Mazda's CX-9 a stylish crossover

Mazda's CX-9 a stylish crossover

Mazda has been on a product roll for the past several years.

Each new vehicle has been better than the one it replaces, and every time they enter a new market segment, they seem to take a significant share of the sales.

Case in point is the recently-introduced 2007 CX-9 crossover.

Mazda already had the Tribute, a traditional-style sport utility vehicle and the CX-7 crossover at the lower end of the midsize utility segment.

But what they also needed was a bigger, more upscale seven-passenger crossover to compete with the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano, Chrysler Pacifica and others, so the CX-9 was launched earlier this year to take up the challenge.

The CX-9 was designed and engineered specifically for the North American market and is a radical departure from the boxy designs of SUVs in the past.

It has a sporty, aerodynamic look and is perhaps the most stylish of the bunch when it comes to mid-size crossovers.

Mazda sees the CX-9 as a family-hauler with a sports car attitude.

And, while the price of fuel may yet cut into sales, the small/mid-size utility market in Canada is a healthy one. This year, Canadians are expected to buy 200,000 vehicles in this class and now with the CX-9, Mazda has a triple-barreled threat in the category.

From a distance, some would think the CX-9 is nothing more than a stretched out version of its CX-7 sibling.

Both are striking looking vehicles (tall wagons as many like to call them) and have many design similarities. But the two CXs have much different DNA.

The CX-7 is a five-passenger utility vehicle based on a compact car platform, while the CX-9 is derived from the Mazda6 sedan platform and has seating for seven. It shares some parts like the engine and suspension with its Ford counterpart, the Edge, but it is built is Japan.

Power comes from a 3.5-litre V6 with 263 hp and 246 lb/ft of torque. It is mated with a six-speed automatic transmission with sport mode. Best of all, it uses regular unleaded fuel in these days of soaring gasoline prices.

Suspension is all independent with struts and coil springs up front and a multi-link type with coil springs at the rear. Four wheel disc brakes with ABS is standard.

Front-wheel drive is standard on the two trim levels with all-wheel drive available as a $2,000 option. The all-wheel drive system is called Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive. It works on demand and will transfer up to 50 per cent of the power to the rear wheels when needed. Otherwise, it works in front-wheel drive mode.

Other standard features include traction control, dynamic stability control and something new for Mazda - Roll Stability Control. This system uses anti-roll and wheel-speed sensors that sense when a rollover is about to occur and takes corrective action.

The base GS model starts $39,595. My tester was the top-line GT, starting at $43,995. With the all-wheel drive option, it priced out at $45,995.

Even at the base GS level, the CX-9 comes well equipped. Standard features on the GS include 18-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, rain-sensing front wipers, front and rear air conditioning with three-zone climate control, power windows/doors/locks, eight-way adjustable power driver's seat, folding 60/40 second row seat and 50/50 third-row seat, AM/FM CD player with six speakers, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise control functions and tilt and telescopic steering wheel.

The only available options on this trim level are a power moonroof ($1,000) and all-wheel drive ($2,000).

Moving up to the more luxurious GT level, you get 20-inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlights with manual headlight leveling, fog lights, wood trim finish inside, power glass moonroof, four-way adjustable front passenger's seat, leather upholstery heated up front and turn signals on the side mirrors.

Options include the Luxury Package ($1,495) which features a premium Bose audio system with 10 speakers, a Smartkey system for keyless entry and starting and power tailgate. A navigation package $3,235) and rear entertainment system ($2,480) are also offered.

The leather seating was extremely comfortable and the cabin had a rich, luxurious feel to it, akin to what you expect to find in a much-pricier premium sport utility. The wood trim accents helped add to the upscale look of the cabin.

The CX-9 is ideal for long-distance road trips. While it looks big from the outside, particularly with the 20-inch wheels on the GT version, it really doesn't feel as big as it is when you're behind the wheel.

The ride is stable, yet firm, and the V6 provides sufficient punch for any type of driving. The six-speed transmission worked so well there was really no need to throw it into manual mode. Steering was responsive and there was little body roll on hard cornering.

For anyone in the market for a seven-passenger vehicle, the CX-9 is the perfect combination of stylish good looks, performance and practicality. While it's priced in the low- to mid-$40s, the CX-9 compares favourably with crossovers that cost much

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