Mazda CX-9 2008 Review

There's almost a suggestion of anti-gravity about Mazda's extraordinary string of 21st-century high fliers, from the RX-8 to the NC MX-5, the 6, 3, 2, and the CX-7. Success stories, every one. And now there's the CX-9; another levitator to add to the list.

Don't imagine the CX-9 is just a stretched and re-skinned CX-7 with a bigger engine and extra rear seats. Yes, it adopts a handful of its smaller sibling's design elements, including the multi-link rear suspension and Active Torque Split AWD system.

It also borrows a smattering of components, including the six-speed auto 'box. But as an entirety, the CX-9 is its own thing; a design conceived specifically for the North American market. Australia is the only other place getting the CX-9, albeit without the USA's front-drive alternative.

The two versions (the $49,990 Classic and $57,265 Luxury) share mechanical specs apart from respective 245/60R18 and 245/50R20 tyres and wheels, and US reports suggest the smaller 18-inch tyres have the better small-bump absorbency and more comforting ride quality overall. We can't verify that aspect because shipping delays prevented the Classic making the press preview's reasonably long and often steeply winding run through north-east country Victoria.

This launch drive affirmed the Luxury's small-bump ride (on 20s) has a slightly sharp terseness to it. However, the suspension soaks up almost everything else so effectively that you certainly wouldn't trade its disciplined feel and authoritative body control for a touch more diplomacy over roads' minor spats.

For something just over five metres long, almost two metres wide, just over two tonnes kerb and fairly far from the ground, the CX-9 drives with real zeal and handles with impressively athletic composure. No pushy-nosed, tyre-scrubbing, floppy-bodied wallow-wagon this. From behind the wheel, the CX-9 feels perceptibly less large, more securely planted and more directionally responsive than its size and style might suggest. The brakes are powerful and the pedal modulation well judged, while the steering offsets its lack of true feel with medium-to-meaty weighting and no vacancy around centre. Best in-class driving dynamics? That's for a comparison to ratify, but in isolation the CX-9 looks to have it sewn up.

Best in-class accommodation? That's a distinct possibility, too. The CX-9's interior design and presentation are for the most part as attractive as they are functional, comfortable and versatile. The only obvious exception is the second row's relatively narrow middle seat; fine for kids but surely a bit squeezy for adults. Otherwise the amply adjustable second row makes amends with generous legroom, tip-flat backrests and easy fold/slide action for third-row entry/egress.

The third row is no after-thought either. Real people can live there, temporarily at least, with adult headroom and footspace. When not needed, either half backrest (or both) simply folds flat to the floor, and can be just as easily re-erected.

Of course the Luxury model has leather trim where the Classic has cloth, and the upmarket spec brings sunroof, heated mirrors, seat heating, power front seats with memory settings, driver's cushion tilt, and premium audio system. However, the Classic is far from impoverished with a wealth of goodies including tri-zone climate control, wheel-mounted buttons, trip computer, cruise control, automatic headlights and wipers, plus the CX-9's standard big-screen reversing camera.

All things considered, then, the CX-9 gives every indication of being uplifting enough to pull the rug from under others in its seven-seat AWD crossover class, most particularly the Territory, Kluger and Tribeca. Game on.

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