Mixed results in new Euro NCAP tests - Mazda 6

Overall occupant protection 4/5 stars
Front impact 75%
Side impact 89%
Child protection 80% 4/5 stars
Pedestrian 14% 1/4 stars

Euro NCAP allowed Mazda to retest the 6 with improved front passenger seatbelts, so these results are only applicable to cars from VIN number JMZGC148261622239 onwards.

Even with the improved belts, both the driver and passenger face the risk of chest injuries, while the driver’s legs are also at risk. Overall protection is good, however.

Side-impact results are only slightly marred by chest and abdominal loads, head and torso airbags offering plenty of protection.

Britax’s Baby Safe and Duo Plus seats were used in child tests, in which Mazda scored highly.

Pedestrian results are not so good, however. Only the front of the bonnet provides any substantial amount of cushioning, so Euro NCAP gave the 6 just one out of four stars.