Mazda mx-5 2017 Owner's Manual page 147

NOTE
The gear shift indicator turns off when the
following operations are performed.
The vehicle is stopped.

The vehicle is put in neutral.

The vehicle is driven in reverse.

The clutch is not fully engaged when

accelerating from a stop.
The clutch pedal remains depressed for

2 seconds or longer while driving.
Recommendations for Shifting
Upshifting
For normal acceleration, Mazda
recommends these shift points:
Gear
1 to 2 23 km/h (14 mph)
2 to 3 39 km/h (24 mph)
3 to 4 53 km/h (33 mph)
4 to 5 61 km/h (38 mph)
5 to 6 77 km/h (48 mph)
For cruising, Mazda recommends these
shift points:
Gear
1 to 2 11 km/h (7 mph)
2 to 3 31 km/h (19 mph)
3 to 4 42 km/h (26 mph)
4 to 5 55 km/h (34 mph)
5 to 6 66 km/h (41 mph)
Vehicle speed
Vehicle speed
Downshifting
When you must slow down in heavy traffic
or on a steep upgrade, downshift before
the engine starts to overwork. This reduces
the chance of stalling and gives better
acceleration when you need more speed.
On a steep downgrade, downshifting
helps maintain safe speed and prolongs
brake life.
When Driving
Transmission
4–33