Mazda MX-5

The passenger compartment of the MX-5 remained stable in the frontal offset test.  Dummy readings indicated good protection of the knees and femurs of both the driver and passenger.  Mazda showed that a similar level of protection would be provided to occupants of different sizes and to those sat in different positions.  The driver's airbag did not have sufficient pressure to prevent the head from making contact with the steering wheel, through the airbag material.  Although dummy readings were good, close examination of the traces and analysis of the high speed film showed the contact and protection was rated as adequate.  Protection of the passenger was good for all body areas.  In the full width rigid barrier test, protection of the driver was good for all parts of the body and that of the passenger was good apart from chest, protection of which was adequate.  In the side barrier impact, protection of the chest was adequate and that of all other body areas was good.  In the more severe side pole test, chest protection was rated as marginal, with good protection of other critical body areas.  The seats and head restraints provided good protection against whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision.  The MX-5 does not have an autonomous emergency braking system.