2008 Mazda Speed3 Safety Review [ 2007 ]
in Affordable Performance Cars
Based on analysis of 31 Speed3 reviews and test drives.
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
According to crash tests conducted by the federal government, the 2008 Mazda 3 hatchback, which has an identical structure to the Speed3, earns four out of five stars for both driver and front passenger protection in frontal impact crashes. It also receives a four star rollover rating.
While the majority of reviewers had few comments or concerns about the Mazdaspeed3's safety features or crash test performance, reviewers from Cars.com call the safety ratings of the Mazdaspeed3 "average," adding that generally buyers looking for performance are not as inclined to care about high safety ratings. Yet, the Detroit News reports that, with the Mazdaspeed3, buyers will "get a load of standard safety equipment," adding, "If my kid wanted to buy this car, I'd be all for it, given that level of commitment to safety."
While the 2008 Mazdaspeed3 has not been put through crash tests, it shares the same platform as the Mazda 3 wagon, which earns a top rating of "good" (the highest possible) in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests.
Accident Avoidance
The Mazdaspeed3 comes equipped with power-assisted ventilated front disc brakes and solid rear disc brakes. The exterior of the Mazdaspeed3 comes with fog lamps, while the Mazdaspeed3 Grand Touring edition has automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and Xenon High-Intensity Discharge headlights and LED rear combination taillights, which all help with visibility. Both Mazdaspeed3 trims come with a tire pressure monitoring system and remote keyless entry, while the Mazdaspeed3 Grand Touring comes standard with a theft-deterrent security system.
Crash Protection
Both trim levels of the 2008 Mazdaspeed3 come with dual front-seat-mounted side-impact air bags and side-impact air curtains with front and rear coverage. The front safety belts on the Mazdaspeed3 have pretensioners and force limiters.
