Test drive Mazda CX-9
The Mazda CX-9 impressed us in every way, so during a two-week meeting with this large Japanese SUV, the question was constantly asked why it is not sold in our country at all.
And for starters, let's be clear: you still cannot officially buy the CX-9 in Europe through the Mazda dealer network, although the Japanese have not shown the CX-9 at the Moscow Motor Show for a long time, at least. indirectly, this car will also be available to European buyers.
Well, Mazda is said to be actively developing a diesel engine for the "European" CX-9 ahead of sales of its largest SUV. It's still a fresh experience with the sale of its smaller cousin, the CX-7, which was initially only available with a gasoline engine, which turned out to be a poor strategy.
And, of course, a CX-9 with a 204 kilowatt six-cylinder gasoline engine borrowed from Ford in the US and paired with a six-speed automatic transmission would require at least 14 liters of fuel. for 100 km.
Well, we were aiming for our average test on long-haul cruises in Florida, where Mazda management graciously provided us with a test CX-9 with all the equipment we could possibly need. When driving around town and in European mode, without cruise control and at slightly higher speeds, the CX-9 will undoubtedly drink two to three liters more.
For this type of vehicle and for such a transmission, this is not at all a big expense, but for relatively economical diesels of a regular customer, of course, it is too much. And the designers are aware of this too, so I believe they are really waiting for a diesel engine suitable for the CX before offering it on the Old Continent as well.
But dear viewers, as soon as the car becomes available with such a unit, I will be the first in line for it. Mazda CX-9 is a great car that fully satisfies all the needs of even the most spoiled buyer. As my late grandfather would have said: the one who stinks and blows his nose in the CX-9 is an ordinary "hochstapler"!
The vehicle impresses with superbly selected materials and exquisitely crafted details. Its interior is unmistakably Mazda's, and with a tall center console, racing small footprint and a CX-9 sports steering wheel, it sums up Mazda's styling presented by the new MX 5 and RX 8 alongside Mazda's latest lineup.
The fact that every car, regardless of its orientation behind the wheel of a sedan, behaves like a sports car is a feature of Bavaria, but now it is also typical of Mazda. The CX-9 offers great seats, premium leather upholstery, all the technical accessories, spaciousness and good visibility from the car.
Since we approach space every year on our voyage through America, we especially liked the Mazda, because it once had eight of us! !! !! And grown men. Okay, Mazda is registered for seven people, but everything goes. Also eight.
Encouragingly, the rear seats (otherwise tucked away in the bottom of the trunk) are really big and roomy enough for an adult, not just a preschooler. As mentioned, seven adults drove the Mazda CX-9 every day, and eight on their way to and from the airport. And yes, despite the fact that the sixth and seventh seats were extended, there was enough room for luggage.
The test CX-9 is housed in a blue metal case and covered in light coffee-white leather. This was facilitated by numerous chrome accessories (trim, grille, door handles, exhaust pipes) and bulky alloy wheels. The design of the car strongly resembles the smaller Mazda CX-7 on the outside, and at first many even replaced the car, but only until we stopped at a traffic light next to the CX-7, which served as our model nine. Funny!
And what, apart from the shape, the ergonomics of the cabin and the transport capacity, impressed the American Japanese? With excellent equipment.
With extremely useful electro-hydraulic tailgate opening and closing (don't you think it should be in every trailer today ??), spacious boot, logical and convenient multifunction steering wheel, keyless ignition (smart key), numerous and typically American storage compartments, with a bulky and touch-sensitive navigation screen, powerful air conditioning and wild xenon headlights, a neat dashboard and a blind spot alert system. You know this, right?
With the horn, the sensor system beeps and flashes a warning light in the left or right rearview mirror to alert you when a vehicle enters your blind spot while driving - extremely helpful and helpful when changing lanes or overtaking.
In short, the Mazda CX-9, which sells for a ludicrous $26.000 (approximately $20.000) compared to European prices for this type of car, is a car that I claim offers it all. And everyone. Anyone who dares to say that the car does not meet his needs and expectations should seriously think about it. Everything that becomes more and more expensive is already a matter of marketing, prestige and complexes.
Gaber Kerzhishnik, photo :? Bor Dobrin
