What is the Most Comfortable Driving Position?

With so many manufacturers’ focus on creating the most comfortable seats, Mazda takes comfort one step further with its focus on driver position and pedal layout to make the most ideal setup possible. So that begs the question, what is the most comfortable driving position in a 2017 Mazda?

How to Achieve the Most Comfortable Position

Mazda offers their solution to finding the most ideal driving position in three steps. The first step was to define what actually defines an ideal driving position. The human body is able to move and react quicker when in a relaxed state, due to a relaxed position being able to be maintained for a long time without fatigue. With a relaxed, comfortable posture, your line of sight will be in the “Eye-line Zone,” an area in which the driver has a good view of the road directly in front of them as well as in the distance.

The second step is to have the vehicle-controlling devices in locations that allow for this posture. For example, the accelerator is then positioned where your feet will reach naturally. For this to work, the front wheelhouse has been moved forward on all models since the Mazda CX-5.

The third and final step is to optimize each of the vehicle-control devices to work in harmony with common motions of the human body. The ideal driving position then uses Mazda’s “organ-type accelerator.” This accelerator lets the heel of your foot to be resting comfortably on the floor, and then when you accelerate, the pedal can be pushed down in a natural heel-to-toe walking motion.

Does Driver Position Change Anything?

The most important benefit of Mazda’s ideal driving position is safety. Their driving position increases reaction times, visibility, and decreases the strain a standard driving position puts on your body. Mazda uses the term Jinba-ittai, meaning “horse and rider as one,” to describe their goals of providing the best driving environment.

Here are some more safety features Mazda offers.

If you’re interested in sitting in Mazda’s ideal driving position, schedule a test drive today for a new 2017 Mazda at Mazda of Lodi. We’d be happy to answer any of your questions.