The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has given the highest safety rating to the new compact crossover SUV, the 2013 Mazda CX-5, and has named the vehicle its “Top Safety Pick”.
After undergoing the four IIHS tests, the Mazda CX-5 received a “Good” rating each time, which is the highest possible crash safety rating.
According to the Mazda North American Operations president and CEO, Jim O’Sullivan, this vehicle is the first from the manufacturer “to receive the full suite of SKYACTIV technologies, which focuses not only on fuel efficiency but also on safety and stability.” He explained that receiving the distinction of being the “Top Safety Pick” from the IIHS only underscores the auto manufacturer’s dedication to provide superior solutions to the areas that matter most to consumers, including handling, performance, fuel economy, and safety.
The tests from the IIHS involved front, rear, and side impact crash tests, as well as a test of the roof strength that has been used since 2010. That last test is what helps to measure the protection of the occupants in the event that the vehicle should experience a rollover.
The overall evaluation of each vehicle is based on the crash dummy injury impact at the time of collision, and measurements of each crash angle’s intrusions.
The CX-5 has a wide range of standard safety equipment, including six airbags (front, full side-curtain, and side), as well as antilock brakes (ABS), four wheel disk brakes, a traction control system, dynamic stability control, daytime running lights, crumple zones in the front and rear, fold-away brake pedal assembly, pretensioners on front seatbelts, three-point safety belts for all seating positions, a tire pressure monitoring system, and lower anchors and tethers for children.