A Look at the i-Activ All-Wheel Drive System in the Mazda 3

The 2024 Mazda 3 is one of the rare sub-compact sedans on the market to be available with all-wheel drive, a technology that appeals to a large proportion of Canadian buyers due to its ability to make winter driving safer and more pleasant. There is more to Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system than an increase in safety, however, as you will see.

Making the most of the Mazda 3’s chassis

Like every Mazda model, the current generation of the Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback have been carefully engineered to maximize the driver’s connection with the car and the road. Having the ability to send the engine’s power to all four wheels at any time allows more spirited driving on twisty mountain roads or on slipper highway on-ramps since the i-Activ AWD system constantly monitors the rotation speed of every wheel in order to detect any trace of slippage and react accordingly by sending power to the wheels with the most grip, which means that you can punch the accelerator at any moment without worrying about frying the front tires and going nowhere. This is particularly helpful in models equipped with the available turbocharged engine since this powertrain really allows you to test the limits of the chassis and suspension in a safe and enjoyable way.

An intelligent part-time system

In order to save fuel when it isn’t needed, the i-Activ AWD system in the 2024 Mazda 3 features a part-time design, meaning that in certain operating conditions, it can completely disengage the rear axle and operate as a typical front-wheel-drive powertrain. This helps the Mazda 3 achieve impressive fuel consumption figures, especially in summer, when an all-wheel drive system is solicited less often. Such systems usually result in annoying delays between the beginning of a slip and the engagement of the rear axle, but not in this case. Indeed, Mazda engineers have programmed the i-Activ AWD to be able to predict situations where traction might be deficient by using a large variety of inputs such as the outside temperature, the status of the windshield wipers, and the driver’s inputs on the steering than accelerator. This all combines to eliminate any delay in the driveline, again contributing to make the driver feel connected with the vehicle.

A great help in winter

Obviously, the main advantage of an all-wheel drive system is its safety on slippery roads, and despite its focus on performance, the i-Activ AWD system is also very much capable of making the 2024 Mazda 3 safer in winter. Indeed, by eliminating wheel slip, this technology helps the car react immediately to the driver’s inputs even when driving on snow and ice. In addition, sharing the engine’s power and torque to all four wheels provides an added level of stability to the vehicle, helping to prevent sudden direction changes when one side of the car hits an ice patch or deep snow.

Contact us to learn more about the 2024 Mazda 3 and its available AWD system!