When the selector lever is shifted to the R
position with the ignition switched ON, the
parking sensor system is activated and a
beep sound is heard.
Refer to Parking Sensor System on page
4-260.
N (Neutral)
In N, the wheels and transaxle are not
locked. The vehicle will roll freely even
on the slightest inclin e unless the parking
brake or brakes are on.
WARNING
If the engine is running faster than idle, do
not shift from N or P into a driving gear:
It's dangerous to shift from N or P into a
driving gear when the engine is running
faster than idle. If this is done, the vehicle
could move suddenly, causing an accident
or serious injury.
Do not shift into N when driving the
vehicle:
Shifting into N while driving is dangerous.
Engine braking cannot be applied when
decelerating which could lead to an
accident or serious injury.
CAUTION
Do not shift into N when driving the
vehicle. Doing so can cause transaxle
damage.
NOTE
Apply the parking brake or depress the
brake pedal before moving the selector
lever from N position to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position. From a
stop, the transaxle will automatically shift
through a 6-gear sequence.
M (Manual)
M is the manual shift mode position.
Gears can be shifted up or down by
operating the selector lever. Refer to
Manual Shift Mode on page 4-50.
▼ Shift Position Indication
Instrument Cluster (Type A)
Instrument Cluster (Type B/C)
The selector position is indicated when the
ignition is switched ON.
Gear position indication
In manual shift mode, the “M” of the shift
position indication illuminates and the
numeral for the selected gear is displayed.
▼Active Adaptive Shift (AAS)
Active Adaptive Shift (AAS)
automatically controls the transaxle shift
points to best suit the
road conditions and
driver input. This improves driving feel.
The transaxle may switch to AAS mode
when driving up and down slopes,
cornering, driving at high elevations, or
depressing the accelerator pedal quickly
while the selector lever is in the D
When Driving
Automatic Transaxle
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Refer to If a Warning Light Turns On or
Flashes on page 7-28.
When releasing the parking brake
The parking brake can be released while
the ignition is swit ched ON or the engine
is running. When the parking brake is
released, the brake system warning light
and the EPB switch indicator light turn
off.
Parking brake manual release
Firmly depress the br ake pedal and press
the EPB switch.
If the EPB switch is pressed without
depressing the brake pedal, the indicator
light in the instrument cluster notifies the
driver that the brake is not depressed.
(Type A instrument cluster)
A message is displayed on the
multi-information display in the
instrument cluster.
Refer to Message Indicated in
Multi-information Display on page 7-43.
(Type B instrument cluster)
A message is displayed on the
multi-information display in the
instrument cluster.
Refer to Message Indicated in
Multi-information Display on page 7-43.
Parking brake automatic release
If the accelerator pedal is depressed with
the parking brake applied and all of the
following conditions met, the parking
brake is released automatically.
The engine is running.
The driver's door is closed.
The driver's seat belt is fastened.
Selector lever is in the D, M, or R
position
NOTE
If something such as the driver's foot
contacts the accelera tor pedal with the
engine running and the parking brake
applied, the parking brake may be
released automatically. If you do not
intend to drive immediately, shift the
selector lever to the P or N position.
▼ Wa r n i n g L i g h t
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer and
Have Vehicle Inspected on page 7-31.
When Driving
Brake
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AUTOHOLD
The AUTOHOLD function automatically holds the vehicle stopped, even if you take your
foot off the brake pedal. This function can be best used while stopped in traffic or at a traffic
light. The brakes are released when you start driving the vehic le.
WA R N I N G
Do not rely completely on the AUTOHOLD function:
The AUTOHOLD function is only designed to assist the brake operation while the vehicle is
stopped. Neglecting to operate the brakes and relying only on the AUTOHOLD system is
dangerous and could result in an unexpected a ccident if the vehicle were to suddenly move.
Operate the brakes appropriatel y in accordance with the road and surrounding conditions.
Note that the vehicle may move suddenly depending on the vehicle's load or if it is towing
something.
Do not release your foot from the brake pedal while the vehicle is stopped on a steep grade:
Because there is a possibility of the vehicle not being held in the stopped position by the
AUTOHOLD function, the vehicle may move un expectedly and result in an accident.
Do not use the AUTOHOLD function on slippery roads such as icy or snow-covered roads, or
unpaved roads:
Even if the vehicle is held in the stopped posi tion by the AUTOHOLD function, the vehicle may
move unexpectedly and result in an accident . Operate the accelerator pedal, brakes, or
steering wheel approp riately as necessary.
Immediately depress the brake pedal in the following cases:
Because the AUTOHOLD function is canceled forcibly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly
and result in an accident.
The brake pedal operation demand warning light (red) flashes and the warning sound is
activated at the same time.
(Red)
[Brake Hold Unavailable Depress Brake to Hold Position] is displayed in the
multi-information display and the warning sound is activated at the same time.
When Driving
Brake
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Always apply the parking brake when parking the vehicle:
Not applying the parking brake when parking the vehicle is dangerous as the vehicle may
move unexpectedly and result in an accident . When parking the vehicle, shift the selector
lever to the P position and apply the parking brake.
CAUTION
If you stop operating the accelerator pedal befo re the vehicle starts moving, the force holding
the vehicle in the stopped position may weaken. Firmly depress the brake pedal or depress the
accelerator pedal to accelerate the vehicle.
NOTE
Under the following conditions, a problem with the AUTOHOLD is occurring. Have your
vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
The brake pedal operation demand warning light (red) in the instrument cluster flashes
and the warning sound is activated for about 5 seconds while the AUTOHOLD is
operating or when you press the AUTOHOLD switch.
A message is indicated on the multi-information display and a warning sound is
activated for about 5 seconds while the AUTOHOLD is operating or when your press
the AUTOHOLD switch.
If you switch the ignition OFF while the AUTOHOLD is operating, the parking brake is
applied automatically to assist you with parking the vehicle.
The AUTOHOLD is canceled when the selector lever is shifted to R position while the
vehicle is on level ground, or facing up a hill or grade (as shown below).
Level ground
: Driving in reverse (selector lever in R)
Vehicle tilts forward Vehicle tilts rearward
AUTOHOLD :
Operates AUTOHOLD :
Does not operate,
canceled
AUTOHOLD :
Does not operate,
canceled
When Driving
Brake
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To release AUTOHOLD and start
driving the vehicle
If you try to resume driving the vehicle,
the brakes release automatically and the
AUTOHOLD active indicator light turns
off.
NOTE
If the Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
switch is pulled while the AUTOHOLD
is operating, the parking brake is
applied and the AUTOHOLD is
released. In addition, if the parking
brake is released under this condition,
the AUTOHOLD operates to hold the
brakes.
Under the following conditions, the
parking brake is automatically applied
and the AUTOHOLD is released. The
AUTOHOLD is re-enabled when the
conditions before the AUTOHOLD is
released are restored.
The driver’s seat belt is unfastened.
The driver’s door is opened.
When about 10 minutes or longer have
passed since the AUTOHOLD operation
started, the parking brake is
automatically applied. Because the
AUTOHOLD is restored when releasing
the parking brake, the hold on the
brakes by AUTOHOLD function
resumes.
▼To Turn Off AUTOHOLD System
Depress the brake pedal and press the
AUTOHOLD switch. The AUTOHOLD is
turned off and the AUTOHOLD standby
indicator light turns off.
AUTOHOLD standby
indicator light
NOTE
When the brakes are not held such as
while driving the vehicle, the
AUTOHOLD can be turned off only by
pressing the AUTOHOLD switch.
(Without multi-info
rmation display)
If the AUTOHOLD switch is pressed
without depressing the brake pedal
while the AUTOHOLD is operating
(AUTOHOLD active indicator light is
turned on), the brake pedal operation
demand indicator li ght (green) in the
instrument cluster turns on to notify the
driver that it is necessary to depress the
brake pedal.
(Green)
(With multi-info rmation display)
When Driving
Brake
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If the AUTOHOLD switch is pressed
without depressing the brake pedal
while AUTOHOLD is operating
(AUTOHOLD active indicator light in
instrument cluster is turned on), the
message Brake Pedal Must Be
Depressed to Deactivate Auto Hold
System is indicated on the
multi-information display to notify the
driver to depress the brake pedal.
If any of the following conditions occurs
while the AUTOHOLD function is
operating (AUTOHOLD active indicator
light is turned on), the parking brake is
applied automatically and the
AUTOHOLD function turns off. For the
Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
operation, refer to the Electric Parking
Brake (EPB) on page 4-80.
The ignition is switched OFF.
There is a problem with the
AUTOHOLD function.
Hill Launch Assist (HLA)
HLA is a function which assists the driver
in accelerating from a stop while on a
slope. When the driver releases the brake
pedal and depresses the accelerator pedal
while on a slope, the f unction prevents the
vehicle from rolling. The braking force is
maintained automatically after the brake
pedal is released on a steep grade.
HLA operates on a downward slope when
the selector lever i s in the reverse (R)
position, and on an upward slope when the
selector lever is in a forward gear.
WA R N I N G
Do not rely completely on HLA :
HLA is an auxiliary device for accelerating
from a stop on a slope. The system only
operates for about 2 seconds and
therefore, relying only on the system, when
accelerating from a stop is dangerous
because the vehicle may move (roll)
unexpectedly and cause an accident.
The vehicle could roll depending on the
vehicle's load or if it is towing something.
Always confirm the safety around the
vehicle before starting to drive the vehicle.
NOTE
HLA does not operate on a gentle slope.
In addition, the gradient of the slope on
which the system will operate changes
depending on the vehicle's load.
HLA does not operate if the parking
brake is applied, or if the vehicle has not
stopped completely.
HLA is operating, the brake pedal may
feel stiff and vibrate, however, this does
not indicate a malfunction.
When Driving
Brake
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Off-Road Traction Assist*
When the vehicle tires become embedded
in mud, sand, or deep snow, the Off-Road
Traction Assist functions to prevent
drive-wheel spinning and to assist in
freeing tires that are stuck.
Do not drive over rough rocky roads and
river beds.
WARNING
Do not rely completely on the Off-Road
Traction Assist.
The Off-Road Traction Assist has
limitations. Always drive the vehicle safely
according to the road conditions. Do not
drive the vehicle recklessly, otherwise it
may result in an accident. In addition, do
not drive the vehicle under the following
conditions while the Off-Road Traction
Assist is operating. Otherwise, it could
negatively affect the drivetrain parts which
could result in an accident.
Vehicle is driven on paved roads.
Temporary spare tire or tires of a
different specified size are used.
Tire chains are used.
CAUTION
The Off-Road Traction Assist is a function
to assist in freeing tires that are stuck.
When it is not necessary to use this
function, avoid driving the vehicle
continuously with the Off-Road Traction
Assist on.
(Vehicle equipped with Type A/ B
instrument cluster)
If the vehicle is driven continuously with
the Off-Road Traction Assist on, the AWD
warning indication may be displayed.
(Vehicle equipped with Type C instrument
cluster)
If the vehicle is driven continuously with
the Off-Road Traction Assist on, the AWD
warning light may flash.
Refer to If a Warning Light Turns On or
Flashes on page 7-28.
NOTE
The vehicle may vibrate or you might hear
an operation sound while the Off-Road
Traction Assist is operating or is
operational, however, this does not
indicate a problem.
▼ Off-Road Traction Assist Indicator
Light
When the ignition
is switched ON, the
indicator light turns on and then turns
off after a few seconds.
When pressing the Off-Road Traction
Assist switch to operate the Off-Road
Traction Assist, the indicator light turns
on.
A problem in the system might be
indicated under the following
conditions. Have your vehicle inspected
by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The indicator light does not turn on
when the ignition is switched ON or it
remains on.
The indicator light turns on even
though the Off-Road Traction Assist
was not operated.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC/Trailer Stability Control (TSC)/Off-Road Traction A ssist
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Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)*
The BSM is designed to assist the driver in checking the area to the rear of the vehicle on
both sides during lane changes by notifying the driver of the p resence of vehicles
approaching from the rear in an adjacent lane.
The BSM detects vehicles approaching from the rear while travel ing in the forward
direction at a speed of 10 km/h (6.3 mph) or faster and notifie s the driver by turning on the
BSM warning indicator light and displaying the vehicle detectio n screen.
If the turn signal lever is operated to signal a turn in the direction in which the BSM
warning indicator light is illumi nated while the approaching vehicle is detected, the BSM
notifies the driver of possible danger by turning on the BSM wa rning indicator light, and by
activating the warning sound and the warning screen indicator display.
The detection area on this system covers the driving lanes on b oth sides of the vehicle and
from the rear part of the front d oors to about 50 m (164 ft) behind the vehicle.
Detection areas
Your vehicle
WARNING
Always check the surrounding area visually before making an actual lane change:
The system is only designed to assist you in checking for vehicles at your rear when making a
lane change. Due to certain limitations with
the operation of this system, the BSM warning
indicator light, the warning sound and the warning screen indicator display may not activate
or they might be delayed even though a vehicle is in an adjacent driving lane. Always make it
your responsibility as a driver to check the rear.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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