What makes Mazda's i-ACTIV AWD better?
Learn about the groundbreaking technology behind Mazda’s advanced and inventive i-ACTIV AWD that surpasses traditional all-wheel drive (AWD) systems and keeps driver and passengers safe in whatever weather and road conditions they encounter.
Mazda’s new-generation all-wheel drive system is known as i-ACTIV AWD because it falls under the umbrella of i-ACTIVSENSE® technologies. i-ACTIVSENSE® refers to Mazda safety systems that use detection devices such as milliwave radars and cameras to identify potential hazards, prevent collisions, and reduce their severity when they cannot be avoided. As a result, i-ACTIV AWD proactively identifies precarious road conditions, such as low-grip surfaces like snow, anticipates when the tires may slip, and then directs power as needed to the rear wheels for better traction. A tire slip is avoided, the driver’s control is maintained, and this all happens without any input or action needed from the driver. How does this ingenious system work? Let’s take a closer look at Mazda’s iACTIV AWD.
Predictive
With i-ACTIV AWD, the technology is truly predictive because it constantly monitors driving conditions and driver/vehicle behavior, recognizing even the slightest of changes that could create tire slippage. The seamless and autonomous system works before the driver can even realize that a slip was prevented. To gather the data it needs, i-ACTIV AWD uses the many systems already in place throughout the sedan or SUV. In fact, i-ACTIV AWD monitors 27 different sensor inputs more than 200 times per second as it assesses the constantly changing driving situation. The wealth of information gathered helps i-ACTIV AWD best gauge the amount of torque sent to the rear wheels for the appropriate amount of traction.
Perceptive
While traditional AWD systems might measure only relative wheel speed, i-ACTIV AWD goes far beyond that. To determine road surface and weather conditions, i-ACTIV AWD looks at outside temperatures via the external temperature gauge and even takes into account the windshield wiper activity as it determines whether it’s raining or snowing. In addition to monitoring the wheel speed, engine dynamics and G-forces, i-ACTIV AWD also considers the driver’s intentions. For example, i-ACTIV AWD monitors accelerator position to know when the driver wants to move or accelerate, looks at the steering angle to determine when the driver wants to turn, and calculates the brake fluid pressure to recognize when the driver wants to stop. With all of these factors under constant examination, Mazda’s i-ACTIV AWD can provide optimal performance over the widest variety of conditions. An added advantage of i-ACTIV AWD is that it provides the safest, controlled driving experience with minimal impact on fuel economy, which is often a complaint associated with AWD.
i-ACTIV AWD is just one of the many unique advantages that you’ll enjoy as a Mazda owner and the system strives to preserve the Jinba Ittai, or ”horse and rider as one” feeling, that the brand builds into every one of its sedans and SUVs. i-ACTIV AWD serves to keep the driver comfortable regardless of the terrain traveled and to keep driver and passengers safe and secure at all times. Discover Mazda’s i-ACTIV AWD as you search for your next car. The Mazda i-ACTIV AWD system is available on the following models (and comes standard on select trim levels): CX-3, CX-5, CX-9, CX-30, Mazda3 sedan and Mazda3 hatchback.
Interested in a Mazda with i-ACTIV AWD available? Check out select trims of the below models! World Car . . . we’ll see you soon!
