Mega Mazda ready for b-i-g things

Peoplemovers will lose their fluffy slipper and dressing gown image forever once Mazda's new CX-9 hits the Australian market in January 2008. This spectacular all-wheel drive sportswagon with full-sized adult seating for seven is as sleek and sporty as it is practical -- at first look at least.

CarPoint/Carsales took a sneak peek at the new vehicle this week ahead of its Melbourne Motor Show unveiling and we can report that because of Mazda's strong local sales success, Australia will be the only major market outside the US, Canada and Mexico to be offered the new model. Priced between $55,000 and $60,000 when it arrives early next year, the CX-9 will be offered in two trim levels and promises to offer sharp value for money.

On first appearances, the CX-9 looks like an expanded version of the CX-7 but it shares nothing with the turbocharged four-cylinder crossover. After the CX-7 has consistently exceeded its 500 per month sales target and hit a running rate of 600 per month, Mazda Australia was in a prime position to negotiate a proper right-hand drive version of the CX-9 which is built in Japan.

Not only will the steering wheel be moved across but Mazda Australia anticipates there will be further suspension tuning for Australian roads and most importantly, the folding second row seats will be changed for easy kerbside access from the left of the vehicle.

The substitution of a proper spare rim and tyre for the skinny space saver in the US CX-9 will mirror Mazda's local upgrade of the CX-7 which features raised rear floor panels to house a more substantial spare wheel.

In addition to the sleek looks, Mazda Australia expects the CX-9 to fulfill its role as a practical long-distance family carry-all with a long distance spare and luggage space that is more generous than usual for this type of vehicle.

The big news is the ease of access to the third row seats thanks to a long 2875mm wheelbase. The second row seat features a 60:40 split with over 100mm of slide adjustment and reclining backrests to optimise space between the second and third rows.

Mazda claims that the 50:50 split third row is class-leading in legroom and "real comfort". This seating position is raised for an optimum view and the fold flat split-fold function allows the sacrificing of a seating position for extra luggage space.

Ease of access is optimised via a one touch movement to unlatch the second row seat.  Disruption to other passengers will be minimised when the Australian version will feature the smaller folding section closest to the left side rear door. When the second row is tumbled, it provides almost 660mm of access space into the third row between the folded second row and the rear door pillar. 

After testing the access and comfort of the third row, most of which is over the rear wheels or inside the wheelbase, CarPoint/Carsales can verify that adults should be comfortable in all three rows.

There is no centre hump and floor level vents to the third row ensure adequate heating in winter. Powerful dual zone climate control front and rear ensured that adequate cooling reached all passengers on the hot day we sampled the new model.

There is a lap-sash seat belt in the second row centre position and both models will feature six airbags which extend to the third row seat. Mazda sees the new model as a potential five-star safety performer. The CX-9 could be the right vehicle at the right time as more families travel with three generations.

Its potential winning edge is the way its sleek styling plays down the CX-9's real purpose and engenders pride of ownership when not performing its utilitarian role. Although the shape is broadly similar to the CX-7, the details are classier with extra brightwork that helps make the vehicle look a class above. The styling also cleverly hides what is now quite a large vehicle while providing extra depth in the side glass and slender pillars for extra vision for all seat rows. 

Continuing the CX-7's hybrid ‘sportscar' feel, the CX-9 provides a similar driving position and sports instrument pod inspired by Mazda's own MX-5. Metal-look instrument surrounds, classy stitching, embedded lighting in the ceiling and door trims, floating look door trim-grips and the sporty seats are light years removed from a traditional people mover.

The US version sampled this week featured fake wood accents loved by the Americans which won't be seen in Australia. Mazda is currently considering extending the piano black highlights already in the cabin to replace the fake wood trim. It should be a classy cabin by the time it goes on sale here.

The CX-9 is more than a show pony and features an all-new 186kW, 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with alloy block and heads and cast iron cylinder liners for long life. A strong torque figure of 325Nm which rises from 3000-6000 rpm will come in handy when the safety and luxury equipment is expected to push weight up to around 1900kg.

The CX-9's Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive system is a development of the Mazda6 MPS and CX-7 system. It allows the CX-9 to spend most of its time in front-drive for optimum efficiency but can quickly route up to 50 per cent of the available torque to the rear wheels. The transmission is the excellent Aisin six-speed auto, already acclaimed in the CX-7 and several Peugeot models.

Large all wheel disc brakes are backed by ABS with Traction Control, Dynamic Stability Control and an advanced Roll Stability Control providing further safety nets. The use of expensive steels, front perimeter frame and large structural members generate a crash worthy shell that also promises to be smooth and rigid on the road if the shortest of preview rides is anything to go by.

The two CX-9 levels parallel the CX-7 with leather trim and large 20-inch alloy wheels (versus 18-inch) distinguishing the upper level.

If CarPoint/CarPoint's preview is an indicator, Australians can be excited that Mazda Australia chose to reject the company's latest MPV peoplemover and fought hard to get an Australian version of the CX-9 instead.

It promises to be a standout 2008 release that will extend the CX-7 "Soul of a Sports Car" philosophy and challenge the traditional approaches to both four-wheel drives and peoplemovers. 

To comment on this article click here