Kizashi awd
Hello I have a question about the kizashi awd. I recently purchased a 2011 sls awd, I know the awd is activated by the push of a button however I was reading an article on autobytel and they claim it also has a full time awd setting if you want instead of using the auto awd system can anyone validate this and tell me how to use that setting? Here is the link to the article I saw. http://www.autobytel.com/wagons/car-buy ... -112785/4/
Well, when the button is 'on' and the dash light is illuminated, it's tecnically 'full time' ready. The iAWD systems (computers and sensors all over the car), will deliver power when and where needed. It's not an AWD 'lock' system as is found on the SX4 crossovers.
Ron
2010 Kizashi GTS, CVT, iAWD (3/10 build date)
2011 SX4 Premium Hatch, CVT, iAWD (12/10 build date)
2018 Mazda CX-5 iAWD Touring
2014 Wrangler JKUW (GONE, traded
)
1991 Samurai, 5-Speed, EFI, Soft-Top (
sold)
2010 Kizashi GTS, CVT, iAWD (3/10 build date)
2011 SX4 Premium Hatch, CVT, iAWD (12/10 build date)
2018 Mazda CX-5 iAWD Touring
2014 Wrangler JKUW (GONE, traded
) 1991 Samurai, 5-Speed, EFI, Soft-Top (
sold)-
Northernstar
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there's no "full time" AWD on Kizashi like the ones on Subaru vehicles where power is constantly transferred to front and back wheels.
I've come across this article a few times before.
First all, I don't have an AWD model, but the article is wrong about a few things. The AWD is not activated by a knob. Isn't it a button?
Also, I never heard of the Kizashi's AWD being a lockable system. It's either on or off and when on, the AWD is administered by electronic sensors. The AWD will be FWD biased until slip is detected. This system is called a selectable (because of the button) Full-Time AWD. These systems are usually somewhere between 100~90% FWD until slip is detected.
Subaru's AWD is a Permanent AWD which refers to vehicles that only have AWD all the time. Subaru's are the best example because they are AWD all the time and don't have buttons to turn it off. They do actually include a fuse slot to place a fuse that will disengage the AWD system, but it's for maintenance purposes only and driving it in only 2WD is not recommended.
Also, Subaru's AWD isn't 50/50 in power distribution. Only the manual STI models allow for adjustment where the driver can set the AWD power distribution to something like 50/50. Normal Impreza models are front-biased by default but not as much as Full-time AWD systems. When slip is detected, then the ratios vary for traction.
You will only really find a true 50/50 ratio on real 4x4 systems (part-time, full-time, and permanent 4x4) like the Grand Vitara in its 4x4 High or Low mode. Most AWD systems don't use a default 50/50 ratio because it's actually not optimal for on-road driving dynamics or fuel economy.
Lastly, I think the article does bring out good points in the Kizashi, but it's rather unfair. The Kizashi competes more with the Subaru Legacy than the Impreza. The Impreza's rival would be the Suzuki SX4.
They also compared a manual Impreza to a CVT Kizashi.
I used to drive a Subaru Impreza for close to 10 years. It was a great car and my favorite until the Kizashi. One of the reason I love the Kizashi is that it reminds me of the Impreza in the way it drives. Only this time, I don't have AWD, but I have a 6 speed manual. A tradeoff I am okay with now that snow is not much of a concern anymore.
First all, I don't have an AWD model, but the article is wrong about a few things. The AWD is not activated by a knob. Isn't it a button?
Also, I never heard of the Kizashi's AWD being a lockable system. It's either on or off and when on, the AWD is administered by electronic sensors. The AWD will be FWD biased until slip is detected. This system is called a selectable (because of the button) Full-Time AWD. These systems are usually somewhere between 100~90% FWD until slip is detected.
Subaru's AWD is a Permanent AWD which refers to vehicles that only have AWD all the time. Subaru's are the best example because they are AWD all the time and don't have buttons to turn it off. They do actually include a fuse slot to place a fuse that will disengage the AWD system, but it's for maintenance purposes only and driving it in only 2WD is not recommended.
Also, Subaru's AWD isn't 50/50 in power distribution. Only the manual STI models allow for adjustment where the driver can set the AWD power distribution to something like 50/50. Normal Impreza models are front-biased by default but not as much as Full-time AWD systems. When slip is detected, then the ratios vary for traction.
You will only really find a true 50/50 ratio on real 4x4 systems (part-time, full-time, and permanent 4x4) like the Grand Vitara in its 4x4 High or Low mode. Most AWD systems don't use a default 50/50 ratio because it's actually not optimal for on-road driving dynamics or fuel economy.
Lastly, I think the article does bring out good points in the Kizashi, but it's rather unfair. The Kizashi competes more with the Subaru Legacy than the Impreza. The Impreza's rival would be the Suzuki SX4.
They also compared a manual Impreza to a CVT Kizashi.
I used to drive a Subaru Impreza for close to 10 years. It was a great car and my favorite until the Kizashi. One of the reason I love the Kizashi is that it reminds me of the Impreza in the way it drives. Only this time, I don't have AWD, but I have a 6 speed manual. A tradeoff I am okay with now that snow is not much of a concern anymore.
2025 Mazda CX-50 Preferred Hybrid
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Sold)
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Sold)