Mazda 2008 Mazda6 Owner's Manual page 145

Shifting down
If the vehicle speed is higher than the speed specified
for each gear, the gear cannot be shifted down to a
lower gear.
Gear
M5→M4 175 km/h (109 mph)
M4→M3 130 km/h (81 mph)
M3→M2 83 km/h (52 mph)
M2→M1 43 km/h (27 mph)
During deceleration, the gears shift down
automatically when speed is reduced to the
following:
Gear
M6→M5 50 km/h (31 mph)
M5→M4 38 km/h (23 mph)
M4→M3 27 km/h (16 mph)
M3 or M2→M1 10 km/h (6 mph)
NOTE
If the vehicle is driven at a low speed from a
standing start while in M2, the gear may not
shift down to M1 automatically.
If the vehicle is kicked down at the following speeds
or lower, the gears shift down automatically:
Gear
M6→M5 212 km/h (131 mph)
M6→M4 161 km/h (100 mph)
M5→M4 161 km/h (100 mph)
M5→M3 70 km/h (44 mph)
M4→M3 70 km/h (44 mph)
M4→M2 46 km/h (28 mph)
M3→M2 46 km/h (28 mph)
Vehicle speed
Vehicle speed
Vehicle speed
Starting and Driving
Recommendations for shifting
Upshifting
For normal acceleration and cruising, we recommend
these shift points.
(2.3-liter engine model)
Gear
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)
(3.0-liter engine model)
Gear
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)
M5 to M6 80 km/h (50 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.
qDriving 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.
Driving Your Mazda
Vehicle speed
Vehicle speed
5-17