SOUL IN MOTION
The new design theme permeating Mazda's lineup is termed Kodo, meaning Soul in Motion, and it applies to the CX-9 for 2013. Most notable is the vehicle's new nose featuring a prominent five-point grille that should look familiar to Mazda adherents; it's a bold expression that's becoming the defining face of this somewhat boutique Japanese manufacturer. While Kodo is supposed to capture the essence of fluidity, esoteric as that may be, it's the cabin of the CX-9 that captures the essence of my interest, fundamental as that may be. There's no trickery or needless complexity in the layout of instruments and switch-gear; all is easily interpreted. Moreover, the cabin's design, materials and quality of assembly are details to admire. Along with pleasing esthet-ics, the cabin is versatile and highly practical thanks in part to third-row seating and sliding second-row seats that enable fairly open ingress/ egress to the third row. This is particularly noteworthy given the size of the CX-9 and its conventional four-door architecture. I took a seat in row three and was surprisingly treated to reasonable levels of comfort and accommodation, albeit a trip of extended duration is not something I would covet. For youngsters though, the final row in the spacious cabin would be more than adequate.
CX-9 IN MOTION
Mazda uses a 3.7-litre DOHC V6 engine to impart 273 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm and 270 lbs.-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm to the 20-inch CX-9 wheels through the administration of a six-speed automatic transmission. This isn't a particularly sophisticated engine, or an economical one considering its fuel-economy ratings of 12.8L/100km and 9.0L/100km city and highway respectively. My net results exceeded those posted by a significant margin, which is generally the case with anything I drive. Makes me wonder: is it me or them? On the positive side however, the engine provides brisk performance combined with commendable operational refinement despite a little more auditory intrusion during acceleration than desirable - at least to my ears. I admit to being somewhat obsessed with engine noise I deem unnecessary, which regular readers will know I often decry. I find little appeal in the utterance of most V6 mills, especially those in crossovers and SUVs, and wonder why they aren't further muted. At $47 grand, I don't want to hear a V6 engine pretending to sound "authoritative." I want it to whisper to me rather than growl at me. Nevertheless, once underway the CX-9 is remarkably quiet, with minimal wind and road noise penetrating its solid cabin. Also commendable is the vehicle's absorbent ride quality and composed handling dynamics. Rough stretches of pavement don't unsettle its rooted footing, or generate suspension thump or loosen dental fillings. Rattles and squeaks are also non-existent thanks to plenty of structural rigidity.
BEHIND THE WHEEL
The driver's perch positions one fairly high-up in the cabin, enhancing forward visibility while imparting a command-feel to the driving experience. I enjoyed the comfort and confidence this arrangement gave me, augmented by a flat dead-pedal that enabled superior support and positioning behind the wheel This is an asset frequently overlooked by auto manufacturers.
Often the left foot is given no fixed position to securely reside, which is irritating and compromises the driver's seated stability, so good on Mazda for addressing this. Wheels turning, I quickly came to appreciate the CX-9's responsive steering, which exercised greater feedback and precision than that typical of the large crossover segment. This was one of the more pronounced operational attributes of the vehicle, as was the predictable operation of its strong, progressively modulated brakes.
WRAPPING THE CX-9
Mazda's CX-9 isn't likely the first rig that comes to mind when considering a seven-seat crossover/SUV but it may well be one of the nicest to drive and most practical within its broad price-range.
While I enjoyed this week's First Steer tester, I wondered whether $47,000 for a Mazda - loaded or not - is over the top.
That said, my top-tier tester was equipped with keyless entry/start, Bose audio, voice-activated navigation and many other accoutrements of comfort and convenience. It also contained a full-suite of airbags and the latest in stability control and rollover mitigation, making this a safe and most pleasurable recreational vehicle for the whole family.
THE SPECS
Price: $33,995 to $44,750 ($47,250 as tested)
Trim Levels: GS FWD., GS AWD, GT AWD
Power: 3.7-litre V6, 273 horsepower
Fuel Economy: FWD 12.7L/100km city, 8.4L/100km highway
AWD: 12.8L/100km city, 9.0L/100km highway
Basic Warranty: 3 years / 80,000km
Powertrain Warranty: 5 years / 100,000km
Corrosion Perforation: 8 years / unlimited km
The driver's perch positions one fairly high-up in the cabin, enhancing forward visibility while imparting a command-feel to the driving experience. I enjoyed the comfort and confidence this arrangement gave me, augmented by a flat dead-pedal that enabled superior support and positioning behind the wheel This is an asset frequently overlooked by auto manufacturers.
Often the left foot is given no fixed position to securely reside, which is irritating and compromises the driver's seated stability, so good on Mazda for addressing this. Wheels turning, I quickly came to appreciate the CX-9's responsive steering, which exercised greater feedback and precision than that typical of the large crossover segment. This was one of the more pronounced operational attributes of the vehicle, as was the predictable operation of its strong, progressively modulated brakes.
WRAPPING THE CX-9
Mazda's CX-9 isn't likely the first rig that comes to mind when considering a seven-seat crossover/SUV but it may well be one of the nicest to drive and most practical within its broad price-range.
While I enjoyed this week's First Steer tester, I wondered whether $47,000 for a Mazda - loaded or not - is over the top.
That said, my top-tier tester was equipped with keyless entry/start, Bose audio, voice-activated navigation and many other accoutrements of comfort and convenience. It also contained a full-suite of airbags and the latest in stability control and rollover mitigation, making this a safe and most pleasurable recreational vehicle for the whole family.
THE SPECS
Price: $33,995 to $44,750 ($47,250 as tested)
Trim Levels: GS FWD., GS AWD, GT AWD
Power: 3.7-litre V6, 273 horsepower
Fuel Economy: FWD 12.7L/100km city, 8.4L/100km highway
AWD: 12.8L/100km city, 9.0L/100km highway
Basic Warranty: 3 years / 80,000km
Powertrain Warranty: 5 years / 100,000km
Corrosion Perforation: 8 years / unlimited km
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