how does Mazda 3 hatchback handle in snowy or icy conditions?

[Zuzu70]

I'm wondering if the Mazda 3 handles about the same, better, or worse than average for a small/medium front-wheel-drive car. I live in Wisconsin and am considering purchasing a Mazda 3 itouring hatchback. Thanks!

Also, is there any storage area in the Mazda 3 that is big enough to conceal a small purse? Maybe 8" by 6" by 5"? The console was not quite large enough.

 

[npaladin2000]

Depends on the tires. Seriously, they make more difference than the car in the conditions you describe. A Mazda3 with really good winter tires will handle pretty well. A Mazda3 with crappy winters (or summer slicks heh) will handle very poorly.

 

[10spokess]

The best way to have a car that handles well in the snow is to have a great driver. Dependant on the height of the snow you should either stay at home or go on your way. I noticed on my test drive that there was ample space under the passenger seat to hide your purse

 

[Chibana]

Like npaladin2000 stated, put winter tires on it in the winter and it does great. Mine was awesome this past winter with my Michelin Xi3 tires. And like 10spokess stated, it comes down to driver skill. The new Mazda3 has traction control, stability control, and ABS, like all other cars sold today. I'm not aware of any place to put a purse, other than maybe under the seat.

 

[Bruns]

I got a 4wd model of the 2014 here in Japan.
It uses the same 4wd system as the CX5 so I am hoping it does reasonably well

 

[rochrunner]

I got a 4wd model of the 2014 here in Japan.
It uses the same 4wd system as the CX5 so I am hoping it does reasonably well

Wow. Wish they had that available in the States!

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[npaladin2000]

Wow. Wish they had that available in the States!

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So do I, I would have bought that version. With the 2.5L of course

 

[Bruns]

So do I, I would have bought that version. With the 2.5L of course

Unfortunately they only sell the 4wd with the 1.5 engine. I reaaaaally wanted the diesel, but with 40 kilos of torque going to the front wheels in icy conditions I wound't get anywhere.
This is my main car so it has to be drivable in any condition.

I guess the tranny housing is bigger so they can't fit bigger engines. The centre tunnel in kind of huge as well.

 

[buliwyf]

I got a 4wd model of the 2014 here in Japan.
It uses the same 4wd system as the CX5 so I am hoping it does reasonably well

Wow they never really get those AWD versions out of Japan.

I always wanted a 1996 Nissan Bluebird (U13 Altima AWD with SR20DET)

 

[Bruns]

I don't really get why they go into the trouble and expense of designing a 4wd version of most cars, but never sell those models overseas.
To add to the craziness, only people who live in the North of Japan buy the 4wd models. (North having the least numbet of people in Japan)
So all manufactures basically design 4wd systems for a very small market.

 

[ceric]

Why not AWD in Japan?
The common plateform of Mazda3, CX5, and Mazda6 was designed with AWD in mind (of course, CX5).
Adding AWD to Mazda3 is not difficult.
Secondly, Mazda3 AWDs are all made in Japan. Transportation is easy. JDM only.
JDM does not carry Skyactiv 2.5-G. Every market segment gets their proper products to maximize sales objective.
JDM even has the Mazda3-hybrid with hybrid system from Toyota. Again, JDM only.

 

[Bruns]

That makes sense in the the case of the Axela.

But what about cars like the Honda Fit, corolla, Nissan micra and all this little cars?

 

[christomkins]

if its AWD itll be fine, need snows tho

 

[Bruns]

https://vimeo.com/114759102


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[M2NO]

I live in Norway and have had no problems yet. I have only had my Mazda3 for almost 2 month tho...

 

[dorfmac]

Growing up in New England, I learned at a young age that 99% of the time, the driver mod your vehicle has installed will determine how well it does in the snow. I'll find out here soon enough about the 3 in particular...

 

[Bruns]

That video was taken after a 1 meter snow fall.
A bit of snow had already been cleared by the tractors.

The car had no problems at all. Even on steep icy hills, "deepish" snow.
I have Michelin x-ice xi3s.


I'll post a video of "us" drifting in snow and "testing" the awd


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[Bruns]

Check out this video!

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152970657949612




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[nychotxxx]

I have a 2014 i touring hatch m6 with the stock all season. In snow, i'll take out the 2014 jeep cherokee 4x4, definitely NOT the mazda.

 

[concept]

Snow tires make a huge difference!