OK like you stated the stock tire did contribute to your problem but also I dont think the snow helped either. They are summer tires right? Anyway I am sorry for the loss and glad you are ok. Good luck with the future rides.
Geez I am starting to think that operator error may not be so much out of the question as origionaly stated. LOL anyways good luck with your car. I have almost 60k and not a single problem to date. even with all the mods that I have.
Like I said... I am not sure about it but it seems logical. We need some of those aussies to chime in here and find out for sure.
another thing it could be is an AWD switch of some kind that the use in the AWD Axela in Japan. But thats just another guess. lol
The salesperson that sold me mine was a GREAT guy. It was ME!!!!! HA HA HA HA and yes mazda sales people do have to take the same kind of tests about thier cars and the competitions cars. Its just that some guys that are what you would call " old school " sales guys are set in there ways and...