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.

    See also:

    Two Strikes Against
    The two strikes against the 2009 Mazda3 are its crash tests and its gas mileage. With the crash tests, the problem isn't the results, it's the lack thereof. The Insurance Institute for Highway Saf ...

    Audio Set
    Audio information is displayed on the information display. Power/Volume/Sound Controls Operating the Radio Operating the Compact Disc (CD) Player Operating the In-Dash CD Changer Operating the ...

    Under the Hood
    The 2008 CX-9 is powered by a new 273-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 engine that drives a six-speed automatic transmission that has a clutchless-manual mode. Front- or all-wheel-drive versions are offe ...