Since its launch on October 26 in China, the Mazda EZ-6 has been making waves as a successor to the Mazda 6, garnering global attention for its innovative features and safety engineering. Priced at 139,800 yuan (19,625 USD), the EZ-6 is built on Changan’s EPA hybrid platform and marketed as a “safe, smart, and reliable” mid-sized sedan.
One of the key highlights of the EZ-6 is its robust safety features, which were showcased in an intense side crash test with a truck. Side-impact collisions are known to be high-risk, accounting for a significant number of fatalities in vehicle accidents. The test simulated a scenario where a high-speed truck collided with the side of the car at a T-junction, putting the vehicle’s structural integrity, airbag deployment, and battery safety to the test.
During the test, the EZ-6 demonstrated strong safety performance. The passenger cabin remained structurally intact, with no failure of the pillars. The seats and seat frames held up without deformation, and the airbags deployed accurately to protect the occupants from secondary impacts. The battery system shut down promptly to prevent any smoking, fire, or explosion, and the emergency E-Call function was activated immediately.
The vehicle disassembly post-test revealed the EZ-6’s “7-cross, 5-longitudinal” cage structure, designed to distribute impact forces evenly across the body. This structure, combined with high-strength steel reinforcements, allowed the vehicle to withstand intense lateral impacts without compromising the cabin’s integrity.
In terms of airbag deployment, the EZ-6 boasts nine airbags, including side and far-side airbags to maximize protection in side-impact accidents. The far-side airbag proved instrumental in preventing passenger collisions within the vehicle, minimizing the risk of head injuries.
Battery safety is a top priority for electric vehicles, and the EZ-6’s crash-tested battery showed minimal wear following the collision. The battery pack’s protective casing and management system ensure that the battery remains safe and stable even under extreme conditions, exceeding national safety standards.
Overall, the EZ-6’s safety framework has been praised for its technical advancements and user-focused design. Mazda’s commitment to rigorous safety standards is evident in the EZ-6’s “no compromise” approach to safety, making it a standout choice in the competitive mid-sized car market.
