2007 Mazda CX-9 Test Drive
The all-new 2007 Mazda CX-9 adds Mazda’s signature ‘Zoom Zoom’ driving fun with the versatility of the new breed of sport utility vehicles, the ‘crossover’ sport utility. Combining a more car like ride while retaining the versatility of a sport utility, crossover sales are fast overtaking sport utility sales.
 Like the Mazda CX-7 introduced earlier this year, the CX-9 is a clean break from the traditional boxy SUV crowding the dwindling SUV market. While styling echoes the CX-7, CX-9 is not a lengthened three-row CX-7, and CX-7 is not a shortened-wheelbase CX-9. engineered with Mazda’s ‘soul of a sportscar’ signature, CX-9 deftly blends sporty driving spirit with seven-passenger SUV practicality. Standing out from existing crossover SUVs, the Mazda CX-9 is the insightful solution not only to today’s busy family’s complex needs, but also to the enthusiast driver’s needs and desires as Zoom-Zoom comes standard. While other makes focus only on what’s behind the driver’s seat for the family, Mazda has engineered a unique solution that is equally exiting for the driver. The CX-9 rides on one of the longest wheelbases in the segment, providing easy access to its three-row seating. There’s ample room for adults in every position and sufficient cargo space to accommodate the everyday needs of the average family. Under the sleek exterior is an interior that is impressive with its space, utility, versatility and premium features.To ease accommodating almost every size of driver, the driver’s seat and tilt/telescoping, leather wrapped steering wheel and leather trimmed driver’s seat move quickly and easily over a long range of adjustment. The 60/40 split second row not only carries three in comfort, it also offers approximately 5in. of fore-and-aft slide travel and a reclining backrest. In the 50/50 split third row, the seating position and legroom are both class leading in numbers and real comfort. Entry to the third row is easy, with nearly 26in. of access space between the folded second-row seat and the C-pillar. Even with the third row occupied, the CX-9 provides 17.2cu.ft. of cargo space, eclipsing many large sedan trunks. Both second-and-third row seats fold flat to allow additional storage all the way up to the back of the front seats. All of the back seats slide fold and tilt with one easy hand motion. Without sacrificing versatility, efficiency or price, the all-new CX-9 strives for the sophisticated look of a vehicle costing two to three times as much. Its smooth and flowing silhouette, prominent wheels and tires, muscular fenders, steeply angled windshield, unique, dual trapezoidal exhaust tips, and wraparound backlights give the CX-9 a dramatic, but refined look.
The front end is unmistakably Mazda, with its elegantly sculpted sport five-point grille, lower air-intake, and bold bumper. A horizontal streak of chrome floats on the front grille bar, giving a distinctive and high quality feel. Side windows form a flowing, open and modern greenhouse, allowing for great visibility from all seating positions.
Drive is through either the front wheels or via Mazda’s advanced Active Torque Split AWD system. On AWD models, various sensors signal control modules to automatically apportion torque to those wheels most able to provide solid traction. A computer-controlled coupling, connected with the rear differential, automatically adjusts the torque distribution, allowing up to 50% of the drive power to be sent to the rear wheels, depending on traction conditions. This is the same system found in the MazdaSpeed 6 and CX-7. I recommend the AWD system for a better ride all-around.
In front, the perimeter frame is mounted to the unibody through six rubber isolators that supports the powertrain, the engine-speed-sensitive rack and pinion steering, and a low friction strut-type front suspension system using coil springs. The multilink rear suspension consists of one trailing arm and two lateral locating links per side. To minimize cargo-compartment intrusion and permit a wider load space, the rear coil springs are position between the lower lateral links and the unibody. A damper is located as close as possible to each rear wheel to provide excellent motion control with minimal friction. Anti-roll bars at each end maximize agility and control during spirited driving times. Bear in mind that with a higher center of gravity than a sports sedan, you can’t really attack curving roads with the CX-9 as you might like to. The big, steel disc brakes, ABS, traction control, Roll Stability Control and Dynamic Stability Control all work in concert to help you maintain control during severe maneuvers that you might encounter. The CX-9 Grand Touring rides on big, 20X8in. aluminum wheels wrapped with 245/50R20in. low-profile radial tires, while the Sport and Touring models rides on 18X8in. aluminum wheels fitted with 245/60R18in. radial tires.
Standard safety equipment includes front airbags, front side airbags, 3-row side air curtains with rollover protection, side-impact door beams, front & rear crush zones, LATCH child safety seat anchors, tire pressure monitor, anti-theft engine immobilizer, and anti-theft perimeter alarm.
ALL NEW 2007 MAZDA CX-9
COPYRIGHT:2007:HARVEY SCHWARTZ – EDITOR, AUTOMOTIVE ADDICTS
Price MSRP: $33,875 Invoice: $31,322 Type: Large SUV
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Tamika on Wed, 27th Jun 2007 8:12 pm
Mazda CX-9 which comes with excellent Mazda auto parts is indeed an exceptional SUV that’s more spacious than its predecessor CX-7. The same engine is used by its cousin, the Ford Edge. I’ve read that it had been hitting the market in China and other Asian countries.