The designer of the new Mazda CX-9 claims that the car has changed by about ninety-nine percent. And indeed, you can't argue with that: there's a new body, fresh engines, a reworked transmission, and different suspension components. But the main thing is the concept itself. This is a car for people who have already achieved success and know how to count money. It doesn't push you into recklessness, but if you want, it can give you some fire. Its behavior resembles what a status crossover should be: confident acceleration, excellent handling. Probably, along with the expressive exterior, this is that very signature Zoom-Zoom. And one more important observation: this is the first car of the brand where sound insulation is done really well. The engine is not audible even at maximum RPM.
THE POWER IS IN THE ENGINE
The CX-9 has only one engine, but what an engine! It's a new 3.7-liter gasoline V6 producing 277 horsepower. Thanks to the S-VT variable valve timing system, thrust is felt throughout the entire RPM range. With such an engine, the crossover accelerates to 100 km/h in 10.1 seconds. The figure, it would seem, is not impressive, but don't forget — we have a full-size SUV weighing two tons. It would be interesting to know how long it takes to reach 200 km/h, but alas, it's not meant to be: the electronics limit the top speed to 181 km/h. The official fuel consumption in the city is 18.4 liters, and this is apparently close to the truth. But the claimed 9.9 liters for the highway looks like fantasy.
Paired with the engine is the only available gearbox — a six-speed automatic with manual mode. It works flawlessly. In automatic mode, gears shift instantly, and in manual mode it creates a full feeling of a manual transmission, right down to engine braking.
The steering here is classic — rack-and-pinion with hydraulic power steering. Let someone tediously count the number of turns from lock to lock, but I'll say simply: the steering wheel does its job impeccably. You feel the car, and it feels you.
EVERYTHING IS PRIVATE
At the front, there's a McPherson suspension on a subframe with vibration-damping mounts. At the rear — a multi-link setup, with three massive arms per wheel. But I can't say anything about the stiffness of the suspension, how it handles impacts, or the operation of the all-wheel drive with an electronically controlled clutch, unfortunately. The presentation took place in Sweden, and there you can't turn off the smooth asphalt — everywhere there are signs saying "private property."
So let's look at the interior. The separate second-row seats slide on their own rails over a very wide range, which makes the third row quite suitable not only for kids. Simple but effective. Under the floor of the small trunk (when the third row is folded) there's a niche with compartments. And the spare tire is mounted outside, in the rear overhang.
There will be no choice of trim levels — the car comes in a single version. The only option is a power sunroof. And here's what's included in the standard equipment: leather interior with three rows, full power package with drives for both front seats, a Bose audio system with ten speakers, a key card, cruise control with steering wheel controls, three-zone climate control that allows second-row passengers to set their own temperature and airflow intensity. There are also nice touches: rain and light sensors, power tailgate, headlight washers. In short, everything that has become customary for modern cars. And that's it. No DVD player, no parking sensors. Somewhat modest.
AND NO EUROPE!
No matter how they say that size matters, for such purchases the price still decides. For the big Mazda in Russia they ask $52,988 (423,900 UAH). The CX-9 will not be sold in Europe, but it will appear at our dealers in the fall. Around the same time, competitors will arrive — the Hyundai Veracruz and Honda Pilot.
