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2010 Mazda MAZDA3 Safety Review

February 23, 2009

SAFETY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Unfortunately, base models will not come with standard stability control
Cars.com

Not tested
NHTSA

Not tested
IIHS

The 2010 Mazda Mazda3 has not been in the public eye long enough to receive attention from either NHTSA or the IIHS, so crash-test data is unavailable at the time of writing, but the outgoing Mazda3 model earns decent marks. Unfortunately, the 2010 Mazda3 still lacks some basic standard safety features offered by some other vehicles in the class.

While the Mazda3 2010 edition hasn't been crash-tested by either major testing agency, last year, NHTSA awarded the Mazda Mazda3 four out of five stars for front impact protection, the only test they conducted. The four-star rating applied to both sedan and hatchback body styles. The IIHS test offered similar results, with the Mazda3 earning the highest possible rating, "good," for frontal offset impact protection. Once again, this was the only test conducted, and the score applied for both body styles. While the 2010 Mazda3 features all-new styling, much of its internal architecture is similar, so experts at TheCarConnection.com expect little variation in the test ratings.

For those of us who would rather avoid accidents in the first place, Mazda outfits the Mazda3 2010 with a few noteworthy safety features. Jalopnik reviewers note that "powerful disc brakes are standard Mazda3 features," and mentions that standard safety equipment includes "six airbags and active head restraints," which work to reduce the risk of whiplash by moving forward to meet the back of the head in the event of an accident.

However, Mazda cannot be congratulated for offering all the right safety features as standard on the Mazda3. Cars.com reports that "base models will not come with standard stability control," but rather "it and ABS will be optional equipment."

Conclusion

The 2010 Mazda Mazda3 might have a full roster of airbags, but it lacks standard ABS and electronic stability control.

SAFETY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Unfortunately, base models will not come with standard stability controlCars.comNot testedNHTSANot testedIIHS The 2010 Mazda Mazda3 has not been in the public eye long enough to receive attention from either NHTSA or the IIHS, so crash-test data is unavailable at the time of writing, but the outgoing Mazda3 model earns decent marks. Unfortunately, the 2010 Mazda3 still lacks some basic standard safety features offered by some other vehicles in the class. While the Mazda3 2010 edition hasn't been crash-tested by either major testing agency, last year, NHTSA awarded the Mazda Mazda3 four out of five stars for front impact protection, the only test they conducted. The four-star rating applied to both sedan and hatchback body styles. The IIHS test offered similar results, with the Mazda3 earning the highest possible rating, "good," for frontal offset impact protection. Once again, this was the only test conducted, and the score applied for both body styles. While the 2010 Mazda3 features all-new styling, much of its internal architecture is similar, so experts at TheCarConnection.com expect little variation in the test ratings. For those of us who would rather avoid accidents in the first place, Mazda outfits the Mazda3 2010 with a few noteworthy safety features. Jalopnik reviewers note that "powerful disc brakes are standard Mazda3 features," and mentions that standard safety equipment includes "six airbags and active head restraints," which work to reduce the risk of whiplash by moving forward to meet the back of the head in the event of an accident. However, Mazda cannot be congratulated for offering all the right safety features as standard on the Mazda3. Cars.com reports that "base models will not come with standard stability control," but rather "it and ABS will be optional equipment." ConclusionThe 2010 Mazda Mazda3 might have a full roster of airbags, but it lacks standard ABS and electronic stability control. 2010 MAZDA MAZDA3 STYLING | [9 out of 10] Cars.com: "All-new looks inside and out" Jalopnik: "The new Mazda3 is a looker by any standard" AutoWeek: "Mazda3's side view features distinctive character lines that tie together the high rear deck and the front fascia" The completely ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2010 Mazda3 has plenty of competition, but the editors from TheCarConnection.com chose these based on size, refinement, and sportiness. Ford’s Focus is a solid choice but doesn’t offer the refinement of the Mazda3 or the availability of high-end options. It beats the Mazda3 in fuel economy and for the convenience of a Ford dealer in every town. The Honda Civic is likely to be the most cross-shopped with the Mazda3, and if you want a coupe, it will win out, as Mazda doesn’t offer one. The Toyota Corolla was all-new for 2009, and while it is available in a sporty XRS package, it doesn’t compare to the Mazda3 in styling or driving fun. If price and warranty are your primary concerns, the Hyundai Elantra continues to evolve into an attractive alternative, though it's less entertaining to drive.

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See the Mazda MAZDA3 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

Comments (3 total)

  1. By Jordan #1, Posted: 7/25/2009

    Sweet. The MAZDA3 one of the strongest contenders in the highly-competitive subcompact category.
    Video review: http://tinyurl.com/knn94m

  2. By Cyndee #2, Posted: 7/26/2009

    I am glad I brought this car. My husband loves driving in manual and I love the automatic.

  3. By Stacey #3, Posted: 9/11/2009

    LOVE it. Wouldn't buy another car on the market right now!

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