- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru He Fr
Mazda CX-9. Brand’s main SUV
The Mazda CX-9 is a large 7-seater SUV produced by Mazda (Japan) since 2006. It has rightfully become the flagship of the Japanese company’s model range. After the CX-7, it is Mazda’s second all-wheel-drive vehicle designed specifically for the North American market and the first 7-seater SUV in the company’s history. The vehicle changed two generations, each of which was restyled at least once. The CX-9 is not available in Israel.
The first generation
It was produced from 2006 to 2015. The new flagship from Mazda was based on the Ford CD3 platform (which was used by the Ford Edge SUV). Consequently, the Mazda CX-9 was equipped with the same 3.5-liter engine, the same 6-speed automatic transmission and could be front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. However, the CX-9 was 30 cm longer than its counterpart with the same body width and height, which was due to the need of space for the third row seats. The first generation SUV featured a MacPherson strut independent suspension at the front and a multi-link independent suspension at the rear.
The Mazda CX-9 was created specifically for the North American market to win it over for Mazda Motor. This is the first 7-seater SUV in the company history.
The vehicle was unveiled at the New York Auto Show on April 13, 2006, and sales began in 2007. Apart from the United States, the first generation Mazda CX-9 was supplied to Australia, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Ukraine. The vehicle was well equipped with a navigation system, a Bluetooth hands-free system, a rear-view camera and an expensive Bose 5.1 sound system. Safety was ensured by electronics: DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), traction control system, Roll Stability Control to prevent vehicle roll-over; front and side airbags for driver and passenger and curtain airbag for all three rows of seats. The first Mazda CX-9 won the title of SUV of the Year from the American Motor Trend magazine. The same title was awarded to the vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2008.
Upgrades
Since 2008, the vehicle started featuring a 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine with an output of 273 hp and 366 Nm of torque, coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission by Aisin (Japan). At the end of 2009, the Mazda CX-9 began to look a little fresher with its new optics and radiator grille. The vehicle could boast the redesigned air intakes in the bumper and more expensive interior trim materials. The basic equipment included a 3-zone climate control and a Bluetooth hands-free system.
In 2012, the CX-9 was restyled again. The restyled SUV received a new radiator grille, new lighting equipment and a slightly different front bumper. The front face was brought in compliance with the Kodo philosophy (‘Soul of movement’). The interior was finished with higher quality materials. In terms of electronics, the updated CX-9 received blind spot monitoring and traffic sign recognition systems.
The second generation
The second generation was unveiled in Los Angeles in November 2015 and went on sale in 2016. The vehicle looks similar to a graceful strong predator, as Mazda has always paid special attention to design. Beautiful, bold and aggressive, the true leader of the model range, the SUV is 5,075 mm long, 1,969 mm wide and 1,747 mm high. Its wheelbase reaches 2,930 mm, while the ground clearance is 220 mm. The trunk has grown to 408 liters. By folding the third row seats in two symmetrical parts, you get 1,082 liters of space, and if you don’t stop there and remove the second row of seats, the capacity will grow to 2,016 liters (in both cases, you get a completely flat floor).
The new Mazda CX-9 has a rich and noble interior, which is not devoid of sports aesthetics. A beautiful and laconic front panel carries a 9-inch multimedia screen and an elegant climate control unit. The multifunction steering wheel is a 3-spoke steering wheel, with a 7-inch digital dashboard gleaming softly behind it. For the interior of their flagship, the Japanese chose high-quality expensive finishing materials - soft and pliable plastics, natural leather, aluminum and noble wood inserts.
The first Mazda CX-9 won the title of SUV of the Year from the American Motor Trend magazine. The same title was awarded to the vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2008.
The sloping hood of the beautiful CX-9 hides a 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G gasoline direct injection engine with a turbocharger that comprises a Dynamic Pressure system designed to stimulate the operation of a variable geometry turbine. The engine produces 231 hp at 5,000 rpm and 420 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm. The engine is coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission and an intelligent all-wheel drive system i-ACTIV AWD with a multi-plate clutch, which is electronically controlled. The vehicle has a MacPherson strut independent suspension at the front and a multi-link independent suspension at the rear.
2020 restyling
In 2018, the manufacturer slightly changed the suspension adjustments and certain interior elements. In the summer of 2020, the Mazda CX-9 underwent a restyling, acquiring a redesigned exterior, a new radiator grille and larger and more expressive exhaust pipes. The SUV also received a new 10.25-inch widescreen media center screen, the gearshift paddles behind the wheel and wireless charging for smartphones.
The entry-level 2020/2021 Mazda CX-9 offers a 7-seater passenger compartment, six airbags, three-zone climate control, heated seats in the first and second rows, cruise control and LED headlights. There is a rear view camera. More expensive versions feature leather interior, front electric and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, head-up display, parking sensors and a keyless entry system. The baggage compartment door is equipped with an electric drive, and the headlights are adaptive. The top-end version includes a sunroof, adaptive cruise control, a full range of electronic assistants, and all-round cameras. The seats are trimmed with nappa leather, while the wheels are the most beautiful 20-inch ones.
