Mazdas Jinba Ittai – a sense of oneness
AT THE heart of every Mazda lies Jinba Ittai – a sense of oneness and connection between car and driver. Arriving in early 2021, Mazda’s first fully-electric production vehicle - the new Mazda MX-30, embodies this human-centric approach and demonstrates that it is not just behind the wheel that drivers can feel emotionally and physically connected with the car and environment.
Launching later this year, the latest development of the MyMazda app will see the introduction of Connected Services across Europe with functionality that removes any barriers between the car and driver to create a seamless ownership experience. With the latest app development, Mazda plans to add functions that are only possible with an electric vehicle, such as notifications if a driver forgets to plug in the charging cable and the ability to control charging using a timer, plus monitoring the charge progress and range indicator for added peace of mind.
Other convenient functions of the upgraded app include the remote control of air-conditioning settings. As no engine is required, users can define the cabin temperature, turn on/off windscreen ventilation and adjust the rear screen heating before entering the vehicle to ensure a comfortable drive for the journey ahead. The ability to pre-warm or pre-cool the car while it is plugged in, reduces the demand on the battery once driving. Additional remote commands include door locking and vehicle finder for added driver peace-of-mind when away from the car.
Currently exclusively available to the Mazda MX-30, users will be able to choose up to three destinations at once and remotely share the locations (including from third-party apps) directly to the navigation system. Compatible with both Android and Apple devices, the convenient functionality allows drivers to plan a trip when not in the car on their device and immediately have the guidance available once the vehicle is turned on.
In addition to the latest upgrades, the MyMazda app enables MX-30 drivers to locate their nearest charging station, view key information such as plug types, opening hours and address, plus send the destination directly to the navigation system within seconds. Drivers will also be able to benefit from accessing real-time information on charge point availability*.
Further general functions include the ability to remotely access real time vehicle status information (including tyre pressure and door locking), roadside assistance, service history and service request.
The Mazda MX-30 is the first vehicle to feature touchscreen climate control with the design goal of occupants being ‘enveloped in openness’. Featuring a 7-inch touchscreen display at the front of the console, the system serves as a touchscreen air-conditioning control panel which adjusts temperature, air flow and seat heating throughout the interior. Displayed in a simple fashion, the functions are grouped intelligently so users can adjust the climate controls in iterations of 0.5 degrees and swipe to alter in steps of three degrees, functions that can be performed quickly and intuitively to minimise distraction from the road ahead.
While the touchscreen has a functional value, it has also been developed to appeal to the senses and enhances the perceived quality of the cabin environment. Based on analytic data on human characteristics, the touchscreen display is designed to create a unique mood for the driver before setting off on their journey. When the power is switched off and the driver gets in the car, a graphic appears on the touchscreen, which subtly changes in appearance depending on the time of day and temperature to stimulate a relaxed ambience. Once the car is switched on, the screen reverts to the air conditioning controls.