Mazda’s MX-5 sports car has scored the best pedestrian-safety rating ever recorded by the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP).
It scored 33.72 points out of a maximum 36 for pedestrian safety alone, on its way to an overall score of 35.20 out of 37 and a maximum five-star crash rating.
ANCAP gave it a perfect 16 out of 16 and 2 out of 2 for the side impact and pole tests, and a strong 14.2 out of 16 for the frontal offset test.
Its chief executive officer James Goodwin said it was a good result “for this type of vehicle. Not only has the MX-5 performed well in each of the impact tests, this is the highest pedestrian protection score we have seen for any vehicle to date.”
The two-seater roadster includes an “active bonnet”, which pops up the instant an impact is detected, and a bonnet frame that effectively absorbs impact energy.
In addition, energy-absorbing foam is used in the front bumper beam, while a lower stiffener has been added to the bumper to prevent a pedestrian’s legs from sliding under the front of the car.
Mazda NZ managing director Andrew Clearwater said considerable effort went into making the Mazda MX-5 the safest two-seater sportscar of its type. “ANCAP awarding it five stars validates this approach,” he said.
“Thanks to Mazda’s proactive safety philosophy and the focus on occupant and pedestrian protection, the MX-5 is a truly impressive vehicle.”
The result means Mazda’s entire new vehicle showroom all have five-star safety ratings.