Mazda2 Earns Lower Crash Scores Than Ford Fiesta

There’s often a perception that if a car is based on the same platform as another, they’re pretty much identical save for the design, interior and often the powertrains. Well, that automotive myth has never been more clearly busted (can we legally use that phrase?) than with the recent crash testing of the new 2011 Mazda2 subcompact.
 
The Mazda2 shares a platform with Ford’s Fiesta, but both companies have said the vehicles don’t actually share all that much in common. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently released its crash-test results of the Mazda2, and it earned the top score of Good in frontal and roof-strength tests but received the second-best rating of Acceptable in side and rear crash tests. The Ford Fiesta earned top scores in all the tests and is the only car of its size currently listed as a Top Safety Pick by IIHS.
 
The Fiesta sedan has been tested by the federal government, and it received an overall score of four stars. The government has not tested the Mazda2 yet.
 
The Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris also scored Good in frontal, side and rear crash tests but earned an Acceptable score in roof strength.