2015 Mazda CX-3 Scores 4-Star Euro NCAP Safety Rating

The Mazda CX-3 mini SUV has received 4-stars in the Euro New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) safety rating after being testing by the Brussels, Belgium-based safety rating programme.

The results should not be compared against NCAP results from other parts of the world, and Euro NCAP results before 2015, as the scoring is different. Starting 2015, Euro NCAP has further tightened its testing - adding a 50 km/h full width frontal collision test with a rigid barrier and a small female dummy in front and behind to complement the existing 64 km/h 40 percent offset frontal test with a deformable barrier and an adult male dummy. Thus, all comparisions with earlier Euro NCAP or ASEAN NCAP results are null.

In addition to that, there is also greater emphasis on advanced driver's assistance features like autonomous emergency braking (AEB), whose performance are also factored in the final score.

The CX-3 had an overall score just shy of 5-stars, given the more stringent testing methods this year. It was mentioned that while Mazda's Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system is available for the CX-3, it is an optional item that Euro NCAP says "is not expected to be fitted to enough vehicles to qualify for assessment."

The CX-3 scored a total of 32.4 points or 85 percent in the Adult Occupant category, providing good to adequate protection to passenger and driver respectively. It loses point here, however, for its weaker rear passenger score in a frontal full width collision test. For rear impacts, the CX-3 fared well for front seat whiplash protection but scored poorly for those in the rear seats. Full points were awarded for the more severe side pole impacts, though.

In the Child Occupant category, the CX-3 scored 39.1 points or 79 percent, scoring maximum point for protection of children not over 18 months old. For the forward facing crash test dummy simulating that of a 3-year old child, the CX-3 performed well with non-excessive forward movement. For side impacts, both test dummies were safely and properly contained within their restraints.

The driver is able to clearly monitor the status of the airbags and the safety systems, which was rewarded in the testing scheme.

For Pedestrian Protection, the Mazda CX-3 scored a total of 30.3 points or 84 percent with the car’s bumper scoring maximum points for pedestrian leg protection and good results in all areas tested. The hood of the CX-3 also scored highly, with good or adequate ratings over the entire surface.

The Mazda CX-3 looks to be currently available for bookings from Bermaz Motor and will be sold as a completely built unit when it arrives, tentatively in November 2015.