CX-9 is the largest model in Mazda’s Australian SUV range ahead of its compact CX-3 and mid-sized CX-5 siblings. Unlike the two smaller models which sit on top of the sales charts in their respective categories, the ageing CX-9 has struggled to compete against its segment’s big guns headed by the Toyota Kluger.
The arrival, in July 2016, of the second generation CX-9 looks likely to provide a significant boost to sales with noticeable improvements throughout the vehicle headlined by an all-new turbo-petrol engine.
Seven-seat SUVs such as the CX-9 have effectively replaced people movers especially when they come with front-wheel drive and so reduce both price and weight, the latter contributing to better performance, lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions. For those needing the extra traction for towing or off-road capability new CX-9 is available with four-wheel drive.
STYLING
Changes in styling for the gen-two CX-9 aren’t that noticeable with a large version of the Mazda ‘family’ grille continuing to dominate the front of the vehicle, flanked by wider narrower headlights. There’s also a stylish rear spoiler.
The window-line is quite high which could annoy younger rear seat passengers, not that children look out of car windows anymore – far too much electronic gadgetry to occupy them nowadays.
INTERIOR
Although the new CX-9 is slightly shorter than the outgoing model it is marginally wider and taller and so provides extra interior passenger space. The centre row seats slide all the way forward to improve access to the rear pair of seats which, though higher than in the previous model, are still best suited to children.
There is a trade-off to the extra passenger space in that storage capacity is down from 267 litres to measly 230 litres with all seats in place. This can expand to 810 litres with the third row seats folded and 1640 with all rear seats down.
The quality of the interior is much improved with a more sedan-like look to the dashboard layout and better quality materials and trim throughout.
The seats are large and comfortable, those in the Sport have cloth trim and manual adjustment with the three higher grades getting leather trim, power adjustment, heating, and driver’s lumbar support.
ENGINE / TRANSMISSION
Although there are now four CX-9 variants (Sport, Touring, GT and Azami) all come with the same engine and transmission combination. The engine is a new 2.5-litre direct-injection turbocharged petrol unit that generates 170 kW of power at 5000 rpm and an impressive 420 Nm of torque at 2000 revs.
The power output applies to standard unleaded or E10 fuel but can be increased to 186 kW with premium unleaded.
Mazda Australia is claiming a 25 per cent improvement in fuel consumption which is no doubt accurate although the comparison point is a high 11.0 litres per 100 km from the previous CX-9’s 3.7-litre V6 guzzler. Nevertheless the published 8.4 L/100km from the new two-wheel drive CX-9 (8.8 litres with AWD) is quite impressive for such a large vehicle. We averaged around 10 L/100 km in our AWD GT.
Transmission is by six-speed automatic that includes a sport mode, however, there are no paddle shifters.
All four CX-9 variants come with the choice of front- or rear-wheel drive, the latter adding $4000 to the price.
INFOTAINMENT
Connectivity is king in the modern car and keeping up with the constantly evolving range of electronic gadgetry for both driver assistance and in-car entertainment is crucial. The new CX-9 uses the latest version of the Mazda MZD Connect system to provide access to the internet, social media, email, Pandora, Stitcher and Aha as well as hands-free voice and text messaging through Bluetooth.
All models get built-in satellite navigation while the GT and Azami models also DAB+ digital radio where available and a Premium Bose 294 watt audio system.
Information is displayed on a 7.0-inch colour touchscreen in the entry-level CX-9 Sport while all higher grade models get a more advanced 8.0-inch screen.
USB ports for both audio and re-charging of equipment are increasing in demand and CX-9 provides four of them, two in the front centre console and two in the rear seat armrest.
SAFETY
All CX-9 models come with front, side and curtain airbags; enhanced ABS brakes; autonomous emergency braking; keyless push-button start/stop; dynamic stability control with roll control and trailer assist; emergency stop signal; hill start assist; two ISOFIX child restraint anchor points; rear parking sensors; reversing camera; and rear cross traffic alert.
If you’re looking for extra safety features you’ll need to jump straight to the top of the CX-9 pile where the $59,390 Azami ($63,390 with AWD) which adds driver attention alert; forward obstruction warning; lane keeping assist; lane departure warning; and smart brake support.
New Mazda CX-9 has been given a five-star rating by ANCAP.
DRIVING
Thanks to its excellent low-down torque the big Mazda SUV is surprisingly manoeuvrable around town. Its bulk can make parking a bit tricky however the combination of parking sensors, reversing camera and the rear cross traffic alert system reduce the risks of bumps and scrapes.
Once clear of the suburbs and out onto the open motorway the CX-9 comes into its own. This could easily be a luxury cruising sedan but with the added benefits of extra interior space and passenger and/or luggage capacity. Extra sound deadening material has been added and the cabin is remarkably quiet.
Handling is safe and predictable without being in any way sporty – just the way it should be in this class. Although Australian imports have more dynamic settings than the American models the big Mazda is essentially a cruiser and the ride is relatively soft.
SUMMARY
Mazda Australia is predicting a near-doubling in CX-9 sales with the introduction of the second-generation model and, while it’s unlikely to reach the heights achieved by its smaller siblings, everything that we experienced suggests that it can claw back sales from the market leaders.
As well as the various improvements there has been a price cut with the base grade Sport selling for $42,490 plus on-roads, down by $1280 compared with the previous model.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
CX-9 Sport 2.5-litre turbo-petrol FWD five-door wagon: $42,490 (automatic)
CX-9 Sport 2.5-litre turbo-petrol AWD five-door wagon: $46,490 (automatic)
CX-9 Touring 2.5-litre turbo-petrol FWD five-door wagon: $48,890 (automatic)
CX-9 Touring 2.5-litre turbo-petrol AWD five-door wagon: $52,890 (automatic)
CX-9 GT 2.5-litre turbo-petrol FWD five-door wagon: $57,390 (automatic)
CX-9 GT 2.5-litre turbo-petrol AWD five-door wagon: $61,390 (automatic)
CX-9 Azami 2.5-litre turbo-petrol FWD five-door wagon: $59,390 (automatic)
CX-9 Azami 2.5-litre turbo-petrol AWD five-door wagon: $63,390 (automatic)
Note: These prices do not include dealer or government charges. Contact your local Mazda dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Mazda CX-9 GT 2.5-litre turbo-petrol AWD five-door wagon)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 2.488 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Maximum Power: 170 kW @ 5000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 420 Nm @ 2000 rpm
Fuel Type: Unleaded
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 8.4 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 197 g/km
DRIVELINE:
Six-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 5075 mm
Wheelbase: 2930 mm
Width: 1969 mm
Height: 1747 mm
Turning Circle: 11.8 metres
Kerb Mass: 1858 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 72 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Solid disc
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Three years / unlimited km
