores in each category are based on several crash tests, including a 40mph (64km/h) frontal impact with a 40% overlap, 31mph (50km/h) vehicle side impact, 18.0mph (29km/h) pole side impact and 25mph (40km/h) impacts involving child and adult pedestrian dummies. Euro NCAP also evaluates the electronic stability control (ESC) system, which Mazda calls Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).
