Is there any Hard Data showing the improved Handling on AWD

[sx4rocious]

someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I swear I read in the manual for my SX4 that once powered up with the rocker switch, the AWD is is constantly engaged at a 95-5% torque split, with the 5% going to the rear wheels. If this is the case, you may actually have a VERY slight handling advantage with the AWD engaged, but I doubt you would nitice given the extra weight. This has been argued many times in the SX4 forums, but to no real conclusion.

[Ronzuki]

The AWD gives the car better grip in all conditions. While better traction on dry pavement is debatable

Debate about it all you like...AWD active in the Kizashi on dry ground under hard twisty driving is superior to FWD only in the same Kizashi under the same driving conditions. As indicated earlier I am able to, and have, experienced both intentionally. Same road, same car, same driving style. I can easily, and in a much more controlled fashion, push the car through the turns harder and more confidently w/ AWD active. That coupled w/ the ESP function produces a truly amazing driving experience. Thus, achieving the results as stated by WESHOOT....I can do it quicker w/ AWD active since I'm on the throttle inside and exiting the apexes instead of down shifting to simply get through the curve w/o losing control. You can actually feel the difference and it is very noticeable. So there really is no debate about it.

As I recall, the weight difference between and AWD car and a FWD car was closer to 400 lbs., and, it is spread across the entire length of the chassis. You might even be able to go so far as to say the added weight balances the car better (over a FWD only car) for greater handling. That statement would be debatable. I also find the spirited driving's handling on this same stretch of curvy road much better w/ 1/2 tank (or less) of fuel. Full tank and the rear gets a little squirrely. That phenom is also less noticeable w/ the AWD active.

[tomlin99]

My 2010 Kizashi is AWD and I live in an area with snowy/harsh winters (the Upper Peninsula of Michigan). I bought the car for it's AWD and all I can say is that it works beautifully. Unlike some other cars (mostly small SUV's) with the FWD biased systems that only engage the rears when slippage is detected, there is very little noticeable front wheel spin before the rear "engages"...the car just goes. Although it may be considered inferior to other "permanent" systems (like Subaru), this system is very responsive and seamless...Suzuki did a great job getting the system to work without excessive front wheel spin. I usually leave the system off...is ANY power sent to the rear wheels when it's "off"? I turn it on when driving on snow covered/slippery roads and have never had a problem...it's been a life saver during long drives during snowstorms. This system coupled with the excellent ABS and stability control system in this car make it the most stable vehicle I've ever driven when the going gets slippery. I seem to recall a video comparing the Kizashi to a Subaru Outback (2010 models I believe) in snow...and they deemed the Kizashi to have superior traction (this with the crap Dunlop factory tires). Shoot me if I'm wrong on that. All I know is the system works and I could care less about ultimate handling...I don't drive that way.

So far this is the best car I've ever owned...reliability, comfort, economy and safety...it has it all. I intend to drive it as long as possible (and could care less about it's resale value...to me it's priceless).

[Ehibb034]

tomlin, I agree that AWD anything will be better in the snow...I have not argued any different.

Ronzuki, good input about the feel of the cars.

[bootymac]

This is what the owner's manual says about iAWD. It seems that some power is always being sent to the rear wheels and the system is able to distribute more if optimal. I wish we had more literature with technical specifications

Sorry in advance about the screenshot. I'm not able to select text on a PDF my phone

[Knightstruth]

I know i'm late to the party but I swore there was a thread that talked about how the i-awd helps corning in dry weather by assisting in turns and such. I understood that with it engaged it is like acura sh-awd, which aides in all types of driving.

[Ronzuki]

Actually, It appears a bit more sophisticated than an Acura. I found this over the weekend in a 2012 Kizashi Brochure I have:

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

"Kizashi's Intelligent Vehicle Stability Program (I-VSP) on AWD models utilizes a sophisticated computer algorithm that controls Kizashi's all-wheel-traction distribution, stability control, electric power steering and anti-lock braking in concert to help the driver maintain control in demanding conditions. I-VSP is very similar to systems found in AWD supercars like the Nissan GT-R and the Porsche Panamera AWD."

Silly Americans....didn't know what they were missing.

[krell]

Wow Ronzuki .. nice find

[WESHOOT2]

I did not miss.......

[SamirD]

I-VSP is very similar to systems found in AWD supercars like the Nissan GT-R and the Porsche Panamera AWD."

Woot! One step closer to a GTR.