The Mazda CX-9 is one SUV that can take many souls far and fast, but there’s a catch, writes Byron Mathioudakis.
What do we have here then?
Japan’s Mazda has decided to have a crack at the Ford Territory/Toyota Kluger medium-sized SUV market – hence the CX-9’s existence.
Does the ‘9’ bit refer to the number of seats?
No, there’s no such thing as a nine-seater SUV. This has seven seats, while the smaller (and sleeker) CX-7 is a compact SUV that fits five. And, before you ask, we can’t tell you why they just didn’t call this the CX-7 and the smaller one the CX-6 or CX-5.
I see. Being a 4WD, is it any good off-road?
Not on your life. This is an SUV, which means it only looks like it can go bush. In fact, it’s like a big wagon wearing stilettos for extra height.
Does that mean it’s a drag to drive?
This is a Mazda, and all Mazdas steer and handle very nicely indeed. From behind the wheel, the CX-9 is easy to drive around town, and is nimble enough for you to forget how large it really is. But let’s not get too carried away, this is certainly no sports car.
Obviously not. Does it have a big donk?
Mazda has fitted a big 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine that sounds sporty and delivers plenty of oomph. It’s also smooth at take-off, quick enough to make overtaking effortless and safe, and very well poised. That’s because the gearbox is a slick new six-speed automatic with a Tiptronic-style shifter that means you can drive it manually if you wish.
I bet it likes to drink.
We’re afraid so. Drive the CX-9 fully laden or with gay abandon, and you’ll be penalised with high fuel consumption. There’s just no way to escape this fact with a big bulky seven-seater SUV. Unfortunately, a diesel version is a long-way off, so if you’re concerned about fuel economy, you might have to stop reading this right now.
That’s a shame, because it looks good for an SUV.
It sure does. And Mazda hasn’t held back inside either, with a stylish and functional interior featuring an upmarket looking dash, plenty of standard features, and enough space for even the tallest adults in the front and middle seats. The rear chairs are easy to access, should fit most people, and fold neatly into the floor when not being used.
And is the CX-9 safe?
Sure. You’ll find lots of airbags, and stuff like ESC stability control, traction control, ABS anti-lock brakes, and that well-engineered chassis that shifts drive from the front to all four wheels according to which can provide the best amount of grip.
Would you buy one?
If somebody else is paying for the fuel, and we needed a seven-seater SUV, the Mazda would be a consideration. It’s great value. However, if you’re a keen driver, the steering is perhaps a tad too light, so the Aussie-made Territory would be a better (and more entertaining) bet.
Ten facts you should know about the…
2008 Mazda CX-9
1. How much: From $49,990 (Classic) to $52,265 (Luxury)
2. What’s under the bonnet: 3.7-litre DOHC V6 petrol
3. Power/torque: 204kW @ 6250rpm/366Nm @ 4250rrpm
4. Transmission: 6-speed automatic
5. How’s it go: 0-100km/h: 8.5 seconds
6. What it costs the earth: 13L/100km/CO2 emissions: 309g/km
7. Alternatives: Toyota Kluger, Ford Territory, Holden Captiva, Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Tribeca, Nissan Pathfinder
8. Likes: Design, interior layout and presentation, comfort, refinement, versatility, performance, handling, grip, safety
9. Dislikes: Dull steering, thirst for fuel, firm ride
10. Our rating out of 5 Stars: 3.5
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