Here’s a quick look at the 2013 Mazda CX-5 Body Structure for the folks in New Zealand!
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The 2013 Mazda CX-5 received the IIHS’ best marks of “good” in front, side, and rear-impact tests, and rollover tests. The new body architecture was developed as part of Mazda’s breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY program, and incorporates a new energy absorbing structure as well as an expanded use of high tensile steel to reduce weight. The new chassis incorporates 61% high-tensile strength steel, and in the bumpers and other key areas incorporates ultra-high tensile strength steel. Standard safety equipment in all CX-5 models includes: six airbags, anti-lock disk brakes, daytime running lights, dynamic stability control and traction control, seat belt pre-tensioners, and a fold-away brake pedal assembly.
The 2012 Mazda 3 does not look different from the 2011, but don’t let that feel you that there were no changes to the body structure. For 2012 models, the B-pillar reinforcement has been extended by more than seven inches and more high tensile steel was added to further increase body rigidity. This change is in all Mazda3s, regardless of trim level or engine choice. Keep in mind that all Mazda3s will continue to feature Mazda’s own highly rigid safety body structure, which incorporates:
- Crushable outer zones that absorb impact energy
- Mazda’s Triple H construction, which applies H-shaped reinforcements to the floor, side frames and roof to suppress cabin deformation.
- For 2012 models, the B-pillar reinforcement has been extended by more than seven inches and more high tensile steel was added to further increase body rigidity.
A few other notable standard advanced safety features include:
- Six airbags (advanced dual front, front-seat mounted and full-length side curtain) with improved double chamber side airbags
- A “crushable” brake and accelerator pedal assembly and collapsible steering column
- Front seat-belt pretensioners with force limiters
Below is the body structure shell for the 2005-2010 Mazda 5. The Mazda 5 is built with Triple H body construction. The Triple H construction gives superb strength to the unitary construction body. Unitary construction is a construction technique that supports structural load by using an object’s exterior. This is why higher strength steels are used in locations of high stress to increase strength and rigidity without adding weight.
The B-pillars are made of high-tensile steel. The side sills and B-pillars have large cross-sections for extra strength. Reinforcements were put in below the B and C-pillars to strengthen their joints to the side sills.
As for airbags:
- Advanced dual front air bags
- Side-impact air curtains with third-row coverage
- Front-seat mounted side-impact air bags
The 2011 Mazda 2 is 50 lb (23 kg) lighter because of the extended use of high-tensile-strength steel in the body structure. The crash-critical of areas of the structure have the highest strength steel for side impact protection. Over half of the body structure weight is a grade of high-strength steel.
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| Purple colored steel is UHSS |
Weight was also reduced by using a structural bonding adhesive for high stress areas like door openings and the rear. A heat-activated structural adhesive was used between the panels and the spot weld it would activate the adhesive and create a continuous bond. Finding an adhesive between sheet metal is nothing new. The important thing to remember is on the 2011 Mazda 2 is the number of spot welds used was increased. The spot welds activate the adhesive. More welds can help and hurt you during an extrication. Just make sure you are looking at the big picture and planning your next spreads and cuts before you start the first.
Many auto makers have created acronyms for their safety cage of UHSS body structure, Mazda is no different. To maintain a rigid safety cage around the passenger compartment, the Mazda CX-9 body is built around the Mazda Advanced Impact-energy Distribution and Absorption System (MAIDAS).
Since Mazda is still partly owned by Ford there should be little surprise that the 2010 Mazda 3 is a Volvo-sourced platform. The new Mazda 3 is made up with double the amount of high-strength and ultra-high strength steel.
