CX-9 offers luxury zoom zoom
Road Test: 2017 Mazda CX-9 Signature
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 fourbanger 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 MX-5 Miata roadster to this three-row 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, the 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 six-speed 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 rearview camera, three-zone climate and a seven-inch colour touchscreen 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 touchscreen 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 finely honed interior shows obsessive attention to detail and material choice; the burgundy leather, plus aluminum and satin-finish rosewood trim pieces are a delight to the senses. 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. Yes, the single rotary controller on the console allows for an elegant and uncluttered dash, but even the simplest request — selecting a radio station preset or changing stations, for instance — requires too much menu searching, knob twirling and screen glancing.
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 (at least, ones you like) for an extended run. You’ll find more room and easier access to the cheap seats in the Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander, for example.
It’s a similar story with the ultimate cargo room; the CX-9 is down on most competitors. But that said, with the second and third row folded, the load floor is flat and there is a shallow bin under the floor. Properly equipped, the CX-9 will tow 1,587 kilograms, or 3,500 pounds.
If hauling and a cavernous cabin aren’t at the top of the list, this finely crafted and stylish Mazda surely delights. The CX-9 goes down the road with a sinewy tautness and cuts into bends like no other threerow crossover. The ride is on the firm side but never intrusive, and the interior is hushed on the highway.
This top-trim CX-9 Signature AWD flirts with high-level luxury brands, yet its $50,300 price point handily undercuts them. So yes, the 2017 CX-9 is the Mazda of three-row SUVs.