[Storm3]

Do you think Mazda will offer an AWD version of the 3? I hope so, cause the next gen-focus is offering the rally Cosworth edition and the SVT will both be AWD and the vovlo S40 is standard AWD...so wouldn't AWD be an option?? I hope...

 

[dugrant153]

AWD seems to be the Mazda thing in Japan and Japan only.

I really HOPE they do. Possibly 2005?

 

[atl]

Yes. Its going to be on the new Volvo, Focus, and Mazda3. Not just for Japan.

 

[mz6zoomzoom]

WHere'd you see that, ATL?

 

[atl]

From the pages on Motortrend and Motortrend.com

 

[dinu01]

AWD? Bah, who cares?

 

[folderol]

AWD? Bah, who cares?

Really. The whole point of AWD on the BMW and Mercedes lines is added safety, snow traction, etc. Mazdas are FWD so snow traction isn't much of an issue. And we've seen releases stating that the MZ3 is tuned for low understeer to handle corners more like a RWD vehicle. So AWD won't significantly enhance dry or wet/snowy handling. All it'll do is add weight and cost and sap power. The SUV craze made everyone think AWD is a must-have feature. On big heavy trucks, sure, but not on small, lightweight cars. Even on luxury cars, it's more of a marketing ploy than anything.

 

[dinu01]

And since we're talking about the 3, that was my point. You just explain what I mean by "bah"

 

[folderol]

And since we're talking about the 3, that was my point. You just explain what I mean by "bah"

And by "Really", I mean "Really, folks, listen to the man. Stop feeding the marketing frenzy."

 

[dinu01]

Tru dat!

Ok I gotta stop talking like an idiot

 

[dugrant153]

AWD? Bah, who cares?

The SUV craze made everyone think AWD is a must-have feature.

For me, it was my craze when I watch rally that made me consider an AWD car (note: NOT SUV).

Some of the Protege's in Japan were AWD... Not a bad car either (from what I drove in Gran Turismo 2).

But hey, if this car can handle, who cares?

 

[98LX]

The only need I see for AWD is when the car is Mazdaspeed tuned, and we need all four tires in motion to keep traction, like the Evo and WRX.

 

[Frank]

I'd rather use an AWD-powered Mazda3 160hp rather than a FWD-powered Mazda3 160hp... Seriously. I better like AWD for snow traction and acceleration without loss of traction...

-Frank

 

[atl]

I'm with you Frank. AWD would be nice when I visit my family in Michigan. I would really have some fun in the snow.

 

[Frank]

Here in Canada we get LOTS of snow, especially in Quebec/Southern...

Seeing Subarus here is quite exciting when snow falls

-Frank

 

[mz6zoomzoom]

SUV's (well, real ones, not the lame ass car based ones that have been coming out lately) don't have AWD, they have 4WD. Of course, most people don't know the difference.

 

[dinu01]

What is the difference? is AWD permanent and 4WD on-demand only?

 

[mz6zoomzoom]

AWD (in most cars) is basically a FWD setup that has the ability to put power to the rear wheels when necessary.

4WD has the ability to put power to any single wheel at any time and usually starts as RWD but really has no bias.

 

[98LX]

I thought 4WD was always using all the wheels.

 

[dugrant153]

depends on system used too. different AWD systems do different things.
I'm thinking the AWD Mazda's in Japan and Europe use the transfer-case version of AWD (which is a version of full time AWD... I think...). MZ6Zoomzoom, care to correct?

But the FF version should be fine for rainy days and mountain passes, right?