The Mazda 3 was awarded four stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests, but although this is good, the majority of newer rivals are now gaining five stars. All cars get ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) plus driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (on all but the entry-level S hatchback), seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, plus both a collapsible steering column and brake pedal.
The rear seats split 60/40 and the backs fold down but aside from that they don't do anything particularly clever. Still, boot space is reasonable with 346-litres on offer, which is more than the Volkswagen Golf, and storage is a strong point with large cupholders on the centre console and useful door pockets. Unlike other small hatchbacks, there's no estate version available, although there is a saloon.
Euro NCAP Rating
The Mazda 3 Hatchback (04-08) was tested by Euro NCAP in and received the following safety ratings:
Euro NCAP provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe. The safety ratings are determined from a series of vehicle tests, designed and carried out by Euro NCAP. These tests represent, in a simplified way, important real life accident scenarios that could result in injured or killed car occupants or other road users.
