5 star safety for Peugeot and Mazda

The new Peugeot 208 launches in Ireland at the end of June

The new Peugeot 208 and the new Mazda CX-5 have been deemed among the safest cars in the world, after being awarded 5 stars in the European New Car Assessment Programme.

The cars are rated in four categories – adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, safety assist systems and pedestrian protection – and crash tests include a 64km/h frontal impact, 50km/h vehicle-to-vehicle side impact, 29km/h pole side impact and 40km/h simulated pedestrian impact.

Electronic stability control (ESC) is also tested. Vehicles faced more stringent tests for pedestrian protection this year, after Euro NCAP increased the pass rate.

The 208’s safety equipment includes ABS, ESP, six airbags, rear Isofix fixings, speed limiter, front seat belt warning and a collapsible steering column as standard.

Peugeot believes its unique driving position also helped it achieve the 5 star rating – the 208’s instrument panel has been raised to minimise the time the driver’s eyes are off the road.

Mazda's CX-5 is available now, with prices starting from €25,195

Peugeot also believes the small steering wheel gives better road control.

Meanwhile, Mazda credits its new SKYACTIV-Body with its success.

The CX-5, which launched in Ireland last month, is the first in the range equipped with the structure, which it believes not only delivers superior crash safety but is also extremely lightweight.

Smart City Brake support, which prevents fender benders, also comes as standard in the CX-5.

The new Peugeot 208 is set for a June 30 launch in Ireland, while the CX-5 is available now.

Check out peugeot.ie and mazda.ie for further information.