The 2014 model-year Mazda3 compact sedan and 5-door hatchback have received a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Additionally, the 2014 and 2015 Mazda6 mid-size sedans recently drew a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from NHTSA. 

The Mazda3 scored five stars in the frontal crash and side crash tests, and tallied four stars in the rollover test.  The Mazda6 scored five stars in the side crash test and four stars in the frontal crash and rollover tests.

Calspan Corp. conducted the crash tests in February as part of NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). 

To view the frontal crash test for the 2014 Mazda6, click on the video below

To view the pole crash test for the 2014 Mazda6, click on the video below.

The 2014 Mazda3 introduces several safety systems under the umbrella known as i-ACTIVSENSE. These technologies use sensing devices such as milliwave radars and cameras to help the driver identify hazards and avoid collisions. While these systems will not eliminate accidents, they can help minimize them and reduce the severity of a crash.

The combination of the SKYACTIV-Body and SKYACTIV-Chassis offers high performance, lightweight materials for added strength and stability. Carefully engineered load-transfer ensures a firm grip on the road that the driver can sense, Mazda said. The SKYACTIV-Body provides increased rigidity of 30 percent compared to the previous model while reducing weight as well. 

Moreover, 1,800MPa ultra-high-tensile steel also is used in the front and rear bumpers for additional weight savings as well as increased strength.

The SKYACTIV-Body efficiently absorbs impact energy from any direction and helps to minimize the chance of the cabin structure being compromised, Mazda said. 

Other standard safety features for the 2014 Mazda3 include:

• Six airbags (advanced dual front, front-seat mounted and full-length side curtain)

• Whiplash-reducing front headrests

• Headrests for all seating positions

• Power-assisted ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes

• Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist

• Daytime running lights

• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

• Traction Control System (TCS)

• Hill Launch Assist

• Collapsible steering column (following air bag deployment)

• Trunk entrapment release system

• Tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

• Three-point safety belts for all seating positions

• Front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters as well as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) in the rear seats.

Standard safety features for all 2015 Mazda6 models include:

• Six airbags (advanced dual front, front-seat side mounted and full-length side curtain)

• Daytime running lights

• Whiplash-reducing front headrests

• Height-adjustable headrests for all seating positions

• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) with Brake Assist

• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with a Traction Control System (TCS)

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

• Hill Launch Assist (HLA)

• Power-assisted ventilated front brakes and solid rear disc brakes

• Three-point safety belts for all seating positions

• Fold-away brake pedal assembly

• Trunk entrapment release system

• Front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters as well as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH).

A rearview camera is added to Sport models equipped with an automatic transmission. Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) are standard on Touring models with Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) available as a package option.

Grand Touring models receive SCBS and an Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) as standard equipment. Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC), Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW), a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and High Beam Control (HBC) are available as package options.