What Are the Best Features on the Mazda CX-5?

Whether you’re commuting down Highway 17, heading to the beach for the weekend, or taking a scenic cruise along Ocean Boulevard, driving a Mazda in Myrtle Beach is all about enjoying the ride. Whether you’re cruising in a CX-30, CX-5, CX-50, or CX-90, here are seven hidden infotainment features and shortcuts built right into your dashboard. When you take delivery of a new vehicle at Beach Mazda, our team makes sure you know the essentials—like pairing your smartphone and setting up Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™. But Mazda's engineers packed a lot of clever software shortcuts into the Mazda Connect system that many drivers miss during their first week on the road. Here's a look at seven hidden Mazda infotainment features. more 1. The Instant Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Toggle Tired of clicking through multiple sub-menus just to check a radio station or tweak your vehicle settings while navigating with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto? The Shortcut: Press and hold the Home button on the central Commander Control dial for 2 seconds. This shortcut instantly flips your display back and forth between your smartphone screen and the native Mazda Connect main menu—no extra wheel scrolling required. 2. Dynamic 360 Camera Angle Cycling When you back out of a tight parking space at Broadway at the Beach or parallel park near the boardwalk, shifting into reverse triggers your backup camera. But you aren't limited to just one standard view. While in reverse or viewing the active camera screen, press straight down on the central Commander knob. Toggling or clicking down cycles through different camera perspectives, including: Wide-Angle Rear View: Perfect for spotting oncoming traffic when backing out of a crowded beach lot. Front Bumper Camera: Helps you clear high curbs and parking blocks without scraping. Side/Tire Angles: Great for avoiding curb rash on your alloy wheels in tight parking garages. 3. The "Voice Prompt Silencer" Tap We’ve all been there: built-in navigation starts reading out a long list of step-by-step directions right when a passenger tries to speak or a great song comes on the radio. Instead of searching through on-screen menus to mute the voice: Give a single, quick tap to the Talk/Voice button on your steering wheel. A quick press immediately silences the current spoken prompt mid-sentence without canceling your active navigation route. 4. Head-Up Display Fix for Polarized Sunglasses Coastal South Carolina brings plenty of sunshine, meaning polarized sunglasses are a daily necessity along the Grand Strand. However, polarization can make the projected Active Driving Display (Head-Up Display) on your windshield appear faint or invisible. Rather than taking off your sunglasses, try this quick screen adjustment: Navigate to Settings In-Vehicle Displays Active Driving Display Rotation. Tilting the display angle by just 1 to 2 degrees changes the polarization angle of the light hitting your lenses, bringing the projected speed and safety alerts right back into crisp focus. 5. Hot Weather Key Fob Venting Summer heat in Myrtle Beach is no joke. Stepping into a car that’s been parked in the sun all afternoon can feel like entering an oven. Fortunately, your key fob holds a quick air-venting trick. Before walking up to your vehicle: Press the Unlock button on your key fob 3 times. On the 4th press, hold the button down. All four windows will automatically roll down at once, letting the trapped heat vent out before you even open the door. 6. Customizing Your Digital Gauge Cluster Many modern Mazda models feature a central digital speedometer flanked by physical gauges. You can easily adjust what information sits directly in your line of sight. By pressing the INFO button on your steering wheel (or holding down the trip-meter stalk on select model years), you can cycle through multiple layouts: A traditional analog needle gauge. A clean, digital numeric readout. An active i-Activesense safety display showing live radar tracking and lane-keeping prompts. 7. The Dealer Engineering Menu Used by technicians in our Beach Mazda Service Center to run quick electronic diagnostics, Mazda Connect includes a hidden service menu. By holding down Music + Favorites (Star) + Mute simultaneously on the center console for about 5 seconds, the screen opens the Factory Diagnostic Menu. Note: This menu displays live GPS satellite strength, speaker channel test signals, and software build numbers. It’s a fun peek behind the curtain at Mazda technology, though we recommend leaving calibration settings unchanged! Experience Mazda Technology at Beach Mazda Whether you want to learn more about your current vehicle's hidden Mazda infotainment features or you're interested in testing out the latest Mazda models, our team on Jason Blvd in Myrtle Beach is here to help. Have a question about your Mazda Connect system infotainment features or due for routine service? Stop by Beach Mazda or schedule an appointment online with our certified technicians today!

If you have been searching for a Mazda3 for sale in Myrtle Beach, you have probably noticed there is more than one Mazda3 to choose from. There is a sedan and a hatchback. There are naturally aspirated engines and turbocharged ones. There is front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. That is a lot of decisions for one nameplate, and it is easy to end up more confused after researching than you were before you started. This guide breaks down the 2026 Mazda3 lineup in plain language, compares the sedan to the hatchback, walks through the trim levels, and gives you a realistic sense of what you will pay to drive one home from Beach Mazda in Myrtle Beach, SC. Why the Mazda3 Keeps Showing Up on Your Shortlist The Mazda3 has built a reputation as the compact car that does not feel like a compact car. Mazda's design philosophy, known as KODO, gives the Mazda3 curves and proportions that most people expect from a car costing thousands more. Step inside and the theme continues. Mazda spends its money where you actually touch and see things: soft-touch materials on the dash and doors, an analog-style gauge cluster, and an intuitive control layout focused around a rotary Commander dial that borrows more from luxury brands than from typical economy cars. It is not just about looks either. Mazda tunes the Mazda3's steering and suspension for a driving feel that reviewers consistently praise, often calling it the most fun-to-drive car in its class. If you commute daily on Highway 17 or take weekend trips up to Wilmington or down to Charleston, that difference is something you will actually feel behind the wheel, not just read about in a spec sheet. Sedan or Hatchback: What Is the Real Difference? This is usually the first fork in the road for shoppers, so let's settle it. The Mazda3 Sedan is the more traditional body style. It has a proper trunk, a slightly longer overall exterior length, and styling that leans a bit more conservative and upscale, especially with the optional Soul Red Crystal or Machine Gray Metallic paint. If you want a classic profile and a car that reads as understated and elegant in a parking lot, the sedan is usually the pick. The Mazda3 Hatchback trades some of that sedan formality for everyday versatility. The rear liftgate opens to reveal significantly more usable cargo space than the sedan's trunk, and folding the rear seats down opens up even more room for beach gear, golf clubs, or a Costco run. The hatchback also gets a slightly more aggressive, sport-oriented look. Many shoppers searching for a Mazda hatchback for sale cross-shop the Mazda3 hatch against the CX-30, and it is a fair comparison since they share a platform. Our Mazda3 Hatchback vs. CX-30 comparison breaks it down in more detail, but in short, the Mazda3 hatchback sits lower and drives a bit sportier, while the CX-30 sits higher and offers easier entry and exit. Mechanically, the sedan and hatchback share the same engine choices and most of the same trim structure, so the decision usually comes down to styling preference and how much cargo flexibility you need. Trim Levels: Finding the Right Fit Mazda organizes the Mazda3 lineup into a handful of trims, generally moving from a well-equipped base model up through turbocharged performance-oriented trims. While exact trim names and standard features can shift, the general structure looks like this: Base trim (2.5 S): This is where most shoppers start, and it is far from stripped down. Expect a full suite of Mazda's i-Activsense safety features, Mazda Connect infotainment, and the efficient, naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Mid-level trims (Select Sport, Preferred, or similar): These add comfort and convenience items like heated front seats, a power driver's seat, upgraded leatherette upholstery, and larger available display screens with touchscreen integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Premium trims: Here you start seeing genuine leather seating, a Bose® premium audio system, a windshield-projected heads-up display, and available i-Activ AWD®. Turbo trims: The performance-focused end of the lineup swaps in Mazda's turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, which produces a meaningful jump in horsepower and torque over the standard engine, paired with standard all-wheel drive. Note: Because Mazda periodically adjusts trim names and standard equipment, we always recommend confirming current features on the official Mazda USA website or by asking our sales team. What Does a Mazda3 Cost in Myrtle Beach? Pricing on any new car depends on trim, options, and current incentives. As a general rule, the Mazda3 competes in the compact car segment against vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Volkswagen Jetta, and it is priced competitively within that group even though it feels like a step above on the inside. For the most accurate, up-to-date pricing on the 2026 Mazda3 for sale here at Beach Mazda, including any current manufacturer rebates or regional incentives available in the Myrtle Beach and Horry County area, the best move is to check our new inventory page or give our sales team a call. We can also walk you through current APR offers and lease specials, which often make a bigger difference in your monthly payment than the sticker price alone. Mazda3 Fuel Economy and Everyday Livability One reason the Mazda3 stays popular with commuters along the Grand Strand is fuel efficiency paired with a comfortable ride. The naturally aspirated engine is tuned for solid real-world fuel economy, while the turbo engine sacrifices a small amount of efficiency for a noticeable gain in power, useful if you are merging onto Highway 501 or passing on Highway 17 Bypass regularly. Inside, both body styles offer standard Mazda Connect infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a full suite of driver assistance safety features as standard equipment, and a ride quality that stays composed over rougher pavement around Myrtle Beach and Conway. New vs. Used Mazda3: Which Makes Sense for You? If budget is the primary factor, a used or Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Mazda3 can be an excellent value. Mazda's Certified Pre-Owned program includes an extended powertrain warranty and a comprehensive multi-point inspection. A CPO Mazda3 typically costs less than new while still delivering the same engaging driving experience and modern tech features. If you want the latest safety technology, the newest software updates, and the peace of mind of a full new-vehicle factory warranty, a new 2026 Mazda3 is worth the investment. We carry both new and used Mazda3 inventory here at Beach Mazda so you can compare them side by side. Test Drive a Mazda3 at Beach Mazda Reading about a car only gets you so far. The Mazda3's driving feel, seat comfort, and cabin quality are things you notice within the first five minutes behind the wheel. Whether you are leaning toward the sedan's classic trunk practicality or the hatchback's added cargo flexibility, our team at Beach Mazda in Myrtle Beach can walk you through current inventory, trim availability, and financing options tailored to your budget. Stop by our dealership on Highway 17, browse our current inventory online, or schedule your test drive today!

When you think of Mazda performance and innovation, one term likely stands out: rotary engine. Unlike traditional piston engines, the rotary engine—also known as the Wankel engine —has become a symbol of Mazda’s engineering boldness and passion for unique driving experiences. At Beach Mazda, we believe part of what makes Mazda special is its willingness to think differently. So today, we’re diving deep into what makes the rotary engine so unique, how it works, and why it still holds a legendary status among driving enthusiasts. more 🔧 What Is a Rotary Engine? Instead of using pistons that move up and down, a rotary engine uses a triangular rotor that spins inside an oval-shaped housing. The rotor’s movement completes the four strokes of internal combustion— intake, compression, power, and exhaust —in a continuous motion. This design offers a lightweight, compact engine that delivers smooth power output and high-revving performance in a much smaller package than traditional engines. 🚘 Mazda and the Rotary Legacy Mazda didn't invent the rotary engine, but it perfected it. Starting with the Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S in 1967, Mazda brought the rotary engine to global attention. However, it was the Mazda RX-7 and later the RX-8 that truly defined the brand’s rotary reputation. These cars became beloved for their lightweight handling, distinctive engine sound, and thrilling driving dynamics. ⚙️ Key Advantages of the Rotary Engine Compact and Lightweight: Ideal for achieving balanced weight distribution and nimble handling. High Power-to-Weight Ratio: Delivers impressive horsepower for its size. Smooth Operation: Fewer moving parts and a unique rotation create a silky engine feel. High RPM Capability: Rotary engines love to rev, making them exciting for sports car fans. 🔍 Rotary Engine Challenges While the rotary engine has many perks, it’s not without its quirks: Fuel and Oil Consumption: Rotary engines are less efficient than piston engines, using more fuel and burning oil by design. Maintenance Requirements: They require more frequent attention, especially regarding seals and spark plugs. Emissions: Regulatory pressure and emissions standards eventually led to the discontinuation of the RX-8 in 2012. 🔋 A Rotary Comeback? The e-Skyactiv R-EV Mazda hasn’t given up on rotary technology. In fact, it’s returning in a new role: as a range extender for Mazda’s plug-in hybrid vehicles. The Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV reintroduces a compact rotary engine—not for driving the wheels, but for charging the battery when needed. It’s a clever use of the rotary’s lightweight, compact design, showing that Mazda still values its rotary heritage in the age of electrification. 🔧 Caring for a Rotary Engine (If You Own One) If you’re lucky enough to drive a rotary-powered Mazda like an RX-7 or RX-8, here are a few maintenance tips: Use high-quality oil and check levels often. Warm up the engine fully before pushing RPMs. Regularly replace spark plugs and ignition components. Stay on top of cooling system health to avoid overheating. Let the engine idle for a few seconds before shutting off to prevent flooding. Need help servicing a rotary engine? Our team at Beach Mazda has access to Mazda-certified parts and service experts who understand the care these engines require. 🔧 Rotary Engine, Mazda Spirit While the rotary engine is rare today, it remains a cornerstone of Mazda’s identity: innovation, driving joy, and fearless engineering. Whether in classic sports cars or cutting-edge EVs, the rotary still spins strong in Mazda’s DNA. Ready to explore Mazda’s legacy or the latest in electrified performance? Visit Beach Mazda today — where the spirit of rotary innovation lives on in every vehicle we sell and service. Want to learn more about rotary engine models or future Mazda tech? Just let us know and we’ll be glad to share more insights!