Previously, Euro NCAP made three separate ratings available for each vehicle. From now on, Euro NCAP will publish a new overall rating for every vehicle that will cover Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Pedestrian Protection and a new area of assessment: Safety Assist. Under the new testing regime, vehicles are awarded a single overall score from one to five stars. The assessment incorporates all previous aspects and includes the recently introduced Rear Impact (Whiplash) tests. In addition, the availability of ESC and speed limitation devices is considered. The overall rating is based on the car’s performance in each of the four main areas and the scores are weighted with respect to each other. Over the next three years, stricter requirements will be introduced increasing the emphasis on all-round safety performance and demanding higher levels of achievement in each area. Read the rest of this entry »

The bigger, faster and smarter 2009 MAZDA6 will roll into the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show with a radical look and feel that is worthy of the vehicle’s performance capabilities. Mazda will showcase two MAZDA6s at its booth at the SEMA show in Las Vegas. Read the rest of this entry »