Motoring
The carmaker’s second-generation SUV is impressively efficient and surprisingly agile,
Mazda’s larger-than-life seven-seater CX-9
IT’S UNUSUAL to hear of a new-generation car that’s smaller than its predecessor – and particularly refreshing to discover that it’s up to 162 kilograms lighter and up to $3100 cheaper, too.
Admittedly, the latest Mazda CX-9 starts from a large base: as a seven-seat SUV, it’s the biggest type of conventional passenger vehicle. In fact, it looks like an upmarket off-road wagon.
Across all four CX-9 models (starting with the Sport at $42,490), buyers have the choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the latter adding $4000. The Azami AWD ($63,390) – the model we tested – is the top of the range.
All are powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine via a six-speed automatic. Fears that this engine might struggle under the Azami AWD’s 1924 kilograms are quickly dispelled: the turbo four-cylinder has superior torque to the previous generation’s 3.7-litre V6 and almost 25 per cent better fuel economy.
At a shade over five metres long, almost two metres wide and 1.75 metres high, there’s no disguising the CX-9’s size. But its sharp, athletic styling makes it less daunting to drive.
The reversing camera, rear parking sensors and Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring on even the base model make it easy to manoeuvre, too. The Azami goes further, with distance-monitoring cruise control, Lane Departure Warning and the Lane-keep Assist System among its suite of driver aids.
The CX-9 impresses with the quality and accessibility of its accommodation. Front and centre-row leg room is vast and the third-row seats require minimal acrobatics to access. All but the base version have leather upholstery. The design and the quality of the materials straddle mainstream and luxury SUVs and there are plenty of family-placating features, such as the four USB outlets.
However, the real eyebrow-raising happens on the road. The CX-9 is amazingly agile; engage “D” and the car seems to shrink around you. Performance is strong and consistent, although the four-cylinder’s slightly coarse note is at odds with the overall ambience. Make no mistake: this practical car is a delight to wheel around.
And an absolute surprise occurs when, after getting out of the driver’s seat, you look at the expanse of sheet metal behind you and exclaim, “Where did all that come from?”