Mazda recently revealed the third-generation CX-5, which brings with it some notable changes from the outgoing model. New exterior aside, the interior of the C-segment SUV has been overhauled and comes with a lot fewer physical controls than before – even the rotary selector dial is gone.
This is thanks to the large touchscreen on the dashboard that integrates many of the vehicle’s functions, including for the air-conditioning and media systems. As such, drivers will have to interface with the touchscreen to access these controls, so why have they done this?
According to Motor1, which spoke with Tamara Mlynarczyk, manager of public affairs for Mazda North American Operations, the decision to get rid of most traditional controls was based on an internal study showing customers prefer a large infotainment system.
“Based on customer feedback, we developed a new human-machine interface (HMI) that prioritises ease of use while maintaining Mazda’s safe driving philosophy. The new CX-5 changes from a commander to a touchscreen centre display, which is the most suitable means to minimise the ‘hands’ away from the steering wheel while implementing: advanced voice recognition allowing the driver to operate vehicle functions like the air conditioning audio, and navigation systems, as well as human-centric steering wheel switches allowing the driver to operate the controls without placing a burden on human attention resources,” said Mlynarczyk.
Mazda had a different stance on touchscreens many years ago when it revealed the fourth-generation Mazda 3 back in 2019. At the time, the sedan/hatchback’s infotainment screen did not come with touch functionality and users had to rely on the rotary dial to go through the menus. Evidently the company has had a change of heart.
The CX-5 isn’t the first Mazda to embrace a large touchscreen, as this was also seen in the 6e that is also known as the EZ-6 in China. That electric vehicle (EV) was developed in partnership with Changan, whereas the all-new CX-5 is its own making as a global model. It remains to see if this trend will continue with the Japanese brand’s future models.
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That’s BS. It is for cost cutting
Meanwhile VW change back from all touch sensitive to physical buttons & knobs for important functions.
Who is right & who is wrong about customer preference?
why need so many button..you still using nokia with analogue keypad?..LOL
sigh… why all Najxx are bodoh?………..
Its about ergonomics in driving, no need so fast to show your dumb mindset
100%. LCD screens have become so cheap, it’s cheaper for manufacturers to do away with physical controls. Who cares if it adds to driver distraction and increases accident rates. They certainly don’t.
Large touchscreen and a lot fewer physical controls due to customer preference ?? > Seriously don’t confuse between car controls and phone.
Also isn’t it Skyactiv-Z engine promising Euro7 compliant coming out in 2027 well all the best getting the Skyactiv-G which was release since 2012.
Guess they learned the hard way. Should’ve listen to your customers earlier. Even so, we do prefer physical button for HVAC control.
Due to customer preferences or you just simply copy Tesla?
Customers do NOT prefer touchscreens to physical controls for functions like the air-con or music volume. It’s just dangerous to use the touchscreen when driving.
nope, we dont need buttons..less button the better
Are you driving a car or a smartphone?
1. Mazda’s Design Split: The CX-50 features traditional buttons, contrasting with the CX-5’s minimalist, digital interior in the US market.
2. Sales Will Dictate: The market’s preference will be reflected directly in the sales performance of these two models.
3. VW Golf’s Decline: The Golf’s reduced sales extend beyond its button-less screen, indicating a broader dip in its historical market appeal.
main reason to cut cost, put a screen is cheaper than getting another person to tailor make various buttons for the cars
who are these fake customers they’re asking because real Mazda customers stick to the brand BECAUSE they’re one of the few who keep the buttons and have a sensible dashboard layout. this is more of a cop out in saying we just don’t care anymore, we just want more people to buy our cars. it’s not even that much to ask for aircon control buttons too. and the worst part about this is that they are gaslighting us all for an off center, very out of place, far to large screen…
Either Mazda filtered out all customer comments that they did not want, selecting only those 3-4 customers that said they would prefer touchscreen, OR they are just sucking up to the Chinese market, mimicking their trend and “demand” for touchscreen only.
Whichever it is, this is a huge blow… big time. All the best, Mazda.
2.5 engine producing only 145bhp. mazda are not only not progressing, they are moving backwards
Let’s see if PDRM differentiate between using your phone and using your touchscreen while driving.