Mazda's latest CX-9 features both its Skyactive technology suite as well as the brand's Kodo - Soul of Motion design language.
2016 Mazda CX-9
Both the compact CX-5 and subcompact CX-3 have been big hits in their respective segments for the Mazda brand. Each features class-leading fuel economy as well as ride and handling characteristics normally associated with sedans in those classes.
So while the current CX-9 is selling well, it was time for Mazda's largest crossover to undergo the same treatment. The results were on display last Wednesday at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show when Mazda took the wraps off the 2016 CX-9.
"Introducing the all-new CX-9 into the midsize SUV segment will strengthen our new-generation line-up, and we expect a big boost and sustained growth in North America," said Masamichi Kogai, Representative Director, President and CEO of Mazda. "Moving forward, Mazda will continue working to advance our entire product line-up, raise the appeal of the Mazda brand and build a strong emotional bond with customers."
2016 CX-9 Exterior
Up front, narrow headlamp enclosures housing standard low and high-beam LED lamps bracket a bold and upright rendition of Mazda's five-point grille. Along the sides, large wheel housings and a high beltline, along with a creased upper character line and a deeply sculpted lower character line accentuate the relatively narrow daylight opening of the green house.
The rear fascia, meanwhile, features high-mounted, narrow, horizontal taillamps tied together by a narrow strip of chrome trim, while an aggressive lower fascia houses narrow rear reflectors and a pair of chrome-tipped twin exhaust outlets.
2016 CX-9 Interior
Inside, a single piece of aluminum separates the upper and lower dash areas, while portions of the center console are trimmed in real rosewood. The central portion of the upper dash is dominated by either a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim level, while Auburn Nappa leather covers the seating surfaces in Signature trim level.
Under the hood
Even bigger news lies under the 2016 CX-9's hood. There you'll find an all-new turbocharged SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine that features the first-ever turbocharger that has the ability to vary the degree of exhaust pulsation depending on engine speed. Routing engine exhaust to the turbo's turbine through smaller ports at low rpm, the increased pressure allows it to spool up quickly, creating nearly-instant boost of up to 17.4 psi. The net result is 310 lb-ft of torque at a low 2,000 rpm and 250 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on 93-octane gasoline or 227 horsepower using 87-octane gasoline.
2016 Mazda CX-9 specifications
Length: At 199.4 inches long, CX-9 is 1.2 inch shorter than its predecessor
Wheelbase: Its wheelbase has been stretched 2.2 inches to 115.4 inches
Overhang: 2.3 inches shorter up front and 1 inch shorter in the rear
Weight: approx. 4123 lbs., about 198 lbs. less than the outgoing model
Although the 2016 CX-9 is nearly 200 pounds lighter than the outgoing model, 53 lbs. of sound-deadening mats were added back into the body in for reduced NVH (noise, vibration and harshness).
Images courtesy of newspress USA
