Test Drive Mazda CX-9 since 2007 SUV

Older brother

Mazda CX-9. Price: from 1,582,000 rubles. On sale: since October 2008
With the form of Mazda CX-9 very much reminds the enlarged copy of CX-7. Cars hide two twins, one of whom loves Fast Food too. But how do these models really look like? We will understand the Swedish test drive organized only for Russian journalists
Still, not in vain say that Russians and Americans are very similar. And the point here is not only in love for fastfood and flights into space. Our automotive tastes also largely coincide. At least, so believe in the Japanese company Mazda, which brings to the Russian market a full-sized crossover CX-9. In Europe, this car is not sold and do not plan in the near future. But the biggest Mazda is not bad in the USA, South America, Australia, Saudi Arabia and Ukraine.
The premiere of the pre-production prototype Mazda CX-9 took place in the spring of 2006 in New York. The debutant immediately attracted attention to the original design that distinguishes the car among other angular SUVs. Sports style successfully combined with SUV functionality. Many believe that CX-9 is nothing more than an enlarged option CX-7. If we talk about appearance, it is largely true. But it is worth considering that the older brother's suit is much larger. Thus, many similar details, such as lighting, are reproduced in an enlarged form. True, there are differences. Say, the silhouette and wheeled arches have become less aggressive.
As for the interior, there is analogue with CX-7 meaningless. We are dealing with a completely different car, different from the younger brother with an increased convenience, quality of materials, acoustic comfort. But there are controversial moments. In particular, the central console and panel the control is made under the tree, which, maybe, like Americans, but we are perceived as a cheap and archaic trick. I think brilliant black plastic, which is used in other Mazda models, would have looked much more modern. Devices with black dials highlighted with scattered light are bordered by silver frames. Leather seats (black or sandy color to choose from) are decorated with pretty decorative seams.
Note that CX-9 is designed for 6 people. In the cabin there were three rows of seats, which managed to achieve with a record wheel in 2875 mm. Particular attention to the Japanese paid a driver's ergonomics. The leather armchair can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction and in height. There is an electrically regulated roller for the loin and the memorization system of three positions. The 6-speed gauge lever is quite high, which makes it easy to control with the box in any mode. An audio system and cruise control authorities are put on the steering wheel.
Something we were fascinated by the description, it's time to check the car in business. We bring the motor and immediately note the low level of noise and vibrations. Go. Despite the length of over five meters, drive one pleasure crossover. With good smoothness, he almost does not roll in turns.
Despite the giant dimensions, the car easily drove with a tight parking lot. Ahead of us are waiting for 50 km of highway. Press gas well. The crossover begins to quickly accelerate. Honestly, neither I nor the colleague-navigator expected such a bump. According to the passport, overclocking up to hundreds takes 10.1 s, and it seems that this is true. The maximum giant speed is 181 km / h. A good dynamic characteristics of CX-9 must be a new gasoline motor with a volume of 3.7 liters. It develops 277 hp With a rotation frequency of 6250 min-1. In addition, the engine is distinguished by a respectable torque of 366 nm at frequency rotation 4250 min-1. The motor has a high compression ratio (10.3) and an electronic throttle control system. This provides an immediate response to pressing the gas pedal. At first I did not even believe that you manage the huge crossover. All too reminded the reaction of the usual passenger car.
On the CX-9 highway, you can no doubt call a very comfortable car. Noise insulation during the movement deserves praise. According to the technical presentation, the engineers worked very carefully over acoustic comfort. In particular, a sound-absorbing foamed material is applied to 22 bodies, effectively insulating salon from road noise.
Undoubted praise deserves a 6-speed automatic transmission, providing an almost optimal balance of high dynamic characteristics with a smoothness of movement and low noise level. At the same time, for all the time the test drive, the machine did not sinned with delays, switching the steps quickly and without the slightest jerks.
Where the legs are growing from
Madov's suspension engineers worked for glory! Mazda CX-9 is equipped with anterior suspension with McPherson racks, which is attached to the subframe. The latter is connected to the body in six points through rubber supports. This provides good damping properties of the suspension, as well as a quick and accurate car reaction to steering steering. The Mazda CX-9 establishes a rugged steering mechanism with a hydraulic agent. In the rear multi-particle suspension, one longitudinal suspension is used on two transverse levers on each side. The locations of the longitudinal levers are higher than usual: it increases the resistance of the car during braking. Location of parts suspension optimized in such a way as to maintain the vertical position of the wheels for adequate control of CX-9.

Driving
Japanese engineers managed to create a gigantic and at the same time a well-managed crossover, which has excellent dynamics.
  
Salon
Differs in acoustic comfort and solid materials. Inside CX-9 does not look like CX-7.
   
Comfort
In terms of comfort, Mazda CX-9 deserves sincere pile.
   
Security
5 stars based on the results of the frontal and lateral crissh tests conducted by NHTSA and 4 stars for protecting the car overturning.
   
Price
For CX-9 ask reasonable money: not much and not enough.
   
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Good speakers and automatic transmission.
- You should think about the exception of the materials under the tree in the interior trim.
Specifications
Brand and model - Mazda CX-9
Dimensions - 5089x1936x1728 mm
Engine - gasoline, 3726 cm3, 277 hp / min-1
Transmission - automatic, 6-speed
Dynamics - MAX 181 km / h; 10.1 s to 100 km / h
Competitors - Toyota Land Cruise
Our opinion
The last time experience suggests that all novelties of the Hiroshim producer are absorbed by our market with a bang. It seems that will not be an exception and CX-9, which rightfully occupies the place of the flagship model. This is the biggest car with the most powerful engine. In addition, they are asking for him more than anyone.

Author: Stanislav Pavlov
Photo: Sergey Crostes
 
 
 

A source: Magazine 5 Wheel [August 2008]