Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Target Audience:
Families and individuals seeking a sporty, stylish, and practical crossover with a focus on driving dynamics.
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, Subaru Forester.
Design Philosophy:
Mazda's 'Zoom-Zoom' philosophy emphasizing driving pleasure and sporty styling within the crossover segment.
Platform:
Shared platform with the Mazda6 sedan and Mazdaspeed6, contributing to its sporty handling.
Systems Covered:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for a 2008 owner's manual)
Powertrain:
Covers engine oil, fuel information, air filters, battery, refill capacities, lubricant specifications, and general engine compartment layout.
Chassis:
Details on driver controls, locks and security, and general driving information. Specifics on chassis components are not typically detailed in owner's manuals.
Electrical:
Instrument cluster, lights, entertainment systems, and general driver controls, including electronic security features.
Body And Interior:
Seating and safety restraints, climate controls, interior driver controls, and accessories.
Basic Maintenance:
Checking engine oil, tire pressure, fluid levels, replacing key components like air filters and battery (though detailed replacement procedures are often in service manuals).
User Operation:
Operation of climate controls, entertainment systems, lights, locks, security, seating adjustments, and understanding the instrument cluster.
Safety Features:
Information on safety restraints, airbags, and reporting safety defects (U.S. only).
Depth:
Focuses on user operation, basic maintenance checks, and understanding vehicle features. Does not typically cover diagnostic procedures, component-level repairs, or advanced troubleshooting. Primarily for the vehicle owner.
Engine Type:
2.3L turbocharged inline-4 (MZR DISI Turbo)
Horsepower:
244 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
270 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Injection Type:
Direct Injection (DISI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended for optimal performance)
Location Of Components:
The manual provides guidance on locating and identifying key engine components like oil dipstick, coolant reservoir, brake fluid reservoir, and battery.
Transmission Type:
6-speed automatic transmission (Activematic)
Optional Transmission:
None offered in the US market for the 2008 model year.
Transmission Features:
Sport mode, manual shift mode.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mazda ATF-FZ (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon rated)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 stars (2008 model year)
IIHS Frontal Offset Score:
Good
IIHS Side Impact Score:
Good
Traction Control:
Standard (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)
ABS:
Standard (4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact curtain airbags.
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions.
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system (optional on some trims), AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, SiriusXM satellite radio (subscription required).
Display:
Multi-information display in the instrument cluster, optional touchscreen navigation system.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Rearview Camera:
Optional on some trims.
Bluetooth:
Available hands-free Bluetooth system for phone calls (may require separate module or integration).
Headlights:
Halogen headlights, available Xenon (HID) headlights on higher trims.
HVAC Type:
Manual or automatic climate control, depending on trim level.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe driving conditions may require more frequent changes.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000 miles
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Refer to manual for specific mileage, typically around 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
0W-20 (preferred for fuel economy and performance), 5W-30 may be used in some applications.
Engine Oil Type:
API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified synthetic oil.
Coolant Type:
Mazda Genuine Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with deionized water).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Complaints:
Turbocharger lag/response, potential for carbon buildup in direct-injection engines, turbo hose leaks, some reports of oil consumption.
Air Filter Part Number Example:
Mann-Filter C27007 / Mazda P501-13-Z40 (Note: Always verify with VIN)
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Mann-Filter HU715/2X / Mazda PE01-14-302 (Note: Always verify with VIN)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.7 quarts (4.4 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7.8 quarts (7.4 liters)
Initial Reception:
Received praise for its sporty handling and stylish design upon release.
Competitor Comparisons:
Often noted as one of the more engaging-to-drive options in its class, distinguishing itself from more comfort-oriented rivals.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Variable; some model years had average or below-average reliability ratings in areas such as engine and powertrain.
