[Cman]

We got dumped on this morning in Toronto (still snowing as of this post) and I had to get up this morning to go get gas in the car at Costco (I go in the morning as I am in no mood to wait in line for fuel if I go later in the morning or aftn. lineups at Costco for fuel is a total zoo during the day and evng).

Anyways, this was pretty well the first time I was able to drive the car in the snow and it was pretty neat. My Michelin Xi3's had excellent grip in the white stuff but I was able to kick the tail end out around turns if I feed in a little excess power (sending some torque to the rear wheels).

I played around in an empty parking lot after getting gas then went for a drive on the highway (not plowed) still able to do about 90/100 kms/hr with full control at all times.

I'm sure my Suzuki SX4 would do the same thing but the snows on that car are a few years old and I do notice that car being a little dicey now in the white stuff, with new tires it should be just like the CX.

From a dead stop the Mazda just takes off barely any wheel spin at all (next time I will try it with the TCS off).

I am impressed.

Tony

 

[anchorman]

The only thing that will stop that little car when equipped with winter tires is beaching it in snow that is simply too deep.

 

[Cman]

I would have to try that sometime. I wonder if Mazda would've given us the option of locking the diff up to have 50/50 torque split like the SX4 has.............(Suzuki unlocks the diff after hitting 60km/h).

The SX4 jumps pretty aggressively if I try that on dry pavement after locking the diff...............I nickname it the little GTR.

 

[DJ9999]

The intelligent AWD system is fantastic. Even on rain-slicked, leaf-coated hills, this lil thing just goes.

 

[anchorman]

I would have to try that sometime. I wonder if Mazda would've given us the option of locking the diff up to have 50/50 torque split like the SX4 has.............(Suzuki unlocks the diff after hitting 60km/h).

The SX4 jumps pretty aggressively if I try that on dry pavement after locking the diff...............I nickname it the little GTR.

THe system is completely automatic and will fully lock up the drive clutch on your behalf. The only improvement you might make if you get stuck is to try disabling the traction control. I stress that it is better on if you are making progress.

 

[Geezer]

I did that once with my Forester. There was a huge snow drift up ahead and I thought (like an idiot), "if I drive hard right into it this car will blast its way through easily." Wrong! I ended up on the top of the drift with my wheels spinning and going nowhere.

 

[remorej]

I agree 100%. We were dumped a ton of snow during Boxing Day! But this little beast was able to easily plow through it. Many people avoided the road that day. Positive because the roads were empty and I was able to shop

 

[farmer695]

Adjustable suspension option?

already have 40K miles on this CX 3 , great vehicle thus far. living in Maine

Was getting 32mpg until I put the winter snow tires and roof rack on it. now getting 28mg. Unfortunate, but that is part of the downside of mushy snows and that rack.

Changing the tires to exclusive snows really changed the ride for the worse; care needs to be taken when braking and hwy driving. I will put the standard tires on in the spring. However, what an unstoppable vehicle in the Snow! My only regret is that i run into instances when more ground clearance would be helpful. It would be nice if mazda offered an adjustable suspension; one that drops a little lower for hwy and higher for snow and dirt roads.

all in all this car is a great value in the sport trim model