The new Mazda CX-5 has received five-stars - the highest possible safety rating - from Euro NCAP.

The CX-5, a compact crossover SUV that went on sale in the UK earlier this month, achieved top marks in all four safety categories.

Its grades for adult occupant protection, child occupant protection and safety assist systems were 94 per cent, 87 per cent and 86 per cent respectively, and above the minimum required in each category to collect the maximum five stars.

Mazda's new model achieved the maximum safety rating while being subject to the higher pedestrian protection standards introduced by Euro NCAP in 2012, an area in which vehicles must now score at least 60 per cent.

After the Mazda3 and Mazda6, the CX-5 is the third Mazda model to earn five stars from Euro NCAP since the introduction of its new rating system in 2009.
 

> Full launch report on the CX-5 in the June issue of AM.