[Phil27]

I decided to start practicing my overtaking technique of vehicles that are doing between 80 - 90 Kms. I found the foot to the floor kick down method a bit abrupt. And the motor revved out more than I would like before it changed up.

I tried it in sport mode today, and found it a far more enjoyable experience. Much smoother and with plenty enough acceleration.
I can't actually remember if I use to floor it in my old car to overtake or not. I would just do it without thinking and that was that. It was a 2.0L Ford Focus 4 speed. So it was not a dynamic as what is happening with the CX3.

Is this kick down business some special Mazda thing. Or just the same as flooring any 6 speed auto trans.

 

[NotAPreppie]

Both my 1999 VW Passat 1.8T (5AT) and on my 2009 Infiniti G37x (7AT) had kickdown switches at the extreme end of the range of motion of the accelerator pedal.

They all operate in roughly the same way...
Kirk: "Mr. Scott, we need more power!"
Scotty: "I'm givin' her all she's got, Cap'n!"

 

[skyking]

My understanding is that the switch is not unique to Mazda. Just a quicker or "sure shot" method to tap into the lower gears of the transmission. This is the first auto transmission I've owned that employed this. My prior ride, a 2009 Acura did not have a kickdown switch, but then again, with a thirsty 300 hp V6, flooring it was never needed or recommended unless you wanted to see the fuel gauge needle move faster than the speedometer needle.

 

[kingarthas]

Sport mode of AT will rev the car all the time... i found it disturbing and not using it... moreover on my insignia had a choice what to be activated by sport mode... so transmission is not...

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

 

[cle12000]

I like sports mode, if I could marry sports mode, I would.

 

[CraigZ]

Love sport mode also when I need to weave in and out of traffic. Kills your gas mileage but ensures you’ll be able to make your quick lane changes.

 

[zbgirl]

Not to sound too stupid but do you mean go into the manual transmission instead of sport mode?

 

[SlyCoopers]

Not to sound too stupid but do you mean go into the manual transmission instead of sport mode?

Some models depending on the trim level and region have a sport mode switch/button(?) under the automatic shifter which keeps the car on a lower gear/higher rev range giving you a "sporty" response which comes from higher rev ranges. It is an automatic transmission only feature.

 

[zbgirl]

I have that feature, and I like it especially for getting out of the merge lane. No, I'm asking about the -I guess I've heard it referred to as the" paddles" for going from full (automatic transmission) Drive to choosing what gear you would want to use for RPM (I can't remember but I think they are labelled M1/2/3/4)..they are on the left side of the Drive selector. Or am I missing the boat on this question entirely, haha.

 

[Phil27]

Not to sound too stupid but do you mean go into the manual transmission instead of sport mode?

No. Just flip the sport mode switch while in full auto. Got carried away the other day. Over took a car doing 100kph. Best be all I say about that being in a 100kph zone You can certainly get round 'em quick smart. A great car.

2600 kilometers on her now and no problems. Haven't played around with the manual trans at all. Suddenly I now feel like I need to. Yes I think I do :laugh:

 

[NotAPreppie]

Did your '3 come with paddle shifters on the steering column? If so, you don't even need to move the shifter over to manual.

 

[Phil27]

Did your '3 come with paddle shifters on the steering column? If so, you don't even need to move the shifter over to manual.

No. It is only the basic neo. No paddles, no rear cam, no touchscreen display. Nice and simple. All fine with me.