It achieved high marks in all four categories, chalking up 93 percent and 86 percent respectively for adult and child occupant protection - both among the highest scores in Europe this year - and 65 percent and 81 percent in the pedestrian protection and safety assist categories.
The Mazda3 is available as a hatchback or saloon and is the fifth Mazda to earn the top five-star badge since Euro NCAP introduced a tougher new rating system in 2009.
It is available to order from now. Prices start from €21,595 for the petrol 100hp and from €25,295 for the diesel 150hp unit.
It comes with a much enhanced specification level across models including SE, Executive, Executive SE to the newly introduced GT/Platinum grades. Extra safety features include Smart City Brake Support which helps reduce or prevent low-speed collisions by automatically applying the brakes if the driver fails to act, and Hill Hold Assist to prevent roll back.
The new-generation Mazda3 made its European public premier at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
