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17/06/2011
REVIEW by EWAN KENNEDY
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Mazda has joined the two-wheel-drive SUV brigade by introducing a 2WD version of its previously AWD-only CX-9. This is great news for those wanting a big, spacious wagon, but who have no desire to ever take it off the beaten track.
The removal of a couple of differentials and some driveshafts have resulted in prices of the big Mazda FWD wagon being slashed by $4500 compared with the equivalent AWD models. The newest model in the Mazda CX-9 range, the Classic FWD, is priced at an impressively low $44,425 before on-road costs.
The Japanese giant has been smart in retaining the looks of the CX-9, giving it the macho appearance many buyers appreciate, but without the complication and weight of a full-on all-wheel drive system.
Being almost 100 kilograms lighter than the all-wheel drive CX-9, means the front-drive version has an official Australian fuel consumption rating of 11.0 litres per hundred kilometres, compared with the 11.2 litres of the AWD variant.
The lower weight should also give the big Mazda SUV a better feel on the road, although it’s hardly the most nimble vehicle on Australian roads, so don’t expect too much. We have yet to carry out a road test review of the new Mazda CX-9 with two-wheel drive, but will do so soon and report back on our findings.
Though it’s Japanese, the design of the Mazda CX-9 is oriented towards the American SUV market. So it’s a large vehicle with good interior space and plenty of grunt from its big 3.7-litre V6 engine. Just the sort of features for which Australian owners are shopping.
There's room for seven adults, though four adults and three children is more realistic. The centre seats can slide back and forward to let you juggle 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 for its occupants.
The third row of seats fold flat very simply to give a useful increase in luggage space, but even with the seats in use there's still space for a couple of fair-sized suitcases.
This is a large vehicle and parking it in tight spaces can be a hassle at times. It helps to some extent that the traditional tight turning circle that has been a feature of Mazdas for decades has been engineered into the CX-9. This can be a real help in crowded carparks.
Mazda Australia has been maximising safety features hard for many years, so Mazda CX-9 has electronic stability control and rollover protection to help prevent crashes, as well as six airbags should the unthinkable become inevitable. The side-curtain airbags cover all three rows of passengers.
The complete Mazda CX-9 range, with prices (excluding government and dealer charges) is:
Classic FWD: $44,425
Luxury FWD: $51,725
Luxury AWD: $56,225
Grand Touring AWD: $62,106 |
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