Mazda 6 2011 Manual page 167

Mazda6_8BG7-EC-10H_Edition1 Page167
Monday, August 2 2010 1:27 PM
If the vehicle is kicked down at the
following speeds or lower, the gears shift
down automatically:
Gear
2.5-liter engine
model
M6 → M5
199 km/h
M5 → M4
(123 mph)
133 km/h
M4 → M3
(82.6 mph)
79.7 km/h
M3 → M2
(49.5 mph)
Recommendations for shifting
Upshifting
For normal acceleration and cruising, we
recommend these shift points.
Gear
2.5-liter engine
model
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
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.
Form No.8BG7-EC-10H
Vehicle speed
3.7-liter engine
model
230 km/h
(142 mph)
172.7 km/h
(107.3 mph)
74.9 km/h
(46.5 mph)
48.9 km/h
(30.3 mph)
Vehicle speed
3.7-liter engine
model
24 km/h (15 mph)
40 km/h (25 mph)
65 km/h (40 mph)
73 km/h (45 mph)
80 km/h (50 mph)
Starting and Driving
qDriving Tips
WARNING
Do not allow the vehicle to move in
reverse on an up-slope while the
selector lever is in a forward gear
position, or move forward on a down-
slope while the selector lever is in the
reverse position.
Otherwise, the engine will stop,
causing the loss of the power brake
and power steering functions, and
make it difficult to control the vehicle
which could result in an accident.
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.
2. Shift to D or M1, depending on the
load weight and grade steepness.
3. Release the brake pedal while
gradually accelerating.
Descending steep grades
When descending a steep grade, shift to
lower gears, depending on load weight
and grade steepness. Descend slowly,
using the brakes only occasionally to
prevent them from overheating.
Driving Your Mazda
5-19