In the fifty years since the Japanese automaker Mazda first set up shop in Canada, its unique brand of seamless engineering, high quality tech, and upmarket interiors have helped it carve out a surprisingly large slice of the Canadian market, given its relatively small size compared to industry heavyweights like Honda, Ford, and Toyota.
In part, this success can be attributed to Mazda’s ability to provide Canadians (and other drivers who need to navigate snowy climes) with a line up of vehicles that can handle the often brutal January roads with grace and poise. As another winter sets in across Canada and the northern United States, here are three Mazda vehicles designed to handle the worst the season throws at them:
Mazda CX-9
It has always been easier to deal with winter driving conditions from behind the wheel of an SUV. There are several reasons for this — first, three-row SUVs like the CX-9 have sufficient weight and heft that they are not easily buffeted by snow squalls or heavy winds. Second, they have the power and ruggedness to overcome snow drifts and rutted ice when they need to.
But what really makes the CX-9 stand out from the crowd is its intuitive SKYACTIV driving system. SKYACTIV was designed by Mazda to create a more integrated engine and powertrain, and it is the secret to Mazda’s famously fun driving experience.
Because SKYACTIV helps the CX-9 operate more cohesively, it makes it better able to adjust to bad conditions, overcome obstacles, and keep the vehicle running smoothly, no matter how bad the weather is.
Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 compact crossover SUV is not only one of Mazda’s best SUVs to drive during winter; it is also one of Mazda’s best SUV models, period. The CX-5’s good undercarriage clearance means that it can power through unplowed roads with ease, and its compact size and streamlined, swept back profile give it a low centre of gravity, meaning it can remain stable during high winds or on slippery roads.
If you want to learn more about what makes the CX-5 so perfect for winter driving, swing by your local Mazda car dealership and book a test drive — the only way to truly understand this vehicle’s capacity is to experience it for yourself.
Mazda 3 Hatchback
While it is unsurprising that Mazda’s carefully engineered SUVs would be up to the challenges of winter, there are other Mazda options that will help you feel equally confident navigating icy, gritty highways. In particular, the Mazda 3 Hatchback has earned rave reviews for its winter performance.
Like its sibling, the Mazda 3 Sedan, the Hatchback combines a compact package with agile, sporty driving and excellent handling overall. While the Mazda 3 Hatchback offers less space than a more conventional hatchback might, its relatively small size makes it an ideal vehicle for city dwellers who need to manoeuver into and out of small parking spots.
Winter is a major feature of Canadian life for much of the year, and when Canadians shop for a new vehicle, one of the first things they need to consider is how well it will be able to perform during the icy months from December to March.
Brands like Mazda have proven that designing vehicles that do well in winter can be a winning strategy in the Canadian market, and they have also shown that a winter-friendly car can also be stylish, sporty, and fun to drive.
If you are in the market for a new SUV or car this month and want to find something that will flourish even in a blizzard, consider taking a CX-9, CX-5, or Mazda 3 Hatchback for a test drive.
