Mazda CX-9 now leaner, lighter, brighter

A little more bling for Mazda's large SUV is offset by lower fuel consumption
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Mazda is establishing a tradition of knocking at least 800cc of the combined-cycle fuel consumption for its CX-9 model with each passing year. On its release three years ago, the CX-9 was rated at 13.0L/100km. An upgrade last year reduced that figure to 12.2L/100km and another upgrade announced yesterday has officially lowered the consumption again -- to 11.3L/100km. At this rate, it'll be a zero-emissions vehicle before the 2025 model year.

As Mazda Australia's National Marketing Manager, Alastair Doak was quoted in a press release saying that the CX-9 had sold over 12,000 units since it was launched in Australia, back in 2007, and has been "well received by Australian families".

"We're sure that these latest improvements will also be welcomed by those families who value style but also like to keep an eye on efficiency," he said.

The latest program of running changes to the CX-9 concentrates on "engine combustion control" on the overrun and at idle. Then too, the company has tweaked the four-wheel drive system, reduced friction in the six-speed automatic transmission and specified lighter wheels and tyres that generate lower rolling resistance.

The alloy wheels are new designs, in 18- and 20-inch diameters. Mazda claims that the sportier wheels are also lighter, enhancing the car's ride quality and reducing unsprung weight.

Other than the detail changes to squeeze more kilometres out of each litre of fuel, the CX-9 is mechanically unchanged and the 3.7-litre DOHC V6 continues to pump out 204kW of power and 367Nm of torque. Also unchanged are the CX-9's prices and three-tier model line-up.

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