Vehicle infotainment systems are growing more important with each passing model year. Touchscreens have become standard equipment for most cars and SUVs, and as the displays become bigger, they take over more functions like the audio system, climate control, and driving mode customization. Modern infotainment systems can even run apps from your phone and come with their own set of applications.
Mazda Connect is the company’s newest infotainment interface. The company has taken a long look at its previous offerings and at the competition’s systems and has prepared one of the best new interfaces on the market. It combines physical controls, simple interfaces, and a constantly updated software system to give drivers full control over their electronic features and comforts.
The Rotary Interface
While Mazda Connect’s main display is up on the dashboard to keep it close to the driver’s regular sight lines, the interface is down on the center console between the seats. The buttons are easy to reach in this position, and Mazda has designed them to be easy to use without having to look down. The main interface is a rotary dial that lets you quickly scroll between options on the screen, and you can push the dial left or right to jump between menus and lists.
The Bluetooth Options
You can connect any Android or Apple phone to the Mazda Connect system thanks to its standard Bluetooth wireless connection. Not only can you stream audio directly from your phone, you can also make hands-free calls using voice commands or get all the functions of Siri Eyes Free by connecting an iPhone and using the voice button on the steering wheel. Mazda Connect also supports several apps like Aha, Pandora, and Stitcher. This list may grow as time goes on because Mazda Connect supports software updates.
CarPlay and Auto
Mazda Connect supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which means you can get extra features and a wider app selection by plugging your phone directly into the car’s USB port. While these programs may have different interfaces than what you’d expect thanks to the rotary dial, you’ll quickly get used to how it works.
Intelligent Drive Master
Along with audio controls, Mazda Connect also features the Intelligent Drive Master, or i-DM. This feature analyzes your driving habits, including acceleration rates and lateral G-force, and tells you whether you’re driving rough, mild, or smart. To i-DM, smart driving means keeping body sway to a minimum while still pushing beyond the mild, cautious driving that isn’t nearly as exhilarating. Smart driving, on the other hand, is fun but fuel efficient.
Mazda is doing something new with its infotainment system, and there’s a lot to love about it between its intuitive interface and extensive options. In fact, you can add navigation to any model with Mazda Connect, even after you purchase it, thanks to a card slot you can use to update the system. Either way, Mazda Connect is a promising new interface drivers will love.
Images via mazdausa.com
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