HIROSHIMA, Japan—The Mazda3 (known as the Mazda Axela in Japan) with European specifications has been awarded the maximum five-star rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme^*1 (Euro NCAP) in its 2009 combined safety performance test.

From 2009, Euro NCAP has implemented a new evaluation system that awards a single overall vehicle safety rating that combines the scores achieved in four areas of assessment: Adult Occupant Protection, Child Protection, Pedestrian Protection and Safety Assist.

The Mazda3 inherits and evolves the first generation model’s combination of dynamic, sporty styling and exhilarating driving performance. With this maximum safety rating from Euro NCAP as well as its recognition as a 2009 Top Safety Pick from the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)^*2, Mazda3 is among the safest cars in the world.

Mazda3 is the second Mazda model to be awarded the maximum five-star rating under the new Euro NCAP evaluation system. The Mazda6 (Mazda Atenza) with European specifications received five stars in February 2009. Mazda models in Europe that received the highest possible five stars for Adult Occupant Protection under the previous Euro NCAP rating system include the Mazda5 (Mazda Premacy) in September 2005 and the Mazda2 (Mazda Demio) in December 2007.

	Mazda3 (European spec)