First AWD 2019 Mazda3 transmission: compact first class

A long-standing proposal for the drive wheels, the 2019 Mazda3 is distinguished from the compact herd by its first all-wheel drive system. We've already tried the two-wheel drive 3, but today's video and functionality will focus on the all-wheel drive version and the impact of the new transmission on the character of the small car.

To test the driving qualifications of the 3rd, Mazda took us to Squaw Valley, Nevada, about 11km from the pristine shores of Lake Tahoe. At 6,000 feet above sea level, the mountainous terrain is an ideal playground for testing the new all-wheel drive system on the 3rd before descending to Sacramento (where spring was already installed) for daily testing.

If you are a customer who faces a less than ideal weather, then AWD 3 is probably your best choice without succumbing to dominance. The new powertrain works alongside the same naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as the standard 3-model, while a six-speed automatic transmission is the only transmission available. Despite our wishes, Mazda does not offer all-wheel drive 3 with manual gearbox (for the moment).

The engine is good for 186 horsepower (139 kilowatts) and 186 pounds of torque (252 newton meters). Likewise, the transmission is the same as the 2018 car mechanically, but includes some software modifications for smoother shifting. Aside from the new powertrain, the biggest novelty is the transition from a multi-link rear suspension to a torsion beam, which in the AWD car is bent over the propeller shaft. The alternative was to increase the ride height of the 3 and, well, Mazda already has crossovers.

My first hour with the 3 was spent on the snow comparing the AWD model to the FWD version. Unsurprisingly, the all-wheel-drive car felt much more stable on the powder, as it was hanging on corners with impressive grip and stability. The front wheel drive 3 maintained its own driving in the snow, but felt more unpredictable without energy to the rear wheels.

Unsurprisingly, the all-wheel-drive car felt much more stable on the powder.

G-Vectoring Control (GVC) Plus is standard on all Mazda3 models, including front-wheel drive models. The configuration imperceptibly reduces the engine torque to move the mass toward the front of the vehicle and improves steering response during turns, while slightly braking the outer wheels to help bring the steering wheels back to center after a turn. In the snow, the two systems complement each other like Batman and Robin (no, we do not necessarily end up being caught). All-wheel drive performs most of the heavy duty on powdery bends, but GVC Plus steps in as needed to help keep the nose in the right direction. Even with a full throttle boot and aggressive steering to intentionally unbalance the car, the GVC ran smoothly and quickly.

During a brief demonstration of the GVC, the Mazda engineer seated in the passenger seat (armed with a very sturdy laptop) pressed a few keys and turned off the system. The car immediately exited more at the turn and was generally harder to keep in line after the summit. After a few minutes, he reactivated the system and the character of the 3 immediately became more stable.

After our morning in the snow, we embarked on beautiful mountain roads that took us from high altitude to sea level. The combination of long sharp turns and some technical hairpins was the perfect opportunity for the Mazda to show its movements on the sidewalk.

The steering feel is heavy at low speeds, but provides a clear return and gives the car a very controllable behavior. In the same way, the chassis behaves with calm in the turns, resistant to the roll at each turn. This gives the impression that he can handle a lot more than 186 horses (cough, Mazdaspeed3).

The move from Mazda to a torsion beam rear suspension as part of the redesign of the 3 caused a sensation when the car debuted last November. balance between comfort and agility, completing the personality of the 3 rather than hindering it. Mazda engineers say the simpler suspension can handle stiffer springs for better handling, but without making driving too tight. After a difficult day, I have no reason to disagree with this statement, as the pilot felt pretty cushy for his segment, but firm enough to please three fans.

Mazda engineers say the simpler suspension can handle stiffer springs for better handling.

As we climbed into the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the naturally aspirated 3 engine began to struggle. Altitude is not a friend of this 2.5-liter, and the additional 200-pound AWD does not help. Mazda does not mention official time from zero to 60, but nine seconds seem to be a good guess.

Unfortunately, the new 3 does not have the benefit of increased efficiency. The six-speed automatic power liftgate provides fuel economy of 26 miles per gallon, 35 on the road and 30 combined. Equipped with all-wheel drive, the new 3-hatch provides a city of 24 mpg, 32 highways and 27 handsets. For reference, a similarly equipped Subaru Impreza reaches a city of 28 mpg, a highway of 38 and 32 combined. The Mazda eclipses the Volkswagen Alltrack, which makes 22 cities, 30 highways and 25 combined.

The Mazda 3 changes – inside and out – make it even more convincing in the classroom, being abandoned for crossovers. Although it delivers efficiency to its Japanese rivals Subaru and Volkswagen, the Mazda is located above each of these cars with its high-end interior and its superior driving characteristics. For the money, it's a really impressive compact that you have to consider before buying a compact crossover.

The price of the Mazda3 AWD starts at $ 24,000 for the sedan and $ 25,000 for the hatch. Wagons loaded with premium packaging costs $ 27,900 and $ 28,900, respectively. The FWD and AWD versions of the Mazda3 are now on sale.