ASH8

IRVINE, Calif., March 24, 2009 -

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced the all-new 2010 MAZDA3 has received a "Good" rating - the highest possible - for frontal crash performance in recently released Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests.

The IIHS frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of 40 mph frontal offset crash tests. Each vehicle's overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures recorded on a Hybrid III dummy in the driver seat and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.

"Safety is at the forefront of every Mazda we build and we are proud that the MAZDA3 demonstrates that safety can come in small packages," said Robert Davis, senior vice president, Quality, Research and Development, MNAO. "Our customers care about the total package - safety, style, performance and fuel economy, all tied together with the soul of a sports car."

The 2010 MAZDA3 excels in agility, maneuverability, and ease of control at the limits of braking and cornering adhesion. Powerful disc brakes, ABS and electro-hydraulic power steering are standard equipment. Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control are standard on most models.

To minimize the likelihood of injury when a collision cannot be avoided, the MAZDA3 uses a technology called Triple-H unibody design. Efficient H-shaped reinforcements in the floor, roof, and sides of the body structure resist intrusion and support crush zones at both ends of the vehicle. Six airbags and active head restraints are also standard MAZDA3 equipment. Side-curtain air bags, which help protect all outboard occupants, are a new fast-inflating design with 40-percent larger coverage area.

CarAndDriver

At least that's up to snuff. Mazda doesn't want to have any more potential deal breakers with that big funky grin front end.

Most passenger cars today do very well on the crash tests unless its a Chrysler product.