Mazda CX-9 2012 News

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced another round of safety recalls, with models from Mazda, Holden, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Jaguar affected.

Just as rear-wheel drive die-hard BMW prepares its first front-wheel drive models, Mazda could be plotting a return to the layout for future passenger vehicles.Mazda has never let go of rear-wheel drive for its sporty MX-5 and its light commercial BT-50 range, and Edmunds reports that there is a push from within the Japanese brand to revert to rear-drive for more mainstream models as a means of differentiation. Mazda, along with most other brands, abandoned rear-drive for its mainstream models in the early 1980s due to inherent cost, packaging, weight, and efficiency compromises. The last Mazda passenger car to send power to the rear wheels only was the top-line HE-generation 929 model, which bowed out in 1997.Nowadays, the mainstream Mazda2, Mazda3, and Mazda6 models are all front-drive, with the CX-5 and CX-9 SUVs also using a front-biased transverse engine layout.Rear-drive remains the accepted choice on a purely dynamic basis, with the likes of Porsche, Ferrari, and Lotus maintaining the layout as a design fundamental.A Mazda rear-wheel drive shift could enhance the brand’s appeal to enthusiast drivers, but the inherent challenges would need to be overcome to maintain mainstream appeal.Premium brands BMW and Mercedes-Benz have managed to remain successful with rear-drive mainstream models, and look to continue limiting front-drive options to the smaller, more cost-conscious ends of their respective ranges.Significantly, BMW and Mercedes’ big-selling rear drivers sit well up the price scale from any Mazda offering – helping to justify their expensive development. The Mazda push is reportedly coming from within its engineering department, but top management is said to be cold on the idea due to the cost of rejigging platforms to suit. Justification could come thanks to Alfa Romeo’s own desire for more rear-wheel drive models, considering the two brands’ existing relationship for the upcoming Alfa Spider/next MX-5 duo. It’s a long shot at this stage, with no official confirmation of such a strategy, but the rumoured replacement for the defunct RX-7 and RX-8 sports coupes would be a logical first step.This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn 

It's great to drive around hands-free and connected, but I wish I had a smile for every time I've had a technical problem or been asked why I sound like I'm talking to a tin can on the end of a piece of string.Every week there is another car to try and seduce you into a new relationship, but it never seems to be the same process. Just finding the pairing package can be a pain. Is it the button on the steering wheel, some sort of setting I must access through a jet fighter-style dash layout, or a hidden link through the infotainment system?Some systems want a password on the phone, some want it through the infotainment system, some want it for both. And some systems just don't want to connect. If you try to make a Bluetooth connection on a suburban street, how do you know if you're actually linking to the car in question or another that's idling at the kerb, someone sitting up the street, or even someone walking past with the Bluetooth activated on their cellphone? Urk. It's a mess.Just this week, as I was trying to connect to a new Infiniti hybrid, I realised my phone was storing connections for over a dozen cars I have driven over the past month. Doing a bulk delete definitely made things easier. My problems are a bit extreme, but each week I get emails from people who are having Bluetooth dramas. The most common complaint is that their particular phone won't connect to the system in their car.As an example, Doreen is complaining today that her iPhone won't talk to her new Mazda CX-5. And her neighbour has the same drama with a CX-9. Mazda is getting back to me.Bluetooth is becoming more and more important because of the safety risk of driving while talking, and NSW has just brought in tough new rules that will be rolled out across the country. You need to check them, now. But you should also spend a few minutes to focus on your Bluetooth needs and ensure you have a system that works with zero interruption to your driving.I've got to dash now, a Kia Sorento has just arrived and I need a few minutes to pair my iPhone. 

So important is the Australian market to Mazda that the 2012 Sydney motor show saw the global debut of the revised CX-9 model. The Japanese marque with a reputation for quality is going gangbusters in Australia at the moment, having recently moved into third place overall in the sales race. The Mazda3 has been the number one selling car several times in the past 12 months.The most obvious feature of the latest version of the Mazda CX-9 is the huge grille that transforms it from looking like a sensible people mover into a standout model with plenty of road presence. But there’s a lot more to the large seven-seat Mazda than simply it’s bold new frontal look.It has been upgraded inside and out and carries minor refinements to the engine and its ancillaries that are said to have reduced its fuel consumption. For example, the Mazda usually only charges its battery when the load is off the engine, such as when it’s slowing down or running downhill, thus avoiding fuel use when that can be done.The previous Mazda CX-9 did like a drink, we are yet to carry out a road test on the latest update to the CX-9, so will measure the consumption for ourselves. The infotainment system in the big Mazda SUV has been upgraded and now features the latest audio, navigation and speech-recognition systems in what Mazda calls it’s HMI (Human Machine Interface).Mazda Australia is very strong on safety, so the CX-9 has had electronic stability control and rollover protection to help prevent crashes since its introduction in 2007. The suite 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.Though it’s technically a Japanese vehicle, Mazda CX-9 is aimed at the American market. This will suit Australian buyers as we tend to lean more to the American automotive culture than to the Japanese one. This is a large vehicle with good interior space and plenty of punch from a large 3.7-litre V6 engine. Mazda CX-9 can certainly be used in light-duty running on forest trails, perhaps even at the beach, but almost all owners will use it as a spacious people mover.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 the seats in use there's still space for a couple of fair-sized suitcases. Though it’s similar in overall dimensions to large 4WDs like the Nissan Patrol and Toyota LandCruiser the Mazda looks smaller and less intimidating. However, parking it in tight spaces can be tricky at times. To its credit, this big Mazda has a good turning circle for its class and this can be a real help.Suspension and steering haven’t been altered in the new model. Though Australian imports have slightly more dynamic settings and firmer steering than the American models, the CX-9 is still relatively soft. In previous road tests we have commented that steering feel isn’t bad for a big people mover and there's little understeer until it’s going quite hard at bends. We will check this out when we carry out a full road test. 

The CX-9 is a big crossover sport-utility SUV featuring a distinctive sporty appearance, a high quality cabin, the flexibility of three-rows, and sharp driving dynamics.The revised CX-9 carries over the utility and dynamic driving performance of the current model while adopting Mazda's ‘KODO Soul of Motion' design theme at the front and rear. Enhancements inside further the feeling of quality and refinement.Equipment upgrades include the infotainment system featuring the latest audio, navigation and speech-recognition systems based on an intuitive HMI (Human Machine Interface).In addition, new and advanced active safety features such as Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and High Beam Control (HBC) anticipate danger and help the driver avoid it.The new-Look CX-9 carries over the MZI 3.7-litre V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission from the current model. 

Available in Classic and Luxury grades, the new Mazda front-wheel-drive models will offer increased choice for customers who require the flexibility of seating for up to seven but without the need for all-wheel-drive. The two front-wheel drive models are $4500 less than their all-wheel drive counterparts. All CX-9s continue to be powered by a 3.7 litre V6 engine mated to a 6-speed Activematic transmission. The CX-9 Classic FWD becomes the introductory model in the range and is equipped with an impressive list of features including 18-inch alloy wheels, auto headlamps, cruise control, three-zone climate control, power windows and mirrors plus a leather trimmed steering wheel and gear shift knob. Safety remains a priority with all CX-9s boasting a full complement of safety features including six airbags (offering protection for all three rows), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Roll Stability Control (RSC) and a reversing camera. Luxury model adds 20-inch alloy wheels, a power-sliding and tilt glass sunroof, heated power mirrors with 3-position memory and reverse tilt-down function, power adjustable leather seats with 3-position memory function and a premium Bose audio system with 10 speakers. The Luxury model is also available with a Satellite Navigation option adding a fully integrated 7-inch touch-screen satellite navigation system and Bluetooth with audio streaming. Prices for the new front-wheel drive models start from $44,425.

The company has just revealed the latest in its series of swoopy concept cars, called the Kazamai, but in reality it is a clear pointer to a CX-5.

The CX-9 is due to hit the showrooms in December, the large SUV will boast a 3.7-litre V6 engine. In Japanese spec it produces 204kW of power at 6350rpm and 366Nm of torque at 4250rpm. The Mazda CX-7 uses a 2.3-litre four-cylinder but the turbocharged petrol engine gives 175kW of power. The CX-9 is built on a different platform, having a wheelbase of 2875mm and a total body length of 5074mm. Mazda says Australia will be the first market to get the 3.7-litre version of the CX-9. It will be available in two grades; Luxury and Classic. Prices are expected to start in the low $50,000s. The CX-9 will sit on 18 or 20-inch wheels, depending on the version, and have three rows of seats. However, reasonable luggage space will remain; even when the third seating row is in use; 480 litres, which is comparable to a decent-sized normal car boot. Fold the third seat-row away and there's 928 litres of space to play with. The second-seat row is split 40-60 and can slide forward and aft 12cm. Mazda adds a wide door opening for third-row passengers to step in behind the second-row seat. CX-9s being built for Australia have stability control, roll-stability control, touch-screen audio with reversing camera, six airbags, cruise control, power windows and three-zone, climate-control airconditioning with separate control for the rear. Mazda's 'active torque split' all-wheel-drive system is used. It will automatically adjust torque distribution to the front and rear wheels from 100 per cent front wheels to 50-50.    

Mazda's venture into the world of the crossover SUV has already taken on a local flavour with extensive Australian testing of the new CX-9. The seven-seater, a big brother to the sporty CX-7 launched late last year, has been undergoing engineering evaluation in Victoria ahead of its local launch next January.Mazda sent a prototype right-hand-drive engineering mule and a team of engineers to evaluate the V6-powered CX-9 under local conditions. The move was prompted in part by the decision to use Australia as the world launch market for right-hand-drive models.To be offered in two grades, the AustralianCX-9s, which have been extensively modified for right-hand-drive use, are expected to be priced between $55,000 and $60,000.Modifications include flipping the centre seat 60/40 split and middle row seatbelt mounting point to ensure the CX-9's interior works just as well in Australia as it does in North America, a market the cars were designed for.On the evaluation drive, which focused on powertrain, suspension and steering calibration and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), the right-hand-drive mule was driven alongside a left-hand-drive North American specification car to benchmark the results.While final specifications have yet to be confirmed, the 186kW CX-9 will be generously equipped with a choice of 18-inch or 20-inchalloy wheels, dual zone climate control airconditioning, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, six airbags and active safety features such as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Roll Stability Control (RSC).

It is a cutaway without a roof. It was sliced in the United States to show the space and flexibility in the biggest passenger vehicle to carry a Mazda badge. The dissected CX-9 will be at the show alongside a regular road runner that's also coming from America. The production car should arrive next week. Both are left-hand-drive because right-steer cars will not be on the production line in America until the end of the year. "Right-hand-drive production won't start until then. We are the only right-hand-drive country taking the existing CX-7," Mazda Australia spokesman Alastair Doak says. "The CX-9 is being developed specifically for the Australian market. It is fantastic that they are making that effort for us." Doak says Mazda is keen to allow potential customers to see the CX-9 early after the success of the CX-7, the company's first crossover people mover. "We definitely want to have the CX-9 at the show. The cut body has had the roof removed so people can see inside," he says. Doak says Mazda Australia expects solid demand for the newcomer, a seven-seater with a V6 engine. "It is a mid-sized crossover. It does what the CX-7 does for its sector in a bigger size. "It is a whole new level of style while delivering the Mazda `zoom-zoom' driving dynamics." Mazda Australia moved quickly to get the CX-9, even though it is not going to Britain or Japan. "The people-mover segment is not large in Australia. But, obviously, a three-row crossover wagon has a much larger pond to fish in," Doak says. "We haven't talked price, but it sits above CX-7. The leather CX-7 is $46,000 and it will be significantly larger than that," Doak says. "There is no relationship in architecture between these two vehicles. They are stand-alone. They have the same school of styling, but the CX-9 will come only as a V6, and will have a six-speed automatic gearbox."