BMW 5 series scores high in pedestrian safety

Euro NCAP today released the test results for three new cars: the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, BMW 5-series and the Mazda CX-7.

The BMW 5 series achieved a high 78% in pedestrian protection. The car has an active bonnet, so that when a pedestrian is struck, the bonnet is lifted from its position as a result, creating more space to absorb the energy that usually results in injury. The car also scored 100% in Safety Assist as the car has electronic stability control fitted as standard, seatbelt reminders in the front and rear, as well as a driver set speed limitation device.

One of the most common injuries in the event of a rear impact are whiplash injuries.

The BMW seat and head restraint was found to offer good protection. The Alfa Romeo Giulietta is equipped with a reactive seat and head restraint offering good protection as well. However, the Mazda CX -7 was found to offer poor protection against whiplash.



For detailed ESC performance data on all cars tested in 2009 go to the Euro NCAP website www.euroncap.com. Besides English, the Euro NCAP website is now available in Dutch and French as well.

Latest car test results from Euro NCAP

Test results for 6 cars were released by Euro NCAP yesterday:

In the Supermini category, the Daihatsu Materia and the Mazda 2.

In the Small Family Car category, the Honda Civic

In the Large Family Car category, the the Mercedes Benz C Class, the Renault Laguna and the Volvo V70

Out of these, four cars received five stars in adult occupant protection. These were the Mazda 2, the Mercedes Benz C Class, the Renault Laguna and the Volvo V70.


Mazda 2

During the trest, delay in the deployment of airbags was detected in the Mazda 2 and the Volvo V70 even though they were not part of Euro NCAP tests.

In the frontal impact test of the Mazda 2, a small disturbance shortly before impact led to a delay in the firing of the airbags and protection of the front seat occupants was compromised. Although these disturbances are not part of Euro NCAP’s tests, they could occur in real life accidents. In the case of the Volvo V70, curtain airbag deployment was delayed in the side pole test.

Both manufacturers have taken steps to rectify the problems.

Read the full press release here: "Euro NCAP - up to speed on testing".

Taiki - a sleek concept from Mazda

Here is Mazda's vision of the future - the Mazda Taiki. The latest concept which was unvieled at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show, is an evolution of the Nagare design theme. Looks like a bird about to fly.

This front-engine rear-drive sports car of the future features a revolutionary next-generation rotary engine and enhanced aerodynamic performance.


Mazda also showed off the new Mazda Atenza - soon to be introduced in Japan and the new Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid.

The new Mazda 2

This story is a bit old but I decided to put it up anyway.


Mazda Motor Corporation launched the World premiere of the new European spec Mazda2 (known as the Mazda Demio in Japan) at the 77th annual Geneva International Motor Show.

It is available in 1.3-litre and MZR 1.5-litre petrol engines. According to sources, there’ll also be a 1.4 litre diesel engine in the near future.


The safety features include driver and front passenger airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Emergency Brake-force Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist.

Mazda2 to debut in Geneva

The new European spec Mazda2

The all new Mazda2 (known as the Mazda Demio in Japan) will debut at the 77th annual Geneva International Motor Show to be held from Tuesday, March 6 through Sunday, March 18, 2007.

Also on display at the Mazda stand will be the Mazda Hakaze concept car and a diesel engine powered Mazda3 (Mazda Axela in Japan).