CX-7 Earns Top Ratings In Government Crash Tests

The 2007 Mazda CX-7 crossover SUV received five-star frontal and side impact crashworthiness ratings, the highest possible scores, in the U.S. government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests. The CX-7 also received a four-star rollover rating for both the front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions. No SUV currently on sale has received better ratings than the CX-7.

"The CX-7 combines performance and safety with a level of power and driving satisfaction seldom associated with a SUV," says Robert Davis, senior vice president of product development and quality for Mazda North American Operations. "We are proud to offer a vehicle that blends these features with excellent crash test ratings."

NHTSA's frontal collision ratings are determined by placing crash-test dummies in the driver's seat and front-passenger seats and securing them with the vehicle's seat belts. Vehicles are then crashed into a fixed barrier at 35 mph, which is equivalent to a head-on collision between two similar vehicles that are moving at 35 mph. The five-star rating attained by CX-7 indicates a ten percent or less chance of serious injury to a belted occupant in the front seat.

Side-impact crash testing represents an intersection-type collision with a 3,015-pound barrier moving at 38.5 mph into the CX-7, with crash test dummies buckled into the driver and rear passenger seats. CX-7is five star rating, the highest possible, indicates a five percent or less chance of serious injury.

The CX-7 went on sale this past June with a long list of standard safety equipment, including dual front airbags, front seat mounted side air bags, roof mounted curtain air bags with rollover protection, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, traction control and Dynamic Stability Control and tire pressure monitors. CX-7 also features a rigid unibody utilizing Mazda's Advanced Impact Energy Distribution and Absorption System to realize high levels of collision safety and help protect occupants in various accident situations, including front-, side- and rear-impact collisions. It is constructed of large frame sections featuring high-strength steel with subframe connections to help absorb energy when a collision occurs. The side frame is stamped from a single tailored blank, which minimizes center pillar deformation during a side-impact collision.