Mazda CX-9 joins the front-drive crowd
Two new FWD variants of the CX-9 SUV deliver substantial savingsThe ever growing two-wheel drive niche in the VFACTS medium SUV segment now includes the Mazda CX-9.
Mazda has issued a press release today revealing that the CX-9 would spawn two front-drive variants, both of which are priced below the all-wheel drive models in the range.
The CX-9 Classic remains the entry-level model, but is now front-wheel drive and priced at $44,425. That price will buy the same 3.7-litre V6, developing the same power and torque (204kW/367Nm), driving through the same six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption has been reduced slightly (from 11.2L/100km for the all-wheel drives to 11.0L/100km).
Standard equipment in the CX-9 Classic includes: 18-inch alloy wheels, auto-on/off headlights, cruise control, three-zone climate control, electric windows/mirrors and a leather trimmed steering wheel and gear shift knob.
The next model in the hierarchy is the CX-9 Luxury, also a front-drive variant. Priced at $51,725, it boasts the following equipment as standard: 20-inch alloy wheels, a power-sliding and tilt glass sunroof, heated power mirrors with three-position memory and reverse tilt-down function, power adjustable leather seats with three-position memory function and a premium Bose audio system with 10 speakers.
For an extra $2600, Mazda offers the CX-9 Luxury variants (both FWD and AWD) with the option of satellite navigation/seven-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity, featuring audio streaming.
Safety features of the two front-wheel drive variants are as for the all-wheel drive models, including six airbags (with side curtains covering the third-row seats), stability control, anti-lock brakes, emergency brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, roll stability control and a reversing camera.
Mazda claims that the two FWD CX-9 variants are $4500 cheaper than their AWD counterparts. The CX-9 Classic AWD has been discontinued, but the CX-9 Luxury AWD remains part of the on-going range. Prices are $56,225 for the CX-9 Luxury AWD and $62,106 for the CX-9 Grand Touring. Both the front-wheel drive variants go on sale next month.
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