Mazda demonstrates that small lightweight cars be safe too

The doors stay intact and functional

When Mazda introduced their new B-class car, the Mazda2, earlier this year one of the most interesting technical aspects of the car was that the company bucked the seemingly irreversible trend of making new models bigger and heavier. The new car is more than 200 lbs lighter than its predecessor. While many people (particularly SUV owners) seem to think that lighter cars are inherently less safe this doesn't necessarily have to be the case. The new Mazda2 has just completed its EuoNCAP crash testing and received the maximum five stars for adult crash protection and four stars for child protection. It's not clear why smaller children would fair worse than adults but the ratings are still very good such a small car.

Geneva Preview: Mazda2 three door coming

A year after it debuted in Geneva as a stylish little five-door hatchback, the Mazda2 is adding a new member to the family at this year's Geneva Motor Show. A three-door hatch will be joining the Mazda2 lineup for the first time. The three-door gets the same 1.3 and 1.5L gas and 1.4L diesel engine options as its more accessible sibling. Even with two fewer doors, this model is still the same size, it just has a sportier look.