Handover Day: The Mazda CX-5’s main controls explained

By Martin Pretorius

Mazda has always had a unique way of designing their cars, but fortunately, they’ve always been really easy to operate. Some of the controls might be a bit different to what you’d expect, so here’s a quick explanation of the main controls.

We're going to assume that you managed to unlock the door, get in, and buckle your safety belt all by yourself. We're also not going to try to explain any unusual controls fitted to your vehicle – that's what the owner's manual is for, so please read it!

1. Engine Start/Stop button

On cars with keyless entry, this is where you’ll find the switch to turn on the car. Pressing it once will turn on the accessories, and pressing it while depressing the brake pedal will start the engine. Press it again at standstill to switch the car off. On cars with conventional keys, the ignition key slot is on the other side of the steering column.

2. Indicator stalk and light switch

It's hidden away behind the steering wheel, but by all means, please use it. This one operates those cheerful little lights on the outside corners of your car, which show other road users which way you're going to turn. To turn on the head- and tail lights, twist this stalk clockwise, and to turn them off, twist it counter-clockwise. Simple. If your car has automatic light control, it’s even simpler: Just set this switch to “Auto” and forget about it.

3. Wipers

When the rain starts to fall, moving this stalk up or down operates the wipers. It also operates the screen washer (pull the lever towards you) and the rear screen wiper (twist the end of the stalk).

4. Hazard warning lights

Only use this in case of an emergency or when you encounter hazardous conditions. A Gauteng rainstorm doesn't count as an emergency, and neither does double parking!

5. Hooter

Use this noise maker to warn other road users of your presence, or to say a last good-bye to your family as you pull out of your driveway.

6. Steering wheel

Use this to make your car change direction.

7. Pedals

The rightmost one is the accelerator – it makes the car go faster,

The middle one is the brake – it makes the car go slower.

The left one is the clutch – push this before you select gears, and release it slowly to pull away. An automatic car doesn’t have this pedal...

8. Gear selector

This lever lets you decide in which direction you want to travel, and how fast. In an automatic car, “P” selects the parking brake, “R” selects reverse, and “D” selects a forwards gear.

9. Parking brake

Only use this when parking. If the little switch is pulled up, the parking brake is activated, and if it's pushed down, the parking brake is disengaged.

10. Infotainment system control

Where you can play your favourite music, connect your phone via Bluetooth, or tune in to the afternoon drive show on your way home. This rotary dial controls it all.

11. Air-con controls

This is where you set the cabin temperature you want, and how much fresh air the fan has to blow through the vents.

12. Mirror adjustment

There’s a little stalk on each front door trim, which you manipulate to adjust the mirrors.

13. Window controls

The central control spot to open or close the windows, as well as disable the rear door glass to keep your children safely in the car.