Mazda has launched a new app to allow drivers to control their vehicle’s functions via their smartphones – with the only slight caveat being that it costs £320.
Called Mazda Mobile Start, the app is available for both iOS and Android devices, and lets drivers to remotely start the car’s engine for up to 30 minutes at a time from virtually anywhere.
Trisha Quezada, from Mazda North America, said: “Mazda Mobile Start comes with more than just the features and functions of the app; it also comes with peace of mind.
“Mazda Mobile Start was created with convenience and safety in mind to enhance the overall driving experience that matters so much to our customers.”
Owners can use it to pre-heat or cool the cabin before getting into the car, while the app also allows the doors to be locked and unlocked, plus a panic alarm function for emergencies.
It also supports a car-finder function that uses GPS signals and the smartphone’s camera to guide users to their vehicles with a live view image, particularly handy in large car parks, Mazda says.
Currently, the Mobile Start app is available only in the US on the Mazda6 and CX-5, though the marque says it’s considering rolling it out to additional models and markets later in the year.
Priced at approximately £320, the app includes dealer installation of the on-board tech, along with a complimentary one-year subscription to the app’s functions, after which it’ll cost around £42 a year.
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