Two brand-new, family-sized cars from Mazda and Honda have emerged from Euro NCAP’s latest and most exacting safety tests with maximum five-star scores.
The Mazda MX-30 and the Honda Jazz performed well when assessed against the latest 2020 testing protocols which shine a spotlight on safety equipment and collision performance.
The MX-30 is Mazda’s debut EV and is a model that is expected to appeal to families and other buyers that want to embrace an affordable EV future. It scored an impressive 91% for adult occupant protection, and a respectable 68% for its vulnerable road user collision avoidance capability.
Matthew Avery, Thatcham Research’s Director of Research, said: “The MX-30 is a full EV that continues the work Mazda has done for a long time to provide good levels of passive and active protection in its vehicles that give motorists confidence. Emerging from our most exacting tests ever with five stars is credit to them.
“The car’s passive safety score is very good, particularly in light of the fact our tests are more exacting than ever before with the use of a new mobile progressive deformable barrier and new dummies. Achieving five stars is now harder than ever.”
Meanwhile, the 2020 Honda Jazz – now exclusively available with a hybrid powertrain – is equipped with the most up-to-date safety equipment, such as autonomous emergency braking and a centre-mounted airbag that protects the driver and front passenger against injuries in far-side crashes.
Its highest score during the latest round of Euro NCAP testing was 87% for adult occupant protection, while its lowest was 76% for safety assist capability.
Avery said: “This Jazz’s latest results aren’t as good as one of its main category rivals, the Toyota Yaris, but still continues the 5-star performance we’ve had with previous generations of the car. As always with Honda, its pedestrian protection capability is a particular highlight.”
Euro NCAP has also published ratings for variants of existing cars, namely the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé and the Mercedes EQV, which is an electric version of the 2014 V-class.
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