Mazda 3 sedan
2005-08 models built after August 2004SIDE IMPACT TEST WITHOUT OPTIONAL SIDE AIRBAGS
OVERALL EVALUATION:
| Injury measures | Head protection | Structure/safety cage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head/neck | Torso | Pelvis/leg | |||
| Driver |
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| Rear passenger |
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Important: Side impact crash test ratings can be compared across vehicle type and weight categories.
Good
Acceptable
Marginal
Poor
Test details:
The Mazda 3 was introduced in the 2004 model year as a replacement for the Protege.
All 2005 and later Mazda 3 models manufactured after August 2004 include door trim panel changes to improve occupant protection in side-impact crashes (note: information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on or near the driver door). Beginning with 2009 models, side airbags were made standard.
Injury measures:
Driver — Measures taken from the dummy indicate that serious skull fracture and/or brain injuries plus rib fractures and/or internal organ injuries would be likely in a crash of this severity. A fracture of the pelvis also would be possible.
Rear passenger — Measures taken from the dummy indicate that head injuries plus rib fractures and/or internal organ injuries would be possible in a crash of this severity.
Head protection:
Driver — The dummy's head was hit by the intruding barrier, producing high head injury measures.
Rear passenger — The dummy's head was hit by the window frame and window sill of the rear passenger door, producing moderately high head injury measures.
Left to right:
- View of the vehicle and barrier just after the crash test.
- View of the vehicle after the crash with doors removed, showing damage to the occupant compartment.
- Action shot taken during the side impact crash test showing the driver dummy's head being hit by the intruding barrier.
- Smeared greasepaint shows where the rear passenger dummy's head was hit by the window frame and window sill of the rear passenger door.
Additional features:
- Side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags with front seat-mounted torso airbags (standard beginning with 2009 models, optional in 2004-08 models)
- Electronic stability control (optional beginning with 2007 models)
- Antilock brakes (optional)
Tested vehicle specifications:
- 2005 Mazda 3 i 4-door
- Class: Small car
- Weight: 2,800 lbs.
- Side airbags: none
- Wheelbase: 104 in.
- Length: 178 in.
- Width: 69 in.
- Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder
- EPA ratings: 26 mpg city | 34 mpg highway
