The highly anticipated third-generation Mazda CX-5 was just unveiled last week. While the exterior received only minor updates, the interior is anything but subtle. But as many sharp-eyed viewers quickly pointed out, for a brand that heavily prioritises driving ergonomics in their cars, they’ve curiously removed the buttons from their best-selling model. Well, according to Mazda, it’s because people actually prefer it that way.
In response to a question posed by Motor1, North American Operations manager of public affairs, Tamara Mlynarczyk, said that the decision to remove most physical buttons on the interior was based on an internal study that showed customers prefer a large infotainment system. As the Mazda CX-5 established itself as one of the brand’s most popular models, jeopardizing its sales would certainly not be in Mazda’s best interest.
“Based on customer feedback, we developed a new human-machine interface (HMI) that prioritises ease of use while maintaining Mazda’s safe driving philosophy,” Mlynarczyk said.
“The new CX-5 changes from a commander to a touchscreen centre display, which is the most suitable means to minimize 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; Human-centric steering wheel switches allowing the driver to operate the controls without placing a burden on human attention resources.”
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Curiously, Mlynarczyk’s statement is at odds with the company’s lead engineer for HMI (Human-Machine Interface) and infotainment, Matthew Valbuena, who said this during the launch of the Mazda 3 in 2019: “Doing our research, when a driver would reach towards a touchscreen interface in any vehicle, they would unintentionally apply torque to the steering wheel, and the vehicle would drift out of its lane position. And of course, with a touchscreen, you have to be looking at the screen while you’re touching.”
So is Mazda finally succumbing to customer demands? Or do they truly believe that voice recognition can be a viable alternative to simple, physical controls? Only time will tell…
To be fair, the CX-5 isn’t the first Mazda model to adopt a simplified dashboard design — it was first introduced in the Mazda EZ-6 (also known as the 6e in Europe) and the EZ-60 electric crossover, which has yet to be confirmed for markets outside China. While both models were developed through Mazda’s joint venture with partner Changan, the new CX-5, according to Mazda, is a fully independent creation intended for the global market.
For now, there is no word on whether this interior design philosophy will be incorporated into future Mazda models. But while a more mass market model like the CX-5 could get away with touchscreen controls, the enthusiasts who are eyeing the upcoming rotary sports car might not be so kind.
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