- Popular compact sedan and hatchback receive highest safety rating from IIHS -
IRVINE, Calif. (March 21, 2011) - The
2011 Mazda3
was today recognized as a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute
for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Mazda3 received the organization's
highest possible crash safety rating of "Good" in all four tests
conducted.
"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,
President and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "Both the
sedan and hatchback models are recognized with this award, examples of
Mazda's dedication not only to producing engaging and fun-to-drive
vehicles but those offering the utmost quality and safety."
Vehicles
receive ratings based on results from the Institute's evaluations on
front, side and rear impact crash tests as well as a roof strength test
(implemented in 2010), which measures occupant protection in the event
of a rollover. Each vehicle's overall evaluation is based on
measurements of intrusion specific to each crash angle and the injury
impact on crash test dummies positioned within the vehicles at the time
of collision. Only vehicles equipped with Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) are eligible for testing.
The 2011 Mazda3 recently was
named a "Recommended" vehicle by a leading consumer publication and the
sedan model praised as its "Most Fun Small Sedan" and a "Best Vehicle
Under $20,000."
Starting at $15,800, the Mazda3 sedan is
equipped with a powerful and fuel efficient 2.0-liter, fourcylinder
engine that offers 148 horsepower with 135 lb.-ft. of torque and an
estimated EPA fuel economy rating of 25 city/33 highway (MT) and 24
city/33 highway (AT). A larger 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine boasting
167 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft. of torque also is available for the
Mazda3 sedan but standard on the five-door model. The Mazda3 hatchback
starts at $20,045 and is rated with an EPA fuel economy of 20 city/28
highway (MT) and 22 city/29 highway (AT). Topping the line is the
MAZDASPEED3, available only as a five-door model and equipped with a
direct-injected, turbocharged 2.3-liter engine producing 267-hp and 280
lb.-ft. of torque.
All 2011 Mazda3 and MAZDASPEED3 models are
equipped with a high level of standard safety features, which include
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, three-point safety belts for
all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters
as well as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH).
You can find a large selection of 2011 Mazda3 vehicles at your
Denver Mazda Dealer, Groove Mazda.
Founded
in 1959, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is an independent,
nonprofit, scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing
deaths, injuries and property damage that result from crashes on the
nation's highways and roads. The Institute, along with affiliate the
Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), supports highway safety efforts and
accident prevention through vehicle crash safety tests as well as
consumer education, such as driver behavior and roadway designs. For
more information, visit
www.iihs.org.
