Mazda CX-9 News

New Honda Jazz sets new benchmark for rear view cameras: $14,990.

New-car prices will hit new lows between now and the end of the month as Japanese brands push to reach their sales targets before the end of the Japanese financial year, which is March 31.March is typically the second-biggest month of the year for new-car sales behind June, the end of the Australian financial year. The good news for car buyers is that the heavy discounting from the Japanese companies also brings down prices across the industry as rivals try to compete.The profit margins on some cars are so slim that dealers claim they only make money on window tinting -- and finance if arranged through the dealership. Last year, the Toyota Corolla and Nissan Pulsar had their prices wound back by 20 years to $19,990, and others followed.The Japanese Government has for the past 12 months artificially devalued the Yen to boost exports and keep their car factories running at full capacity. Car companies and dealers refused to comment on-the-record about the "D-word" -- discount -- but a search across the industry found some sharp deals on popular cars.The cheapest models from Japanese brands are the Suzuki Alto ($11,990 drive-away) and the Mitsubishi Mirage ($12,990 drive-away), both about $3000 off their full recommended retail prices. Despite their bargain prices both five-door hatchbacks come with the latest safety features, including six airbags and stability control.Meanwhile Suzuki has the cheapest small car below $20,000 with a built-in navigation system: the special edition Swift Navigator is $16,990 drive-away, about $3500 off.Nissan's website says its Pulsar small car is $22,315 drive-away but we found several dealers prepared to sell one for $18,990 drive-away, more than $3000 off. "We'll sell you a car but there's nothing in it for us," said one Nissan dealer who did not want to be named. "That's a white car with manual transmission and standard-issue number plates." Automatic transmission typically adds $2000, metallic paint adds up to $550 on some brands and, in NSW, premium number plates cost about $60 more than standard-issue plates.The only people not celebrating the sharp new-car prices are the dealers. "It's not uncommon to not make a dollar on the car," said a Mitsubishi dealer. "We hope to make it back on accessories, finance or when the customer comes back to get the car serviced."Car dealers typically get a commission of about $1200 on the finance on a $20,000 car -- if the finance is arranged through the dealership. "That's more than the profit on the car," said another dealer. Buyers might also get lucky if the dealer is a few cars short of their monthly sales target."Sometimes you'll rip up a car (sell it below cost) in the last one or two days of the month, just to get over the line," said one multi-franchise dealer principal with more than 20 years' experience in the trade. "That sale could mean the difference between getting a big bonus from the factory, or nothing."The biggest discounts are on the dearest cars. The Nissan 370Z sports-car is now $59,990 drive-away, it was $72,000 plus on-road costs the same time last year, a saving of about $15,000. The Nissan Leaf electric car is now $39,990 drive-away, compared to $51,500 plus on-road costs when it was launched two years ago, a saving of about $14,000 off the full RRP. The Mitsubishi Pajero GLX-R 4WD wagon is now $54,990 drive-away -- it is normally $60,000 drive-away -- but dealers we spoke to said there was at least a further "$1000 to $2000 wriggle room" left in this deal.For those looking for a family sedan the locally-made Toyota Camry can be bought at a discounted price of $29,990 drive-away with Toyota's 1 per cent finance, about $3000 off the full RRP -- and more than $3000 off the repayments at market interest rates. This deal is unique because, customarily, low interest rate offers apply only to the full RRP of the car, which is how the car companies fund the deal.In most cases it is cheaper to arrange your own finance and haggle hard on the price of the car. But Toyota has bucked this trend by offering a low interest rate as well as a drive-away price on the Camry to keep the struggling Toyota factory at Altona running.Meanwhile the Mazda CX-9 Luxury SUV normally sells for $52,980 plus on-roads, but it is now $51,990 drive-away, a saving of about $5000 off the full RRP. But as with the Mitsubishi Pajero deal, Mazda dealers say there is still a further $1000 to $2000 to negotiate off the luxury version of the Mazda CX-9 if buyers sign on the dotted line by the end of the month.This reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling 

Honda is banking on a taller body, seating for eight and a swag of new features to boost its new fifth-generation Odyssey people mover closer to the top of the Australian people mover segment.Honda Australia director Stephen Collins expects the more van-like model to be “right up top of the shopping list in this segement,” despite price increases of $3,890-$4700 across the two-grade lineup. Helping to justify the price rise is the availability of an eight seat layout for the first time and new features like powered sliding rear doors, a 7-inch multimedia screen, auto parking function, a 360 degree camera, blind-spot and cross traffic alerts and LED headlights.The new model rides on a marginally 30mm longer footprint with 70mm added to the wheelbase, but the packaging improvements are gained mainly from a significant 150mm increase in overall height. With sales expectations of a 160 unit monthly average, a 1920 unit annual figure would nearly double the 1001 examples of the fourth-generation Odyssey Honda sold in 2013.This would still be some way off the 2847 examples Kia sold of the segment-leading Grand Carnival in 2013, but sales of this model are likely to taper with an all-new version due toward the end of the year. Honda’s projection should topple the ageing and commercial-based Hyundai iMax that sold 1455 units last year, and comfortably retain its lead over the once-dominant Toyota Tarago that sold 960 units in 2013.Honda claims the Odyssey is most likely to be cross-shopped against seven-seat SUV’s like the Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Kluger, but their respective 12,668 and 4184 unit 2013 sales results are not likely to be significantly dented by the new Odyssey. Toyota’s Kluger is being replaced by an all-new model next month, but replacements for the ageing Tarago, iMax and the CX-9 SUV are still some time away, so the Odyssey’s new kid on the block status is likely to last at least until the new Grand Carnival arrives.This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn

While Holden and Ford sales have been in steady decline over the past decade Mazda has steadily climbed and in 2012 the Japanese car maker overtook Ford as the third highest seller behind Toyota and Holden.An indication of the dramatic swing is that in 2004 Holden sold around 178,000 vehicles compared with 55,000 Mazdas. As of November 2013 the gap had closed to just over 8000 with Holden down to 103,000 and Mazda up to 95,000.The number 3 is most significant because the Mazda3 makes up around 40 per cent of Mazda’s total Australian sales despite the imminent arrival of an all-new model. The company’s other star performer is the CX-5 which is now Australia’s top seller across all segments of the highly-competitive SUV market segment.Mazda’s 2013 performance is all the more impressive because it has been a relatively quiet year with no new model releases and only the addition of some new variants to the CX-5 and BT-50 range.Australia is one of Mazda’s most important markets and this was recognised when the Japanese head office chose Melbourne as the first of five major cities to reveal the upcoming, third generation, Mazda3 with Istanbul, St Petersburg, London and New York following as the earth moved around the sun.The next three years will be busier with five new models set to arrive here spearheaded by the all-new Mazda3 in January 2014. Also due for new generation models between 2014 and 2016 are the Mazda2, MX-5 and CX-9. Mazda won’t be specific on the fifth new model but given its success in the SUV field and the trend towards sub-compacts a CX-3 is the strong favourite. Based on the Mazda2 platform it would join recent releases such as Holden Trax, Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008 and Ford EcoSport.Each of these upcoming models will continue the roll-out of Mazda’s ground-breaking SkyActiv technology that covers all aspect of vehicle design including engines, transmissions, brakes, body structure and chassis designed to significantly reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions by between 20 and 30 per cent. 

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. 

Mazda will have all hands on deck at the 2012 Australian International Motor Show with confirmation it will host the world premiere of its New-Look CX-9 crossover SUV as well as the Southern Hemisphere debut of the All-New Mazda6 sedan and wagon and the Australian reveal of the New-Look MX-5 roadster.Announced earlier this week, the New-Look Mazda CX-9 will be unveiled to the world at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre on October 18, ahead of its Australian launch later this year.The New-Look CX-9 will be the latest vehicle in Mazda’s current line-up to feature its next generation design theme, ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’, which was on display at last year’s Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne.“Australians had their first look at Mazda’s KODO design language last year in Melbourne in the Shinari sports coupe and Minagi compact SUV concepts, where it was enthusiastically received by Show visitors,” said Russ Tyrie, Show Director. “Mazda is sure to astound yet again at Sydney with the world premiere of the CX-9 and Southern Hemisphere debut of the All-New Mazda6, with both models featuring its newest styling and future design direction.”Mazda’s range-topping SUV, the New-Look CX-9 features a distinctive sporty appearance with the newest design theme reflected on its front and rear for even sportier styling, a high-quality cabin, the flexibility of three rows and Mazda’s ‘Zoom-Zoom’ driving dynamics.The New-Look CX-9 carries over the utility and dynamic driving performance of the current model, with the MZI 3.7 litre V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission remaining, whilst now also featuring the latest in Mazda’s safety features and infotainment systems.Also sharing the spotlight on Mazda’s stand at the Australian International Motor Show will be the All-New Mazda6 in its Southern Hemisphere debut.The second of Mazda’s new generation of products to adopt the full range of SKYACTIV Technology and the Kodo – Soul of Motion design language, the All-New Mazda6 is also the first model to be equipped with Mazda’s unique brake energy regeneration system, i-ELOOP.Capping off a sensational list of confirmed unveilings for this year’s Motor Show is the Australian reveal of the New-Look Mazda MX-5 roadster coupe. With a number of exterior and interior upgrades as well as tweaks under the bonnet, the New-Look MX-5 is sure to continue its selling success as the world’s most popular open-top sports car.Mazda will exhibit a total of 17 vehicles at the 2012 Australian International Motor Show and will occupy almost 1,000 square metres, in one of its largest local Motor Show displays ever.The 2012 Australian International Motor Show will be held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour and will open daily at 10am from October 19 to 28. For further information about the Show and to purchase early bird tickets, visit www.motorshow.com.au. 

But not by the BBC. Top Gear has again come in for criticism after the show this week included several offensive words. The criticism comes as the British broadcaster issued a crackdown on swearing - but exempted the popular motoring show. The offending item on the show screened in the UK this week involved presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May replicating a car chase scene from the upcoming movie The Sweeney. Top Gear has copped criticism in the past year for racial slurs and Clarkson suggesting striking public service workers should be shot.