New Mazda breaks crash safety records

Mazda’slatestCX-30crossover hassetanewstandardforpassengerprotectioninthelatest roundofvehiclecrashtesting.

The £23,000 compact SUV scored a near-perfect 99 per cent for adult occupant protection (AOP) in the Euro NCAPtesting-thehighestever recorded.

AOP testing assesses the protection offered to the driver and front-seat passenger in the event of a crash from various angles. The Mazda achieved maximum points in thefull-widthbarrier,sideimpact and side pole tests.

Matthew Avery, of ThatchamResearch,said:“Thestructure of the vehicle and the performance of its restraints are key. Especially in the side pole test which encourages carmakers to fit side-curtain airbags.”

The CX-30 scored lower forprotectionofferedtochild occupants (86 per cent) and vulnerable road users (80 per cent) but was still among the overall top performers in the latestroundoftesting.Itssafetyassistscoreof77percentput it in the top 10 cars tested this yearandhelpedthecarattaina five-starratingbyEuroNCAP.

Mercedes’ latest model the GLB also acheived a fivestar rating. It scored 92 per cent for AOP and actually outscored the Mazda for child occupant protection (88 per cent).

Vauxhall’s all-new Corsa, which goes on sale later this year, just missed out on a fivestar rating due to poor whiplash protection.

The supermini achieved 84 per cent for AOP and 69 per cent in safety assist but points scored for its autonomous emergency braking system were not counted due to the performance of its seat and head restraints in whiplash testing.