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It's built for hauling seven people in comfort and serenity. Photo Gallery
Neil Dowling road tests and reviews the Mazda CX-9.
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THERE is a very simple solution to worrying global overpopulation: Stop having sex. But that's not going to happen. Instead, we build congested cities with rabbit-warren accommodation, invent two-storey trains and prams with tiered seating, and play computer games in the living room because there's no playgrounds downstairs.
Thankfully, you can escape all this by buying cars with as much space as a family apartment. The Mazda CX-9 will seat - and possibly sleep - seven people. You won't have room for sex, though.
VALUE
Multi-seat vehicles are usually inflated tissue boxes with the aerodynamics of a brick and the driving thrill factor of diazepam.
The US-inspired CX-9 seats seven and is loaded with features, cupholders, storage spaces, cupholders and some extra cupholders. It's big, comfortable and at $56,225, affordable - even more if you forgo the all-wheel drive and save $4500.
DESIGN
The CX family - now with its third member, the CX-5 - has clear genetic links and even telling the CX-7 from the CX-9 can be difficult. It's a no-fuss, attractive and large wagon that boasts more room than rivals Kluger and Territory.
Big points for the sliding centre row, easy-fold third row and split-seating so versatility is practically unmatched. The spare wheel is under the body.
TECHNOLOGY
Simple stuff here, with the 3.7-litre petrol V6 transversely mounted under a wedge-shaped bonnet. The AWD gets on-demand drive to the rear wheels.
There's no manual transmission available so the CX-9 gets a six-speed automatic and even hydraulic steering remains while many rivals have sought the fuel saving benefits of electric-assist steering. Probably a good move by Mazda.
SAFETY
Hmmm. No Australian crash rating for this car. The US crash testers rates it five stars but ANCAP and the European NCAP haven't shot it into a concrete wall to test it out. But the CX-9 has six airbags, mandatory electronic stability control with brake assist, and has a roll-over mitigation system.
There's also a rear camera, the seven seats all have lap-sash belts and the spare is near full-size rubber but rated only as a temporary wheel.
DRIVING
Vast cabin room makes for a comfortable, loungeroom-feel driving position that's ideal for long journeys. The V6's 204kW/367Nm looks potent on paper but the figures arrive very high in the rev range and inaccessible to most owners. Obviously, push the 2-tonne wagon hard and fuel consumption soars.
It's built for hauling seven people in comfort and serenity but the high stance and body mass clip its wings through fast corners. It will take to firm sand trails and gravel roads, but it's no offroader and best steer clear of boggy stuff.
VERDICT
As a very versatile and roomy family wagon, it's a winner.
RATING
MAZDA CX-9 LUXURY AWD
Price: $56,225
Warranty: 3 years, 100,000 km
Resale: 56%
Service interval: 15,000km or 12 months
Economy: 11.2 l/100km; 268g/km CO2
Safety equipment: 6 airbags, ESC, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC.
Crash rating: not tested
Engine: 204kW/367Nm 3.7-litre V6 petrol
Transmission: Six-speed auto
Body: 5-door, 7 seats
Dimensions: 5099 (L); 1936mm (W); 1728mm (H); 2875mm (WB) Weight 2071kg
Tyres: size 245/50R20, temporary spare
Others to consider
FORD TERRITORY 2.7 TS AWD
Price: $55,240
Engine: 2.7-litre, V6 turbo-diesel, 140kW/440Nm
Trans: 6-speed auto, AWD
Body: 5-door wagon
Thirst: 8.8L/100km, CO2 232g/km
"All-wheel drive comes only as a diesel but is the perfect choice for economy and performance''
SUBARU TRIBECA 3.6R
Price: $54,990
Engine: 3.6-litre, flat-6 petrol, 190kW/350Nm
Trans: 5-speed auto, AWD
Body: 5-door wagon
Thirst: 11.6L/100km, CO2 275g/km
"Beefed up Outback hasn't many friends in Australia despite good road manners and comfort. May not be long for this world''
TOYOTA KLUGER KX-S
Price: $55,490
Engine: 3.5-litre, V6 petrol, 201kW/337Nm
Trans: 5-speed auto, AWD
Body: 5-door wagon
Thirst: 11.0L/100km, CO2 259g/km
"Well balanced seven-seater that lives up to the Toyota name. Has a ot in common with the CX-9 so could be shopped side by side''
