Mazda CX-9 2016 Review

Mazda CX-9 Sport, Touring, GT and Azami
Australian Launch Review
Melbourne, Victoria

Mazda has launched its second-generation seven-seat SUV range in Australia. The new eight-variant CX-9 range is priced from $42,490 (plus on-road costs) and replaces the original family sold here since late 2007. Now featuring Mazda’s full suite of SKYACTIV fuel-saving technologies and KODO-inspired design language, the new CX-9 is lighter, safer and stronger and arrives exclusively with an all-new 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, as well as a new range of safety and infotainment technology. Mazda says it hopes to sell 6000 units annually Down Under, taking the fight to Toyota’s Kluger and the aging Holden Captiva.

It’s no secret that seven-seat SUVs are big news Down Under. Yet until this week Mazda has had to make do with its nine-year old CX-9, the ageing model competing with the likes of Holden’s equally aged but still strong-selling Captiva, Toyota Kluger and others including the Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Territory, and much younger Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.

Now, there’s an all-new CX-9 – one that shares almost nothing with its predecessor save for its name.

Released at the LA Auto Show in late 2015, the new CX-9 is lighter (-130kg), safer and stronger than its forebear and arrives exclusively with an all-new SKYACTIV-G 2.5T (2.5-litre turbo-petrol) engine, as well as a new range of safety and infotainment technology.

The Ford-derived chassis and engine of the outgoing model has been ditched in favour of all-new, all-Mazda architecture and that new turbo-four. That means no diesel and no V6 power, but the direct-injected four-cylinder unit is relatively frugal (see below) and rated at a healthy 170kW (on 91 RON ULP or E10 and up to 186kW on 98 RON PULP) and 420Nm.

The engine is matched exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission across the range and is available in two-wheel drive or iACTIV AWD configuration. The latter uses 27 sensors to continually assess wheel-slip (200 times per second) and reapportion drive front to rear and left to right. We can vouch for its effectiveness – we just crossed the Simpson Desert in iACTIV equipped softroaders!

Clever turbocharger technology, as well as idle-stop system across the range and other up to date engine tweaks reduce fuel consumption of the front-wheel drive variant to 8.4L/100km on the ADR combined cycle – 25 per cent better than the outgoing model. At 8.8L/100km, the all-wheel drive variants are only marginally thirstier. These factors combine with a new exhaust gas regeneration system to reduce CO2 emissions to 197 and 206g/km respectively (257-261g/km previously).

Mazda has doubled the number of CX-9 variants offered Down Under to eight. The walk-up kicks off with Sport (from $42,490), then introduces Touring (from $48,890), GT (from $57,390) and flagship Azami variants (from $63,390). All are offered in two and all-wheel drive.

The range begins $1280 cheaper than the most recent first-gen MRLP, but tops out at $1710 more. All-wheel drive variants attract a $4000 premium across the line-up. Despite this Mazda contends the new cars offer significantly better value.

All models are sold as seven-seaters with second-row seating split 60:40 (40 on the correct curb side) and the third row 50:50. Cargo space is listed at 230/810 litres depending on configuration (seven or five-seat mode) which is a reduction of 37/118 litres from the outgoing model respectively. With all second and third-row seats flipped flat, the new CX-9 offers 1641 litres of carrying capacity.

Entry-grade CX-9 Sport models are equipped with 18-inch alloys (and 255/60-series tyres), LED head and tail-lights, tri-zone climate control, auto-dipping rear-view mirror, black cloth upholstery, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and keyless entry with push-button start.

The infotainment array is accessed via a 7.0-inch touchscreen and Mazda’s MZD Connect controller. Functionality for the six-speaker unit includes Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming, internet radio integration and sat-nav.

As part of its safety upgrade, the CX-9 range now features Mazda’s iACTIVSENSE suite of electronic driver aids, which includes autonomous emergency braking (from 4-30km/h) and trailer-sway technology across the range (braked towing capacity is unchanged from the previous model at a lean 2000kg). Also standard is rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring.

Stepping up to the CX-9 Touring (the model expected to win the lion’s share of sales), specification is boosted to include LED foglights, auto headlights and wipers, a six-way electrically-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and front-seat heaters. Black leather upholstery and a larger 8.0-inch LCD centre screen are standard and the second row of the CX-9 Touring includes a centre armrest and a pair of USB ports.

For third-tier CX-9 GT models there’s 20-inch alloys (with 255/50-series tyres), advanced keyless entry, a remote-control powered tailgate, glass sunroof, head-up display and two-position memory functionality for the driver’s seat. Upholstery is offered in black or Natural Stone leather and front parking sensors are also standard.

The CX-9 GT also adds a BOSE 12-speaker, 294-watt premium audio system and DAB+ digital radio reception.

Finally, in the range-topping CX-9 Azami radar cruise control with Stop & Go function, adaptive LED headlights, driver attention monitor, lane-assist and lane-departure technology, and smart braking support are all included.

Mazda says it has placed considerable emphasis on the CX-9’s ride and handling balance, promising “sporty handling and best-in-class safety performance”.

The model rides on strut (front) / multi-link (rear) suspension and is arrested by all-wheel disc brakes (320mm front and 325mm rear). Steering is now electrically assisted (previously hydraulic), further reducing fuel use.

Mazda says the new CX-9’s wider body (+33mm to 1969) and longer wheelbase (+55mm to 2930) make for a more spacious and flexible cabin, while larger door apertures assist ingress and egress – especially to the third row. That said, we note a modest reduction in first and second-row head and shoulder-room, with hip and leg-room increasing only slightly.

ISOFIX child-seat mounts are included for the second-row’s outboard seats with top-tether anchor points fitted across the second and third-rows. All seating positions include three-point seatbelts and head restraints. All models include front, side and curtain airbags for a total of six. There is no driver and front-seat passenger knee airbag available.

The Mazda CX-9 has a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Oddment and drink bottle storage is generous across the three rows, as is the positioning and quantity of interior illumination.
The proportions of the new CX-9 are such that the A-pillar has been repositioned rearward to improve visibility while the height has been trimmed (-12mm to 1716mm) to aid access and tailgate clearance in underground car parks. Unfortunately parking manoeuvrability lessens for the new model (a function of the longer wheelbase), the turning circle growing to 11.8m (+0.4m).

The CX-9 introduces a new hero colour to the range, Machine Grey. Said to create a “liquid metal effect”, the hue is one of seven metallic and mica paint colours available. Along with Soul Red, it attracts a premium of $250.

A quiet and premium cabin quickly illustrates where Mazda is headed. The CX-9’s interior design is well thought out with logical placement of the primary controls, infotainment controller and centre screen.

Overall, it’s an experience that defies the ‘big and bulky’ impression most seven-seat SUVs convey, and in conjunction with excellent outward visibility, creates a confident and relaxed environment for drivers.

It’s likewise reassuring that the controls work cooperatively. The throttle calibration is especially well considered. There’s good acceleration available without large throttle openings and engine response is easily metred both in town and on the open road.

Indeed, the engine’s torque is easily accessible at lower revs, meaning less intervention from the transmission, resulting in a smoother drive. Not that transmission work is anything to shy away from. The auto’s shifts are clean and quick. The word ‘seamless’ comes to mind.

In short, the driveline is modern, obliging and willing enough. This is a seven-seat SUV that won’t leave you wanting for more, yet is at the same time remarkably efficient. On a winding, hilly loop north of Melbourne and west to central Victoria we averaged 10.1L/100km in the front-wheel drive CX-9 and 11.1 in the all-wheel drive.

The figures mightn’t sound as impressive as the manufacturer’s claim, but in neither case were the drivers sparing the horses. With less challenging terrain, more sedate pedal work and a few more kilometres on the clock, we’re sure economy would improve.

Lashing Victorian winter rain did waylay any chance to really challenge the CX-9’s dynamics on the launch drive, however the Mazda’s road-holding was steadfast in the conditions. Only a little, light steering ‘kickback’ was noted in the front-wheel drive when hitting large pools of standing water or under heavy acceleration (a term we refer to as ‘torque steer’). We didn’t encounter either issue in the all-wheel drive model we sampled.

Away from the local launch, our dry weather drives of the CX-9 in development form in the USA and also here in Australia have been enough for us to put this Mazda near or at the top of the seven-seater class in terms of overall dynamics. Yes, it’s that good.

The CX-9’s ride was compliant and the cabin very comfortable. There’s a notable increase in toe-room in the second and third rows in this generation and access to the sixth and seventh seat also easier than many other vehicles in this class. Although (as noted above) luggage space has been reduced, in practical terms there is sufficient space when all three rows are in use, and truck loads in five-seater mode.

Mazda’s comfortable seats and meticulous climate control only add to cabin comfort, allowing further enjoyment of the BOSE audio system (in higher grade models), which we must say is also pretty impressive.

Mazda offers the CX-9 with a three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, one-year/10,000km service interval and lifetime capped-price servicing scheme. It does not, however, include breakdown assistance as part of the deal, instead charging for an annual subscription to your states’ automotive club ($68.10 pa).

With all the safety gear most family buyers want, a spacious interior and arguably best-in-class ride and handling, the CX-9 is a thoroughly modern SUV. It’s a seven-seater we reckon deserves a place at the top of the sales charts, and one we highly recommend taking for a test drive.

2016 Mazda CX-9 Sport specifications and pricing:
Price: $42,490 (plus on-road costs)*
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 170kW/420Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.4L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 197g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

2016 Mazda CX-9 Touring specifications and pricing:
Price: $48,890 (plus on-road costs)*
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 170kW/420Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.4L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 197g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: TBA

2016 Mazda CX-9 GT specifications and pricing:
Price: $57,390 (plus on-road costs)*
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 170kW/420Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.4L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 197g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: TBA

2016 Mazda CX-9 Azami specifications and pricing:
Price: $59,390 (plus on-road costs)*
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 170kW/420Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.4L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 197g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: TBA

*Pricing listed is for the front-wheel drive variant. All-wheel drive models attract a $4000 premium.

Also consider:
>> Hyundai Santa Fe (from $38,490 plus ORCs)
>> Kia Sorento (from $40,990 plus ORCs)
>> Toyota Kluger (from $42,190 plus ORCs)

Related reading:
>> New Mazda CX-9: The Essential Guide

CX-9 trivia:
In developing the new SKYACTIV-G 2.5T, Mazda stalked ‘soccer moms’ in Orange Country, CA to observe their driving habits. Using a diesel-powered CX-5 tuned to offer the same output and response as its upcoming model – and loaded to match its kerb weight – Mazda’s American R&D staff tailed SUV drivers from schools and sporting clubs to see how they drive. It’s estimated most used less than 60 per cent throttle most of the time, leading Mazda’s engineers to replicate that pattern in its new CX-9. As proven on test, those results really do speak for themselves.