The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced today that it has awarded its most coveted award, the Top Safety Pick, to yet another Japanese vehicle, the Mazda3. After subjecting the car to its series of crash tests, the organization found that the model can achieve a “good” rating in all four tests conducted.
2011 Mazda MAZDA3
2011 Mazda MAZDA3
The four tests conducted by the IIHS try to find how a car performs in front, side and rear impact scenarios, as well as in the case of a roll over (the so-called roof strength test, mandatory from last year at IIHS). As said, the Mazda3 managed to top them all.
“Nearly half of all Mazdas sold in the United States are Mazda3s, so we are justifiably proud of the 2011 Mazda3 earning the distinction of the IIHS 'Top Safety Pick,'" said Jim O'Sullivan, Mazda North American CEO.
2011 Mazda MAZDA3
2011 Mazda MAZDA3
2011 Mazda MAZDA3
In the US, the new Mazda3 can be purchased for $15,800. For that money, a customer will get the entry level model equipped with a 2.0l engine, capable of developing 148 horsepower and 135 lb.-ft. of torque.
Safety wise, the Mazda3 is equipped a wide array of features, including six airbags (advanced dual front, front-seat mounted and full-length side curtain), anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with a Traction Control System (TCS), front and rear stabilizer bars, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), a “crushable” brake and accelerator pedal assembly and collapsible steering column.
