The All-New 2019 Mazda3 has been awarded the maximum five-star rating by Euro NCAP in its latest series of tests. Following the Mazda6 last year, this is the second Mazda to achieve an overall five-star rating under the new, more stringent 2018 Euro NCAP crashworthiness ratings.

The car performed impressively in all four Euro NCAP test categories – Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Vulnerable Road User (pedestrian safety) and Safety Assist.

This may be attributed to three key factors: the adoption of the very latest Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture, which features a high-rigidity, impact-absorbing yet lightweight bodyshell; an even wider range of advanced i-Activsense safety technologies to help drivers identify potential risks and reduce the likelihood of damage or injury; and enhanced pedestrian protection performance.

With an outstanding 98 per cent score in the Adult Occupant category, the new Mazda3 achieved maximum points for frontal full width impact, and both car and pole side impacts.

Mazda’s Smart Brake Support system also gained full marks in low speed tests, with collisions avoided in all scenarios.

An excellent Child Occupant score of 87 per cent includes maximum points for child protection in the dynamic tests, with full marks for both frontal and lateral impact.

Vulnerable Road User (pedestrian safety) tests garnered an equally noteworthy 81 per cent, with maximum points for pedestrian leg and pelvis area protection.

And an impressive 73 per cent score in the Safety Assist category pays tribute to efficiency of the All-New Mazda3’s comprehensive suite of i-Activsense safety features.

Superior driving dynamics throughout the Mazda vehicle range are a vindication of the company’s painstaking Skyactiv Technology programmes. They also contribute to the new Mazda3’s five-star Euro NCAP achievement, in the form of its linear, responsive and predictable acceleration, braking, handling and steering. By making the car easier to drive safely, such attributes further reduce the potential for accidents without compromising Mazda’s traditional fun-to-drive character.