LA MOTOR SHOW: Fresh CX-9 completes Mazda renewal

Mazda has unveiled its petrol-only CX-9 in Los Angeles today, the second-generation model migrating to turbocharged SYACTIV power for the first time.

The CX-9, which is due to launch Down Under early in the second-half of 2016, will offer a single engine and transmission combination with the availability of front and all-wheel drive. That engine, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder, combines Mazda's SKYACTIV technologies with turbocharging for the first time to deliver what Mazda says is a 20 per cent improvement in fuel economy (over the outgoing model) and class-leading CO2 emissions.

Originally released in 2007, updated in 2012 and again in 2014, the current TB-series CX-9 is powered by a 3.7-litre V6 that uses a claimed 11.0L/100km on the ADR combined cycle. Mazda would not quote an official figure on its new 2.5-litre model, our calculations placing average fuel use at close to 8.8L/100km (based on front-wheel drive variants).

The figures don't come close to matching diesel-powered competitors like the Hyundai Santa Fe (6.6L/100km), Kia Sorento (7.8L/100km) and Holden Captiva 7 (8.1L/10km), but do manage to better the diesel-powered Ford Territory (9.0L/100km) and petrol-powered rivals such as the Toyota Kluger (10.2L/100km) and Nissan Pathfinder (9.9L/100km) considerably.

Mazda will release its official fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures when the model begins production early in the new year.

Speaking to motoring.com.au at a prototype preview ahead of the LA show, Mazda engineers said that the option of a diesel engine was increasing irrelevant in models with a primary focus in North America (where more than 80 per cent of all CX-9s are sold). The technical staff were keen to point out that the CX-9's torque delivery almost replicates that of a turbo-diesel, the engine tuned to offer better low-end response, its most usable drive coming under 3000rpm.

"The CX-9 is tailored for the US market, and engineered with that market – and other countries with wide, open spaces in mind," said Mazda's chief engineer of the CX-9 program, Masashi Otsuka.

Otsuka's colleague, Mazda's managing executive officer, Mitsuo Hitomi, supported the comment, adding: "The 2.5T was planned from the beginning, or 'baked into the plan', if you will. We've had the engine in mind as a replacement to the 3.7-litre V6 from the beginning of our SKYACTIV range back in 2007."

Mazda said the more than 80 per cent of its CX-9 volume goes to the US, with Australia and Saudi Arabia the next most popular destinations. The company is unsure whether the CX-9 will be sold into the Chinese market, saying simply the business case is "under study".

Output numbers for the new CX-9 see power down but torque up when compared against the outgoing model. Peak power of 186kW is delivered at 5000rpm (previously 204kW at 6250rpm) while peak torque of 420Nm is on offer from 2000rpm (up from 367Nm at 4250rpm). Mazda says the idea is to offer power where its most often used, a study of driving habits revealing that most seven-seat SUV owners seldom exceed engine speeds of 3000rpm.

Mazda says that although the power output is lower than the outgoing model, a 110kg reduction in kerb weight – and the increase in torque – should see acceleration performance improve. Mazda has yet to reveal the official 0-100km/h times or kerb weight of its newest seven-seater, however, the outgoing model hit triple figures in 8.5sec and tipped the scales at 1890kg.

New CX-9 variants will again be available with front and all-wheel drive, each fitted as standard with a six-speed automatic transmission. Motive traction is overseen by a suite of 27 sensors that contribute to the functionality of not only the CX-9's electronic driver assistants, but also the all-wheel drive system.

Mazda says the system is 'intuitive' enough to recognise weather and road conditions using input from sensors including the car's external temperature gauge and windscreen wipers to understand when the road might offer less friction. Combining this feedback with that from the driver's inputs, the all-wheel drive system will adapt its focus front to rear (or vice versa) to provide what it calls 'optimal grip'.

The CX-9 grows in wheelbase to 2930mm (+55mm) to improve second-row legroom and entry to the third-row seats. The vehicle is, however, shorter overall, dropping 30mm between the bumpers to now measure 5065mm. Front and rear overhangs are also reduced (-59mm and -25mm respectively) while the A pillars move aftward 100mm to exaggerate the CX-9's new KODO body styling.

In spite of the change in exterior dimensions, cargo space is unaltered (267-928 litres depending on seating configuration). The CX-9's braked towing capacity is also unchanged at 2000kg.

Additional insulative materials, acoustic glass, a thicker floor pan structure and heavier carpets (+20kg to 24kg) should improve the CX-9's NVH qualities while electric steering will likely improve tactile feedback and reduce effort for the driver.

We also expect the new CX-9 to offer better safety technology than the current eight-year-old model, Mazda saying items including full-colour head-up display, lane-departure assistance, lane-departure warning, radar cruise control and high-beam assist will be available.

Mazda's 'Mazda Connect' HMI will also improve the CX-9 with better integrated sat-nav and Bluetooth functionality, the larger centre screen controlled via a rotary dial set on a wider, new-look centre console.

Wheel choices will range from 18 to 20-inches diameter, depending on grade, while inside, real wood, leather and aluminium will be offered in a bid to enhance the CX-9's 'premiumness'.

Speaking at the all-new CX-9's debut in Los Angeles, Mazda representative director, president and CEO, Masamichi Kogai spoke of the importance the seven-seat SUV will play in Mazda's line-up moving forward.

"Over the past three years, Mazda has released six new models. Each one features SKYACTIV technology and KODO design; we call them our new-generation vehicles," Kogai explained.

"These models are driving our business and have made a big contribution toward building a new Mazda brand... A key driver of this growth will be the all-new CX-9, positioned at the top of our new-generation line-up," he continued.

"We aimed for a more premium look with the design, and the model delivers outstanding driving performance and a superb ride. It also features a well-thought-out interior and a wide range of features. This new mid-size crossover SUV is perfect for the active family.

"Moving forward, Mazda will continue working to advance our entire product line-up and raise the appeal of the Mazda brand. We aim to make a special relationship with customers, with a strong emotional bond," he added.

The new Mazda CX-9 will go on sale in the US from Spring 2016, with Australian deliveries expected from mid-year. Mazda Australia will confirm specifications, model line-up information and pricing closer to the model's launch – the current range priced from $43,770 to $61,680 (plus on-road costs).

To the end of October 2015, the current Mazda CX-9 has sold just 2848 units locally, placing it in eleventh place in its segment behind competitors including the Nissan Pathfinder (5294), Hyundai Santa Fe (5699), Ford Territory (7623), Holden Captiva 7 (8613) and Toyota Kluger (11,427).