5 August 2025 · Tips N' Tricks

Mazda CX-80 Tech Drive

This new series of Tech Drive swaps mud for snow and shows you how the Mazda CX-80 can tackle the slippery stuff in winter.

As parts of country Australia transform into a mid-year white winter wonderland, Australia’s snow-capped mountains begin calling.

Snow is a natural playground for Mazda’s SUV range, especially the all-wheel drive (AWD) CX-80. With comfort for up to seven people, a range of i-Activsense safety technologies and enough luggage space for a blizzard of ski gear and puffer coats, the CX-80 is the ideal family snow-mobile.

Its three engine options – either a turbo six-cylinder petrol or diesel with 48-volt M Hybrid Boost technology, or a highly efficient four-cylinder petrol with e-Skyactiv plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power – make Australia’s steep alpine roads suddenly feel level, especially with the CX-80’s i-Activ AWD system and Mazda’s Intelligent Drive Select, or Mi-Drive.

Choose OFF-ROAD mode in Mi-Drive and the CX-80 cleverly controls drive to each of its four wheels, maximising traction on snowy or icy surfaces.

Hill Descent Control helps the CX-80 carefully negotiate steep snow-covered slopes, and Hill launch Assist makes setting off up steep roads a breeze.

If you’re keen to see how you and your family can tackle the snow in seven-seat comfort, then join our host, professional racing driver Karl Reindler, in the high country as he shows you how to enjoy the CX-80 in the snow.

Read Transcript

Do you need a 4WD in the snow? https://youtu.be/e4PAXrBy9is

Welcome to Mazda Tech Drive. This time featuring the Mazda CX-80. My name's Karl Reindler, and on this occasion, we're heading to the snow. There's so much to talk about, and I'm freezing out here. So, let's get stuck into it.

So, a lot of people ask, do you really need a four-wheel drive when you're headed to the snow? While the extra ground clearance and low range capability of a ute like this Mazda BT-50 do come in handy when the going gets tough, the reality is you're more than capable of heading to the snow in a passenger vehicle or SUV like the Mazda CX-80 that we have here today. This particular one has all-wheel drive as well as off-road mode, which makes it the perfect candidate for taking your family to your favourite mountain.

There's also heaps of space and seats for up to seven. So the whole family can travel in comfort. Most of the time the power from the engine is only applied to the rear wheels, but in certain circumstances, such as on slippery conditions like snow and ice, the power will be sent to all four wheels to maintain traction.

The off-road mode is selectable through Mazda's intelligent drive system, or my drive for short. And this stops the drive wheels from spinning in slippery conditions such as what we have here today.

It will also optimise power delivery and throttle response to better adapt to the conditions you're driving in. Another feature that comes in handy is hill descent control. This is really helpful when you need to maintain a constant speed down a steep descent or snowy road. It means you can really focus on your driving. As you can see, the CX-80 is having no trouble in getting me safely to my destination. I feel confident. I feel in control. I can even go off-road. The only real limitation is tyres and ground clearance. And on the subject of tyres, there is one essential piece of equipment that you may be required to carry by law before visiting the snow.

Thanks for joining us on this Mazda tech drive. I hope you enjoyed it. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below. Stay safe, enjoy the snow, and we'll see you on the next tech drive.

MAZDA CX-80 TECH DRIVE: PREPPING FOR A SNOW TRIP

Follow these tips for a fun and hassle-free alpine adventure.

Getting ready for a fun snow trip involves more than packing warm clothes, ski gear and snowboards.

With the Mazda CX-80, half of the fun is the drive, and there are some quick and easy tasks you should add to your checklist before you head towards the mountains.

These include:

What to check before setting off
The just-in-case bits to pack for the road trip
And even how to manage an ice-covered windscreen to prevent your wipers getting stuck to the glass

They’re simple, fast and can prevent hassles, leaving your snow trip to be fun and memorable.

Watch the video below to find out more.

Read Transcript

Prepping your vehicle for the snow https://youtu.be/ugFec0U6Iag

Welcome to Mazda Tech Drive. This time featuring the Mazda CX-80. My name is Karl Reindler and on this occasion we're heading to the snow. There's so much to talk about and I'm freezing out here. So, let's get stuck into it.

It is snow season. Some of the best powder awaits and you're itching to throw in your thermals and hit the slopes. But before you depart, there are a few pre-drive checks that you should make. It is great to pack a quick go-to bag with things like snacks, plenty of water, a torch at nighttime, some warm clothes, and a blanket, power pack, too. While emergencies are very unlikely, it is always best to be prepared. Get yourself an ice scraper. They're cheap and super handy. It's also wise to prepare a recovery kit in the event that you do get stuck. For example, today we have some recovery boards which also act as a shovel if you need it. They're an invaluable piece of equipment out here.

Your car's battery can also be affected by the extreme temperatures. So, it's worth making sure the battery health is optimal, but also pack a set of jump leads or a battery booster. Check your washer fluid and ideally top it up with one that can handle extreme temperatures with antifreeze added. Check that your wipers are in good condition and replace if worn.

Most importantly, please make sure you know your state regulations when it comes to snow chains. Ideally, carry a set even if they're not required. Make sure you have the right size and do a test fitment prior to departure. While a lot of these items are really helpful and nice to have, they are not all essential. Good preparation is key. And also make sure you have a reputable roadside assist provider like Mazda Premium Roadside Assist.

If you park up for an extended period of time, like overnight at your accommodation, make sure you lift your wiper blades up and out so they don't stick to the windscreen. Before you set off again, make sure the vehicle sensors are cleaned and do this periodically when on the road. Clean off all the snow on the windows as well as on the bonnet, tailgate, and roof if applicable. Otherwise, it can create a hazard for other road users. If there has been excessive snowfall, check the exhaust pipe is clear and not blocked. Exhaust gases need to be able to escape properly.

Thanks for joining us on this Mazda tech drive. I hope you enjoyed it. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below. Stay safe, enjoy the snow, and we'll see you on the next tech drive.

Mazda CX-80 Tech Drive: Fitting Snow Chains

Snow chains can make or break a great winter holiday. Here is how to fit them to the Mazda CX-80.

Driving on snowy roads and tracks can require the use of snow chains.

Snow chains are mesh-like devices that can be fitted around a vehicle’s tyres. They provide extra grip when driving on slippery snow- and ice-covered surfaces.

Depending on the Australian state you’re driving in, snow chains are often required to be fitted – or at least carried in a vehicle – when driving in designated snow regions during certain months of the year. This ensures vehicles entering these areas will be able to drive on these slippery surfaces and reduce the chances of getting stuck due to lack of tyre grip.

The Mazda CX-80 offers plenty of traction from its i-Activ all-wheel drive system, especially when OFF-ROAD mode is engaged via the intelligent Mi-Drive system. But adding snow chains can add another level of grip and certainty on white alpine roads.

Fitting snow chains to the Mazda CX-80 – or any vehicle - is simple. Click the video below to see how.

Read Transcript

How to fit snow chains https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPjTLKhxBmI

Welcome to Mazda Tech Drive. This time featuring the Mazda CX-80. My name's Karl Reindler and on this occasion we're heading to the snow. There's so much to talk about and I'm freezing out here. So, let's get stuck into it.

Now, for the fun part, fitting snow chains. Depending on which state you're in, snow chains are a legal requirement, either to be fitted at a designated area or to be carried at the very least. It is for good reason, though. They can prevent you from getting stuck, even in light snow or slushy conditions. Depending on the vehicle you're driving, you'll need to fit snow chains to the appropriate tyres.

Today, we have a Mazda CX-80, which is a rear biased all-wheel drive. So, we'll be fitting snow chains to the rear tyres only. The owner's manual will always tell you whether it's the front or the rear tyres that you need to fit the snow chains to. Let's get stuck into it.

Firstly, get yourself a good set of gloves. Not your snow gloves, a separate pair because they're probably going to get dirty. Also, highly recommend putting a mat down, whether it's a floor mat from the car or you bring one from home. Once you've shaken the chain out, and this is a really important part of the step. Make sure there's no kinks, twists, or knots in the chain.

Next, get down and feed the chain itself around the back part of the tyre and wheel setup. The next part involves bringing the chain over the tyre itself. Once you've brought the chain over the tyre, it's important that you grab this piece of chain here and drag it across to the hook.

The next part, we move to the bottom part of the rim and tyre where you'll find this tension cable which joins up on the opposite side. Feed it through the latch, grab the opposite end, which is quite stretchy. Bring it across, hook it up, and the great thing about most chains is they are self-tensioning. But while you're at it, make sure the chain itself is in position and not going to damage the wheel.

If you're unsure about any of this, jump in your car, roll forward a little bit, jump back out, check that the tension is okay, and that the chain is not rubbing on the wheel itself. Lastly, don't forget to remove the snow chains in the designated areas.

Thanks for joining us on this Mazda tech drive. I hope you enjoyed it. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below. Stay safe, enjoy the snow, and we'll see you on the next tech drive.

Mazda CX-80 Tech Drive: Driving in the snow

Here are some pointers for when driving up to the ski fields.

Just like driving in off-road terrain, navigating snow-covered and icy roads requires vigilance and care.

Sludgy-looking mud on an alpine road could hide icy surfaces, and keeping safe distances from vehicles ahead is often extra-important.

In this short video, professional driver Karl Reindler takes you through some dos and don’ts when driving on alpine roads during winter.

Read Transcript

How to drive in the snow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN5Cb2r1J5U

Welcome to Mazda Tech Drive. This time featuring the Mazda CX-80. My name's Karl Reindler and on this occasion we're heading to the snow. There's so much to talk about and I'm freezing out here. So, let's get stuck into it.

There are, of course, some dos and don'ts when it comes to driving in alpine regions, particularly on snow and ice like we are currently. Firstly, allow for extra braking distance always. The conditions can be highly variable. The level of grip changes very drastically out there and that extra buffer or margin makes a huge difference.

Secondly, and very importantly, is your inputs. When it comes to the steering, the throttle or the power or the brake itself, gentle and smooth is absolutely critical. If you're too aggressive with all of your inputs, you could quite easily lose traction. While we do have hill descent control, above certain speeds, it won't work. So, the other trick you can do when descending the mountain in particularly in very steep parts is use the paddle shift to manually select an appropriate gear and the engine braking will actually assist with descending the mountain and managing the speed.

When it comes to black ice or some snow on the road, always keep an eye out for it as best you can. Sometimes you're going to be caught out by surprise. If that happens, drive to the conditions. That's the most important thing. Reduce the speed gently, of course. Never panic in that situation. Be gentle and smooth with your inputs and allow the car to walk through it with ABS, stability control, and traction control.

Thanks for joining us on this Mazda tech drive. I hope you enjoyed it. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below. Stay safe, enjoy the snow, and we'll see you on the next tech drive.

Make your snow trip one to remember.

The all-wheel drive Mazda CX-80 is the ideal family adventure SUV.

We hope you have enjoyed the first Tech Drive series dedicated to the CX-80. Here's to making the most of a trip to the snow in Australia during winter.