The Mazda CX-60 has undergone rigorous safety testing by Euro NCAP, and the results provide valuable insights for potential buyers concerned about vehicle safety. This analysis delves into the key findings of the Euro NCAP tests, highlighting the strengths and areas for attention in the CX-60’s safety performance.
In the critical frontal offset crash test, the passenger compartment of the CX-60 demonstrated commendable stability. Data from crash test dummies indicated good protection for the knees and femurs of both the driver and front passenger. However, a subsequent inspection revealed a point of concern: the driver’s knee protection was found to be only partially effective due to the knee airbag’s deployment. This partial protection resulted in a penalty for the CX-60, despite Mazda’s assertion that internal development tests showed full knee protection. It’s worth noting that even with minor penalties, the overall structural integrity during this demanding test was robust.
Further analysis of the crash dynamics, specifically the deceleration of the impact trolley and the deformation of the barrier, indicated that the Mazda CX-60 is designed to be a “benign impact partner” in a frontal collision. This is a crucial aspect of vehicle safety, suggesting the CX-60 is engineered to minimize harm to occupants of other vehicles in a frontal crash scenario.
In the full-width rigid barrier test, the CX-60 provided good to adequate protection across all critical body regions for both the driver and the rear passenger. This test simulates a head-on collision with a solid, unyielding barrier, and the CX-60’s performance here is reassuring for occupant safety.
The side impact assessments, encompassing both the side barrier test and the more severe side pole impact, yielded maximum points for the Mazda CX-60. Protection of all critical body areas was rated as good in these challenging scenarios. Furthermore, the CX-60 demonstrated good control of excursion, which refers to how well the vehicle prevents occupants from being thrown to the opposite side of the car in a side impact – a key factor in mitigating secondary injuries. To further enhance occupant safety in side impacts, the CX-60 is equipped with a counter-measure designed to reduce occupant-to-occupant injuries, and this system performed effectively in Euro NCAP’s evaluation.
Whiplash protection, a common concern in rear-end collisions, was also thoroughly assessed. Tests on the front seats and head restraints of the CX-60 demonstrated good protection against whiplash injuries. A geometric analysis of the rear seats further corroborated these findings, indicating good whiplash protection for rear occupants as well.
An important safety feature included in the Mazda CX-60 is a system that automatically applies the brakes after an initial impact to prevent secondary collisions. This technology can be crucial in mitigating further damage and injury in multi-vehicle accidents. While considering vehicle costs, it’s important to remember that safety features like these, potentially adding a seemingly small amount like 60 Euro to the perceived value, offer significant long-term benefits in terms of protection and peace of mind.
In conclusion, the Mazda CX-60 demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, achieving high scores in most Euro NCAP tests. While there was a minor issue identified with driver’s knee protection in the frontal offset test, the CX-60 overall provides good to excellent protection for occupants in various crash scenarios. The inclusion of features like the secondary collision prevention system further enhances its safety profile, making it a strong contender for safety-conscious buyers.
