Glistening on the Meteor Grey Mica paintwork, the sun played a cascade of sparkles of the brand new Mazda CX-9. This is a seven-seat SUV with heaps of style, and with so much going for it, I’m sure many people will see the need to make space for one of these in the garage.

One thing I’ve noticed about Mazda’s cars, of late, is that there has been a theme carried through many of the models that they create. The current mix of KODO design works are very sharp, and they possess a special flavour that stirs your heartbeat. Which is what the word Kodo in Japanese associates its meaning to. In Japanese the word “Kodo” carries two meanings: “heartbeat” the primal source of all rhythm and, read another way, the word can mean “children of the drum”. You can see the same stirring lines in the Mazda RX-8, Mazda MX-5 and new Mazda6. The low profile, sweeping lines portray speed and purpose. They get that heartbeat raised a little through the exciting lines and style of these new Mazda vehicles. So when my eyes met the large new Mazda CX-9, they caused me to brake in my tracks to take time to appreciate the well-dressed style of this new large SUV.

Strokes of chrome rimming the door glass, a high waistline, flared wheel arches and a lengthy roofline tapering toward the rear of the car are some of the features which look great on the new CX-9 exterior. Bi-Xenon headlamps are sculptured to perfection, while LED daytime running lamps help give the CX-9 a stronger visual presence. If you’re after a roomy SUV then do make sure you have a look at the space available inside the new Mazda CX-9. Like me, you’ll be impressed with the space between seats. Even with the seven seats in use there is still a handy amount of cargo space.

In the engine bay sits a real nice performer. The smooth 3.7-litre petrol engine boasts 204 kW at 6250 rpm and 367 Nm at 4250 rpm. Run through a six-speed auto, acceleration is smooth and progressive. You should expect around 11 litres/100 km of fuel consumption, on average. AWD Mazda CX-9s get a sophisticated Active Torque Split (ATS) drive system. Big disc brakes all round, big 245/20 tyres on 2WD and 4WD models, and a multi-link rear suspension works a treat to keep the rear of the big SUV tracking true. Ride quality is very nice, and the growl from the V6 engine is muted, yet loud enough to enjoy.

Some of the nice touches on the new Mazda CX-9 SUV are the imbedded aerial that is inset into the back window. All models have stylish Green-tinted windscreen, side and rear windows. Mudflaps front and rear are standard, while electric windows, mirrors and a spoiler come with each of the CX-9s. All Luxury CX-9 models have chrome door handles and a huge slide and tilt sunroof that was electronically controlled. I’m sure that there will be a few times you’ll want to put the AWD traction to the test to find an out of the way spot to gaze at the stars from the leather upholstered, electronically controlled front seats (Luxury). Air-conditioning (three-zone climate control with independent rear control), handsfree Bluetooth communications, a 12 volt power outlet in the cargo area, cruise control, heating ducts to second and third row passengers, map reading spot lamps, a leather-wrapped gear shift knob and steering wheel, soft cloth trim (Classic), leather trim (Luxury), a tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel, a ventilation pollen filter and rain sensing wipers complete a summarised picture – but in no way has it exhausted the list of features available. A pumping six-speaker sound system is available in the Mazda CX-9 Classic, while the Luxury CX-9 models have a Premium Bose 277 Watt amplified audio system and ten speakers (including a subwoofer). Loading up your Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring is a breeze with all the gizmos, as well as handy smart keyless entry and remote-operated power tailgate. A wide range of advanced safety technologies are adopted for greater peace of mind including Blind Spot Monitoring, High Beam Control, Lane Departure Warning and Forward Obstruction Warning.

All Mazda CX-9 versions are stacked with some of the best safety features around, so the Mazda CX-9’s got your back covered. Airbags, ABS, DSC, EBD, EBA, an Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) a reversing camera, Roll Stability Control (RSC), side impact door beams, TCS and crumple zones in the front and rear of the vehicle are some of the strong safety features on-board.

At over 5.1 metres long, the Mazda CX-9 is a big SUV. In fact, it is quite a lot bigger than a Ford Territory, BMW X5 or Mercedes Benz M-Class, which paints quite a vivid picture of how much room this capable vehicle offers its occupants. You’re going to like this one!

The current Mazda CX-9 models include the:

• CX-9 FWD Classic
• CX-9 FWD Luxury
• CX-9 AWD Luxury
• CX-9 AWD Grand Touring

For any more information on the new Mazda CX-9 or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Mazda dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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