Mazda 2009 Mazda3 4-Door, Owner'S Manual

Page: 140 / 412

Black plate (140,1)
If the vehicle is kicked down at the
following speeds or lower, the gears shift
down automatically:
Gear Vehicle speed
M5
→
M4 182 km/h (113 mph)
M4
→
M3 133 km/h (82 mph)
M3
→
M2 48 km/h (30 mph)
Recommendations for shifting
Upshifting
For normal acceleration and cruising, we
recommend these shift points.
(2.0-liter engine model)
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)
(2.3-liter engine model)
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)
M4 to M5 73 km/h (45 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
Driving 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 the brake pedal 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.
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Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Mazda3_8Z87-EA-08F_Edition1 Page140
Monday, May 19 2008 9:57 AM
Form No.8Z87-EA-08F