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When Driving
Automatic Transaxle
Automatic Transaxle Controls
Lock-release button
Indicates the selector lever can be shifted freely into any position.
Indicates that you must hold in the lock-release button to shift.
Indicates that you must depress the brake pedal and hold in the lock-release
button to shift (The ignition must be switched ON).
Various Lockouts:
NOTE
The Sport AT has an option that is not included in the traditional automatic transaxle that
gives the driver the option of selecting each gear instead of leaving it to the transaxle to
shift gears. Even if you intend to use the automatic transaxle functions as a traditional
automatic, you should also be aware that you can inadvertently shift into manual shift
mode and an inappropriate gear may be retained as the vehicle speed increases. If you
notice the engine speed going higher or hear the engine racing, con ¿ rm you have not
accidentally slipped into manual shift mode (page 4-53 ).
Page 241 of 711
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When Driving
Drive Selection
*Some models.
Drive Selection *
Drive selection is a system to switch the vehicle's drive mode. When the sport mode is
selected, vehicle's response against accelerator operation is enhanced. Use the sport mode
when higher vehicle response is required such as merging onto expressway or accelerating
to overtake.
CAUTION
Do not use the sport mode when driving on slippery roads such as wet or snow-covered
roads. It may cause tyre slipping.
NOTE
When the sport mode is selected, driving at higher engine speeds increases and it may
increase fuel consumption. Mazda recommends to cancel the sport mode on normal
driving.
Drive mode cannot be switched in the following conditions:
ABS/TCS/DSC is operating
Steering wheel is being operated abruptly
Page 242 of 711
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When Driving
Drive Selection
Drive Selection Switch
Press the drive selection switch forward
(“
”) to select the sport mode.
Pull the drive selection switch back
(“
”) to cancel the sport mode.
NOTE
When the ignition is switched off, the
sport mode is cancelled.
Depending on the driving conditions
when sport mode is selected, the
vehicle may perform shift-down or
slightly accelerate.
Select Mode Indicator Light
When the sport mode is selected, the
select mode indicator light turns on in the
instrument cluster.
NOTE
If the drive selection cannot be switched
to sport mode, the select mode indicator
light À ashes to notify the driver.