How does the Mazda i-ACTIV system work?

Most Mazda vehicles can be equipped with the i-ACTIV all-wheel drive system in order to be better prepared to face harsh weather conditions and slippery roads. Here is how this technology works.

The i-ACTIV system is part of the standard equipment of every Mazda SUV and it can also be ordered on the sedan and hatchback versions of the Mazda 3.

This technology uses sensors on all four wheels that detect any discrepancies in tire rotation speed at all times. When the system detects that one wheel is either turning too slow or too fast, it calls for the center coupling of the AWD system to be closed, which distributes the engine power between the front and the rear axles.

Furthermore, the system monitors the use of the wipers and the exterior temperature sensor in order to determine when it is most likely that the road will be slippery.

This allows for a more efficient drivetrain all summer long as well as when driving on dry surfaces that offer lots of grip.

This is why AWD Mazda vehicles benefit from an increase in capabilities and safety during the winter, despite requiring only a very little amount of additional fuel compared to FWD versions of the same model.

When starting from a complete stop on a slippery surface, the all-wheel drive engages very quickly to provide seamless accelerations and increased capabilities that make it possible to drive with confidence where other drivers risk getting their vehicle stuck.

In addition to this center coupling, the i-ACTIV all-wheel-drive system includes a torque vectoring function that can transfer power smoothly and quickly from one side of the vehicle to the other.

This is used to increase the performance on dry pavement, but it can also benefit winter driving by making the vehicle more stable at any speed.

Indeed, powering the wheels which have the most amount of grip during turns or simply when hitting a patch of ice makes it easier for the driver to maintain the intended trajectory around a curve.