The next-generation Mazda3 has been awarded the five-star maximum rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), an independent agency composed of the transport authorities of European countries, on its 2009 combined safety performance test.

This five star rating is the overall vehicle safety rating given after combining the scores in four areas: Adult Occupant Protection, Child Protection, Pedestrian Protection and Safety Assist. The model tested by Euro NCAP was the 5 door hatchback Mazda 3 1.6 ‘Touring’.

Mazda3 is the second Mazda model to be awarded the five-star maximum rating under the new Euro NCAP evaluation system. The new Mazda6 received five stars in February 2009. Mazda2 and Mazda5 received a maximum ranking of five stars for Adult Occupant Protection from Euro NCAP in December 2007 and 2005 respectively.

You can see the offical results here: http://www.euroncap.com/results/mazda/3/2009/382.aspx