Rarely does an automaker invite the motoring media to a far-off press junket to discuss modifications to a product only one year after its debut. Usually that time and expense is saved for a vehicle's next-generation makeover or to introduce an all-new product.
The folks at Mazda are thinking differently. The largest vehicle in its product lineup (at 199.8 inches long), the seven-passenger CX-9, made its debut in the 2007 model year. It was unveiled to many Midwestern Journalists in May of 2007 at breakfast press event the Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. In less than a year, the Zoom Zoom car company has added a couple of significant additions to the three-row, sharply-styled 2008 model year crossover specifically designed for the North American market. Although Mazda classifies this as a mid-size crossover, it has the feel of a large crossover.
One reason for the update is timing. The three-row crossover segment is fast becoming the family favorite transportation mode of the new millennium. Larger crossovers are to families in 2007 and 2008 as traditional minivans were to families in 1997 and 1998. Minivan sales have slowed during the past couple years and the slack is being made up, in part, by these vehicles with the body of a sport utility vehicle, but with lighter-weight underpinnings found in many cars. These are not designed for heavy off-road use. Many like the CX-9 are available with all-wheel drive to handle the ice and snow found in the Midwest. Mazda needs to ensure their largest vehicle is up to speed with its growing rivals
The competition is growing. General Motors in the 2007 model year began introducing its own mix of large, car-based three-row crossovers with the debut of the GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and a few months later the Buick Enclave (introduced as a 2008 model). All three are built at a sparkling new assembly plant in Lansing, Mich. General Motors itself is getting out of the traditional minivan game soon when products including the Buick Terraza minivan, Saturn Relay minivan and Chevrolet Uplander minivan exit new-car showrooms for good in about a year. In addition to GM's trio of three-row crossovers, Mazda expects challengers to the CX-9 to include the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX crossovers both available with three rows of seating. Mazda projects 2008 full year sales of CX-9 to fall in the 40,000-unit range.
"We designed a well-appointed, seven-passenger crossover SUV the Zoom Zoom way," according to Chris Hill, Vehicle Line Manager for the CX-9. Our research showed families need three rows of seating with easy access to the third row. We did not want the third row to be a penalty box for adults."
The big news for CX-9 in 2008 is a stronger V-6 engine. A 3.7-liter V-6 powertrain replaces a 3.5-liter V-6. The new engine generates 273 horsepower (10 more than 2007) and 270 lbs.-ft. of torque (21 more than 2007). This engine is built in Japan where the CX-9 is assembled. In 2007, engines were assembled in Lima, Ohio and shipped to Japan for final assembly (and than shipped back to the States for sale). It's the only engine now available and comes with a standard six-speed automatic transmission. General Motor's new trio of large crossover SUVs come with a 3.6-liter V-6 generating 275 horses. The CX-9 generates 16 mpg in city driving and 22 mpg highway in front-wheel-drive modes. All-wheel drive versions get one mile less in each category. The fuel tanks holds 20.1 gallons of fuel.
Also new this year is a $200 Blind Spot Monitoring System that's optional in upper trim Grand Touring editions. Through a systems of sensors in the bumpers and on the side, this safety feature alerts drivers with a beep sound and a flashing icon in the side-view mirror when a vehicle is traveling in the CX-9's side blind spot when the turn signal has been activated. The Sport and Touring round out the three trims available in 2008. In the 2007 model year 51 percent of CX-9 sales were the upper trim Grand Touring edition. All three trims come with the choice of two-wheel drive or all-wheel-drive.
Pricing starts at $29,400 for a front-wheel-drive Sport ($30,700 with all-wheel drive), $31,615 for a front-drive Touring ($32,915 with all-wheel drive) and $33,355 for a front-wheel-drive Grand Touring ($34,655 for all-wheel drive).
Inside, cloth seating comes standard in Sport while a leatherette surface adorns the first two rows of Touring and Grand Touring models. Access to the third row is made easier by a 60/40 split second row that easily slides forward on a track with ease, opening up a small passageway to the two-seat third row. This area can accommodate a six-foot, three-inch adult with enough head and leg room for trips around town. Seats are arranged in a theatre-style where the last row is slightly higher then the second row, which is boosted up more than the front bucket seats. Both second and third row seats easily fold flat for an increased cargo area when needed.
Across-the-board options include Sirius Satellite radio, six-disc compact disc changer, back-up camera, rear-seat entertainment system with nine-inch DVD screen and moon roof. A DVD navigation system and towing package (with a 3,500-pound towing capacity) are available In Touring and Grand Touring packages.
While the new blind spot warning system is optional in the up-level grand-touring, many safety features come standard. Traction control, stability control, anti-lock brakes, side-impact door beams, side-impact air bags and side curtain air bags covering all three rows of seats come with the price of admission.
The CX-9 is not the only crossover in Mazda's lineup. Also available is the five-seat CX-7 featuring a turbo-charged four-cylinder engine cranking out 244 horsepower. The CX-7 features a sportier ride when compared to the more family-oriented CX-9.
Like the CX-7, this 2008 CX-9 handles well for its size. If you're in the market to shed a heavy, truck-based off-road-type SUV with something lighter that still transports seven, add the CX-9 to your shopping list. Who knows what Mazda has in store for 2009?
Mazda's CX-9 powertrain warranty is good for five years or 60,000 miles. |