Autos B6 November 28 - December 4, 2014 www.TheEpochTimes.com COURTESY OF MAZDA 2015 Mazda CX-9 2015 Mazda CX-9 Mazda provides action not just words By Durhl Caussey The Mazda CX-9 has a powerful 273hp 3.7-litre V6 engine featuring variable valve timing, electronic throttle control, and testy 270 pound-feet torque. This is more than either the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot, and enables the CX-9 to tow up to 1,588 kg when properly equipped. The power is routed to the wheels through a six-speed sport automatic transmission. Fuel economy is estimated at 10 L/100 km highway with the 2WD drivetrain. The CX-9 has large rear doors that open to 72 degrees, providing a cavernous entrance. In and out quickly! The cabin floor and side sills are flush with each other, avoiding the danger of tripping—unlike some SUVs. Some competitors have sills that are up to 7.5 cm higher than the CX-9’s. The 60/40 split second row seats in the CX-9 have something called “tilt and slide,” which allows a simple onehand operation to fold the seatback forward and the chair to automatically move forward nearly 23 cm, giving passenger access to the third row. The CX-9 seats up to seven adults, while providing up to 487 litres of cargo space behind the third row. Just reach for and pull the release strap to quickly fold down the third row’s 50-50 split fold-flat seatback, giving you a cargo space of 1,368 litres. If you also fold down the 60/40 split second row, it expands the cargo room to 2,851 litres. There is plenty of room for the kids’ games and gear, yet there is still enough room for eight cup holders and four onelitre bottle holders. The touch of a button opens and closes the lift gate. The remote control makes loading easier and more convenient. The cabin appears elevated, comfortable, and uncluttered. A leatherwrapped steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, Bluetooth hands-free phone controls, and three-zone automatic climate control also features integrated Pandora Internet radio controls that let you choose music matching your taste. Unfortunately, there are some shortcomings inside. The 5.8-inch colour display with rear-camera was simply too small. Cross streets, when listed, were difficult to find and read when using navigation. The parameters of the screen were covered with symbols, which although somewhat transparent were not very legible, adding to the difficulty of read- ing. Even when cross streets were labelled, they did not always stay on the screen because it was so small. It was also hard to use the audio controls on the steering wheel, plus the small volume buttons on the console were difficult to find and it took forever for them to respond. A large knob for volume control would have been perfect. Another disappointment was that there was little open space storage in the front. However, the CX-9 handled well regardless of road variety or recent stormy weather. Available Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive, Blind COURTESY OF MAZDA Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and HID/LED lighting contributed to a feeling of safety and confidence. The CX-9 had an enhanced stability control system that monitors and detects wheel spin and reduces engine power to help improve traction when accelerating in slippery conditions. The manufacturer’s suggested price is $33,995 for the GS and $45,995 for the GT. The absolute best feature of the CX-9 was roominess in the rear. Leg room for the second row is 1,010 mm, and the third row is 824 mm. Back seat shoulder room is 1,490 mm for the second row and 1,444 mm for the third row. In conclusion I would just say the CX-9 offers innovative technologies, modern design, great performance, and is absolutely fun to drive. WARRANTY tNPOUILN Basic Coverage tNPOUILN Powertrain Warranty tNPOUI6OMJNJUFEEJTUBODF Perforation Warranty Inside the 2015 CX-9 Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or dcaussey@sbcglobal.net.