Winter in Quebec can be a challenging time for drivers, with its unpredictable weather patterns and icy roads. However, Mazda’s i-ACTIV all-wheel drive system is designed to make these challenges more manageable, ensuring a safer and more comfortable driving experience. This article delves into the intricacies of the i-ACTIV system and how it stands out.

Constant Grip, Exactly When You Need It

Mazda’s i-ACTIV all-wheel drive is designed to adapt to road conditions and ensure optimal grip in any weather, instantly when you need it. It constantly monitors how your Mazda is behaving, checking the state of the road as frequently as 200 times per second, and adjusts automatically to provide optimal control. This determines the ideal torque distribution between the front and rear wheels, ensuring prompt responsiveness and a more confident drive.

The i-ACTIV system is always vigilant. It continuously monitors external temperature, wiper operation, the torque required to turn the front wheels, and the engine’s load. This helps it detect rain, snow, or if the road is slippery, especially during uphill climbs or sharp turns.

Moreover, the system is designed to adjust to how you are driving. In other words, the system is intuitive. It gauges the driver’s intentions by assessing various parameters: Is the driver about to accelerate? How much is the steering wheel turned? What’s the pressure on the brakes? By using a myriad of sensors, the i-ACTIV system determines the driver’s intentions and responds accordingly, ensuring maximum control.

Other Features of i-ACTIV AWD

Oil Movement: Mazda engineers have meticulously studied how oil moves between gears. Their findings have led to reduced friction, enhancing the system’s efficiency.

Lightweight Design: Every component’s design and the materials used have been scrutinized by Mazda engineers. Their efforts have culminated in a 43% weight reduction in the i-ACTIV all-wheel drive system which has a direct impact on efficiency.

Exceptional Fuel Economy

Beyond its impressive performance in ensuring stability and traction, one of the standout benefits of the i-ACTIV system is its fuel efficiency. Since it’s not perpetually engaged, it conserves fuel. This efficiency is why Mazda offers it as a standard feature on all its SUVs. The system’s weight reduction further bolsters its efficiency.

Regardless of the model, Mazda’s fuel efficiency, even with i-ACTIV AWD, is impressive. For instance, the Mazda CX-5 with i-ACTIV and cylinder deactivation averages a mere 8.5 litres per 100 km combined. Furthermore, the inclusion of this system in the Mazda3 makes it a rarity among compacts, and allows us to see first-hand how efficient it is. The efficiency of the i-ACTIV system is truly showcased when compared to the front-wheel drive Mazda3.

Vehicle	City Consumption	Highway Consumption
2024 Mazda3 GT FWD	8.4 l/100 km	6.6 l/100 km
2024 Mazda3 GT with i-ACTIV AWD	8.8 l/100 km	6.6 l/100 km

The negligible difference in city consumption underscores the system’s efficiency. With i-ACTIV AWD, there’s virtually no compromise.

Mazda’s i-ACTIV all-wheel drive system is a testament to the brand’s commitment to safety, performance, and efficiency. For those braving the challenging winters of Quebec, this system promises a driving experience that’s both secure and enjoyable.

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