If you've craved a roomy Mazda with a six-cylinder engine, you haven't had much choice in recent years -- utilitarian Escape aside. Now, though, there's the seven-seat CX-9 with a 3.7-litre V6 under the bonnet.
Stylistically-speaking, there doesn't seem to be much difference between the CX-9 and the CX-7 at first glance. Park them side-by-side and things become a little clearer, with the CX-9 some six to eight centimetres taller and wider, respectively, than its baby brother. But the big difference is the increase in length, with the CX-9 stretching the tape measure at over five metres long.
The jump up in size allows the CX-9 to seat seven, whereas the CX-7 only has space for five. A bigger body requires a bigger engine, so there's a 3.7-litre V6 mated to a six-speed auto -- the smaller car is motivated by a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Starting at AU$49,990 for the Classic CX-9 model, you get 19-inch wheels, three-zone climate control air-con and six airbags as standard. Entertainment comes via a six-speaker audio system with an MP3-compatible CD stacker; a ten-speaker Bose system comes with the AU$57,265 Luxury model. Both Classic and Luxury variants get a 3.5mm auxilary input jack for MP3 players. Want Bluetooth hands-free? You'll have to stump up another AU$370 or AU$403 depending on the model, while GPS satellite navigation is an extra AU$2,265.
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AMG
29/03/2008 10:48 AM
Hi Derek, JFYI - your writing in the article & words in the video are factually incorrect regarding satellite navigation being available for the CX9 in Australia, as at 29/3/2008. Despite Sat Nav being offered in Mazda vehicles in most other markets in the world, Mazda Australia MD Doug Dickson & the team there have proved incapable of actually delivering a single Mazda product in Australia with Sat Nav. (it is 2008 isn't it?) Compare this with the Sat Nav availability, even on lower priced vehicles in their range, from Subaru, Toyota, Holden, Ford etc. etc. it's a very poor effort from them. Can you imagine John Conomos & the team @ Toyota putting up with such incompetence?
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RomCX9
14/04/2008 03:53 PM
Yeah, next time get someone to report on the car that actually give accurate specs. It does not come standard with SAT NAV, and it does not have 19" rims. The classic comes with 18" mags and the luxury with 20".
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Scottjon
29/04/2008 07:42 PM
I have just had sat nav fitted to my CX9 and I can tell you I am totally shocked! I just got it today and I am heading straight back. There is no touch screen function and the graphics are horrendous. Everythng has to be done with a remote control. Any one had a similar experience??
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