New Mazda3 Scores a Maximum Five Stars on Euro NCAP Safety Test

DARTFORD, UNITED KINGDOM – November 25, 2009: The new Mazda3 has been awarded the five-star maximum rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme1 (Euro NCAP) on its 2009 combined safety performance test.

For 2009, Euro NCAP has implemented a new more stringent evaluation system that awards a single overall vehicle safety rating combining the scores achieved in four areas of assessment: Adult Occupant Protection, Child Protection, Pedestrian Protection and Safety Assist.

The first-generation Mazda3 combined dynamic and sporty styling with exhilarating driving performance. The new Mazda3 inherits and evolves these characteristics and, with this recognition from Euro NCAP, is among the safest cars in the important European compact segment.

Mazda3 is the second Mazda model to be awarded the five-star maximum rating under the new Euro NCAP evaluation system. The new Mazda6 received five stars in February 2009. Mazda2 and Mazda5 received a maximum ranking of five stars for Adult Occupant Protection from Euro NCAP in December 2007 and 2005 respectively.