Mazda CX-9 2016 review | first drive video

Malcolm Flynn road tests and reviews the all-new Mazda CX-9 with specs, fuel consumption and verdict at its Australian launch.
Read Malcolm's full review here: carsgui.de/2a0AuVV
Find out more at the CarsGuide.com.au Mazda CX-9 hub: carsgui.de/29my6Hg
Check out other 7-seat SUVs here: carsgui.de/29EZ9D4
- - - - - - - - - -
It's a bit of a tall order to build Mazda's "Zoom Zoom" into a large SUV like the CX-9, particularly given the new model drops the previous V6 for an efficiency-focused four cylinder.
But the all-new second generation seven seater does manage to deliver the driving manners that have made the rest of the range such a success, along with setting a new benchmark in its class for standard safety gear.
Safety is vitally important for family SUVs like the CX-9, and the new model has landed with more standard safety gear than anything else in its class.
The biggest highlight of these features is auto emergency braking in the front, and the rear, which means it will detect obstacles as you approach from either direction, at speeds up to 30km/h.
The CX-9 is available in four different trim levels, starting with the Sport, Touring, GT and Azami, and all come standard with two wheel drive and a new 2.5-litre turbo petrol engine, backed by a six speed auto.
All-wheel drive is available on all versions for an extra $4000, but is really only worthwhile if you spend a lot of your time on dirt roads or at the snow.
Up the front, the cabin moves Mazda interior design another step forward, with a nice variety of shapes, textures and colours, and easy ergonomics.
The back seat is as roomy as anything else this size, and slides fore and aft to balance room across the two rear rows.
The third row isn't quite as roomy as the Kluger and Sorento benchmarks, but enough for an adult up to about average height.
It's also the first in its class to offer a child seat mount in the third row.
Cargo space is quite good with the third row up, and both rear rows now fold flat to create a huge space for carrying pretty much anything.
There's also plenty of cupholders, and bottleholders in every door.
Clever use of materials has made the new model a lot lighter, but Mazda has also paid a lot of attention to improving the refinement of the new CX-9, with a new thicker floorpan with extra insulation, laminated glass and extra seals. The result is pretty plush for a car in this price range.
The new engine promises all the benefits of a diesel without the compromises, in that it makes heaps of torque down low in the rev range, but more power than a diesel for overtaking. It's also nice and quiet at idle.
A big SUV like the CX-9 needs to be comfortable above all else, but the new model is still quite capable of handling corners at speed and maintaining its stability over rough surfaces.
It may not be the roomiest in its class, but if you only want to put kids in the back, the new CX-9 packs the value, safety and refinement to push it to the TOP of the seven seat SUV segment.
- - - - - - - - - -
CarsGuide.com.au - Buy cars. Sell cars. Simple.
Check us out: www.carsguide.com.au
Subscribe to our channel: carsgui.de/2aMzFTT
Follow us on Twitter: carsgui.de/2ah6eta
Like us on Facebook: on. 17kv9Ui
See us Instagram: carsgui.de/2aQ0M1H
We're on Google+: carsgui.de/2atBwbF

[@HHlah]

Definitely roomier in the third row than the Sorento I think?