H’mm - Only Countryboys post makes sense, the general (above) assumption that the system will only deploy when the car hits a pedestrian is laughable, when a bump sensor activates the system. A car would need a sophisticated video system to give advance warning that a pedestrian was in line of sight BEFORE the sensors are made live - the cost being prohibitive.
Another sign of liberalism, triggered by over zealous ambulance chasers, liability clauses etc. Add technology gone mad, and you get closer to reality. Motto - avoid any car with it fitted. Also avoid driving such a car,if you made the mistake of buying one, the implications are plain enough. Resale values are beyond estimation, and you though Rust was a problem - - - - -.
If proximity to engine is a problem (Bonnet lid) then either fit an airbag to the lid, or a bull bar, and equip all cars with a dash cam (for insurance cover). Judging by a recent court case (track bicycle killing a pedestrian) which received nation wide publicity, no-one is safe from pedestrian idiocy any more. No media coverage gave any blame to said pedestrian, who presumably stepped in front of the cyclist, - where? we have no idea. Anyone with a track bike will stand on the pedals when the bike has a fixed wheel - given time and space for that to be effective. With or without brakes is immaterial. Any kid will tell you that. Damage will be confined to bike and rider, so a car driver has no chance.
I can only offer sympathy to the OP, Mazda has its regional view I’m afraid, and while OZ seems to have a sympathetic ear (and heart) the UK (NE) region differs, unless it becomes an international problem. No view from Stateside yet - I haven’t checked myself, but someone will no doubt.
Sandicliffe are a reputable dealer in this area, but they don’t have a body repair shop, so moving a car to such a shop is not unusual, and common practice. At the end of the day someone has to pay for the repairs, and it won’t be Sandicliffe. Having read Countryboy’s summation, then it would appear to be a manufacturing (design) fault, and as such surely Mazda’s liability?
As the OP is not a Club member, then I’m afraid the Club cannot help in what appears to be an isolated case, which is a shame, but advice is available to anyone with a problem - we pride ourselves on that. I suggest you approach Mazda and ask if they are willing to accept all, or some part of the expense, which is obviously not your fault. You need to write to head office here, not deal with phone calls, where staff are trained to reject liability, not help you to achieve it. Mazda staff will tell you the dealer is responsible for warranty claims, as I know well from personal experience. No dealer will offer help for what they regard as an accident, even if you did not cause it.
So Roger, and anyone with an ND - or a late Mk3.75, take heed, we now are sadly aware of the implications, and you are driving a cash problem. (and I thought I was - - --) For various reasons we need to know the outcome of this sad tale, so that all Club Owners can take this further. I’ve finished campaigning for Mazda Faults, so the balls in your court.Good luck all.
