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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    Safety
    Standard safety features include side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for all three rows of seats. Second-row seats have Latch child-safety seat anchors and top tethers ...

    Seating & Cargo
    Touring and Grand Touring trims have leather seats, which offer good lateral support but could use a bit more cushioning. Both trims also get a power driver's seat with an impressive range of trav ...

    Exterior
    The outside of the Tribute didn't get as much of a face-lift as did the Escape. The grille lost its crossbar, and the Mazda logo has moved up, while the headlights and taillights are new. Fog ligh ...