The 20 Least Safe Cars of 2015

1. Mazda 5

The Mazda 5 scored a “poor” in the small overlap front test, and a “marginal” in the side impact test. Driver space was seriously compromised by intruding structure. Lower interior intrusion measured 35 cm at the lower hinge pillar. Upper interior intrusion measured 34 cm at the hinge pillar and 25 cm at the instrument panel. The steering column was pushed back 15 cm towards the driver. Dummy measurements indicated that injury to the left thigh and lower left leg would be likely in a crash of this severity, and injuries to the left knee and right lower leg would be possible. During the crash, the driver’s door unlatched, which could lead to the driver being ejected from the vehicle. The dummy’s head barely contacted the airbag before sliding off the left side, as the steering column moved 14 cm to the right. The seat belt allowed excessive forward excursion of the dummy’s head and torso, leading to the dummy striking its head on the instrument panel.