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 confidence that frees the driver to concentrate on driving." First, the Mazda 3 development team integrated the information display and positioned it towards the front in the optimal "zone." This placed the information necessary while driving where it can be seen with the least amount of eye movement. Next, the engineers placed all the controls and switches within a single "zone" closer to the driver's hands. Designing the cockpit with controls and information display in separate zones frees the driver to concentrate on driving.

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    Audio Set
    Power/Volume/Sound Controls Power ON/OFF Turn the ignition switch to the ACC or ON position. Press the power/volume dial to turn the audio system on. Press the power/volume dial again to tur ...

    Push-Starting
    Do not push-start your Mazda. WARNING. Never tow a vehicle to start it: Towing a vehicle to start it is dangerous. The vehicle being towed could surge forward when its engine starts, causing the ...

    Automatic Transaxle Controls
    Various Lockouts: Indicates that you must depress the brake pedal to shift (The ignition must be switched to ACC or ON). Indicates the shift lever can be shifted freely into any position. NO ...