BIG AND CURVY
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Mon, Nov 30, 2009
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
BIG AND CURVY
No, we're not talking about the latest fitness center franchise. 'Big and curvy'
is an appropriate description of Mazda's newly made-over 2010 CX-9. This
crossover is a full 199.8 in length and 4334 in pounds. But unlike other large
size SUVs and crossovers, the CX-9 is quite stylish. It incorporates plenty of
curves, not straight angles, to give an exciting and strong look that is worthy
of Mazda's zoom-zoom lineage.
With the sweeping headlights and 18-inch wheels, the CX-9 has the look of both
work and play for a larger vehicle. I was highly motivated to drive this car and
to put it through some real life experiences between work commuting and family
adventures.
One of the more prominent exterior design changes on this vehicle for 2010 is
Mazda's signature happy grill. I'm not a big fan of cars with happy faces. It
reminds me of the Chevron Gas animated commercials. While we are on the topic of
design nits to pick, the extra thick front pillars and over-sized side mirrors
do cost some visibility - particularly on the front left side. On the other
hand, Mazda has added the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) system for this vehicle. BSM
alerts you if another vehicle is in your blind spot. And speaking of safety, the
CX-9 has been awarded a 5-Star crash safety rating by the National Highway and
Traffic Safety Administration.
Behind the wheel, the CX-9 has impressive and responsive acceleration for a
large vehicle (this is no slug). There is nothing boring about driving the CX-9.
With the six-speed Sport Automatic Transmission in sport mode, there is plenty
of fun to be had. The 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels and four-wheel independent
suspension contribute to the CX-9's great handling. And yet the ride is smooth,
and comfortable and remarkably quiet. Street driving in stop and go traffic, is
a breeze. It has immediate pick-up at standing starts. And stopping seems easy
for such a big vehicle. Highway driving with the CX-9 is just as much fun as
driving it on the streets. You feel in complete control and stable. It handles
on-ramp acceleration without any issues. Lane changing and accelerating at
freeway speeds felt confident for the CX-9 as well. The test vehicle's Touring
edition sports a 3.7-liter V6 DOHC 24-valve engine pumping out 273 horsepower
with 270 pound-feet of torque.
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The interior is roomy, open and has seating for seven passengers with plenty of
legroom. The CX-9 has a powerful rear set air-conditioning (not some rear seat
fan dribble). The leather interior is soft and extremely comfortable. The seats
feature 60/40 split fold-down second row and a 50/50 fold-down third row. A
great asset of the CX-9 is the access to the third row seating. The second row
seats effortlessly slide and fold forward to give easy access to third row. Very
impressive. All I need is a concierge service. With the second and third row
seats folded flat down you have up to an amazing 100.7 cubic feet of storage.
Even with all the seats up, you still have 17.2 cubic feet of space behind the
third row. And, even though it's not a new item, the remote and one touch open
and close tailgate is one of those convinces that helps the family lifestyle.
Being an audio aficionado, I am please to say that this car has every great
music input today - from a multi-disc changer to a direct MP3 input. From
terrestrial radio to satellite radio. From Bluetooth to a bangin' Bose
10-speaker system (with a sub woofer in the rear well storage area) that rocks.
Playing music from Metallica to Tony Bennett, it all sounds great.
The dash has incorporated a 4.3-inch multi-information display, including a rear
TV camera. Everything is easily accessibly and intuitive. With such a big car,
and dash, the display should have been double the size, but if you want the
7-inch touch screen that is only available on the Grand Touring edition. The
cockpit also has a big storage in the armrest (enough for CD's, comb, sub
sandwich, etc.) with a Power and MP3 port. Adding to the luxury is the big moon
roof, opening up the experience.
Big and curvy may not be what one expects from Mazda, but it's executed with
great style I the new 2010 Mazda CX-9. With EPA gas mileage of 16 city/22
highway MPG and room for seven, it's the perfect large-size crossover for the
family-on-the-go.
SUMMARY JUDGMENT
Big and curvy done beautifully.
For more information about Mazda products, go to
www.mazdausa.com
SPECIFICATIONS
Price tested: $34.327
EPA Mileage: 16 City · 22 highway
Engine type: 3.7L DOHC 24-Valve Engine
Horsepower:
273
Torque:
270 pound-feet
Transmission:
Six-speed Sport Automatic Transmission w/Sport Shift
Drive configuration
Front-engine, front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive optional)
Suspension:
Four-wheel independent
Front - MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar
Rear - Multilink and stabilizer bar.
Brakes:
four-wheel disc brakes.
Dimensions:
199.8 length
76.2 width
4334 weight