Interior Design
The roadster spirit of the exterior is reflected in the cockpit. The facelift inherits the clean forms of the original third-generation model, and updates these with new materials, detailing and colour combinations for a stronger sense of quality.
The transversal decorative panel on the dashboard has been changed from piano black to dark silver. The meter graphics are now placed further apart for better readability, a wider red zone is introduced to the 2.0-litre with manual transmission to reflect its higher rev-limit (see Chapter 3 below), and the trip meter/odometer in the lower centre of the cluster is now a red-backlit LCD. In the centre stack, the three large climate control knobs also have new silver-look rings, and more silver is added to the assist grips on the doors, which match the rings of the driver cluster for a fresh, coordinated look. Mazda's latest factory installed audio system, also used in the Mazda6, has a new and slightly cleaner look as well.
A soft pad is added to the lid of the centre console's storage box. A new colour scheme, with seats and door trim in one colour and everything else black-based, gives a sportier appearance.
The seats were modified to further strengthen the feeling of oneness between car and driver. Larger side bolsters and revised cushion surfaces ensure optimal side support and a stronger sense of the seats wrapping around the occupants. Two-tone Recaro sports seats with leather and perforated Alcantara®* are now available as an option.
See also:
A sporty cockpit that improves functional beauty
The new "zone layout" approach focuses on improving visibility and more
intuitive controls which provide "a sense of the car and driver as one" and "a
reassuring sense of ...
Washer Fluid
qInspectingWasher Fluid Level
WARNING:
Use only windshield washer fluid or
plain water in the reservoir:
Using radiator antifreeze as washer
fluid is dangerous. If sprayed on the
windshield, it ...
Exterior
For 2009, designers ditched the previous design for what Mazda calls a
"Japanese aesthetic" in the current car. The vehicle sports a long hood with
pronounced front fender flares that fl ...


