Mazda CX-7 Performs Well in NHTSA Crash Tests

Mazda Motor Corp. says its ’07 CX-7 cross/utility vehicle has received 5-star frontal and side-impact crashworthiness ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Admin.

The CX-7 also received a 4-star rollover rating for both front- and all-wheel-drive versions, the auto maker says. The ratings are based on a 1-5 scale, with five being the highest rating possible.

NHTSA’s frontal-crash ratings are determined during a test in which vehicles are crashed into a fixed barrier at 35 mph (56 km/h). The test is equivalent to a head-on collision between two similar vehicles traveling the same speed.

The CX-7’s 5-star rating indicates a 10% or less chance of serious injury to a belted occupant in the front seat, Mazda says.

The side-impact crash test is designed to recreate an intersection-type collision with a 3,015-lb. (1,368-kg) barrier moving at 38.5 mph (62 km/h) into the test vehicle, with crash test dummies buckled into the driver and rear passenger seats.

The CX-7’s rating means there is a 5% or less chance occupants will suffer serious injury.