Moving Up Market

Fresh off a successful first year with its sprightly CX-7 cross/utility vehicle, Mazda Motor Corp. ratchets up the size and refinement of its family haulers with the introduction of the new '07 CX-9 CUV.

Billed as the auto maker's flagship model, the new 7-seat CX-9 was specifically designed for North American markets and is the largest and most expensive vehicle in the Mazda lineup.

Where the smaller, 5-seat CX-7 focuses on sporty, car-like driving dynamics, the CX-9 emphasizes a more refined and versatile demeanor, better suited to the needs of young, active families.

Riding on an expansive 113.2-in. (287.5-cm) wheelbase, the CX-9 is considerably larger than any of the various Mazda and Ford Motor Co. products that have donated their underpinnings for the new CUV.

On the surface, the CX-9 shares similar structural characteristics with the CX-7 and Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX CUVs.

However, it actually is a unique platform derived from several models, including the Mazda6 (main front structure and rear multi-link suspension), CX-7 (MacPherson strut front suspension and all-wheel-drive system), Mazda5 and MPV (rear structure) and the Edge (engine box and drivetrain tuning).

Ford's Duratec 35 3.5L DOHC V-6, rated at 263 hp and 249 lb.-ft. (338 Nm) of torque, also is used in the CX-9. However, as in the CX-7, it is mated to an Aisin AW-supplied 6-speed automatic transmission vs. the Edge's Ford/General Motors Corp. co-developed 6-speed gearbox.

Overall city/highway fuel economy is rated at 18/24 mpg (13.1-9.8 L/ 100 km) for front-wheel-drive models and 16/22 (14.7-10.7 L/ 100 km) with AWD.

Outside, the CX-9's low-profile silhouette treads the line between traditional station wagon and CUV very well, offering just enough masculinity to assure onlookers it is no minivan.

Inside, the CX-9 excels, making good use of its cavernous interior. The generous 2-person third row offers class-leading legroom, the auto maker says, and reclining second row that slides fore and aft.

In addition, the CX-9 serves up an impressive 17.2 cu.-ft. (487 L) of rear cargo space with the third row in use, growing to 100.7 cu.-ft. (2,652 L) when all rows are folded flat into the floor — competitive, but less than most traditional minivans and other large CUVs.

For a family vehicle starting under $30,000, the CX-9's fit-and-finish and attention to detail are more than satisfactory, if not encroaching on near-luxury segment levels.

As with most Mazdas, the CX-9's controls are simple and well laid out, with subtle touches, such as well-lit electroluminescent gauges, metal-appearance trim and indirect blue mood lighting.

Delicate stitching on the leather seats of Touring and Grand Touring models also contribute to the most upscale Mazda interior of recent memory.

Sport model interiors with cloth upholstery are attractive and comfortable, as well, but appear ill matched to the upscale and athletic design of the exterior.

All trim levels are outfitted with standard Roll Stability Control and three rows of rollover-enabled side-curtain airbags.

All the above should make long-distance trips with the family a fairly pleasant experience. But it's the Zoom-Zoom-tuned chassis and athletic powertrain that instill the CX-9 with driving dynamics far removed from most of its 7- and 8-passenger competitors. Mazda expects about half of buyers to opt for all-wheel drive.

The auto maker declines to give sales forecasts. Pricing ranges from $29,630 (including $595 for destination) for a FWD Sport to $34,470 for an AWD Grand Touring model.