Mazda’s i-Activ AWD continuously monitors and adjusts power and torque to the wheels, increasing your control over the vehicle automatically, keeping you safe and secure in variable driving conditions.

Whether you’re climbing a steep mountain pass or plowing through snow, the technology is like a watchful eye, sending thousands of instructions to all four wheels based on feedback from the road. The system improves handling while reducing wasteful tire slippage, helping you to retain control and avoid collisions.

Automatic Torque Distribution To All Four Wheels

Mazda’s i-Activ uses advanced electronic coupling and management to control torque distribution to the wheels through its all-wheel-drive system. Sensors continually monitor and interpret the driving scene, communicating with onboard computers calibrated to maximize torque across varied environments. The software adjusts relative power transfer to wheels based on driver inputs, road conditions, and grip. The result is smoother accelerating, cornering, and braking. Cars feel like front-wheel-drive vehicles, minimizing energy loss by preventing rear tires from spinning.

How Does It Work?

Mazda’s i-Activ system monitors the vehicle’s contact points with the driver and the road. Computers judge drivers’ intentions by measuring steering wheel angle, gas pedal depression, and brake fluid pressure. Systems then map this to road surface conditions, including external temperature, rain and snow, deciding optimal power transmission to the four wheels. i-Activ can measure the slipperiness of the road surface and the optimal torque and power response per wheel, giving drivers unprecedented control, even in hazardous situations. Sensors monitor wheel speed, looking for signs of slippage, indicating a wheel is in trouble and may begin to slip.

Once a central processing unit has the information it needs, it examines the data from multiple sources to analyze the optimal next step. Taking driver intention into account, it sends commands to the AWD coupling unit, telling it what to do. Complex data patterns and response protocols dictate i-Activ’s next decision, with feedback loops operating continuously to account for dynamic driving conditions.

Front Wheel Slip Detection

One of i-Activ’s most advanced technologies is the front-wheel slip-warning detection system. This technology lets the AWD control drive forces with exceptional accuracy, calculating ground speed relative to front wheel speed. Microsecond-fast detection of a potential skid enables the control module to optimize power transmission on a per-wheel basis, helping to reduce the risk of collision or uncontrolled braking.

The rear-wheel drive unit benefits from a similar system. A torque controller distributes power between the front and rear wheels as required, helping to make the transition to AWD more seamless.

The good news is that Mazda implements i-Activ on a vast swathe of its vehicles as an option, including the CX-3, CX-5 and CX-9.

If you would like to test drive a Mazda that uses i-Activ, you can! Book by clicking on the button below.

Please Note: The details of this article were accurate at the time it was written. Manufacturers may change the details of any vehicle’s specifications at any time without notice.