Mazda CX-9

Despite the Happy Face portfolio, Mazda seems to be doing everything perfectly at the moment. Who ever is in charge of Mazda designs needs to be given a raise as there is not even one remotely unlovable model in the company’s stable.

Today sees the release of the refreshed 7-seat Mazda SUV, the CX-9. Apart from the exterior facelift, Mazda has tinkered with the engine to produce an improved fuel economy figure of 12.2L per 100km (previously 13.0L) & has an improved CO2 emission rating to 291g/km (was 309).

The new Mazda CX-9 starts from $49,990 & is obtainable in seven models: Classic, Luxury & the all-new Grand Touring.

Mazda has reduced the price of the revised CX-9 with the Classic model now $2,000 cheaper than the equivalent outgoing model & Luxury $3,115 less.

The facelift comes right on schedule with the CX-9 being out for 22 months. The CX-9 sits above the CX-7 as Mazda’s largest vehicle with approximately 70,000 CX-9s sold worldwide so far (~7,500 in Australia). Despite the similarities, the CX-9 does not share the same platform as the CX-7.

From the outside the facelifted shows off a bolder & more sophisticated design with Mazda focusing on putting on the seven point grille ‘family face’ (a.k.a happy face). As a result of the new design the Coefficient drag has also been reduced to 0.365 (was 0.37).

The new range includes a whole list of additional equipment upgrades such as satellite Navigation (obtainable as an option on Luxury & standard on Grand Touring), Bluetooth® functionality, heated ;position memory side mirrors, clever keyless entry & engine start & remote operated power tailgate with open/close (depending on grade)

Engine wise little has changed with the litre ;valve DOHC petrol engine still producing 204kW @ 6,250rpm & 367Nm of torque @ 4,250rpm. The V6 is coupled to a 6-speed Activematic transmission which drives the wheels by Mazda’s on-demand Active Torque Split (ATS) all-wheel drive system. It will go from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds.

Safety has always been at the very top of Mazda’s design philosophy, hence the facelift CX-9 carries through all the active & passive safety technologies including: ABS, DSC, TCS, RSC, EBA, EBD, & 6 SRS airbags. However front active head restraints are now standard across the range.

Standard features across the range include three-zone climate control air-conditioning, alloy wheels, cruise control & power windows & mirrors, MP3/WMA compatible CD player, a reversing camera with rear parking guidelines.