Crash test review: Mazda Mazda3

The Mazda Mazda3 is a decently priced vehicle that performs fairly well in crash test results considering the price tag. The Mazda3 is widely used as a performance vehicle due to its cheap cost, wide availability of aftermarket parts, and high power gains if properly modified. A street racer's favorite, the Mazda3 is light weight and nimble with excellent handling and a good crash test rating. This small chassis performs exceptionally well under high power application needing minimal strength enhancements for track use. Typically found in autocross events, the Mazda3 is a very rigid chassis and it shows in the crash test results!

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Watching the video footage below you can see the strength of the rigid autocross inspired chassis withstanding the offset impact with flying colors! A very solid design, the passenger cabin is totally unaffected by the front impact. There is no flex, ripples, or dents apparent in the footage indicating that the crash bubble the passengers reside in is very safe. The front wheel drive setup takes the majority of the hit, resulting in less energy transferred into the cabin. Driver and passengers all appear to be okay in this specific scenario. I would feel safe driving this vehicle over 100 mph!

I do have some concern for the range of motion the driver experiences during the frontal impact. For avid street or sport use, I would definitely invest some money in a five point harness and roll cage. The airbag can only do so much, and it appears the driver may suffer from slight whiplash if the scenario plays out right. There is a lot of room between the driver and dash resulting higher range of motion, and increased impact energy. If you plan on using this vehicle for autocross, it appears as if a first mandatory modification would be performance seating, restraints, helmet, and roll cage.

Video content: Mazda Mazda3 crash test review

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