Front impact
Euro NCAP allowed Mazda to re-test with an improved front passenger restraint system. Spot-weld release at the base of the A-pillar and deformation of the sill indicated that the bodyshell was at the limit of its integrity and would have been incapable of withstanding a more severe impact. The car was penalised for this. Structures within the dashboard represented a potential hazard to the knees and femurs on the driver's side.
Side impact
In the side impact, forces transferred in an unrealistic manner to the test dummy, reducing the forces recorded by the instrumentation in its chest. The car was penalised for this.
Child occupant
The passenger airbag can be deactivated to allow a rearward-facing child restraint to be placed in the front passenger's seat. However, information regarding the status of the airbag was not adequate to meet uro NCAP's requirements. The presence of ISOFIX anchorages in the rear outboard seats was not clearly indicated.