Mazda has managed to score an impressive first and second place in a recent German reliability survey that analysed over 9 million inspections of 194 different models across 160 criteria. If you think that sounds like a reasonably comprehensive type of survey then you would be right.

Called the TUV report, it is run by Germany’s TUV (Technical Inspection Agency) and is said to give clear insight into the build quality and reliability of new cars, as well as being highly influential with second-hand car buyers.

The Mazda3 came first with almost no defects or faults, closely followed by the Mazda2.

“This year’s TÜV Report is further confirmation that Mazda quality and reliability is top notch. Our Stylish, Insightful and Spirited strategy is about building the best value drivers’ cars. It’s equally important to our customers that our cars are also world’s best for quality and reliability, and this ward is proof of that,” said Doug Dickson, Managing Director of Mazda Australia.

This outstanding result sees Mazda win the coveted “Golden Badge” award from Germany’s TÜV Technical Inspection Agency for the first time.

In the category for vehicles two to three years old, Mazda3 prevailed with a defect quota of only 1.2 percent, followed closely by the Mazda2 with only 1.4 percent. Coming in third and fourth were the VW Golf and Ford Fusion (2.2 percent each), and the Honda Jazz (2.3 percent).