I suspect the same also.
I can understand cost saving, but mazda should have made these options available with the tech package (even if that would mean making the package more expensive):
-auto up/down on all windows (from drivers door)
-auto close moonroof (or better yet panoramic sunroof)
-auto open/close hatch
-auto fold/unfold side mirrors
-front seat cooling
-rear seat heating
-steering wheel heating
-smarter advanced keyless entry that doesn't require pushing a button on the handle
(my dad's audi has this... and you simply open the door, because the car unlocks when close the the door)
This would have seriously made me consider the package, because the current one, is a little bit short on features to be considered "technology". (hid, scbs, sat radio, nav) are nice features, but appart from scbs, the other features are pretty mainstream, and will become industry standards in a few years.
New Guy Here:
Add to that optional Tech Package:
push button windows
keyless door locks and starting
rain sensing wipers
auto lights
Bluetooth
Sirius
CD Player
MP3 Player
infinitely adjustable power driver seat
auto transmission
heated seats
dual 'auto' climate control
electric moon roof
sunglass holder
and anything else that I don't need!
Every year the manufactures have to add more bright shiny objects to their line up to compete with the others adding more bright shiny objects to their line up. I'm not picking on you speed. We all get wrapped up in that stuff. I just wonder sometimes if it matters.
The most enjoyable vehicle I have to drive is a '65 sunroof VW with a little bit of a hot rod motor and IRS. The defroster and heater is a joke, no AC or even a cigarette lighter or radio. It is dead nuts solid driving and we all know why they were made rear engine, it goes anywhere, wet, dry, snow, ice, mud, etc. doesn't matter. It's in the garage now resting until I can get back to it for a rebuild.
I wonder what a AWD CX-5 with a 2.5L motor and 6 speed MANUAL trans, cloth seats, AM/FM radio, roll up windows, KEY doors and start, and AC would cost and feel like... Oh, I'd pay extra for a dang TEMPERATURE GUAGE! Nothing more.
I tried to talk SWMBO into a Gen-1 Ford Bronco... But it doesn't have...all that stuff...she said...