Interior changes 2014-2016

[yrwei52]

What is different with the dashboard display on the tech models?

I believe the obvious difference is the fuel gauge although the whole display in the right pod is different including the message displays. Both are LCD displays, but the fuel gauge on Tech Package, or even just a GT, looks like a traditional mechanical fuel gauge.

 

[banjos-n-beer]

What is different with the dashboard display on the tech models?

To me it has a cleaner look... less cluttered and has nicer fonts.

W/out Tech:

W/Tech, but w/out iActivesense:

 

[jhu8]

Those dashes are both 2016s though? I didn't know they were different if they are 16s.

 

[banjos-n-beer]

Those dashes are both 2016s though? I didn't know they were different if they are 16s.

Both pics came from my local dealer's website. First one from a 2016 Sport, 2nd one from a 2016 GT.

 

[sillyxone]

Looks like the 2016 Sport and Touring have the same design. I actually prefer the Sport/Touring version, looks cleaner without the LCD on the main speedometer. My 2016 Touring:

 

[yrwei52]

Looks like the 2016 Sport and Touring have the same design. I actually prefer the Sport/Touring version, looks cleaner without the LCD on the main speedometer. My 2016 Touring:

Your picture doesn't show. But I like the GT version (or w/Tech) of instrument cluster better as it has odometers within speedometer pod like it supposed to be. And the LCD fuel gauge looks like traditional mechanical fuel gauge. Just wish there is a coolant temperature gauge somewhere.

 

[silvercoat]

Your picture doesn't show. But I like the GT version (or w/Tech) of instrument cluster better as it has odometers within speedometer pod like it supposed to be. And the LCD fuel gauge looks like traditional mechanical fuel gauge. Just wish there is a coolant temperature gauge somewhere.

This is one of the things that really irks me. I know most new cars are opting for "Is it overheated?" light but I really like having a traditional coolant temperature gauge. It is kind of comforting to know if the vehicle is running a bit hot or not. I do not know at which point Mazda's temperature warning range comes on but by that point it may be too late.

 

[MikeM.]

This is one of the things that really irks me. I know most new cars are opting for "Is it overheated?" light but I really like having a traditional coolant temperature gauge. It is kind of comforting to know if the vehicle is running a bit hot or not.

If you feel like you need that, any one of the many aftermarket OBD II readers will return exact coolant temperature digitally to within 0.1 degree. But it's not necessary or even very helpful. I got over it years ago and don't miss it at all.

I do not know at which point Mazda's temperature warning range comes on but by that point it may be too late.

Back in the day when all cars had a coolant temperature gauge it was very common on a hot day to see steaming radiators on the side of the mountain pass. Now it's extremely rare.

 

[silvercoat]

If you feel like you need that, any one of the many aftermarket OBD II readers will return exact coolant temperature digitally to within 0.1 degree. But it's not necessary or even very helpful. I got over it years ago and don't miss it at all.




Back in the day when all cars had a coolant temperature gauge it was very common on a hot day to see steaming radiators on the side of the mountain pass. Now it's extremely rare.

As with some other things I agree that I will probably just get used to it. I guess I was used to it because one of my older guys did overheat often and it was something I had to watch. The ODBII BT/USB readers are nice and since I will probably replace the radio with something that can do IDATALINK this will be ok.

 

[silvercoat]

Further question for folks on this thread. The dash material itself, the soft padded rubber/foam. How well is yours holding up? I know plastic dashes crack, vinyl dash warp and fade, but anyone have a good idea on what kind of material it is? My concern would be that I have seen Nissans with what feels like a similar material and those cars after a few years their dashes turn to mush or become easily deformable. Any input?

 

[MikeM.]

Further question for folks on this thread. The dash material itself, the soft padded rubber/foam. How well is yours holding up? I know plastic dashes crack, vinyl dash warp and fade, but anyone have a good idea on what kind of material it is? My concern would be that I have seen Nissans with what feels like a similar material and those cars after a few years their dashes turn to mush or become easily deformable. Any input?

I don't know what it is but it's very durable stuff. Probably loaded with more UV inhibitors than I need up here in the Pacific Northwest! Mine still looks new after 3.5 years. I did put some product on it the first time I cleaned it and all I've done since is quickly dust it with a dry microfiber rag twice a year. Looks great!

 

[silvercoat]

I don't know what it is but it's very durable stuff. Probably loaded with more UV inhibitors than I need up here in the Pacific Northwest! Mine still looks new after 3.5 years. I did put some product on it the first time I cleaned it and all I've done since is quickly dust it with a dry microfiber rag twice a year. Looks great!

Yeh I think this is why I see European car's interior eating it down here in Florida after 1-2 years. I am guessing over there they never quite have the amount of sun we do. Good to know it is holding up. I am a big fan of a daily windsheild/dash visor and using good cleaning materials with UV protected chemicals. I know some have said it is a bit rough to clean as it is a grippy material but good to know that it is holding up.

 

[fdew]

I've had two cars with memory seats, one with it keyed to what fob unlocked the door, and buttons, the other with just buttons. My wife and I used both systems. Didn't have any trouble. Liked it.

Frank

 

[MikeM.]

I am a big fan of a daily windsheild/dash visor and using good cleaning materials with UV protected chemicals. I know some have said it is a bit rough to clean as it is a grippy material but good to know that it is holding up.

You're more dedicated than I am with daily dash/windshield cleanings! I did buy a windshield visor last fall but then the sun went into it's annual 6 month hiatus before I had used it but twice.

 

[Dr Kev]

Probably a month after I picked up my 2016 I bought the Mazda sunshade. It's very well-built , but also very difficult for one person to put it in place without part of the shade coming in contact with the dash. It did and left a couple of small scratches where the white shows through a bit. Does anyone have good advice on repairing the marks or at least preventing them from getting worse? I've switched to a lighter shade that's easier to install without scraping the dash.

I don't know what it is but it's very durable stuff. Probably loaded with more UV inhibitors than I need up here in the Pacific Northwest! Mine still looks new after 3.5 years. I did put some product on it the first time I cleaned it and all I've done since is quickly dust it with a dry microfiber rag twice a year. Looks great!

 

[silvercoat]

Probably a month after I picked up my 2016 I bought the Mazda sunshade. It's very well-built , but also very difficult for one person to put it in place without part of the shade coming in contact with the dash. It did and left a couple of small scratches where the white shows through a bit. Does anyone have good advice on repairing the marks or at least preventing them from getting worse? I've switched to a lighter shade that's easier to install without scraping the dash.

How is the bottom of the Mazda shade? If it is hard enough to be scratching the dash I would suggest getting as strip of felt (like 1" wide x however long the shade is) and gluing it around the bottom of the shade.

 

[Dr Kev]

It actually is felt like on the bottom.

 

[silvercoat]

Hmmm, wonder if anyone else has input on scratching the dash up. It is another worry of mine with that material. Anyone else chime in on daily use of sun shade and dash wear?

 

[MikeM.]

Hmmm, wonder if anyone else has input on scratching the dash up. It is another worry of mine with that material. Anyone else chime in on daily use of sun shade and dash wear?

The few times I've used my sunshade it's not an issue. I just can't see worrying about that.

Almost all cars go to the crusher within 20 years anyway.