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Quebec drivers face diverse road conditions year-round — from wet pavement during summer storms to gravel cottage roads in the Laurentians. While many manufacturers offer all-wheel drive systems, Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) takes traction management to an entirely different level. There are real engineering differences that matter when you're navigating wet highway ramps like the 10/30 interchange or tackling unpaved roads in the Eastern Townships.
Most AWD systems simply transfer power between front and rear axles when they detect wheel slip. S-AWC goes much further by managing individual wheel speed and braking force at each corner of the vehicle. The result is enhanced stability and responsive handling that gives you genuine control, regardless of road conditions.
The Four Pillars of S-AWC Technology
Super All-Wheel Control integrates four distinct technologies that work together seamlessly:
4WD System
The system directs torque between the front and rear axles when wheel slippage is detected, to enhance overall traction. This is especially useful when accelerating from a stop on slippery surfaces, or climbing a hill covered in ice or snow.
Active Stability Control (ASC)
ASC reduces engine power and applies brakes independently on the wheels with less traction, to prevent the need for over steering when accelerating on slippery or uneven surfaces, or in tough cornering situations.
Anti-Locking Braking System (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking up under heavy braking, or while braking on slippery road surfaces, allowing them to continue turning, providing greater control while stopping in an emergency.
Active Yaw Control (AYC)
AYC is a torque-vectoring technology that manages the left-to-right driving and brake forces by applying the braking system at each individual wheel as required. This allows the vehicle to continue comfortably and true to the driver's intended path on slippery curves, icy roads and uneven terrain.
Real-World Scenarios: How S-AWC Helps Quebec Drivers
Wet Highway Ramps: When taking curved ramps during summer thunderstorms, AYC detects if your vehicle starts to drift and applies precise braking to individual wheels to keep you on your intended path.
Gravel Cottage Roads: Heading to your chalet in the Eastern Townships often means unpaved roads with loose gravel. The system's Gravel mode optimizes traction for these surfaces, while AYC helps maintain steering control when surface conditions vary from wheel to wheel.
Construction Zones: Boulevard Taschereau's frequent construction means uneven pavement and temporary surfaces. ASC prevents wheel spin during acceleration, ensuring smooth forward motion without the dramatic power cuts that some systems use.
Drive Mode Selection: Tailored for Every Situation
S-AWC puts you in control with six driver selectable modes accessible at the turn of a dial:
|
Mode |
Best Used For |
How It Helps |
|---|---|---|
|
Normal |
Everyday driving |
Balanced performance and efficiency |
|
ECO |
Fuel savings |
Optimizes system for maximum efficiency |
|
Tarmac |
Dry pavement |
Enhanced agility on paved roads |
|
Gravel |
Unpaved roads |
Maximum traction on loose surfaces |
|
Snow |
Light to medium snow |
Improved stability on slippery roads |
|
Mud |
Deep snow/mud |
Enhanced performance from stopped position |
What Makes S-AWC Different from Standard AWD
Traditional AWD systems typically react to wheel slip after it occurs. S-AWC uses real-time data from sensors and integrates all the information to send instructions to each wheel, all the time. This proactive approach means the system prevents problems rather than simply responding to them.
The torque-vectoring capability is particularly important. While basic AWD might send 60% of power to the front wheels and 40% to the rear, S-AWC can also vary power between left and right wheels. This means better cornering stability and more predictable handling in challenging conditions.
Available Across the Mitsubishi Lineup
Every Eclipse Cross features legendary Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC), the world's most advanced AWD system, designed to tackle the path less travelled. The technology is also standard on every Outlander trim line offered in Canada and available on the 2025 Outlander PHEV with seven unique driver selectable modes that fine tune the gasoline engine and electric motor output, traction, cornering, and stability of the vehicle.
Experience S-AWC for yourself with a test drive at Action Mitsubishi in Saint-Hubert. Our team can demonstrate how this advanced technology performs in real Quebec driving conditions.
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