Mazda’s i-Activ AWD® embodies the Jinba Ittai concept by anticipating the driver’s intentions on the road. The system provides an intelligent response that’s predictive instead of reactive. This allows for spirited driving dynamics and smooth control on any dry pavement and in all weather conditions.

On of Mazda’s guiding principles is Hashiru Yorokobi – which translates to mean the joy delivered from driving. That combined with the Jinba Ittai which is literally a Japanese four-character compound for describing the unity of horse and rider specifically with Japanese mounted archery. Pretty cool when you think about it, and the Mazda i-Activ AWD® is well described with such and analogy of the horse mounted archer.

What Is I-ACTIV AWD?
By utilizing information from a wide range of sensors, i-Activ AWD® anticipates and prevents wheel slippage before it ever occurs. This is achieved by continually monitoring road conditions in real time to watch for tiny variations in wheel speed that a driver would never notice — allowing for spirited driving dynamics in any situation.

HOW DOES I-ACTIV AWD® WORK?
i-Activ AWD® uses information from other vehicle systems to analyze, calculate and manage torque distribution at a frequency of over 200 times per second. This enables secure take-off, sharp cornering and braking by reducing wheel-slip in all directions.

HOW DOES I-ACTIV AWD® PREDICT ROAD CONDITIONS?
i-Activ AWD® monitors several factors to predict road surface conditions including:

• External temperature gauge
• Steering angle and torque
• Brake fluid pressure
• Windshield wiper usage
• Wheel speed

DRIVE CONFIDENT - CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY

FRONT WHEEL SLIP WARNING DETECTION
Uses the information from the vehicle’s sensors to accurately calculate ground and front wheel speed. These calculations provide the ability to better detect the microscopic wheel slips that act as warning signs of potential tire spin on various road surfaces.

TORQUE CONTROL
Utilizes a damper to ensure direct response and reduce Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH). This technology properly transfers torque from front to rear wheels in any situation. This enables torque to always be available at the rear axle if needed – allowing for instantaneous transition to all-wheel- drive mode when the command is received.

OFF-ROAD TRACTION ASSIST
When a diagonal wheel loses traction, the traction control system will stop reducing engine torque — and instead increase brake force on the wheels without traction. This transfers power to the wheels still on the ground and allows the vehicle to continue moving forward.

DRIVE YOUR WAY - BENEFITS OF I-ACTIV AWD®