Mazda CX-9 test drive since 2007 SUV
DNA analysis
Well, finally it was decided: sales of the Mazda CX-9 in Russia will begin immediately after the Moscow car dealership, in September 2008. This crossover, originally designed only for the American market, will receive an increase in power in the Russian configuration. A 3.7-liter V6 engine with a maximum power of 273 hp will appear under the hood of a large CIC.Mazda CX-9 and CX-7 crossovers have much in common. In addition to designer DNA, they are united by similar platforms and origin: both models were created under the American market. But if the CX-7 fit very organically into the line of Mazda models offered in Europe, then her older sister is already beyond the usual old-Soviet ideas about crossovers. The reason for this is the size. This car is not just large, it is huge: in dimensions, the Mazda CX-9 is comparable with giants such as Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class or Chevrolet Tahoe!
Although there is not a single direct competitor of Mazda in a number of the listed cars, in ideology this model is closest to the Audi Q7. Just like the Ingolstadt SUV, Mazda CX-9 is imprisoned on high-speed riding on good roads. Despite the fact that in the equipped state a Japanese weighs in two tons, she cheerfully accelerates and obviously obeys the steering wheel. It seems like Mazda CX-7 also behaves, however, due to the larger mass and length of the body in the habits of the nine, a childish excitement is not felt: the car goes tangibly softer and does not react so sharply to road irregularities.
Mazda CX-9 also speaks of a different character of the interior. The front panel is emphasized strict. The central console with a climate control and media system built in the line does not stick forward a daring chin, like a CX-7, and steps into a wide tunnel. The perception of the car is even able to change even such an insignificant detail as changing the shape of the ventilation deflectors and the site for the selector of the CP from a circle to a rectangle: this is no longer a sport is a classic!
In the five-meter body of Mazda CX-9, the components placed three rows of seats, and the place was enough for everyone, even passengers of galleries. But who needs this third row, is not entirely clear: in the same America where there are more cars than residents, to keep such a bus in the family. It would be possible to reduce everything to the tricks of marketers, if not one but: with the seats of the third row, the trunk becomes too large: if some jar rolls out of the bag with foods, it will not be easy to get it from such a cave.
The love of Americans for large cars can only be understood by Russians. That is why Russia will become one of the few countries where Mazda CX-9 will be sold. True, unlike America, where this model in top -end performance can be bought for less than $ 35 thousand, Russians, allegedly, will have to lay out almost twice as much as nine. However, in our market, even for that kind of money, you still will not find anything similar.
Lead from America
In the USA, Mazda CX-9 has been sold for more than a month and has already managed to fall in love with local car owners. So, according to readers of the most popular automobile magazine of North America, Motor Trend Mazda CX-9 received the title of a car of the year in the SUV class, ahead of 11 applicants. As for the safety of the car, according to the National Safety Administration of the US Road Safety (NHTSA), this model received the highest rating for the protection of passengers in frontal and lateral strikes.
Driving
The machine demonstrates good accelerated dynamics. The steering is acute and informative.
Salon
By the capacity of the salon, the Mazda CX-9 can compete with mini-wenes.
Comfort
Thanks to a large equipped mass and wheelbase, the CX-9 has good smoothness.
Safety
The standard has 6 airbags, wheel locking systems, drift, slipping and overturning.
Price
The novelty of Mazda is not cheap, but even for that kind of money it does not have an alternative.
Technical characteristics of Mazda CX-9
Dimensions, mm 5071/1936/1729
The engine is gasoline, V6, 3726 cm3, 273 liters. s./6250, 339/4500 Nm/min1
Automatic transmission, 6-speed
Dynamics 0-100 km/h, C N.D.
Maximum speed, km/h 192
Competitors Audi Q7, Chevrolet Tahoe, Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Acute steering is combined with a comfortable suspension. Spacious 7 -seater salon. A roomy trunk.
- Lack of engine choice.
Our opinion
The model is addressed to those who put the car dimensions on one bowl of weights with handling and dynamics. There are not so many 5-meter SUVs in the world that can give pleasure from driving, and Mazda CX-9 among them. It is possible that the version adapted for Russia will be even better than an American.
Andrey Bazarov
Source: Magazine 5 wheel [January 2008]