To qualify as a 2019 TOP SAFETY PICK, a vehicle must earn good ratings in the driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, as well as a good or acceptable rating in the passenger-side small overlap front test. It also needs an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention and a good or acceptable headlight rating.

The Mazda3, redesigned for the 2019 model year, was rated for the first time in the newest IIHS crash test configuration — the passenger-side small overlap front test. Both the hatchback and sedan earned good ratings in this test.

Standard in the 2019 Mazda3 hatchback, and all Select Preferred, and Premium packages for the sedan is Mazda’s superior-rated front crash prevention system, Smart Brake Support, which detects and responds to vehicles and pedestrians. The system avoided collisions in 12 mph and 25 mph IIHS track tests. Also, built-in is Mazda’s prominent line up of Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, automatic on/off LED headlights with High Beam Control, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. A new feature, Driver Attention Alert, has also been added. This system alerts the driver when it detects driver fatigue or decreased attentiveness.

“Mazda constantly has an eye on the future, and we are dedicated to providing our drivers with advanced vehicles that build driver confidence,” said MNAO President Jeff Guyton. “This IIHS recognition is a testament to the efficacy of Mazda’s Proactive Safety Philosophy and we will continue to strive to meet the highest safety standards.”

The IIHS is an independent, non-governmental safety-testing organization, funded by the U.S. insurance industry.

i-ACTIVSENSE is a series of Mazda’s advanced safety technologies designed to aid the driver in recognizing hazards, avoiding collisions and reducing the severity of accidents when they cannot be avoided.

Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE is an umbrella term covering a series of advanced safety technologies, developed in line with Mazda Proactive Safety, which make use of detection devices such as milliwave radars and cameras. They include active safety technologies that support safe driving by helping the driver to recognize potential hazards and pre-crash safety technologies which help to avert collisions or reduce their severity in situations where they cannot be avoided.

The all-new Mazda6 will be equipped with the full range of i-ACTIVSENSE technologies*, offering excellent safety performance over a wide range of driving conditions.

Mazda’s safety philosophy, which guides the research and development of safety technologies, is based on understanding, respecting and trusting the driver.

To drive safely it is essential to recognize potential hazards, exercise good judgment and operate the vehicle in an appropriate fashion. Mazda aims to support these essential functions so drivers can drive safely and with peace of mind, despite changing driving conditions.
But drivers are human beings, and human beings are fallible. So, Mazda offers a range of technologies which help to prevent or reduce the damage resulting from an accident.

Fun, excitement, great looks and now category-best safety ratings as well? There’s no excuse. Click the TEST DRIVE button below and arrange a thorough tour and road test of the 2019 MAZDA MAZDA3 sedan or hatchback.