In my review of the Mazda3 Sport GS, I got the chance to try the Mazda Connect infotainment system, and I had this to say during part 4 of my review:
After several days of using Mazda Connect, I am going to declare that this infotainment system has replaced Chrysler’s UConnect system as the easiest to use infotainment system on the market today. If I were Mazda, I would take this system complete with the HMI and use it in everything that they make. I would also promote it to death and get people to use it. They will find it to be simple to use and it works exceptionally well. Kudo’s to Mazda for coming up with this system.
I say that because Mazda came up with a system that is quick to learn and very easy to use. The system comprises the following components:
A touchscreen that is mounted to the top of the dash as is the case here. This particular screen is 7″ in size.
Then there’s the HMI (Human-Machine Interface) Commander Switch behind the shift lever. The controller is surrounded at the front by five buttons: Audio, Home, and Navigation along the top, and Back and Favorites on either side. Next to the commander is a rotary volume knob that can also be pushed in to mute the audio system.
The user interface for Mazda Connect is suited to the use of the HMI commander switch:
As you can see, it has five icons on a curve which is a natural metaphor for the use of the HMI commander switch as you can use the HMI to move to the function that you need without having to think to much about it. The functions that you get are:
- Applications: When I tested this system in the Mazda3 Sport GS, it had a HD Traffic Map, fuel economy monitor, an app to let you know when to service the car, and another app that gives you guidance on any warnings that the car generates. Other apps can be added to Mazda Connect once they become available.
- Entertainment: When I tested this system in the Mazda3 Sport GS, it had Aha Radio (which allows you access to Facebook and Twitter), Stitcher Radio along with Pandora. All of these work with apps that are installed on your smartphone to bring you Internet radio to your car. You also get Bluetooth audio as well as the ability to plug in two USB devices such as a pair of iPhones so that you can have lots of music on long drives.
- Communication: This function allows you to make or receive phone calls, or grab messages from supported phones. This is also where you can pair your phone to the system via Bluetooth and it takes seconds to do.
- Navigation: This function which is powered by
TomTomNokia HERE will help you get from point A to point B easily. - Settings: This will allow you to customize the system to suit your needs.
Below each icon are one or more menus that are easy to navigate in a up and down fashion. Plus you can use the HMI as a joystick by pushing the entire knob in whatever direction you need to quickly navigate through sub menus. The net result is that this is a very natural way to navigate a system that could easily be complex and overwhelming for the average user. Besides the HMI Commander switch, you can also use the 7″ touchscreen to do what you need to do as well. However all touch functions are disabled when the car is in motion. That’s a very good safety feature. There’s also voice commands that are quick and easy to learn as well.
Anyone I exposed Mazda Connect to was able to figure out how to use it in a minute or two and they never had to open the manual to do so. That highlights how well designed this system is as one of the top frustrations from car owners is how complex infotainment systems can be. Another thing that Mazda gets points for is how smooth and fluid the system is. All the graphics move smoothly and everything is quick whether it be moving between menus or plugging in your iPhone to play tunes. It is clear that Mazda put a lot of time and effort to make sure that every aspect of this system is perfect.
Mazda has a winner in the form of Mazda Connect. It’s only available in the Mazda3 as far as I am aware, but one hopes that it will make its way into other Mazda vehicles soon. It’s truly something that will drive sales towards Mazda vehicles when prospective customers try it out.