ZOOM, ZOOM
WELL- SORTED HANDLING AND ENGAGING DYNAMICS PART OF PACKAGE WITH THIS MAZDA.
Like it or not, automotive marketing will forever continue its storied practice of presenting the consumer with a minefield of dubious claims, techno- babble and slick tag lines, all glistening with snake oil. Eco- this. Turbo-that. Lap the Nürburgring, save the planet and listen to your texts, all at the same time.
Hmm. Warning: Your new four-banger eco-box will not sound like an F1 car, even though the radio ad suggests otherwise. So, it’s understandable that some might roll their eyes when facing Mazda’s “Zoom Zoom” and “Skyactiv” tag lines.
Fear not. This independent Japanese automaker speaketh the truth. Right across the line, from the MX5 Miata roadster to this threerow CX- 9 crossover, “Zoom Zoom” translates to: Mazda engineers consider well-sorted handling and engaging dynamics an integral part of the brand. “Skyactiv” means: Through our overarching engineering strategy that addresses everything from aerodynamics to weight reduction to drivetrain efficiency, our vehicles deliver excellent real-world fuel economy.
I came to this conclusion after a week in the automaker’s redone three- row crossover that, by all rights, should be zoom and fuel efficiency challenged. Granted, the CX-9 is more roomy than zoomy, but it does display a fair share of Mazda’s patented on- road enthusiasm. After an extended road trip, t he on- board computer showed a heartwarming 9.1 L/ 100 kilometres. My week concluded at a respectable 10.6 L/100 km. And on regular 87-octane fuel, thank you very much.
While the previous CX- 9 used an ancient (and thirsty) Ford-derived 3.7-litre V6, this second- generation model runs with an all- new 2.5- L turbocharged four- cylinder engine with direct injection, making 227 horsepower. Its 310 pound-feet of torque arrives at 2,000 rpm, giving the CX- 9 reasonably effortless urge right from the get- go. Thanks to clever management of the exhaust stream, the turbo spools up fast and early, so turbo- lag is not an issue.
For a big four cylinder, it’s refined and smooth. And since the power tapers off above 5,000 rpm, there’s no need to thrash it. It’s paired to an equally well-behaved sixspeed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and avoids undue gear hunting.
The 2017 CX- 9 starts at $ 35,600 for the front- drive GS, arriving with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, fabric upholstery, heated front seats, a wide- angle rear-view camera, three-zone climate and a seven-inch colour touch- screen infotainment system. Tested here is the top- spec Signature that, for $50,100, serves up a considerable smorgasbord of kit including all- wheel drive, 20- inch alloys, lovely Nappa leather with premium stitching, rosewood trim, a 12- speaker Bose sound system, and a larger eight- inch touch- screen infotainment system with GPS navigation, to name just a few of the enhancements. Safety systems include blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking and automatic high beams.
The CX- 9 comes off as a quality piece. The doors close with a bank vault- like thud. The exterior is an exercise in high- style elegance that, thankfully, bypasses the current Japanese trend where no grille, crease or bulge is too garish.
Meanwhile, the fi nely honed interior shows obsessive attention to detail and material choice. There’s not a cheap bit of trim to be found, and the front chairs show a Germanic firmness that is good for the long haul.
My only gripe pertains to the infotainment interface; it could really use some hard buttons for the radio.
The second row of seats, with both slide and recline functions, is fine for two adults, but the third row, when compared to most competitors, is pretty tight. It is suitable for two smallish children but you wouldn’t want to put any adults back there for an extended run.
This top-trim CX-9 Signature AWD flirts with highlevel luxury brands, yet its $ 50,300 price point handily undercuts them. So yes, the 2017 CX- 9 is the Mazda of three-row SUVs.