Mazda CX-3: Manual Shift Mode / Recommendations for Shifting

Mazda CX-3 (2015-2023) Owner's Manual / When Driving / Automatic Transaxle / Manual Shift Mode / Recommendations for Shifting

Upshifting

For normal acceleration and cruising, Mazda recommends these shift points:

Mazda CX-3. Recommendations for Shifting

*1 Always observe local speed limit regulations.

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.

Shift Gear (Shifting) Speed Limit

For each gear position while in the manual mode, the speed limit is set as follows: When the selector lever is operated within the range of the speed limit, the gear is shifted...

Direct Mode (Some models)

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 position...

Other information:

Mazda CX-3 (2015-2023) Owner's Manual: Turning the Engine Off

WARNING Do not stop the engine while the vehicle is moving: Stopping the engine while the vehicle is moving for any reason other than in an emergency is dangerous. Stopping the engine while the vehicle is moving will result in reduced braking ability due to the loss of power braking, which could cause an accident and serious injury...

Mazda CX-3 (2015-2023) Owner's Manual: Direct Mode (Some models)

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 position. While in direct mode, the D and M indication illuminate and the gear position in use is illuminated...