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:
Automatic Transaxle Controls
Various Lockouts:
Indicates that you must
depress the brake pedal to shift (The ignition
switch must be in the ACC or ON position).
Indicates the shift lever can
be shifted freely into any po ...
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
qTurn Signal
Move the signal lever down (for a left
turn) or up (for a right turn) to the stop
position. The signal will self-cancel after
the turn is completed.
If the indicator light continue ...
Six-Speed Automatic Transmission
The MZR 2.0-litre engine is now available with a six-speed automatic
transmission for the first time in Europe. It includes a direct Activematic
(DAM) function that allows manual gear shifts using ...


