[switchlanez]

Originally Posted by Dimman

OP:

How does the AWD work on the SX4? 'Normal' Subarus with automatics like my Legacy use an electronic front/rear diff that starts 50/50 at low speeds in 1st and second gear, but then switches to a 90/10 F/R that is 'reactive'. The manuals are a 50/50 split all the time with a viscous diff for any necessary F/R changes. I found this out after I bought my (super cheap so it's ok) Legacy, and I'm not a fan of the 90/10 F/R reactive setup. To the point where I'm pondering a 5 speed $wap.

The SX4 with AWD and a 6 speed sounds interesting, provided it has a good AWD system.

The SX4 does not have S-AWD like Subaru, but it does have electronically coupled i-AWD with 3 user-selectable modes via a rocker switch in the center console.

2WD
100% power to the front wheels. If poor traction conditions are detected, i-AWD kicks in and switches to AUTO mode.

AUTO
Up to 95% power to the front wheels for fuel economy. Up to 50% power to the rear wheels if conditions deem necessary.

4WD
Front/rear power is locked 50/50. Automatically switches to AWD mode at speeds above 36 mph.


Offroad review for your interest:
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The new 2012 Impreza is an improvement in all aspects compared to the outgoing model and took the SX4's crown for best fuel economy in an AWD car. The reasons I didn't get it was 1] I needed a car and it wasn't available at the time, 2] it costs way more in the end compared to what I'm getting out of my SX4, and 3] I wanted 6 speeds.