Mazda believes that driving posture is a key element to make driving stress-free and enjoyable even over long distances.
The angle of a person's joints, including legs, hands, hips, and neck, determine the driving posture. The joint angles affect the loads on each muscle in the body, and the power it can exert, which in turn affects the driver's performance and fatigue level. Therefore, it is essential to minimize the loads on each muscle and ensure they can provide the necessary force when needed.
Through research into ways to make driving less tiring, we have determined that the angle of the ankle should enable operation of the acceleration and brake pedals with less than 10% of the maximum power of the leg muscles. Based on this, we use a standard ankle angle when deciding pedal positions. Similarly, we use a standard elbow angle and underarm angle to ensure the steering wheel is easy to turn. We also have a standard hip angle and seat angle to support the thighs. By advancing these research and development activities, we continue to pursue the ideal driving position.

Mazda's driver seats are fully adjustable to suit any driver's physique or preferred position. From hundreds of testers around the world who drove our prototypes and compared them to competitors' vehicles, we collected data on how seating positions and preferences vary with physique and gender. According to the results, we have learned that even among people of average height (170-179 cm) the desired seat position varies up to 200 mm front-to-back, and by around 50 mm vertically. In response to this, Mazda vehicles offer a degree of adjustability that surpasses our competitors. Additionally, the driver seat lift system employs a ratchet lever (right image), making adjustments easy for everyone. Most of Mazda's lineup offers a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. This feature enables the height and longitudinal position to be adjusted so that the great majority of drivers can find a comfortable driving position.

At Mazda, we try to ensure our front seats provide comfortable, stress-free driving over long distances, as well as superb hold for sporty driving.
The key to comfort is a seat that is both roomy and provides plenty of lumbar support to prevent tiredness.
To achieve excellent hold, we analyzed body movements, especially during cornering. To prevent the driver's spine from twisting, his/her pelvis from bending, and his/her back from coming off the seat, we focus on optimizing the side support and seatback cushioning of our seats.