Mazda CX-3 Euro NCAP crash test

4 stars. Overall good performance in crash protection and all round; additional crash avoidance technology may be present

The passenger compartment of the CX-3 remained stable in the offset frontal impact.  For the front passenger dummy, all critical body areas were well protected.  Dummy readings indicated good protection of the knees and femurs for both the driver and passenger.  Mazda showed that a similar level of protection would be provided to occupants of different sizes and to those sat in different positions.  In the full-width frontal test, the driver passenger scored maximum points with good protection of all body areas.  However, readings of chest compression in the rear passenger dummy indicated weak protection of that body region, despite the standard-fit seatbelt pre-tensioners and load-limiters in the rear seats.  In the side barrier test, the CX-3 scored full points with good protection of all critical areas.  Even in the more severe side pole impact, full points were scored.  The front seats and head restraints provided good protection against whiplash injury in the event of a rear-end collision.  However, a geometric assessment of the rear seats and restraints indicated poor whiplash protection for the occupants of these seats.  A low-speed autonomous emergency braking system is available as an option.  As it is not standard equipment, it did not qualify for inclusion in the assessment.

The CX-3 scored maximum points for its protection of the 1½ year dummy in the dynamic impact tests.  In the frontal test, forward movement of the 3 year dummy, sat in a forward-facing restraint, was not excessive.  In the side impact, both child dummies were properly contained within the protective shells of their restraints, minimising the likelihood of head contact with parts of the car interior.  The front passenger airbag can be disabled to allow a rearward facing child restraint to be used in that seating position.  Clear information is provided to the driver regarding the status of the airbag and the system was rewarded.  All of the restraint types for which the CX-3 is designed could be properly installed and accommodated in the car.

The bumper scored maximum points for its protection of pedestrians' legs, showing good results in all areas tested.  However, protection of the pelvis region was mixed, with areas of good, poor and weak performance.  The bonnet of the CX-3 performed well and results were good or adequate over almost the entire bonnet surface.

Electronic stability control is standard equipment, as is a seatbelt reminder for the front and rear seats.  A driver-set speed limiter is available as an option and is expected to be fitted to most cars sold as is a lane departure warning system.  An autonomous emergency braking system for the speeds typical of highway driving is available as an option but is not expected to be fitted enough vehicles to qualify for assessment.