Mazda CX-9 2014 Review
Though a quality contender with lots to offer, the CX-9 is pricey and has unproven safety2014 Seven-Seat SUV Comparison
EXECUTION OF INTENDED PURPOSE
Execution of intended purpose The most glamorous vehicle on test, the CX-9 won much praise for comfort, flawless ergonomics and overall packaging, making it second only to the Pathfinder by the smallest of margins in this category.
Access to the CX-9’s third-row was generous, and the flip-and-slide seat mechanism was silky smooth and by far the easiest to tackle. Even the youngest members of our test team could easily slide the second-row forward to gain access to the third-row.
One of the larger vehicles dimensionally on test, the CX-9 was commended for its third-row legroom and comfort, although headroom was slightly compromised. It featured dedicated climate control for second- and third-row passengers, but no third-row directional air-vents.
Continuing with the ease of use, the third-row seats could be engaged from the boot just as easily as from inside the vehicle, and the load versatility was of a high standard.
With seven-seat configuration in play, the Mazda offered 267 litres of load space.
FIT, FINISH AND FINESSE
Mazda has been focussing on the finer details of car presentation in recent times, and although the CX-9 is today almost a generation away from much of its competition, it still has a classy, upmarket presence.
Finesse is really its strong suit, with attention to detail evident everywhere we looked. Overall presentation, panel fit, the tactility of controls and the trim quality were excellent, even if the dash was unyielding to touch.
Although the doors closed with a reassuring solidity it’s not the best in the segment, and a closer look at some of the welding around the doors revealed a few small rough spots, which was a surprise.
The engine bay was a model of neatness and cleanliness even if the bonnet needed a support stay once opened. The cargo bay likewise was tidy and functional, even if there's no cargo cover.
ON THE ROAD
With an athletic 204kW/367Nm 3.7-litre V6 the CX-9 makes short work of pretty much any scenario. The revs pile on quickly and overtaking is a breeze, but as is the case with most large- capacity ‘sixes’ fuel economy suffered as a result (we averaged 10.3L/100km).
The Mazda’s six-speed automatic reacted effectively most of the time. It was occasionally slow to respond when reapplying the throttle, but otherwise a fuss-free operator.
Sadly, we can’t say the same for the ride, which although quiet, was a little choppy. The upshot was crisp handling, but with inconsistently weighted steering you’re disinclined to make the most of it.
The braking action was similarly mercurial and the pedal felt doughy, then heavy. Soft stops were hard to achieve but, fortunately, the CX-9 stopped quite quickly when asked.
VALUE FOR MONEY
The revised ‘Kodo-look’ CX-9 was launched in late 2012 and is based on familiar underpinnings to the original 2008 version. Priced between $44,525 and $63,474 (excluding on-road costs), it’s topped by the GT variant on test, which was the only vehicle offering free metallic paint.
But it’s about there that the CX-9’s value appeal starts to wane. The seven-seat Mazda is not offered with capped-price servicing and roadside assistance is available but at an annual cost of $68.10. The CX-9’s warranty is a three-year/unlimited kilometre deal while service intervals are fixed at six months or 10,000km (whichever comes first).
According to redbook.com.au the Mazda CX-9 holds a retained value of 40 per cent after five years.
SUITABLE INTEGRATION OF TECHNOLOGY
The big Japanese SUV does a good job keeping pace with newcomers like the Pathfinder and Santa Fe via a rich, thundering (although maybe a bit too centre-focused) BOSE audio system, excellent climate control, auto high beam and wipers, and a sat nav system that features the most up to date road information.
The HVAC system responded quickly to bring air temperature to the desired level, and included adjustable venting for centre-row passengers – although third-row passengers only got floor vents.
Connecting to Bluetooth required a couple of steps, making it more complex than some, while the steering-wheel toggle switches for adjusting the cruise control and sound system were nice and intuitive. There's a basic trip computer only.
Price: $44,525 - $63,474 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.8-litre
six-cylinder petrol
Output: 204kW/367Nm
Transmission: Six-speed
automatic
Fuel: 11.2L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 261g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: N/A
| What we liked: | Not so much: |
| >> Prestigious interior feel | >> No safety score |
| >> Rocking BOSE audio system | >> Can be heavy on fuel |
| >> Gutsy V6 petrol engine | >> No capped-price servicing |
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