CX-5 - European crash test best in class - EuroNCAP2012 results released

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2012 Mazda CX-5 GT Diesel with Tech Pack
The EuroNCAP results have been released.

The European crash testing is the most stringent in the world, and requires good crash testing in additional to comprehensive safety measures, and decent pedestrian safety to get excellent results.

The European model is considered to be the world standard, and is the basis of many tests around the world.
For example, Australia uses the European methodology to perform the ANCAP (Australian NCAP), and the results are directly comparable.

The Mazda CX-5 results are 5/5:
http://www.euroncap.com/results/mazda/cx-5/479.aspx

94% - Adult occupant
87% - Child occupant
64% - Pedestrian
86% - Safety assist

This is a much better result than the CX-7, which received:

76% - Adult occupant
79% - Child occupant
43% - Pedestrian
71% - Safety assist

A lot of work was done to the bonnet (hood) of the CX-5 to raise it off the engine and to provide flex and ability to crumple and absorb a pedestrian upon impact (this is evident in the brackets on either side that raise the space between the engine and hood).

Furthermore the Skyactiv body was designed from the ground up to be both light, sturdy and able to absord head on collisions in a better manner to any other Mazda.

The result is also a best in class, beating other SUV's like the Audi Q3.
http://www.euroncap.com/small_off_road_4_4.aspx
 
Adult occupant
The passenger compartment of the CX-5 remained stable in the frontal impact. Dummy readings indicated good protection of the knees and femurs of the driver and passenger. Mazda showed that a similar level of protection would be provided for occupants of different sizes and to those sat in different positions. In the side barrier test, protection of all body regions was good and the car scored maximum points. Even in the more severe side pole test, the driver was well protected in all areas and maximum points were scored. The seat and head restraint provided good protection against whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision.

Child occupant
Based on dummy readings in the dynamic tests, the CX-5 scored maximum points for its protection of the 3 year child and lost only a fraction of a point for protection of the 18 month infant. In the frontal impact, forward movement of the head of the 3 year dummy, sat in a forward facing restraint, was not excessive. In the side impact, both dummies were properly contained by the protective shells of their restraints, minimising the likelihood of contact with parts of the car's interior. The passenger airbag can be disabled by means of a switch, allowing a rearward facing child restraint to be used in the passenger seat. Clear information is provided regarding the status of the airbag and the system was rewarded. There were clear warnings of the dangers of using a reaward facing restraint in that seating position without having first deactivated the airbag.

Pedestrian
The bumper provided good protection to pedestrians and the car scored maximum points in this area. The front edge of the bonnet was at best marginal in the protection offered to pedestrians. In most areas where it might be struck by the head of a child or an adult, the bonnet provided good protection.

Safety assist
Electronic stability control is standard equipment on the CX-5 and met Euro NCAP's requirements. A seatbelt reminder is standard for the driver, front passenger and rear passenger seats. A speed limitation device is not offered on the CX-5.
 
You beat me to it. I didn't refresh my page before posting
Bugger! And apologies.

Nevertheless, great result :)

No apology needed! Just thought no point in two threads.
Yes, great result and shows how all the light but strong steel and crash design worked.
 
No apology needed! Just thought no point in two threads.
Yes, great result and shows how all the light but strong steel and crash design worked.

Interestingly, the following was noted by the side pole test:
"The Mazda CX-5 compact SUV scored maximum points in both side impact tests – the side barrier and the pole test – making it the only car in the latest testing to score maximum points"

The other thing noted was that Mazda was installing AEB (Automatic Electronic Braking) - which Mazda refers to as Smart City Brake Support.

Dr Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General of Euro NCAP stated "The Mazda CX-5, which has AEB fitted largely as standard equipment in Europe, is therefore a good example for other manufacturers to follow as Euro NCAP intends to assess AEB in future testing procedures."

This is the reason the AEB is included in European models, but is excluded from North American and Australian models.

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This year pedestrian requirements were made stricter by the Euro NCAP testing organisation. Each car has to score greater than 60% to score 5 stars in the test.

It's the reason the Jeep Compass failed by European standards in a dismal fashion, and managed only 2 stars in the European tests:
http://www.euroncap.com/results/jeep/compass/2012/474.aspx

The same vehicle received a just acceptable result of 4 stars in the Australian NCAP, which measures as per the European standard minus the pedestrian testing.
http://www.ancap.com.au/crashtestrecord?Id=469

That said, so far in European and Australian testing, no Jeep has ever scored 5 stars.
http://www.euroncap.com/results/jeep.aspx


Video for the test:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeAqCuLeld0

It has been noted that the headrest design in the CX-5, may be uncomfortable, but the whiplash results are excellent.
Reversing them for comfort is not something people should consider.
 
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I guess I must be the right height or must sit just the right way because my head doesn't even touch the headrest. I didn't notice it at all but have been reading that a lot of people don't like them.
 
The video for the Electronic Stability Control test is also impressive. Is the same ESC part of the US models?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDlqpd-9V8k

While no one should ever have to experience the crashes that are tested for, quick maneuvering and swerving happen all the time. I have not test driven one yet, but the handling in this video is impressive. It looks like they test it mechanically, with a computer doing the steering, probably so all vehicles are tested the same.
 
The video for the Electronic Stability Control test is also impressive. Is the same ESC part of the US models?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDlqpd-9V8k

While no one should ever have to experience the crashes that are tested for, quick maneuvering and swerving happen all the time. I have not test driven one yet, but the handling in this video is impressive. It looks like they test it mechanically, with a computer doing the steering, probably so all vehicles are tested the same.

Yes, ESC is standard on all CX-5's in the US. Starting with the 2012 model-year, all passenger cars and light trucks sold in the U.S. will be required to come with standard ESC.
 
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