Mazda CX-9 pricing and specifications

Mazda dealers must be grinning from ear to ear with a raft of new models arriving or due to arrive on their forecourts shortly. Mazda6, Mazda2 and now the new addition to their SUV line-up the CX-9. Previewed for the first time at the 2007 Sydney Motor Show in North American left-hand-drive specification, Australia will be the first market to receive the 3.7-litre right-hand-drive CX-9 when it goes on sale from December.

The first Australian-bound CX-9s are set to roll off Mazda's Hiroshima production line in a few days and will be available in two variants - Classic and Luxury – with pricing expected to start at a little over $50,000.

"Not only does CX-9 cater to large Australian families, but its stylish looks and high-performance 3.7-litre engine creates an appealing SUV package that is exciting to drive. Simply put, CX-9 delivers practicality with a touch of Zoom-Zoom,"said Managing Director for Mazda Australia Doug Dickson.

Although sharing a similarly handsome profile to its little brother the five-seat CX-7 the CX-9 sits on different architecture. Expect the CX-9 to be equipped with a choice of 18 or 20-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning (three-zone climate control with independent rear control), cruise control, power windows and mirrors. An in-dash six-disc CD player (MP3 compatible) will also feature and will be operated via a touch screen audio system that includes a reversing camera.

Safety is amply catered four with a six airbag package and active safety features including Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Roll Stability Control (RSC).

CX-9 rides on a 2875mm wheelbase, one of the longest in its class, providing easy access to its three-row seating. The 60/40 split second row carries three in comfort and offers approximately five-inches of fore-and-aft slide travel and a reclining backrest. In the 50-50-split third row, the seating position and leg-room are both class-leading in numbers according to Mazda.

Entry to the third row is easy, with nearly 660mm of access space between the folded second-row seat and the C (third) pillar. Releasing the second row seat in order to enter the third requires only one simple hand motion to unlatch the seat and move it forward. Even with the third row occupied, the CX-9 provides 480-litres of cargo capacity, eclipsing the boot space of many large sedans. Both second and third-row seats fold flat to allow additional storage all the way to the back of the front seats.

The CX-9 is powered by a 60-degree short-stroke 3.7-litre V6 (a stroked version of the North American markets 3.5-litre) featuring a die-cast aluminum block with cast-in iron cylinder liners and aluminum cylinder heads.

The 3.7-litre V6 is endowed with 204kW and 366Nm and works in combination with Mazda’s six-speed ‘Activematic’ transmission delivering its power and torque to the road through Mazda's Active Torque Split All-wheel-drive system.

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Steane

[Source: Mazda]