The revised and updated Mazda3 ModelYear 2011 has been tested and certified by IIHS as a “Top Safety Pick”. The hugely popular sedan and hatchback scored “Good” in all four tests conducted.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) evaluates cars on front, side and rear impact crash tests as well as a roof strength test (implemented in 2010), which measures occupant protection in the event of a rollover and rates them based on the scores they achieve in each given test. Only vehicles equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) are eligible for testing.
2011 Mazda3 comes with a wide range of safety features that makes it as safe as a Top Safety Pick award. All 2011 Mazda3 and MAZDASPEED3 models are equipped with a high level of standard safety features, which include six airbags (advanced dual front, front-seat mounted and full-length side curtain), anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with a Traction Control System (TCS), front and rear stabilizer bars, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), a “crushable” brake and accelerator pedal assembly and collapsible steering column, three-point safety belts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters as well as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH).
More details on 2011 Mazda3:
Starting at $15,800, the Mazda3 sedan is equipped with a powerful and fuel efficient 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that offers 148 horsepower with 135 lb.-ft. of torque and an estimated EPA fuel economy rating of 25 city/33 highway (MT) and 24 city/33 highway (AT). A larger 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine boasting 167 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft. of torque also is available for the Mazda3 sedan but standard on the five-door model. The Mazda3 hatchback starts at $20,045 and is rated with an EPA fuel economy of 20 city/28 highway (MT) and 22 city/29 highway (AT). Topping the line is the MAZDASPEED3, available only as a five-door model and equipped with a direct-injected, turbocharged 2.3-liter engine producing 267-hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque.
