2013 Mazda CX-9 Reviews

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?It's labelled an SUV, but it's really the four wheel drive you want, when you don't want a four wheel drive. CX-9 is big, seats seven and looks a hell of a lot more car-like than a four wheel drive (and drives more like a car too).Prices range from $44,525 for the front wheel drive Classic right up to $63,828 for the top of the range, all wheel drive Grand Touring model. The price includes a six speed automatic in all models. There's no manual.Take your pick. Perhaps the sizeable Toyota Kluger? But instead of SUV's I'd probably be looking at people movers the Chrysler Voyager or Kia Grand Carnival for instance. Both offer the same sort of utility, minus all-wheel drive which many people don't care about anyway.A 3.7-litre petrol V6 produces 204kW of power and 367Nm of torque, the latter from 4250 revs. The V6 is hooked up to a six-speed auto that allows you to change gears manually if desired.Performance is sharp for a vehicle this size. Hit the accelerator and it literally takes off. Sits high but the width helps mitigate much of the expected body roll.My wife is a hard marker when it comes to performance and doesn't like it unless a car responds instantly but no complaints from her with this one. Can tow a 2 tonne braked van or boat.The trade off for all this performance is fuel economy. Although it is rated at 11.2 litres/100km, it is going to use a lot more than this. Takes standard unleaded and has a 76-litre tank.Hardly. Not with a big petrol 3.7-litre V6. It gets 2.5 out of 5 from the Government's Green Vehicle Guide, with CO2 emissions of 261g/km. Can't understand why they don't offer this vehicle with a diesel?No problems here. With six airbags and a full complement of safety systems it scores a full five stars for safety in crash tests.At just over 5.1 metres in length and almost two metres wide, it's big and by virtue of its size fairly comfortable. The three-zone climate air helps keep everyone supplied with fresh air, even the little whingers down the back.The view from up here is generous and with sharp performance from the big V6 it is able to cut through the traffic with an agility that belies its size. You'll need a large garage or extra wide driveway however because it doesn't leave a lot left over. Luggage space with the third row in use is of course limited.Standard equipment on the entry level Classic includes Bluetooth, keyless entry, automatic lights and wipers, 18 inch alloys, a reversing camera and six speaker audio with controls on the steering wheel. All other models add larger 20 inch wheels, Bose audio and TomTom navigation with speed camera warnings.Maybe. We'd prefer a diesel. And here's the thing  there are plenty of diesel alternatives available like the excellent Hyundai Santa Fe.

A larger brood presents transport conundrums for the drivers of the house. The SUV craze can be at least partly blamed on those looking to transport more than a couple of rugrats - if your offspring numbers three or more and they have mates or grandparents who like hitching a ride, the options are largely limited to buses or bruiser SUVs.Mazda's CX range has slotted into the Australian psyche in growing numbers - particularly the likeable CX-5 turbodiesel - and the Japanese carmaker has updated its full-size CX-9.VALUEIf you don't yearn for the extra grip of all-wheel drive then the front-driver is a $4500 better proposition, not to mention a little lighter and a touch easier on the fuel. The Luxury model gets seating for seven, a touchscreen infotainment unit with a Bose sound system and TomTom satnav, USB and Bluetooth connection, tri-zone climate control with rear vents, leather trim, power-adjustable heated front seats, a leather-wrapped gearshifter and steering wheel (that's reach'n'rake adjustable) and a trip computer.There are also automatic headlights, a sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, power windows, power-adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, cruisem control, 20inch alloy wheels and a reversing camera.TECHNOLOGYMuch of the drivetrain is carryover from the old car but that's not all bad - there's 204kW of power, making it the most powerful Mazda on the books, grunt it needs to shift a two-tonne kerb weight. Torque sits at 367Nm at a high-ish 4250rpm, but Mazda says at least 90 per cent of that makes its presence felt between 2800rpm and 5800rpm.The engine has an aluminium block and head, with cast-in iron cylinder liners and variable valve timing, delivering the outputs to the front wheels via an Aisin six-speed auto and laying claim to an ADR fuel use figure of 11 litres per 100km. The beefy Mazda claims a two-tonne braked towing capacity - just shy of the Territory's 2300kg but on par with most of its opposition below.DESIGNA handsome machine on the road, the new family nose design and revamped tail seem to fit this large wagon better than some of its siblings. It's still a little non-descript on the flanks, compared with some of the company's all-new product, but if you don't want something truck-like or the stereotypical peoplemover box on wheels, this big kid-carter could suit.Inside it's black and red with a few trim bits to break up the monotony. A high centre tunnel console and wraparound front area doesn't convey and image of acreage, but it's comfortable and has some good storage nooks.Piling in the people isn't terribly difficult, although the lower-than-average roofline might catch the odd bonce. An adjustable middle row makes the proper third row useful for more than just tweens - it's a genuine seven seater although adults wouldn't want to dwell there on a major road trip. But a day trip isn't out of the realms and while 267 litres doesn't sound like much space, it's better than average for the segment.SAFETYThe top-spec AWD model gets a stack of cutting-edge active safety systems, but the Luxury model makes do with dual front, front-side and curtain airbags for all three rows as standard equipment and lap-sash seatbelts for all occupants.There's also a reversing camera (but no standard sensors), anti-lock brakes (with electronic brakeforce distribution), stability (with an anti- rollover function) and traction control and emergency braking assistance.DRIVINGAs conveyances go the Mazda breed has been responsible for some genuine driver's machines - this is not really one of them, but as family trucksters go it's one of the more capable. It's bigger than you first think, with the Mazda family look not unpleasant on the eye for most. The cabin has enough space for most family duties, with the high centre console keeping the driver and front passenger snugly separated.Vision is decent looking forward although the pillars are a little broad and need to be looked around, not something exclusive to the model or the breed, but you need to take it into account at junctions. Underway, the CX-9 is propelled smoothly and quietly but the petrol V6 - there's more than enough grunt for most duties but when delivered through the front wheels alone it can elicit a bit of steering wheel movement, even at speed.It's not enough to warrant concern but it does show the big peoplemover has ample grunt when required - but be prepared for fuel economy in the high teens if you're spending most of the time in the suburbs in this two-tonne wagon. If you spend anytime on dirt roads then AWD would be mandatory, as the V6 will overpower the front wheels and spark the electronic nursemaids into action.The TomTom satnav screen is clear and informative in terms of the map screen but it's a little convoluted to use, however the quantity and quality of sound from the 10-speaker Bose gear helps offset any frustrations there - once the school run is done you can all the mirrors pulsing in unison. You become a little conscious of the girth when stopping or cornering, but it's by no means an unwieldy machine given its origins. It sits handsomely on 20in wheels and 50-profile tyres, a feature which sharpens the ride up a touch but not enough to warrant complaint from the brood. Cargo room of 267 litres when all seven seats are occupied is above average for the segment, but what's not as common is a third row that can have adults in them, particularly given the adjustment available for the middle bench.Complaints are few - a nod to the US is a foot-operated parking brake, which is not ideal at the best of times and even worse when in need of adjustment. Can we have an electric one in the console please?VERDICTIf you're not interested in trucky SUVs but don't want to to look like you've taken over school bus driving duties, it's something like the CX-9 that will need to call your driveway home. There are less stylish ways to cart a houseful of kids, but from a dynamics viewpoint I wouldn't need much convincing to opt for the AWD, and a whizz-bang Skyactiv diesel option would take care of the painful thirst.Mazda CX-9 LuxuryPrice: from $52,980Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmResale:  56 per cent (Source: Glass's Guide)Service interval: 10,000km/6 monthsSafety rating: not testedSpare: space-saverEngine: 3.8-litre V6, 204kW/367NmTransmission: 6-speed auto; FWDBody: 5.1m (L); 1.9m (w); 1.7m (h)Weight: 1966kgThirst: 11L/100km, on test 17.9; tank 76 litres; 257g/km CO2 

Prices for the CX-9 range start from $44,525 for the entry level Classic spec.The infotainment system in the big Mazda SUV has been upgraded and now features audio, navigation and speech-recognition systems in what Mazda calls it’s HMI (Human Machine Interface).The big Mazda CX-9 has a relatively old-fashioned V6 petrol engine displacing 3.7 litres. Changes to the engine and its ancillaries in this facelifted model have been made in an attempt to  reduce its fuel consumption. It’s no longer the gas guzzler that it was in its early days, but the upgraded the model still likes a drink.On quiet country roads and motorways you may be able to get its consumption down to 10 to 12 litres per hundred kilometres. Around town expect the engine to be operating in the 12 to 15 litre range. These fuel figures are not good, but Mazda is presumably working on its fuel saving SkyActiv technology for the V6 engine and that will hopefully make the CX-9 kinder to the air we all breathe.The ancestors of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) were 4WDs and back in the olden days the first 4WDs were nothing but trucks. Though things have changed since then, most SUVs tend to have relatively conservative styling. Styling that’s aimed not to offend conservative truck buyers.Mazda, always a very innovative company, has decided to break the old mould – resulting in SUVs that have moved completely away from their distant ancestors. It began with the Mazda CX-5 with its big grille and flowing lines. Now we see the subject of this week’s road test, the Mazda CX-9. Though the stylists were faced with the difficult job of taking an someone plain vehicle and giving it an all-new character, they have done their work well.Of course, most SUVs are bought as people movers, not SUVs and certainly not 4WDs, and these buyers can be conservative in their own right.Whether these people will go for the big new-look Mazda or one of its conservative looking competitors is a question that’s yet to be answered, but we certainly got plenty of looks during our week of living with a CX-9.There's room for seven adults without them being overly cramped, though four adults and three children is more realistic. The centre set of seats can slide back and forward to let you vary the amount of legroom available in this seat and the third row seats. With the centre seat in its rearmost position there's almost limo-like legroom.The third row of seats fold flat very simply to give a useful increase in luggage space. Even with all seven seats in use there's still room for a couple of fair-sized suitcases or similar behind them.Mazda Australia has been very strong on safety for many years, so the CX-9 has had electronic stability control and rollover protection to help prevent crashes since its introduction downunder in 2007.The list of safety features has been greatly expanded, particularly in the crash avoidance field. Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and High Beam Control (HBC) anticipate danger and help the driver avoid it. Not all safety systems are sold in every grade so it’s best to talk about them with your favourite Mazda dealer.Suspension and steering haven’t been altered in the new model. Though Australian imports have more dynamic settings than the American models, the big Mazda CX-9 is relatively soft and has very light steering. Keen drivers need not apply.Mazda CX-9 can certainly be used in light-duty running on forest trails, perhaps even at the beach. We did quite a few kilometres running on dirt road and found the suspension did an excellent job of cushioning shocks.The big Mazda has a good turning circle for its class and this is a real bonus when it comes to the reality of squeezing it into a tight parking space in an underground parking station. Our test vehicle didn’t have parking ‘beepers’ but did have a reversing camera.

Mazda has taken the wraps off a new look CX-9. But those hoping for a diesel version will be disappointed. It does however get some extra goodies and is the second Mazda to feature its range of active safety systems, although they remain optional.Prices range from $44,525 up to $63,828 for the top of the range Grand Touring model, $100 more than before in the case of the entry model but for a better equipped vehicle. It's available in front wheel and all-wheel drive and comes in three different grades: Classic, Luxury and the top of the range Grand Touring.All CX-9s get three-zone climate control air-conditioning, alloy wheels, cruise control and power windows and mirrors. An MP3/WMA compatible CD player is operated through a display which includes a reversing camera with rear parking guidelines. The range topping Grand Touring model adds Bi-Xenon headlamps, a remote operated power tailgate, as well as keyless entry and engine start.The upgraded infotainment system features the latest audio, navigation and speech-recognition systems based on an intuitive HMI (Human Machine Interface) and Bluetooth comes as standard across the entire range. A USB connector has been added to the audio system and the Bluetooth profile has been upgraded and allows the user to repeat tracks, shuffle tracks, and select folders via the steering wheel controls.The classy seven seater is powered by the same thirsty 3.7-litre petrol V6 that powers the current model. The 3.7-litre V6 pumps out 204kW of power at 6250 revs and 367Nm of torque at 4250 revs. It's hooked up to a six-speed auto and goes like a jet, delivering between 11.0 and 11.2 litres/100km depending on model (all wheel drive is a little thirstier).'i-ACTIVSENSE' - active what? Active safety systems that go looking for trouble before it finds you. They include Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and High Beam Control (HBC)-- all of which anticipate danger and help the driver avoid it. Unfortunately, this suite of safety systems is available only with the top of the range model.Not rated by ANCAP, but comes with a full complement of safety gear including six airbags (offering protection for all three rows), dynamic stability control, anti-lock braking system, emergency brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, roll stability control and a reversing camera.Within the front grille, the new signature wing is adopted, LED Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) with a halo ring light guide around the head lamp are added to selected models, and rear combination lamps incorporating the new design signature.

The elder statesman of the Mazda CX range is a bit like a Swiss Army knife: capable of a variety of jobs well beyond the expected blade. A mid-life nip-and-tuck has improved on CX-9’s distinctive looks without losing any of the utility that has made the seven-seater a popular, if niche, choice in the large SUV market. Mazda loads up the CX-9 when it comes to look and specification and the updated vehicle only has fairly minor price rises. All models have Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary inputs, a reversing camera, three-zone airconditioning, auto headlamps and wipers and a 3.7-litre V6 matched to a six-speed auto.The front-wheel drive Classic starts at $44,525, climbing to $52,980 for the Luxury model. The all-wheel drive Luxury is $57,480, with the Grand Touring $63,828. That’s around $5000 more than a Ford Territory (though without AWD) and just under the Jeep Grand Cherokee.The sound and satnav systems have been upgraded to match the newer entrants in this class. There’s now Bluetooth with audio streaming and the speech recognition system has been updated to provide audio and navigation interaction.The TomTom satnav can be updated using CD cards and is straightforward to operate. The Grand Touring model now picks up bi-xenon headlamps, daytime running lights and a remote operated power tailgate.Kodo is the key word at Mazda for the corporate look and the CX-9s new grille follows the CX-5 and Mazda6 styling. Remodelled front and rear bumpers and lights to match make it reasonably easy to pick from the outgoing version. Inside there’s a piano black finish around the instruments and Bordeaux-coloured metal strips run down either side of the centre console.The second row seating can be adjusted 120mm depending on the size of the occupants and adults will cope with short-ish trips in the pair of the third row seats. Boot space is marginal with seven on board but expands dramatically up to 1911 litres when there’s only two on board.The CX-9 hasn’t hit the wall loaded with ANCAP sensors but the US version rates as a five-star car. There are six airbags to protect occupants in all seats, the full suite of safety software and the likes of lane-departure warning, blind spot monitoring and forward collision warning systems.Big but light on its feet, the CX-9 is analogous with a rugby forward. There’s enough sheet metal to bestow an imposing look on the road but that’s not the impression from behind the wheel, where the lightly weighted steering adds to the impression of agility.Rapid changes of direction, especially on gravel, remind the driver this is a big bus. It’s more inertia than body roll, though, so the passengers won’t feel nauseous even at a brisk pace on back roads. Noise suppression is first rate and there is little evidence the Mazda is essentially a seven-year-old car.The V6 engine has enough urge to propel the CX-9 at a solid pace, either off the line or during overtaking and the wide seats hang on as well as the car does. In most cases, the front-wheel drive model will do most people and impresses enough that there would want to be long stretches of dirt ahead to consider paying the premium for AWD.

And there is likely to be more of it so with all the top resorts reporting big falls of crisp fresh white stuff, enthusiasts are dusting of their ski gear and talking snow talk.Carsguide this week takes a look at some of the newer off-roaders and others we think are some of the more desirable partners in snow.NISSAN DUALIS Price: From $28,990IT is a big seller overseas, but the compact Dualis has been slow to take off with buyers here.But it is a competent snow companion. It's not too big, nor too small, has composed on road manners and reasonable soft-road ability.In keeping with the current crop of smaller off-roaders, the Dualis has a wagon-style design, upright driving position and cabin that will swallow a decent amount of gear.The rear seats split fold 60/40 and the four-wheel drive system has a lock function that splits drive 50/50 front and rear when the going gets tough at lower speeds.The Dualis is powered by a 102kW/198Nm 2.0-litre four that delivers acceptable, but not outstanding performance.The Ti gets standard stability control, six airbags and heated leather front seats.Tick: Compact styling.Cross: Still relatively unknown. VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN Price: From $33,990THE Tiguan is essentially a grown up Golf and takes on all the attributes of its smaller brother, adding all-wheel drive into the mix with a choice of 2.0-litre petrol or turbo-diesel engines.It's slightly longer than the Golf and comes with the 4Motion Haldex all-wheel drive system.There is no low range but the Tig will get you out of most trouble in the snow.One of the impressive things about this off-roader is its handling. Anyone familiar with the Golf will be perfectly at home.Like all VW's the Tiguan is well equipped and gets standard stability control, six airbags and optional hill-descent system.Roof rails are standard and you will need them for a luggage pod because boot space is limited. However, the rear seats do fold almost flat. If you specify leather, the front seats are heated.Tick: Badge and handling.Cross: Luggage space and firm ride. SUBARU FORESTER Price: From $30,990LIKE the previous model, the Forester is a top seller and popular among skiers.The new-generation wagon answers the criticism of limited luggage and rear seat legroom by being bigger and even more practical.However, by growing 90mm in wheelbase and up in overall size the Forester has lost some of that on-road precision that marked the previous model as a standout. Some aspects of the cabin, like the dashboard execution, are not of the quality we expect from Subaru either.Pluses are its size and 2.5-litre boxer four cylinder engines. Subaru build quality is generally good too, as is the constant all-wheel drive system.The Forester has a five-star crash rating and raft of safety features that includes anti-skid brakes, stability control and brace of airbags. Manual Foresters get hill-start assist, which stops the car rolling backwards while first gear is engaged.Tick: It's a Subbie.Cross: Soggy SUV feel. RENAULT KOLEOS Price: From $29,990TO dismiss the Koleos as just a French car over the top of Nissan mechanicals is missing the point.The Koleos is well executed, solid and safe. It has six airbags, stability control and hazard lights that come on after an emergency stop.The "All-Mode 4x4i" all-wheel drive versions also get hill-start assist and hill-descent control.In auto mode, the torque split between the front and rear is automatically determined by the amount of available grip.Entry models are two-wheel drive while all-wheel drive buyers get a choice of the smooth Renault-sourced 2.0-litre dCi turbo diesel or 2.5-litre Nissan-sourced petrol four cylinder.There's plenty of room. The rear centre armrest is removable to allow skis to be pushed through and there are storage bins under the front seats and rear floor.Like the Tiguan, the range topping models with leather get heated front seats.Tick: Better looking than an X-Trail.Cross: Renault badge. AUDI Q5 Price: From: $59,900IT seems that just about any vehicle Audi launches at the moment is a sellout.The Q5 is one of them.Smaller than a Q7, the Q5 has the same off-road attributes in a smaller sharply styled package with good luggage space via the 40/20/40 split rear seats and optional cargo barrier that separates luggage.Two petrol and two turbo diesels are available and the S-tronic seven-speed gearbox contributes to good fuel figures.Audi's permanent quattro all-wheel drive system splits torque 40/60 front and rear, which gives the car relatively neutral handling.For those looking for something bigger, there's the A6 Allroad and the Q7.Unfortunately Audi is becoming just like its German rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz when it comes to equipment.Tick: Space and diesel.Cross: Expensive options. FORD TERRITORY Price: From $39,490THE Territory has just undergone a recent update to bring it into line with the rest of the Ford range.However, the cabin remains largely the same, and that's not a bad thing. It's good for a family and has seven-seater capacity.The Territory's cabin is well thought out and there is lots of storage space.Buyers have a choice of four AWD models or three rear-drive models.Stability control is standard, as are four airbags and anti-skid brakes.The TS and Ghia four-wheel drive models get seven seats as standard. Mum and Dad will also appreciate the standard DVD player in the Ghia.The reversible rear-load floor and compartment for storing wet items is handy.Tick: Practical and good looking.Cross: Getting on despite update. VOLVO XC60 Price: From $57,950THE XC60 is one of the best handling Volvo wagons around and one of the most attractive.The new City Safety feature is more than just a gimmick. The system applies the brakes if you are about to rear-end another car in low-speed situations up to 30km/h.Other Volvo strengths are the lane change warning system and blind-spot warning system. Volvo seats are renown for their comfort. 40/20/40 split rear seat is practical.There is a choice of either the 2.4-litre D5 turbo-diesel, which is about to be upgraded to a twin-turbo for better economy and efficiency, or the 3.0-litre turbo petrol six.Tick: Styling and equipment.Cross: Rattly diesel. LEXUS RX350 Price: From $81,900.THE RX350 has grown slightly, which translates into more interior room.This wagon, like all Lexus models, is packed with equipment that is optional on its rivals like satellite navigation, power rear hatch and rear reversing camera.The Sports Luxury gets active headlights that follow the curve of the road, plus a heads-up display.The safety package consists of stability control with cooperative steering function (VSC+), traction control, anti-skid brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.There is also, hill-start assist, 10 airbags and a first-aid kit.The rear seats split 40/20/40 and there is a wet-storage area in the luggage load floor. Thule luggage pods are also available.Tick: Standard equipment.Cross: Looks bloated. MAZDA CX9 Price: From $51,990It looks big and feels big but once under way, the CX9 shrink-wraps around you.It's well sorted on the road, has a host of safety gear and with seven seats, has plenty of room for the family.The cabin quality is better than the CX9 too.The 204kW/366Nm 3.7-litre V6 has plenty of poke but slurps petrol like a celebrity lining up for a free drink during Melbourne Cup week.The 60/40 split fold rear seats can be released from the luggage area.Tick: Rear seating, quality.Cross: Fuel economy. TOYOTA PRADOPrice: From $48,600THE Prado is the ideal family load-lugger if you need serious space and room for the family.It comes with eight seats and long-range fuel tank of 180 litres.The full-time 4WD system has a low-range setting for heavy off-roading.However only the higher spec Prados get standard stability control, anti-skid brakes, hill-descent control and six airbags as standard so it pays to check the fineprint.GXL, VX and Grande buyers get foglights and roof rails with satellite navigation and height-adjustable air suspension standard only on the top-of-the-range Grande.Tick: Standard and GX lack standard safety gear.Cross: Clunky styling. NISSAN MURANO Price: From $45,990THE previous-generation Murano was a sleeper.In a lineup dominated by the Navara and Patrol, it never really stood out other than a competent family wagon and its soft curves alienated many potential buyers.But Nissan hopes to change that with the new-generation Murano.The styling is sharper, the 191kW/336Nm 3.5-litre V6 a sweet engine that delivers good fuel economy. The packaging is good. The automatic All Mode 4x4-i all-wheel drive system can distribute torque on demand to where its needed.The luxury Ti gets all the fruit, from navigation system to heated front seats, reversing camera, automatic rear hatch and Bose sound system. The 60/40 split rear seats on both the ST and Ti can be flipped forward from the back of the car.Tick: Engine, equipment.Cross: Cheese-cutter grille. RANGE ROVER SPORT Price: From $90,900THE Range Rover brand has a strong following and is the preferred luxury chariot for seriously well-heeled snowgoers.Like the bigger Range Rover the Sport gets the nifty "Terrain Response" off-road system which means you just have to twist the switch to get the required off-road mode.The Range Rover Sport has real off-road capability but we don't think too many owners would ever go bush bashing in the leather-line luxury off-roader, particularly with the stylish 20-inch wheels available some models.The 65/35 split rear seats also have folding cushions and the full-size spare is easily accessible under the car. However, some of the bigger wheel/tyre options make do with a spacesaver.Tick: Luxury.Cross: Reliability.