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Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2011 Mazda3 as a top safety car

March 24, 2011

 

 

 

Founded in 1959, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is an organization dedicated to reducing deaths, injuries and property damage that result from crashes on the nation’s highways and roads. On the 21^st of March 2011, the IIHS published his results and the popular compact Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback, Mazda3 Sport and MazdaSPEED3, receive highest safety rating for roof strength in rollover crashes among small cars.

About the IIHS test

First of all, only vehicles equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) are eligible for testing. Each Mazda’s overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion specific to each crash angle and the injury impact on crash test dummies positioned within the Mazda vehicles at the time of collision. After crash tests, Mazda vehicles receive ratings based on results from the Institute’s evaluations on front, side and rear impact crash tests as well as a roof strength test. This last step measures occupant protection in the event of a rollover.

Two tests were conducted in order to rate both the 4-door Mazda sedan and hatchback versions which are Mazda3 Sport and MazdaSpeed3. The roof of the sedan withstood a force equal to 5.32 times the car's weight. The roof of the Mazda hatchback withstood a force equal to 5.09 times its weight. Vehicles with a strength-to-weight ratio of 4 or higher earn a good rating in the Institute's test. By comparison, the current federal standard is 1.5 times weight. 

Very proud, Don Romano, President of Mazda Canada Inc said: “Nearly half of all Mazdas sold in Canada are Mazda3s, so we are justifiably proud of the 2011 Mazda3 earning the distinction of the IIHS ‘Top Safety Pick,”. He adds that “Both the sedan and hatchback models are recognized with this award, examples of Mazda’s dedication not only to producing engaging and fun-to-drive vehicles but those offering the utmost quality and safety.”

Source: www.iihs.org

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