Mazda CX-9: Australia Bound in January 2008

Motoring Channel Staff - 29/May/2007

Melbourne, Australia — Australia will be the first right-hand drive (RHD) market to receive Mazda's big new SUV, which was originally created for the North American market.

The RHD versions have already made their local debut in Australia, and have since undergone an engineering evaluation drive in Victoria, Mazda Australia hasrevealed.

The new SUV is the bigger sibling of the CX-7, which is currently on sale in this country for just under $40,000. The CX-9 however will be a much more serious proposition at around $60,000.

"The CX-9 represents everything a Mazda SUV should be," said Doug Dickson, the MD at Mazda Australia, "offering ample power, striking appearance, fun-to-drive vitality, precision build quality and unexpected versatility. 

"While other vehicles in this category focus only on what's behind the driver's seat for the family, Mazda has engineered a unique solution that is equally as exciting for the driver," said Mr Dickson.

Mazda is firmly of the belief that for the CX-9 model to wear the Mazda badge, it had to be more than just another crossover SUV; it had to embody the company's soul of a sports car, and therefore the CX-9 gets car-like suspension with independent struts fore and aft. The new model also gets engine speed sensitive power steering, plus sports car inspired anti-roll bars at the front and rear improve control and response during assertive driving, while reducing body roll.

It is is a true 7-seater vehicle and larger than its stablemate, the CX-7. It will arrive with higher levels of standard equipment than its smaller sibling, and Mazda has confirmed that it will be offered in two grades that have been extensively modified for right-hand-drive use, and pricing is expected to be between $55,000 and $60,000.

Built in Japan, the CX-9 rides on a long 2875mm wheelbase, providing easy access to its three-row seating. It's overall length is 5071mm, or more than 5 metres long, which will provide for acres of interior space, but will make parallel parking a real pain in the neck. 

Mazda has revealed that the 60-40 split second row not only carries three in comfort, it also offers approximately 125mm of fore-and-aft slide travel and a reclining backrest, giving passengers the chance to adjust their seats for comfort.

And even with the third row occupied, the CX-9 will provide more than 480 litres of cargo capacity - which is only 20 litres short of many large sedans, like Falcon and Aurion. Both second and third-row seats fold flat to allow additional storage all the way up to the back of the front seats.

Part of the Australian testing by local Mazda engineers involved a prototype right-hand-drive mule and a team of engineers to evaluate the V6-powered CX-9 under Australian conditions. Mazda explained that the all-wheel-drive CX-9 was tested on a range of different terrain, "on a mix of city and country roads, including tram tracks and gravel".

Powered by a V6 engine outputting 186 kilowatts, Mazda Australia has confirmed that the CX-9 will be generously equipped with a choice of 18 or 20-inch alloy wheels, dual zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, six airbags and active safety features such as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Roll Stability Control (RSC).

Powered by a new 3.5-litre V6 producing 186kW and 325Nm of torque, the engine is controlled via an electronic throttle and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The new CX-9 will go on sale from January 2008 in Australia and will be one of the marque's most prestigious models. Though it may be a stretch to begin comparing it to the BMW X5 and Audi Q7, Mazda is keen to see it's new CUV (crossover utility vehicle) viewed in a prestige light, hence features like the two-tone leather interior, 20-inch alloy wheels, reversing camera, and dual zone climate control.

Modifications for the Australian market include 'flipping' the centre seat 60/40 split and middle row seatbelt mounting point, in order to open up more cargo space.

Mazda explained the evaluation drive, which focused on areas such as powertrain, suspension and steering calibration and NVH, also included the left-hand-drive North American specification CX-9 displayed at this year's Melbourne motor show.

Martin Benders, who is Mazda Australia's marketing manager, had this to say: "The CX-9 is shaping up to be a strong entrant in the 7-seat market, with our market research and the recent evaluation drive confirming that CX-9 has what it takes – cabin space for seven adults, style and class leading dynamics – to make an impact in this family-friendly market segment.

"Having the opportunity to drive a prototype CX-9 with the crossover SUV's engineers in advance of the launch further underlines Mazda’s commitment to the Australian market," intoned Mr Benders.

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