When you consider how important in-vehicle infotainment systems are to us these days and how much we make use of them, it’s perhaps a little surprising how little attention is paid to them in vehicle reviews. To be fair, we can take some things for granted these days, such as Bluetooth connectivity and being able to pair almost any smartphone to just about any new vehicle’s system. But if you’re someone who spends a lot of time in your vehicle and you use your infotainment a lot, the system in a new vehicle you’re considering should be looked at in some detail. So, if you’re thinking of buying a new Mazda, here’s a little of what to expect from the latest Mazda Connect infotainment system.
Entertainment
Keeping you entertained during your journey is probably the first and foremost job of an infotainment system, and Mazda Connect is certainly up to the job. Whether you want music, news, sports, podcasts, or talk radio to accompany you on your journey, it’s all accessible right here for your listening pleasure and your convenience. The system is very easy to use by simply following the on-screen prompts to access your desired entertainment program. Of course you can stream audio from your smartphone, tablet or other Bluetooth device, but the system is also compatible with Aha Radio, Stitcher Radio, iTunes, Pandora and SiriusXM.
Communication
Wherever you go, your work, family, friends and anyone else can be contacted or contact you through your Mazda Connect system. Making and receiving calls is as simple and convenient as it needs to be by using voice commands, the commander knob or the touch screen. You can import up to 1,000 contacts into the system from your Bluetooth connected phone, and text messages received by your connected device can be downloaded, displayed, read out to you and even be responded to all from your vehicle. You can even keep up-to-date with social media as Aha Radio can be used to sync your Facebook and Twitter accounts using your paired smartphone.
Navigation
The available navigation for Mazda Connect is simple and convenient, and it can be used for the most basic function of getting you to your desired location as straightforwardly as possible or for lots of stops and diversions along the way. You can choose your destination or waypoint through places of interest, a location on the map, one of your Favorites, a destination you’ve been to before from your history, or by the usual way of entering an address or coordinates. Other key features include: 2D or 3D perspective for landmarks and city views, traffic patterns based on historical data, on-screen speed limits, advance notice of upcoming exits and appropriate driving lane and guaranteed map updates for up to three years.
To get all the latest updates, all you need to do is use the Mazda Toolbox to view and download any available updates and content, including those complimentary map updates for three years, which start once the vehicle has traveled 100 km with the SD card inserted.
For more information about the Mazda Connect infotainment system and anything else Mazda related, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the folks atMoffatt’s Mazda.