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2008 Mazda CX-9 gets a boost in power, torque

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By NITISH S. RELE, Automotive columnist, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 1, 2007

THE RIDE: Four-door, seven-passenger 2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring crossover SUV.

DOWN THE ROAD: Though the CX-9 was introduced last year, Mazda has boosted the horsepower (10 hp) and torque (21 pounds-feet). Available in six trims, the agile SUV comes as a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Potential buyers will be glad to note that it is the 2008 Sport/Utility of the Year for Motor Trend magazine. Need we say more?

TECH & PERFORMANCE: The 3.7-liter V-6 engine churns out 273 horsepower at 6250 rpm and 270 pounds-feet of torque at 4500 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission, which Motor Trend points out is "as seamless as a rubber glove." The CX-9 takes on the challenges of the curvy or bumpy road effectively, thanks to a suspension system consisting of an independent MacPherson strut in the front and a rear multilink. Both the front and rear are equipped with stabilizer bars. A power rack-and-pinion steering system provides excellent feedback regardless of the SUV's speed. Bringing the 4,500-plus pound SUV to a stop or a slowdown are 12.6-inch front and 12.8-inch rear ventilated disc rotors. The 3,500-pound towing capacity is worth a mention.

LOOK & FEEL: The sharp-looking front fascia of the CX-9 shows off a sporty five-point grille with a chrome bar atop, which is surrounded by xenon headlights. The steeply raked windshield, body-colored exterior mirrors, trapezoidal chrome exhaust outlets and bright-finish door handles further enhance the SUV's handsome looks. The leather seats are adorned in a striking two-tone sand color. The three-spoke leather tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel offers a firm grip as does the shifter knob. Faux wood and metallic trim on the instrument panel convey an elegant appearance. I especially liked the aura of the cabin created by indirect blue illumination on blacked-out instruments. The 60/40-split second- and 50/50-split third-row seats fold down to open up a good amount of cargo space.

SAFETY FIRST: Dual front and side airbags, side curtain with rollover protection for all rows, stability and traction control, four-wheel antilock brakes, front and rear crumple zones, tire pressure monitoring system, daytime running lights and three-point front seatbelts with pretensioners are among the standard features.

OUT THE DOOR: $33,355, plus tax, tag, delivery and destination charges. The entertainment and Bose package will fetch you a rear-seat DVD system, AM/FM radio with in-dash 6-disc CD changer and a 115-volt power outlet.

BY THE NUMBERS: Tires, 245/50R20; wheelbase, 113.2 inches; length, 199.8 inches; weight, 4,528 pounds; fuel capacity, 20.1 gallons; highway, 22 mpg; city, 16 mpg.

WHY DIG IT: Launched just last year to huge accolades, the CX-9 demonstrates that Mazda's not about to rest on its laurels. The Japanese car maker deserves a pat on the back for a job well done with this powerful, sporty, stylish and functional SUV. Motor Trend put it quite succinctly: "Arguably the most enjoyable sport/ute to pilot, a reminder that an SUV ought to be exciting to drive." Amen.

Nitish S. Rele is an advertising staff writer for The Tampa Tribune.

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