Starting and driving – Mazda 2005 3 4-DOOR User Manual

Page 125

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NOTE

If the vehicle is driven at a low speed
from a standing start while in M2, the
gear may not shift down to M1
automatically.

If the vehicle is kicked down at the
following speeds or lower, the gears shift
down automatically:

Gear

Vehicle speed

M4

→M3

135 km/h (83 mph)

M3

→M2

64 km/h (39 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

65 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.

qDriving Tips

Passing

For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress
the accelerator fully. The transaxle will
shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.

Climbing steep grades from a stop

To climb a steep grade from a stopped
position:

1. Depress the brake pedal.

2. Shift to D or M1, depending on the

load weight and grade steepness.

3. Release all brakes while gradually

accelerating.

Descending steep grades

When descending a steep grade, shift to
lower gears, depending on load weight
and grade steepness. Descend slowly,
using the brakes only occasionally to
prevent them from overheating.

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

5-15

Mazda3_8T66-EA-04H_Edition1 Page125
Thursday, June 24 2004 5:18 PM

Form No.8T66-EA-04H

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