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Mazda’s all-new CX-9 will enter the seven-seat SUV market within 12 months, promising generous accommodation for people and luggage, a striking crossover design and class leading refinement and driving dynamics.

Previewed at the 2007 Melbourne International Motor Show in North American left-hand-drive specification, Australian-bound CX-9s will roll off a Hiroshima, Japan production line later this year with an anticipated on sale date of January 2008.

To be offered in two grades, the Australian CX-9s, which have been extensively modified for right-hand drive Australian use, are expected to be priced between $55,000 and $60,000.

Modifications include “flipping” the centre seat 60/40 split and middle row seatbelt mounting point, ensuring that the CX-9’s insightful interior works just as well in Australia as it does in North America.

While final specifications have yet to be confirmed, the CX-9 will be generously equipped with a choice of 18 or 20-inch alloy wheels, dual zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, six airbags and active safety features such as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Roll Stability Control (RSC).

Like the Mazda CX-7, which was launched in Australia in late 2006, CX-9 is a clean break from the traditional boxy SUVs crowding the market. While styling echoes the CX-7, CX-9 is not a lengthened three-row CX-7, and CX-7 is not a shorter-wheelbase CX-9.

Engineered with Mazda’s “Soul of a Sportscar” signature, CX-9 deftly blends sporty driving spirit with seven-passenger SUV practicality. Standing out from existing crossover SUVs – vehicles that deliver SUV practicality with a passenger car driving experience – the Mazda CX-9 is the insightful solution not only to the modern family’s complex needs but also to the enthusiast driver’s desires. Zoom-Zoom is standard.

The CX-9 represents everything a Mazda SUV should be, offering ample power, striking appearance, fun-to-drive vitality, precision build quality and unexpected versatility. While other vehicles in this category focus only on what’s behind the driver’s seat for the family, Mazda has engineered a unique solution that is equally as exciting for the driver.

The CX-9 rides on a 2875mm wheelbase, one of the longest in its class, providing easy access to its three-row seating. There’s ample room for adults in every position and sufficient cargo space to accommodate modern Aussie families. Under the sleek exterior is an interior that will impress demanding customers with its space, utility, versatility and premium features.

Drivers will find an ideal position with the driver’s seat and steering column moving quickly and easily over a long range of adjustment. The 60/40 split second row carries three in comfort and offers approximately five-inches of fore-and-aft slide travel and a reclining backrest. In the 50-50-split third row, the seating position and leg room are both class-leading in numbers and real comfort.

Entry to the third row is easy, with nearly 660mm of access space between the folded second-row seat and the C (third) pillar. Even with the third row occupied, the CX-9 provides 480 litres of cargo capacity, eclipsing the boot space of many large sedans. Both second and third-row seats fold flat to allow additional storage all the way to the back of the front seats.

Extra thought is invested in small details, such as how the CX-9’s seat releases are configured. For example, releasing the second row seat in order to enter the third row requires only one simple hand motion to unlatch the seat and move it forward. Likewise, a clever strap attached behind the third row seat’s backrest serves as both a release for folding the seat and a means of pulling it back erect again.

Many mid-sized crossover SUVs strive for the utilitarian look. The Mazda CX-9, however, is designed to evoke a strong pride of ownership. Without sacrificing versatility or efficiency, the CX-9 strives for the sophisticated appearance of a vehicle costing two to three times as much. Its smooth and flowing silhouette, prominent wheels and tyres, muscular fenders and steeply angled windshield and backlight give the CX-9 a dramatic-but-refined look.

The CX-9’s front end is unmistakably Mazda, with its elegantly sculpted sporty five-point grille and wide, bold bumper. A horizontal streak of chrome floats on the front grille bar, giving a distinctive and high quality feel. Side windows form a flowing, open and modern greenhouse, allowing clear vision from all seating positions. The unique trapezoid chrome exhaust pipe accentuates the fine detail put into the design.

Once inside the CX-9, the driver is greeted by a neatly organized combination of cylindrical shapes and blacked-out instruments on a T-shaped instrument panel. Brightly edged gauges with metal-look trim and indirect blue illumination set a cool mood. Indirect lighting also is embedded in the front and rear door trim and ceiling for a warm glow. Horizontal elements in areas such as the center panel, door trim and seat design intersect with vertical accents to create the same harmony present in fine furniture.

Interior craftsmanship and attention to detail is visible everywhere. Soft trim is elegantly configured and constructed of top-quality materials and seats have an inviting yet sporty look and feel appropriate to this type of vehicle. The dash panel houses large, clearly marked entertainment and climate controls. Delicate stitching and the metallic look of the floating door trim-grips reveal the designer’s fine eye for detail.

An all-new 186 kilowatt, 3.5-liter V-6 engine has been engineered to provide the muscle to move the CX-9 with authority. The new 60-degree short-stroke V-6 is state-of-the-art throughout. Advanced features include a die-cast aluminum block with cast-in iron cylinder liners and aluminum cylinder heads for minimal weight. The valvetrain includes chain-driven dual overhead camshafts for minimal maintenance, four valves-per-cylinder with direct acting bucket-type actuators, and variable intake valve timing. A high 10.3:1 compression ratio maximizes efficiency and power output while the throttle is electronically controlled for instantaneous response. Two close-coupled catalytic converters cleanse the exhaust without inhibiting power.

A power peak of 186kW at 6,250 rpm provides CX-9 with sparkling accelerating and passing performance. The torque curve shows a strong curve rising from 3,000 to 6,000 rpm and peaking with 325 Newton meters at 4,500 rpm.

To combine excellent acceleration and good fuel economy, CX-9 includes an Aisin-supplied six-speed Sport AT automatic transmission with manual-mode as standard equipment.

Mazda’s Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive system will be standard on Australian CX-9s. Originally developed for the high-performance Mazda6 MPS and also used in the CX-7, this system rapidly adjusts to changing traction needs by monitoring wheel slippage, steering angle, yaw rate, lateral acceleration, and available driveline torque. In normal driving, 100-percent of the driving torque is delivered to the front wheels. During aggressive acceleration or when one front wheel is on the verge of slip, a controlled percentage of the available torque is directed to the rear axle. A power take-off device integrated with the CX-9’s transaxle spins a drive shaft attached to an active coupling built into the rear differential. Commanded by a control module, the servo-controlled multi-plate coupling can route up to 50 per cent of the available torque to the rear wheels.

For CX-9 to wear the Mazda Winged-M symbol, it had to be more than just another crossover SUV. It had to be a true Mazda, embodying the company’s signature “Soul of a Sports Car”. And so engineers determined CX-9 had to have an independent suspension on all four corners.

In front, the perimeter frame mounted to the unibody through six rubber isolators supports the powertrain, the engine-speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion power steering, and a low friction strut-type suspension system using coil springs. The multilink rear suspension consists of one trailing arm and two lateral locating members per side. To minimize cargo-compartment intrusion and permit a wider load space, the rear coil spring is positioned between the lower lateral member and the unibody. A damper is located as close as possible to each rear wheel to provide excellent motion control with minimal friction. Anti-roll bars at each end maximize agility and control during assertive driving.

A choice of 18 inch P245/60R 18 or twenty-inch,P245/50R 20 low-profile tyres will be standard. As a result, CX-9 looks and feels unusually nimble for its size and is the clear class leader for driving pleasure.

The Mazda CX-9’s safety features are highlighted by an advanced Roll Stability Control (RSC) system that uses both body-roll rate and wheel speed sensors to determine when corrective action is necessary. A momentary torque reduction, combined with an automatic brake application, assists the driver in restoring the CX-9 to an even keel.

Four-wheel ventilated disc-brakes include an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) to prevent lockup during emergency use. In the event the driver applies the brakes rapidly in an emergency but with insufficient force to engage the ABS function, a brake assist function takes over to stop the vehicle as quickly as possible. To provide drivers with a confident feel during stops, the CX-9’s braking system is extra-rigid so that deceleration is more directly proportional to pedal pressure than pedal travel. The payoff with this more linear response is enhanced controllability.

When excessive wheel slippage is detected during acceleration, the Traction Control System (TCS) automatically reduces driveline torque to help restore traction. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) reduces driveline torque and automatically applies one or more brakes to minimize under- or over-steer during emergency maneuvers.

Additional protection is provided by sensor-activated side-curtain airbags which extend from the first to the third row. These inflatable restraints deploy in the event of a lateral collision or a rollover to reduce the likelihood of injury and limb or head ejection. Inflation is maintained for approximately six seconds for maximum effectiveness, although these systems should be used in combination with seatbelts.

Pretensioner devices automatically remove slack from the belt system immediately after a moderate or greater frontal collision and load limiters are incorporated to release belt webbing in a controlled manner to reduce belt force on the occupant’s chest as the occupant moves forward. The CX-9’s front headrests incorporate new design features which are designed primarily to reduce neck injuries during rear impacts.

CX-9’s robust unibody uses the Mazda Advanced Impact-Energy Distribution and Absorption System to help protect its cabin from deformation harm in the event of a collision. A combination of large-section members, some made from high-tensile steel, envelope the passenger compartment to absorb impact energy while guarding against intrusion.

PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

*note: Australian pricing and specification has yet to be confirmed

Dimension	Overall length (w/o license plate holder)	5,071 mm
	Overall width	1,936 mm
	Overall height w/ 18 inch tyres	1,729 mm
	w/ 20 inch tyres	1,734 mm
	Wheelbase	2,875 mm
	Track (front/ rear)	1,654 mm / 1,644 mm
	Seating Capacity	7 passenger
Engine	Type	MZI 3.5L V6 DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
	Max. power (preliminary)	186kW
	Max. torque (preliminary)	325Nm
Transmission	Type	6-speed electronically controlled automatic with manual shift mode
Drive	-	Mazda Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive
Steering	Type	Rack-and-pinion
Suspension	Type (front/ rear)	Macpherson Strut/ Multilink
Brake	Type (front & rear)	Ventilated Discs
Tyres and wheels	Tyres (front & rear)	18”: P245/60R18
		20”: P245/50R20
	Wheels (front & rear)	18”: 18 x 7.5J
		20”: 20 x 7.5J