Black plate (163,1)
If the vehicle is kicked down at the
following speeds or lower, the gears shift
down automatically:
Gear
Vehicle speed
M6
→
M5
190 km/h (118 mph)
M6
→
M4
125 km/h (77 mph)
M5
→
M4
125 km/h (77 mph)
M5
→
M3
78 km/h (48 mph)
M4
→
M3
78 km/h (48 mph)
M4
→
M2
50 km/h (31 mph)
M3
→
M2
50 km/h (31 mph)
Recommendations for shifting
Upshifting
For normal acceleration and cruising, we
recommend these shift points.
Gear
Vehicle speed
M1 to M2
24 km/h (15 mph)
M2 to M3
40 km/h (25 mph)
M3 to M4
53 km/h (33 mph)
M4 to M5
59 km/h (37 mph)
M5 to M6
78 km/h (49 mph)
For cruising
Gear
Vehicle speed
M1 to M2
22 km/h (14 mph)
M2 to M3
27 km/h (17 mph)
M3 to M4
41 km/h (26 mph)
M4 to M5
56 km/h (35 mph)
M5 to M6
64 km/h (40 mph)
Downshifting
When you must slow down in heavy
traffic or on a steep
upgrade
, downshift
before the engine starts to overwork. This
gives better acceleration when you need
more speed.
On a steep
downgrade
, downshifting
helps maintain safe speed and prolongs
brake life.
q
Direct Mode
í
Direct mode can be used for temporarily
switching gears by operating the steering
shift switch while the vehicle is being
driven with the selector lever in the D
range.
While in direct mode, the D and M
indicator lights illuminate and the gear
position in use is illuminated.
Direct mode is canceled (released) under
the following conditions.
l
The vehicle is driven at a constant
speed.
l
The needle in the tachometer
approaches the red zone.
l
The vehicle is driven at a constant
speed and the accelerator pedal is
heavily depressed.
l
The vehicle is stopped or moving at a
slow speed.
Gear position indicator
Direct mode indicator
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-19
í
Some models.
MX-5_8CM3-EA-12F_Edition2 Page163
Friday, August 31 2012 1:45 PM
Form No.8CM3-EA-12F