European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) have just published the results of their latest radically revised crash tests. The Mazda 6 came out on top being one of Europe’s first to achieve the top five-star accolade.
The Mazda 6 was one of four models to achieve the top overall five-star rating covering adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, pedestrian protection and the new area of assessment, safety assist. The tests also take into account rear impact (whiplash) tests and the availability of electronic stability control (ESC). The new testing scheme requires all safety equipment, including ESC, to be standard on 85 percent of volume sales and at least optionally available on every variant.
ESC which has been hailed by road safety campaigners as the most significant safety advance since the introduction of the seat belt, is standard on the new Mazda 6 line-up as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control System (TCS).
The upper medium sector model is Mazda’s best-selling fleet and user-chooser model and gaining the top safety seal of approval from Euro NCAP in the tough revised tests further underline the car’s corporate credentials.
The Mazda 6 was the car that put the manufacturer on the UK corporate map six years ago and fleet and remarketing director Peter Allibon said: “Recent legislation such as last year’s Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act and this year’s Health and Safety (Offences) Act have focused the fleet decision-makers’ minds on ensuring that vehicles driven on business are as safe as possible.
“Ensuring a car is ‘fit for purpose’ is a key requirement of a company’s duty of care responsibility towards not only its at-work drivers, but other road users. More people are killed and seriously injured on Britain’s roads while driving on behalf of their employer than in any other work-related activity, which is why the Government is campaigning for improved occupational road safety.
“Central to striving for reduced crash levels among at-work drivers is for managers in charge of public and private sector fleets to ensure they put only the very safest cars on choice lists. Safety-focused fleet decision-makers should therefore look for the new five-star Euro NCAP symbol which plays to the strength of the Mazda 6. Fleet investment in safety starts with employees driving ‘safe’ cars – and that means the Mazda 6.”
Along with the introduction of its all‑new Mazda 6 2.2-litre diesel, boasting CO2 emissions below 160g/km across the range, making this engine variant an all-round wise choice to fleet managers and user-choosers alike, Mazda have added further appeal accelerating safety to the forefront by adding the availability of its lane‑change ‘Rear Vehicle Monitoring System.’ On 15 Mazda 6 models, from TS2 upwards, the manufacturer is among the first carmakers to introduce the technology. Other safety features standard on the Mazda 6 include traction control with Electronic Brake‑force Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist, front, side and full-length airbags.
The new Mazda 6 line-up entered UK showrooms last month with prices starting at £14,891 on-the-road for the 1.8 5dr S. Fleets have a choice of three petrol engines, three diesel engines and five equipment levels.
For more information on the Mazda 6 Range call Mazda Darlington on freephone 0800 980 4532 or Mazda Durham on freephone 0800 980 4534.