irishcar.com

4 July 2002: The Mazda MPV has achieved maximum safety points in four out of five areas in the latest crash and rollover ratings released by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The vehicle was awarded five stars in the frontal and side impact tests for both driver and front passenger. The Mazda achieved 3 stars in rollover tests.

Among other cars which are sold in Ireland, the Hyundai Sonata was awarded four stars in both side impact tests (frontals have not yet been done) and five stars in the rollover test.

The Kia Rio saloon was awarded four stars in frontal impact, three each in side impact, and four in rollover. The Land Rover Discovery II was only tested in rollover and achieved just two stars. The Toyota Camry was only awarded two stars for driver's side impact, but five for the passenger and four for rollover. Frontals have yet to be tested. The 2003 model year Corolla won four stars in each of the side impacts and in rollover. Again, frontals have not yet been done.

The NHTSA tests are similar to the Euro ENCAP tests in Europe. But readers should be aware that there might be some differences, and that the specifications of cars sold in the US may well differ from those sold here.