Mazda CX-9 2013 News

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."

AUDIThe much-anticipated second generation of the Audi TT Coupe made its public debut at this week's New York International Auto show. Audi Australia spokeswoman Anna Burgdorf says the new TT will be in showrooms here before the end of the year.The new TT features Audi's new magnetic ride-damper system, which uses metal particles suspended in the damper oil and electric current to provide variable damping. The car is also longer and wider than its predecessor while retaining the sleek lines pioneered in the original TT Coupe.DAIMLER CHRYSLERChrysler will unveil the stretched version of its popular 300C sedan. The extended wheelbase adds 150mm to the length while the rear seat environment has been enhanced with illuminated writing tables, more power outlets, footrests and custom-paint colours. Chrysler expects the 300C long wheelbase to attract interest from the limousine industry, as well as retail customers. Its arrival date in Australia is still uncertain.DaimlerChrysler has also showcased the new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, claimed by Jeep to be the most spacious ever offered. Also on the stand is the compact Jeep Patriot.The Dodge Caliber will bring the Dodge badge back to Australia and will provide a second passenger stream for Chrysler. It will arrive in Australia for sale mid year. Dodge plans to release a new vehicle in Australia approximately every six months for the next three years.MERCEDESThe mildly face-lifted E-Class with engine revamps will make its way to Australia in September or October. Other vehicles on display include the R-Class, which had its Sydney launch this week and G-Class, due in Australia in November.HONDAThe next generation of the Honda MDX large four-wheel-drive, sold as Acura in the US, is on show as a concept car. It is expected to be a pointer to the production model that will go on sale in the US later this year.Honda is not giving away much about the second-generation MDX model, which it says is designed, developed and will be built in North America. The current MDX started as a left-hand-drive-only model, but after sufficient lobbying, Honda agreed to build right-hand-drive models for Japan and Australia. Honda Australia says it doesn't know if the second-generation MDX will be made in right-hand-drive but hopes it will be.It is keen to keep the prestige MDX in its line-up because the big crossover wagon, which is about the same size as a Ford Territory, added 829 sales to its tally last year.SUZUKIThe Suzuki SX-4 – a joint Suzuki-Fiat enterprise – is set to be released to markets outside Europe in the coming months. Suzuki Australia will not officially commit the car to Australia but privately is understood to be anxious to add it to the marque's limited garage.The latest generation of the large XL-7 will not make it to Australia with a decision having been taken last year to phase the model out of local sales.FERRARILaunched at the Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari's 599 GTB has embarked on its world tour. Described as the company's most powerful V12 production car, the innovative and technologically advanced performance star is expected to make its first appearance in Australia at the Sydney motor show in October.MAZDAMazda has unveiled the CX-9, a seven-seat crossover sport-utility vehicle. Its arrival in Australia is still uncertain, with Mazda assessing the possibility of making the vehicle available in right-hand drive and getting it to market at a competitive price. Also on the stand – and confirmed for Australia – are the mid-sized crossover CX-7 and MazdaSpeed3 (badged as the Mazda3 MPS for Australia).LEXUSThe LS600h, which Lexus claims will be the world's first vehicle to feature a full hybrid V8 engine, has been unveiled in New York.This new version of its flagship will be available in Australia only in long wheelbase, and is due to be launched in the first half of 2007. Lexus claims the car will be economical for such a large body, averaging 14 litres/100km.PONTIACOne highlight of the New York showcars not destined for Australia is the G6 GXP concept car. It features Pontiac's distinctive nose also seen on the US-version of the now-defunct Holden Monaro. This concept car has 19-inch wheels and boasts a 200kW, 3.9-litre V6 engine.Which of these cars excites you?