All-wheel drive can enhance traction and handling across a variety of road and weather conditions. However, the advanced Mazda i-Activ AWD® system takes a predictive approach to managing traction. Fields Mazda of Asheville shares a closer look at how it works.
How Some AWD Systems Respond to Traction Loss
Some all-wheel-drive systems primarily respond after detecting a change in traction, such as a wheel beginning to slip. The system can then adjust how power is distributed between the axles to help regain traction. Mazda i-ACTIV AWD® takes a more proactive approach by using vehicle and driving data to anticipate when additional traction may be needed.
The MAZDA i-ACTIV® AWD Difference
Rather than a typical AWD system, Mazda i-ACTIV® AWD is always engaged. It consistently scans the road in real-time, watching for variations, even some that you may not detect. It also monitors everything from your driving patterns to the outside temperature to your windshield wiper use, even hundreds of times per second. Using this information, the system can anticipate changing traction conditions and determine how much torque should be sent to the rear wheels.
How i-ACTIV AWD® Helps
Because Mazda i-ACTIV AWD® can anticipate changing traction conditions before noticeable wheel slip occurs, it can help provide more predictable handling and stability on wet, snowy, unpaved, and even dry roads. Mazda also engineers the system to reduce mechanical and frictional losses, helping limit the fuel-economy tradeoffs traditionally associated with all-wheel drive. The result is an AWD system designed to balance traction, responsive handling, and efficiency.
More Than a Bad-Weather Feature
Mazda i-ACTIV AWD® isn't designed only for rain or snow. The system can also manage torque distribution during acceleration and cornering on dry pavement, helping support the responsive, predictable handling Mazda engineers into its vehicles. That means i-ACTIV AWD® can contribute to the driving experience even when road conditions are ideal.
Explore Our New MAZDA Models in Asheville, NC
Mazda i-ACTIV AWD® is standard across Mazda's current crossover SUV lineup and is also available on select Mazda3 models, giving you plenty of ways to experience its predictive approach to traction and handling. Visit Fields Mazda of Asheville to explore a new Mazda SUV or car equipped with i-ACTIV AWD® and find the model that fits your driving needs.
