MZD Connect conveniently and safely brings internet connectivity into the car

When the compact car goes on sale in the U.K. in January next year, it will offer one of the first in its segment to offer a huge package of online services to go along with the completely redeveloped human-machine interface (HMI) in the cabin.

MZD Connect works together with the user's smartphone, expanding Mazda's existing range of navigation and SMS features (including readout and voice recognition) with a whole new scale of connected convenience.

With this, the occupants can enjoy real time access to infotainment services via Aha, the 7-inch display, on top of the centre stack. A cloud-based platform designed for in car use, Aha offers more than 40,000 choices of content including internet radio, news, podcasts and audio books as well as Facebook and Twitter feeds and a variety of location-based services via the free Aha app for their smartphones.

MZD Connect also offers Mazda's own vehicle apps, such as Eco-display and maintenance reminders. With its modular hardware structure and updatable software, the system is flexible as well as future-proof. It also supports playback from other connected mobile devices, and works in 25 languages for audio and 38 for text. The range of available applications and services will continually grow over time.

The cabin setup, which includes the Active Driving Display, Mazda's new head-up display minimises distraction potential, helping drivers maintain a stable position and keep their eyes on the road. As a result, they are able to take full advantage of MZD Connect and other information-providing technology yet still operate the vehicle safely.