Mazda CX-9

While pondering how to start this review one Tuesday evening, I was inspired

The CX-9's styling is striking, and similar to the smaller but unrelated CX-7. (Photo: Tony Kan, Canadian Auto Press)

by a coincidental Mazda CX-9 commercial that aired on prime time. It involved a family that was stopped at the intersection and during the time the light was red they played musical chairs demonstrating the ease of getting in and out of the second and third row seats of the CX-9. The commercial sums up the CX-9’s appeal to this young family demographic. Stylish crossover vehicles with car-like handling are all the rage these days, replacing the boring and boxy minivans of yesteryear.

Our test CX-9 GT came with bigger wheels, AWD, heated leather seats, and some additional cosmetic goodies. Much like its smaller sibling CX-7, the CX-9 is a handsome vehicle. Despite the similar appearance, the underpinnings are quite different. The CX-7 is based on the Mazda3 platform whereas the CX-9 is based on the Mazda6. From the front, the vehicle shares the fender flare treatment similar to the RX-8. Anchoring the aggressive wheel arches are HID headlights that can be adjusted manually to shine towards the ground or progressively higher up. The bumper has a classy chrome bar set in the air dam and the fog lights are also split in half with a slotted chrome piece, giving the CX-9 a unique and sharp presence.

From the side, the CX-9 really shows off its grand presence with a high belt line and long wheelbase, filled in with huge 10-spoke alloys wrapped in 245/50-20 Bridgestone Dueler H/Ls. The vehicle measures 5,074 mm (199.8 inches) long by 1,936 mm (76.2 inches) wide and 1,728 mm (68.0 inches) high, and has one of the longest wheelbase in it’s class at 2,851 mm (112.2 inches). The rear is treated with LED taillights

It's the most family oriented vehicle that Mazda currently makes, sharing its underpinnings with the Ford Edge. (Photo: Tony Kan, Canadian Auto Press)

and twin trapezoid exhaust tips. The overall shape of its hind quarters is bowed to allow for functional storage space. Mazda designers have done a great job in making this vehicle look more expensive than it really is. The use of chrome trim around the windows, front and rear fascia, and door handles gives the CX-9 an upscale appearance that competes head to head with the Infiniti FX35, Acura MDX, and Honda Pilot. Funny that the chassis is shared with the Ford Edge, yet Mazda designers are able to make the CX-9 look so much sportier and upscale.

For such a big vehicle, the doors are surprisingly light and easy to open and close. The rear doors swing open almost 90 degrees for easy access, which is especially nice when trying to load a baby seat or get into the third row of seats at the very back, which at best should be reserved for occupants aged 12 and under. Getting in and out of the front and second row seats is a breeze.

Interestingly for this class, there are a couple of options to lock and unlock the vehicle. With

The interior is a nice step up into the luxury class. (Photo: Tony Kan, Canadian Auto Press)

Mazda’s Intelligent Key System, as long as you have the key in your pocket, or somewhere else within close range, you can lock and unlock the car door as well as start the engine by cranking the ignition “knob”. The key itself is the size of a credit card, making it ideal for hiding away, although if traditional methods are more your style you can pull out the actual key from within and use it conventionally.

A quick look around will be all that's needed to notice that the CX-9's decor is top notch. There is a wonderful blend of colours, materials, and textures. The dash and console are horizontally split in half charcoal and half tan coloured, albeit hard plastic. Faux wood and aluminum color painted plastic trim pieces are decorated along the centre stack, console, and door handles. The steering wheel is wrapped in soft leather as is the manual-mode shifter. Glossy black plastic material mimicking ebony covers the steering wheel spokes, console trim, and shift gate. Although, these cosmetic touches are great, I question the longevity of the aesthetics as painted plastic has a tendency to scratch and flake. Our test vehicle already showed scratches along the aluminum painted surfaces.

Our GT model comes standard with two-toned leather seating surfaces that offer a supportive ride for front seat passenger and driver. The 8-way power adjustable front driver captain’s chair had side bolsters that were effective in keeping me from sliding side to side during spirited cornering. I did notice that the front seats are relatively narrow, which was fine for me but may pose some discomfort issues for larger drivers. The centre armrest was well padded, as was the door armrest which is a good touch for long excursions. Ergonomics are well thought out except for the window switches that both my wife and I found to be set too far away from the driving

Space with the third row is still quite good, but fold the row flat for a ton of cargo volume. (Photo: Tony Kan, Canadian Auto Press)

position, which therefore require you to reach forward with effort to open and close the windows. The greenhouse visibility was great, mind you, as the side rear windows are rectangular and big enough to minimize any blind spots.

Open up the power tailgate with your key fob and you see that trunk space with the third seats up limit you with only 487L (17.2 cu-ft) of space, which is enough for a set of golf clubs or a couple of duffel bags. The floorboard opens up to a small storage area that shares its space with the BOSE subwoofer and tire jack tools. But once you put the third row of seats down, there’s more than enough space. We were able to fit a baby changing table in back with just the third row of seats folded down. Folding down the second row of seats opens up a total of 2,851L (100.7 cu-ft) of cargo capacity. A nice feature is the ability to close the hatch with a button on your key fob or on the hatch handle.

Start the car and you’re welcomed by an eye catching four pod instrument cluster with bright red electroluminescent digits and needles capsuled in a blue light and enclosed in chrome rings. During night time

For '08, Mazda has bumped up the displacement from 3.5 to 3.7 litres. (Photo: Tony Kan, Canadian Auto Press)

driving, cool blue ambient lighting creates an inviting atmosphere throughout the vehicle. Situated overhead is an LED spotlight that shines a ray of blue light on to the shifter, while and on each door handle a similar LED treatment emits a blue glow. The three-dial HVAC controls are well designed and easy to use, offering dual zone climate control. Second row passengers also have HVAC controls to manage their interior climate. Radio and CD interfaces are also intuitive in design, the former controlling an impressive 10-speaker BOSE audio system with plenty of thump.

Put the CX-9 in gear and you’ll immediately notice that it isn’t a slouch. For 2008, the CX-9 powerplant has gained a bit more. The Aisin six-speed automatic effectively makes use of the new 3.7L, DOHC, 24-valve V6's power band. Ample power is available throughout the rev range, with the upgraded engine now producing ten more ponies than last year resulting in 273 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm (compared to the 2007 model's 249 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm). The new drivetrain makes hauling this 2,062 kg (4,546 lb) crossover around even more of a breeze. Incidentally, the MZI engine, as Mazda coins it, also known as Ford’s Duratec 35 when 200 cubic centimeters smaller, was on the Ward’s 10 Best engines list for 2007.

The Mazda CX-9 is a good all-rounder, despite being new territory for the brand. (Photo: Tony Kan, Canadian Auto Press)

However, for 2008 the bigger engine was designed and manufactured in Japan exclusively for the CX-9. Our GT model comes equipped with Mazda’s Active Torque Split All Wheel Drive that supplies up to 50-percent of the power to the rear wheels during low traction situations, which is great during winter rain or snowy driving conditions.

Ride quality is on the firm side to give buyers in this segment a sports car-like feel rather than anything like a sloppy minivan. The front suspension is composed of independent struts and coil springs with a stabilizer bar. The rear suspension setup combines independent multi-link coil springs and a stabilizer bar. Driving over speed bumps or potholes will give you a wake up jolt due to extremely low profile tires wrapped around 20-inch alloy wheels, but in the same token the overall setup compensates by instilling driver confidence during high speed cornering; impressive given the higher centre of gravity of this ride. The CX-9 makes a great touring highway cruiser for your family road trip; which is good because fuel ratings are 14.5 L/100 km in the city and 9.7 L/100 km for the highway, and thankfully it only requires regular 87 octane fuel. In the city, I found this vehicle too big for how I live my life. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy being perched higher than the average car and appreciate sitting comfortably in such an expansive interior. However, the everyday chore of parallel parking or pulling into a tight parking stall makes for some getting used to. I would highly recommend getting the optional back up camera, but unfortunately you’ll be forced to pay an additional $3,235 for the entire navigation system. Some other manufacturers, Toyota for one, offer a reverse camera without the nav system, and given that this is an important safety feature in areas where kids are playing, a cheaper option would be appreciated. Safety in mind, at least the brakes are good, with a linear and firm feel.

The CX-9 comes standard with a host of safety features like

Can't forget the very sweet credit card-style key fob with keyless ignition... (Photo: Tony Kan, Canadian Auto Press)

ABS braking with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), which actively controls any over or under steer by adjusting the throttle and brakes, Traction Control (TCS) to reduce torque and maximize traction, and Rollover Stability Control (RSC), which basically means the CX-9 is dummy-proof. To complete the safety list, dual front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags come standard. The NHTSA gives the CX-9 a five star crash test rating and a four star rollover rating.

At $43,955 for our GT model, the top-line CX-9 is well poised against the more expensive Infiniti FX35 and Acura MDX, both priced around $10,000 higher. Is it a car that I would buy as my daily driver? Not at this time due to my needs. Is there a demand for such a vehicle among young families? You betcha. Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom marketing strategy sends a very compelling message to the target buyers of this class of crossover, and with the CX-9 packaged for a high value proposition it becomes easy to justify.

So if you’re part of this demographic and are currently driving a minivan or smaller SUV, or maybe a larger more truck-like sport 'ute and looking to upgrade or update your vehicle, go venture out to your local Mazda dealership and play some musical chairs with the CX-9. It will impress.

Specifications (Mazda CX-9 GT):

• Price Range (MSRP): $43,955 - $52,205
• Price As Tested (MSRP): $47,450
• Body Type: 5-door crossover
• Layout: front engine, AWD (std. FWD)
• Engine: 273-hp, 270 lb-ft of torque, 3.7L, 24-valve DOHC V6
• Transmission: 6-spd auto w/ manual mode
  
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBC, DSC, TCS
• Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 5,074 / 1,936 / 1,728 / 2,875 mm (199.7 / 76.2 / 68.0 / 113.2 in)
• Curb Weight: 2,062 kg (4,546 lbs)
• Tires: 245/50R20
• Cargo Volume (trunk / folded): 487 / 2,851 L (17.2 / 100.7 cu-ft)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 14.5 / 9.7 L/100 km
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/80,000 km comprehensive; 60/100,000 km powertrain
• Competitors: Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, Cadillac SRX, Chrysler Pacifica, Ford Edge / Taurus X, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Veracruz, Infiniti FX35, Lexus RX 350, Lincoln MKX, Nissan Murano, Saturn Outlook, Subaru Tribeca, Suzuki XL-7, Toyota Highlander, Volkswagen Touareg, Volvo XC90
  
• Website: www.mazda.ca