CX-9: Zoom-Zoom for the Family

Seven seats and the soul of a sports car

1. At a Glance
2. Overview
3. Market Positioning
4. Exterior Design
5. Interior Design and Space
6. Mechanical Overview
7. Powertrain
8. Suspension
9. Active Safety
10. Passive Safety
11. Chassis & Body Safety
12. Noise, Vibration & Harshness
13. Specifications
14. Equipment

1. At a Glance

• Mazda CX-9 is Mazda's first SUV with seven seats
• Australia's first true crossover combining passenger car handling with SUV all-road ability and wagon-style, flat-floor versatility
• Australia's first affordable seven-seat SUV with style
• All-wheel drive and six-speed Activematic standard across the range
• High level of safety is standard: DSC, RSC, TCS, ABS and six airbags
• CX-9 is first Mazda with reversing camera
• Insightful packaging - wide door openings, easy third-row access
• Third-row seats fold flat
• Second-row 60/40 split 'flipped' on Australian RHD model
• Available in two grades - Classic and Luxury
• Prices are $49,990 for Classic and $57,265 for Luxury specification
• Strong 3.7-litre V6 engine is Mazda's most powerful engine ever
• Engine produces 204kW at 6250rpm and 366Nm at 4250rpm
• CX-9 Luxury is first Mazda with 20-inch alloy wheels
• On sale December 2007

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2. Overview

• Mazda CX-9 on sale December 2007 in two models grades: Classic and Luxury
• Priced from $49,990 - all models with 204kW engine, all-wheel-drive (AWD) and seven seats
• Unrivalled power, space, safety and style. Best value for money in class.

Mazda's all-new CX-9 seven-seat SUV has arrived, bringing generous accommodation for seven people and luggage, a striking crossover design, class-leading refinement and Mazda's trademark driving dynamics to Australian consumers.

The Mazda CX-9 will be offered in two model grades, Classic and Luxury, with prices starting from $49,990. Both models come standard with seven seats, a powerful 3.7-litre V6 engine, Mazda's Active Torque Split AWD system and a six-speed Activematic transmission.

Both the Mazda CX-9 Classic and Luxury models are generously equipped with climate control (three-zone), alloy wheels, cruise control, and power windows and mirrors. A six-stack, in-dash CD player (MP3 compatible) is operated through a touch screen which includes a reversing camera.

The CX-9 sets new benchmarks in active safety in the medium SUV segment: Roll Stability Control (RSC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control (TCS), antilock brakes (ABS) and six airbags - front, side and curtain - are standard.

All Australian CX-9s are built at a Mazda production facility in Hiroshima and have been extensively customised for the Australian market. One such example, the centre seat's 60/40 split and middle row seatbelt mounting point have been "flipped", ensuring that the CX-9's insightful interior works just as well in Australia as it does in North America.

Mazda's CX range caters to families big and small
The Mazda CX-9, first presented to Australians at 2007 Melbourne International Motor Show, joins the CX-7 compact SUV in giving Australian consumers a stylish alternative to the drab and boxy wagons crowding the SUV market.

Like the CX-7 before it, the Mazda CX-9 will combine class-leading value, safety and practicality with Mazda's trademark Zoom-Zoom driving experience that promises to excite and engage drivers like only a Mazda can.

Engineered with Mazda's "Soul of a Sportscar", CX-9 deftly blends sporty driving spirit with seven-passenger practicality and SUV versatility. Standing out from existing crossover SUVs, the Mazda CX-9 is the insightful solution not only to the modern family's complex needs but also to the enthusiast driver's desires. Zoom-Zoom is standard.

The CX-9 represents everything a Mazda SUV should be. It comes with ample reserves of power, a strikingly handsome appearance, precision build quality and unexpected versatility. And, while other vehicles in this category focus only on what's behind the driver's seat for the family, Mazda has engineered a unique solution that is equally as exciting for the driver.

The Mazda CX-9 is the new benchmark medium SUV for style, substance, safety and spirited performance. It will be the seven-seat SUV by which all current SUVs will be measured... and found wanting.

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• Strong appeal on all fronts: Style, safety, space and spirited performance
• Flexible interior shapes to the changing needs of active families
• CX-9 will appeal to families who want a little bit more - of everything

The Mazda CX-9 brings an unrivalled blend of practicality, safety and driving excitement to the medium SUV segment and makes a value statement that Australian consumers will find hard to resist.

The Mazda CX-9's stylish good looks and Zoom-Zoom DNA will set it apart from the bland, boxy seven-seat wagons that Australian consumers have, up until now, been forced to buy.

The Mazda CX-9 broadens Mazda's CX (Crossover Sports) family, complementing the smaller CX-7 five-seat compact SUV that is proving popular with Australian consumers. More than 7000 CX-7s have found homes with Australians in the 13 months it has been on sale.

Mazda Australia will offer two CX-9 models in Australia; the CX-9 Classic ($49,990) and the CX-9 Luxury ($57,265).

Both Mazda CX-9 models come standard with a powerful 204kW, 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine, Mazda's Active Torque Split AWD system and a six-speed Activematic transmission.

Class-leading levels of safety are standard: six airbags, Roll Stability Control (RSC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control (TCS), antilock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Electronic Brake Assist (EBA), and a reversing camera are fitted to all CX-9 models.

High levels of practicality and luxurious appointments throughout the cabin, coupled with the CX-9's cavernous interior, further enhance its benchmark credentials in the medium SUV market segment.

Mazda Australia expects to sell 400 CX-9s each month, with the majority likely to be the $57,265 Luxury specification.

Predicted Buyer Profile
The Mazda CX-9 will appeal to active Australians with a growing family attracted to the CX-9's unique mix of style, sportiness and spacious versatility. This type of buyer craves a family vehicle with more style - but all the practicality - of a traditional boxy people mover.

CX-9 buyers are looking for so much more in a vehicle than purely functional benefits. Equally, they want to satisfy their emotional needs - they want contemporary style, willing performance, and a vehicle which can deliver a great driving experience.

Having kids doesn't compromise their lifestyle - it adds to it. The target market wants to be out and about, enjoying all the fun and adventures - that family life can bring. They spend a lot of time away or on the road - comfort and a certain level of luxury are must haves.

This type of consumer places more importance on having a seven-seat vehicle that has the carrying capacity to cope with such a hectic and active lifestyle. They demand the highest levels of safety - both active and passive - to ensure their family is as safe as possible.

They also look for more in a vehicle than simple A-to-B transport for the family. The CX-9's spirited driving dynamics - one of Mazda's core brand attributes - will resonate strongly with the target market, who will enjoy the engine's responsiveness and immediacy.

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• CX-9 brings Stylish and Insightful design to SUVs
• Sleek, sporting lines convey intent without encroaching on interior space
• Dynamic look gives an insight to the CX-9's dynamic physical attributes

The Mazda CX-9's flowing lines encapsulate Mazda's Stylish, Insightful and Spirited product DNA. The CX-9's rakish silhouette appears swift and lithe even when stationary, but does not compromise interior versatility and space.

Mazda's designers aimed to provide an exciting, Emotional and Sporty value in all aspects of the vehicle's use by supporting various customer lifestyles. The exterior is full of dynamic styling, and the interior provides an attractive space with a fun-to-drive feel.

The Mazda CX-9 is a unique, eye-catching design, especially in the seven-passenger SUV segment, aimed at evoking a pleasant surprise through the athletic and dynamic design. The tapered, slender windows and kicked-up beltline are shared with the CX-7, both inherited from Mazda's new SUV design DNA.

The CX-9's front end is unmistakably Mazda, with its elegantly sculpted, sporty five-point grille and wide, bold bumper. A horizontal streak of chrome floats on the front grille bar, giving a distinctive and high quality feel. The lines which extend from the A-pillars to the grille, the wide, thick bumper, and the enlarged brand mark are some of the special features that ensure the CX-9 is unmistakably Mazda.

Additionally, the detail designing on the CX-9 is different than that of past models in order to create a quality suitable to a flagship SUV. The headlamps and fog lamps are treated with a jewelery-like gloss, and together with the chrome used in the grille bar and bumper intake, a high quality feel is obtained.

The side windows form a flowing, open and modern greenhouse, allowing clear vision from all seating positions. The jewelry-like gloss finish used on the taillights, just like the headlamps, and the trapezoid shape of the dual exhaust pipes emphasise the quality and uniqueness even in minute detail.

Many mid-sized crossover SUVs strive for the utilitarian look. The Mazda CX-9, however, is designed to evoke a strong pride of ownership.

Without sacrificing versatility or efficiency, the CX-9 delivers the sophisticated appearance of a vehicle costing twice as much. Its flowing silhouette, prominent wheels and tyres, muscular wheel arches and steeply angled windscreen and backlight give the CX-9 a dramatic and refined look.

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• Long wheelbase realises class-leading interior space
• Versatile interior is easy to configure depending on occupancy and cargo
• Wide door openings and easy-fold seats facilitate access to all three rows

The Mazda CX-9 rides on a 2875mm wheelbase, one of the longest in its class, enhancing the CX-9's dynamic envelope and providing ample interior space for up to seven adults and easy access to its three-row seating. Even with seven adults onboard, there is sufficient cargo space to meet the needs of modern Australian families.

Good visibility in all directions is an important component of vehicle safety. The high seating position of the CX-9 naturally provides for impressive all-round visibility but a variety of new features help to improve visibility and safety even further.

Firstly, the addition of rain-sensing wipers helps to ensure a clear windscreen for maximum visibility. A sensor located at the top of the windscreen detects the amount of rainfall by measuring light refraction through water and if the wipers are switched to the AUTO position, they will automatically switch on and off when necessary. The sensitivity of the rain sensor can be adjusted by turning the switch on the wiper control stalk.

Another standard feature to improve visibility across the CX-9 range is the auto headlight on/off function. The amount of outside light is measured and when the headlight control stalk is turned to the AUTO position, the headlights, tail lights and instrument panel illumination will turn on automatically at dusk and off again at dawn.

For the first time on a Mazda vehicle, a reversing camera is a standard feature. The reversing camera is located in the rear tailgate and provides the driver with a view of the area directly behind the vehicle in order to assist when reversing or parking. It is automatically turned on when reverse gear is selected and the driver is able to view the image from the camera on the 7.5 inch touch screen located in the centre console.

To ensure the driver is able to obtain an optimal driving position, the driver's seat and steering column move quickly and easily over a long range of adjustment.

Designers paid particular attention to the second row seats in order to facilitate ease of entry to the third row. Firstly the rear doors open an impressive 72 degrees to allow a wide avenue of access. Also, the side sill is level with the floor for easy entry and exit.

Secondly, the second row seat has both rake and slide adjustability, which frees up 662mm leg room at hip height and 226mm foot room. The seat slides through a range of approximately 120mm.

Access to the third row is via one simple lever that rakes the seatback and slides the base forward. The second row seat split folds 60/40; Mazda Australia specifically requested that the factory 'flip' the 60 with the 40 to suit the right hand drive market, ensuring passengers can be safely loaded from the kerb-side of the vehicle.

Grab handles are strategically placed to aid passenger access.

The third row seat is not just for kids or teenagers; it has been designed to cater for full-size adults. As a result it offers a more natural seating position and more space than the competition. Also, there is an easily accessible latch to allow third row occupants to release the second row seat without aid

Even with the third row occupied, the CX-9 provides up to 267-litres of cargo capacity. Both second and third-row seats fold flat to allow additional storage all the way to the back of the front seats. With the third and second row seats folded CX-9 boasts 928-litres of cargo space.

Storage for all of life's clutter
There are numerous storage locations in the CX-9. Some of these storage solutions in the front seats include a lockable and illuminated glove box, glasses compartment, dual cup holders (ten in total) and door map pockets which can also store drinks and other items.

The centre console contains an audio auxililary jack and 12-volt outlet and can be used to store CDs, MP3 players, iPods or game boys. There is also a coin box, which is located on the right hand side of the steering wheel.

Second row occupants are not forgotten. A centre armrest console includes room for two drinks or other items and air-conditioning controls for the rear. Each front seatback has a map pocket and the doors contain generously-sized bins. The Luxury grade includes a small storage area in the armrest, which can be used to store MP3 players, children's games or the like.

The third row does not go without storage areas, with two cupholders for each seat making four in total.

Sporting elegance: Interior colour and quality
The interior colours include refined noble black and elegant sand (Luxury specirfication only). Both are accented in silver to highlight the sportiness, while offering a high quality feel. The seats on the CX-9 Classic are trimmed in luxury-feel cloth upholstery, the Luxury model gains leather. Both materials provide a soft, smooth, and comfortable touch.

Decorated panels elaborately fitted to the dashboard enhance the quality feel of the interior.

The sense of quality appropriate to a sporty, high-quality SUV can be felt in every part of the cabin. The CX-9 achieves an optimum touch-feel quality in each area that contacts the body while driving. The leather surfaces are double-stitched to produce functional firmness and durability together with a visually pleasing sense of refined quality.

The doors, console and armrests achieve a perfect balance between softness and firmness, and the door armrests have an optimum design and softness for added comfort, particularly on long drives.

The CX-9 realises completeness by incorporating Mazda DNA qualities of firmness, smoothness and tactile feel to all operation features. For example, a high-class quality operation feel is provided on the glove compartment by the addition of dampers.

Indirect illumination
The Luxury grade features indirect blue illumination at night to lead passengers into a world of Zoom-Zoom. The indirect blue illumination in the door trims, the ceiling, instruments, meters and audio panel all enhance the prestigious ambience of the CX-9's spacious and well-equipped interior.

Interior craftsmanship and attention to detail is visible everywhere. Soft trim is elegantly configured and constructed of top-quality materials and seats have an inviting yet sporty look and feel appropriate to this type of vehicle. The dash panel houses large, clearly marked entertainment and climate controls. Delicate stitching and the metallic look of the floating door trim-grips reveal the designer's fine eye for detail.

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• Powerful 204kW V6 engine and six-speed Activematic always ready for performance
• Dynamic and sure-footed thanks to AWD system and independent suspension
• 0-100km/h in just 8.5 seconds; overtaking 60-100km/h in just 4.8 seconds

All Mazda vehicles strive to be the most dynamic in their class but not at the expense of practicality or value. To achieve this, Mazda decided early on to build the CX-9 on its own monocoque chassis and not to use a stretched version of that in the smaller CX-7.

The CX-9 does not share a 'platform' or architecture with the Mazda CX-7, despite both cars carrying the CX 'Crossover Sport' moniker. The Mazda CX-9 is a completely bespoke development, though it does use component synergies where relevant - such as the Active Torque Split all-wheel drive system and Aisin six-speed Activematic transmission.

The Mazda CX-9 takes the classic SUV design to stylish new heights, dressing its imposing dimensions in sleek lines and flowing curves that make its rivals look decidedly stodgy. The CX-9's long, graceful glasshouse drapes a purposeful body that stands ready for business on 18-inch or 20-inch wheels and tyres.

The revolutionary CX-9 seven-seat AWD is the largest passenger vehicle in Mazda's range. It measures 5074mm in length, 1728mm in height and is 1936mm wide. Compared to the smaller Mazda CX-7, the CX-9 is 394mm longer, 83mm taller and 64mm wider.

Mazda's most powerful engine
The Mazda CX-9 is powered by a longitudinally-mounted, 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine that displaces 3726cc and produces 204kW of power at 6250rpm, the most power of any Mazda vehicle. Peak torque of 366Nm is produced at 4250rpm.

To ensure smooth, immediate acceleration is ready whenever needed, the CX-9 robust engine delivers at least 90 per cent of its maximum torque between 2800rpm and 5800rpm.

This engine output is fed through a smooth-shifting Aisin automatic gearbox, the same six-speed Activematic transmission as used in the Mazda CX-7. Also adapted from the CX-7 is the CX-9's all-wheel drive system, Active Torque Split AWD.

As a result, the Mazda CX-9 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds. Even more impressive is the CX-9's in-gear acceleration; it can blast from 60-100km/h in just 4.8 seconds, making overtaking on country roads a breeze.

The Mazda CX-9's fuel economy is rated according to ADR81/01 at 13.0 litres/100km using regular unleaded (91RON) fuel.

Unlike some of its rivals which offer 2WD versions of seven-seat SUVs, all Mazda CX-9s come standard with the advantage of AWD traction. Active Torque Split AWD has proven itself not only eminently capable in the CX-7, but has also earned its stripes in the high-performance cauldron of the blisteringly quick Mazda6 MPS.

Active safety enhancing the driving experience
Mazda's engineers wanted to maximise the CX-9's performance and traction, so they included a suite of active safety devices designed to give the driver maximum control at all possible times. All CX-9 models come standard with Roll Stability Control (RSC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and antilock brakes (ABS). More can be read about these systems in the Active Safety section of this guide.

In addition, Mazda worked to give the CX-9 the best combination of dynamic handling and comfortable ride with a fully-independent suspension system.

The front suspension employs McPherson struts with lateral force control springs and ball type strut bearings for a smooth steering feel and driving comfort. The rear suspension adopts the multi-link suspension system that has been proven in several other Mazda vehicles such as RX-8, MX-5, Mazda6 and CX-7. The link layout and tuning has been optimised for the CX-9's 2041kg kerb weight (Luxury is 2080kg).

Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, EBD and EBA
Four-wheel ventilated disc-brakes include an antilock braking System (ABS) to prevent lockup during emergency use and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) to ensure the shortest possible stopping distance in an emergency.

Dual-piston front brake calipers operate in conjunction with 320mm diameter ventilated rotors, and single-piston rear calipers squeeze 325mm rotors, also ventilated. Ventilated discs have high-fade durability and high tolerance to continuous braking.

Front-to-rear distribution of braking force is electronically controlled to take full advantage of available traction during stops. In the event the driver applies the brakes rapidly in an emergency but with insufficient force to engage the ABS function, a brake assist function takes over to stop the vehicle as quickly as possible.

To provide drivers with a confident feel during stops, the CX-9's braking system is extra-rigid so that deceleration is more directly proportional to pedal pressure than pedal travel. The payoff with this more linear response is enhanced controllability.

Not only does the CX-9 have excellent brake feel, it also boasts a short stopping distance. Based on the results of in-company brake testing on a flat, dry concrete surface, the minimum stopping distance from 100km/h was about 39 metres with two passengers aboard, and about 41 metres with seven passengers and hand luggage.

The foot-operated parking brake enhances the storage utility of the vehicle by allowing for a centre console with larger capacity.

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• Spirited performance assured by most powerful non-turbo engine in its class
• Six-speed Activematic transmission provides the right gear for all situations
• Active Torque Split AWD ensures maximum tractive effort in various terrain

The Mazda CX-9 is the most powerful passenger vehicle in Mazda's current range. It is also the most powerful naturally-aspirated seven-seat SUV in the medium-SUV segment.

A longitudinally-mounted 3.7-litre V6 engine provides CX-9 with outstanding acceleration and passing performance. Regular unleaded fuel (91 RON) is suitable for use in the CX-9.

The CX-9's 60-degree short-stroke V6 is made in Japan and state-of-the-art throughout. Advanced features include a die-cast aluminium block with cast-in iron cylinder liners and aluminium cylinder heads for minimal weight. The engine displaces 3726cc and produces 204kW of power at 6250rpm.

Peak torque of 366Nm is produced at 4250rpm, and to ensure smooth, immediate acceleration is ready whenever needed, the CX-9's robust engine delivers at least 90 per cent of its maximum torque from 2800rpm-5800rpm. This also means that an impressive towing capacity of up to 2000kg can be achieved.

The engine achieves this class-leading performance by utilising best practice and a range of clever innovations. Firstly, a more efficient means of air intake has been devised by optimising the design of the intake manifold and adopting high flow cylinder head ports.

The length, width and curve of the intake pipe has been optimally adjusted to reduce undulation and resistance of the intake air. This also helps to reduce the vibration sometimes experienced due to air intake.

A second technology which helps to ensure the best possible air intake is S-VT (Sequential Valve Timing). This system works to adjust the points at which the engine's intake valves open and close during each operating cycle in accordance with engine speed and air-intake rate. This allows the engine to operate more efficiently throughout the rev range while maintaining optimal power and delivery.

The valve-train includes chain-driven double overhead camshafts for minimal maintenance, four valves per-cylinder with direct acting bucket-type actuators. A high 10.3:1 compression ratio maximises efficiency and power output while the throttle is electronically controlled for instantaneous response. Two close-coupled catalytic converters cleanse the exhaust without inhibiting power.

This engine output is fed through a smooth-shifting Aisin six-speed Activematic gearbox, the same automatic transmission as used in the Mazda CX-7. The gear ratios are the same, however a final drive ratio has been specifically chosen to suit the high torque output of the CX-9's V6 engine.

Also adapted from the CX-7 is the CX-9's all-wheel drive system, Active Torque Split AWD, to ensure the most motive force is gained from the CX-9's engine performance.

Mazda has moved to reduce the CX-9's exhaust emissions by situating two close-coupled catalysts and two large capacity silencers in the exhaust system. This means the CX-9 already meets Euro Stage 4 emissions regulations.

All-wheel drive standard on all models
Mazda's Active Torque Split AWD system achieves a fine balance between sporty control over the car that makes it particularly fun to drive and handling stability on snowy or wet surfaces or under other challenging road conditions.

The Active Torque Split AWD system comes with a proven high-performance pedigree. The control of the Active Torque Split AWD system is based on the system already seen in the Mazda6 MPS and CX-7, and has been finely tuned for the Mazda CX-9.

The excellent mobility and assured safety feel from the Active Torque Split AWD provides aggressive, enjoyable driving and excellent vehicle control performance under any road surface conditions.

Under normal conditions, the front wheels provide the drive with traction being transmitted to the rear wheel as needed. The change from 2WD to AWD is seamless and occurs automatically without the driver having to select AWD.

Active Torque Split: How it works
The AWD control module determines the vehicle driving and road conditions based on real-time input signals from each sensor such as the wheel speed and engine status sensors.

It controls the output current to the electronic control-coupling unit in the rear differential unit to adjust the front/rear wheel torque distribution between 100:0 and 50:50, and to deliver optimum drive power to each wheel.

The result is powerful acceleration and positive handling regardless of changing road conditions, as well as the ability to fully balance the car in a turn by asserted use of the accelerator pedal.

When starting off or accelerating during straight-ahead driving, torque transmitted to the rear wheels is optimally controlled to ensure sufficient acceleration performance. Due to this, standing-starts and acceleration performance are improved.

Also, in order to improve fuel economy when driving at a stable, consistent speed, torque transmitted to the rear wheels is damped, and rear-wheel drive is controlled to maintain it close to that of the front wheels.

When the AWD control module (CM) determines that the vehicle is cornering sharply based on the four-wheel speed signal, it reduces the torque transmitted to the rear wheels to avoid tight-corner braking characteristics or effects.

If a signal from the DSC CM input to the 4WD CM indicates that the ABS control is activated, the module controls the torque transmitted to the rear wheels to prevent undue influence on ABS control. Also, when a coupling torque request signal is received from the DSC CM, the module controls the torque transmitted to the rear wheels to match the amount of requested torque.

Six-speed Activematic transmission
The six-speed Activematic transmission is the same one used in the CX-7 and provides excellent driving performance, competitive fuel economy, and quietness of operation. The Activematic also features a manual mode which allows the driver to actively select gears like in a manual transmission vehicle.

The transmission delivers a sporty, aggressive shift feel while quick response to driver inputs provides brisk shift changes with low shift lag. It is more than capable of extracting performance from the new 3.7-litre V6 engine while providing a relaxed, comfortable ride with minimum noise and shock and good fuel economy.

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8. Suspension

• Rigid structure provides great occupant protection and dynamic handling foundation
• Fully-independent suspension ensures CX-9 combines supple ride and sharp handling
• 18-inch tyres standard on Classic, 20-inch tyres on Luxury, the biggest ever for Mazda

During development of the chassis, Mazda's engineers were guided by a best-practice philosophy that ensured the CX-9 was built to be as strong and safe as possible. The achievement of this not only realises impressive occupant safety, it is the foundation the
CX-9's dynamic abilities are built on.

In front, the perimeter frame mounted to the monocoque through six rubber isolators supports the power train, the engine-speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion power steering, and a low friction strut-type suspension system using coil springs.

For the Mazda CX-9 to wear the Mazda Winged-M symbol, it had to be more than just 'another' crossover SUV. It had to be a true Mazda, embodying the company's trademark "Soul of a Sports Car." And so engineers determined that the CX-9 had to have independent suspension on all four corners.

While SUV's are not usually renowned for their responsive handling and ride comfort, the CX-9 is different. The suspension system has been adopted from the CX-7 and has been tuned to provide excellent handling performance across a varied range of road conditions.

The front suspension employs McPherson struts with lateral force control springs and ball type strut bearings for a smooth steering feel and driving comfort. The front cross member has been rubber mounted at six points (three on either side) in order to provide sharp and linear steering. This also helps to reduce NVH.

The rear suspension adopts the multi-link suspension system that has been proven in several other Mazda vehicles such as RX-8, MX-5, Mazda6 and CX-7. The link layout has been optimised for the CX-9 to improve the control of wheel alignment.

The multilink rear suspension consists of one trailing arm and two lateral locating members per side. To minimise cargo-compartment intrusion and permit a wider load space, the rear coil spring is positioned between the lower lateral member and the unibody.

The frame is four-point rubber mounted (two on either side) as per the Mazda6 providing the perfect balance between softness and firmness. Another way in which the rear suspension has been optimised for CX-9 is that the trailing arms have been raised to improve stability during braking.

A damper is located as close as possible to each rear wheel to provide excellent motion control with minimal friction. Anti-roll bars at each end maximize agility and control during assertive driving.

Twenty-inch, V-rated, low-profile tyres (245/50 R20) are standard equipment on the Luxury model while the CX-9 Classic rides on 245/60 R18 tyres.

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• Unrivalled suite of active safety protocols
• First medium SUV with Roll Stability Control (RSC)
• RSC, TCS, DSC, ABS, EBD and EBA integrated for maximum control

Safety is one of the key values in the CX-9. The enhanced safety features that offer Zoom-Zoom fun driving are provided for both the driver and passengers.

Active safety features that realise excellent vehicle control include antilock brakes (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) as standard equipment, together with Roll Stability Control (RSC) adopted to reduce the danger of roll-over accidents.

Passive safety features include a vehicle body structure that protects the cabin from collision impact, as well as front, side, and curtain air bags, and front seat belt pretensioners and load limiters that are all standard equipment. In particular, the curtain air bags operate by detecting the risk of roll-over, providing a high level of safety.

The Mazda CX-9 comes with a three-point (lap-sash) seatbelt in all seven seating positions.

Roll Stability Control (RSC)
The Mazda CX-9 takes active safety to new levels in Australia, pioneering the standard fitment of RSC in the medium SUV segment.

Compared to standard vehicles, SUVs with their higher vehicle heights can be more susceptible to lateral forces in extreme manoeuvres. Mazda actively seeks to combat this potential roll-over risk by fitting RSC to all CX-9s on sale in Australia.

RSC, combined with the excellent driver vision inherent in the SUV command driving position, ensures enjoyable driving in safety and comfort.

How it works: The vehicle's roll movement is measured based on signals from the roll rate sensor which detects roll angle) and the wheel speed sensor which measures tyre rise. The brakes and/or engine torque are then controlled to affect a roll moment in the opposite direction. As a result, the vehicle is far more likely to regain an even footing in all but the most extreme situations.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
DSC, standard equipment in all CX-9 models, prevents lateral slip by controling engine torque and brake force, providing greater vehicle safety through optimum vehicle control.

Example 1: If the vehicle is being under-steered when cornering, the DSC applies the brakes to the inner rear wheel and reduces engine torque to apply engine braking to the front wheels. The braking force applied to the inner rear wheel causes the vehicle's front to turn inward, and the engine braking applied to the front wheels prevents the vehicle from deviating out of the corner.

Example 2: If the vehicle is being over-steered when cornering, the DSC applies the brakes to the outer front wheel. The braking force applied to the outer front wheel produces outward moment to prevent the vehicle's rear from turning excessively.

Active Safety: Seamlessly Integrated
ABS, TCS, DSC (with RSC) all provide a high level of safety in all aspects of driving including acceleration, turning and braking.

When the vehicle accelerates, the TCS controls torque transmission to prevent tyre spin. While the vehicle is turning, the DSC prevents lateral slip, and the RSC reduces the risk of roll-over. During braking, the ABS prevents wheel lock and assures manoeuvrability even in emergency situations.

Obtaining a high level of safety in all aspects of driving from acceleration and turning to braking provides enjoyable driving in safety and comfort.

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10. Passive Safety

• Three-point seatbelts and airbags for all rows on all models
• Collapsible steering column and pedals reduce injury
• Anti-whiplash front seats

The Mazda CX-9 offers high levels of occupant safety through the use of latest technology and innovative development of existing ideas. The result is a vehicle that offers five-star safety protection on all models in its range.

Airbags for all occupants
Front and side airbags for the front occupants and curtain airbags for all three rows of occupants are standard equipment. The curtain airbags protect occupants in the first through third-row seats, sustaining gas in the airbags for about six seconds to enhance protection.

Next-Generation Pre-emptive Airbags
In previous type curtain airbags, the vehicle would have to receive an impact to its side before the airbags deployed, however, the CX-9 curtain airbag system is designed to calculate the risk of a roll-over based on signals from the roll angle sensor integrated in the airbag sensor.

If the sensors determine that the vehicle has exceeded the roll-over risk threshold, the airbags are deployed and maintained for up to six seconds to provide enhanced occupant protection at an earlier stage of the vehicle roll-over, thus reducing injury to the occupants.

Even with SUVs that pose a higher risk of roll-over compared to general vehicles, injury to passengers in the unlikely event of a roll-over accident is reduced by curtain airbags which deploy at an earlier stage.

Seat belts save lives
Seat belt pretensioners and load limiters are standard equipment for the front seating positions. In the early stages of a collision, the seat belt pretensioners, which operate together with the air bags, automatically retract to suppress forward movement of the occupants.

When a certain amount of load is applied to the seat belts, the load limiters operate to steadily feed slack back into the retracted seat belts and reduce injury to the chest area.

The second-row seats are equipped with three ALR (Automatic Locking Retracter) type, three-point lap and shoulder seat belts, and the third-row seats have two of the same type seat belts.

Three-point lap and shoulder seat belts on all seats provides enhanced safety for all passengers, and allow for the secure installation of child-restraint systems.

Anti-whiplash front seats
The front seats employ a neck shock moderation function to reduce neck injuries during rear impact collisions. The mechanism accelerates the restraint of the neck in the initial stages of a rear impact while settling back the upper part of the body in the latter stages to restrain the relative movement of the head and chest and thereby reduce neck deformation.

Injury Minimising Steering Column and Pedals
Injury to the driver from the steering wheel in a frontal collision is reduced by a steering wheel shaft with impact absorbing structures in two locations.
If the collision energy is input from the front of the vehicle during a collision, the intermediate shaft collapses to absorb the collision energy. Also, if the driver's body contacts the steering wheel, the steering shaft dislocates from the instrument panel and the inner shaft collapses to absorb impact energy.

Injury to the driver's legs is reduced by a brake pedal which is designed to collapse in a frontal collision. The guide bracket and pedal connection area separates to prevent the pedal from thrusting into the cabin. This reduces injury to the lower leg area of the driver.

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11. Chassis & Body Safety

• NHTSA gives Mazda CX-9 top award for occupant protection
• MIDIAS body structure guards your precious cargo
• High levels of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel assist body rigidity

CX-9 is a five-star safety performer
The Mazda CX-9 has received the U.S. government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highest possible ratings in frontal and side impact crashes - five stars. In addition the CX-9 received a four-star rollover resistance rating.

Mazda's advanced engineering provides CX-9 a monocoque chassis that is among the safest in the medium SUV segment.

During development of the chassis, Mazda's engineers were guided by a best-practice philosophy that ensured the CX-9 was built to be as strong and safe as possible. The achievement of this not only makes the CX-9 as safe for occupants as possible; it is the foundation the CX-9's dynamic abilities are built on.

The CX-9 incorporates the Mazda Advanced Impact Distribution and Absorption System (MAIDAS) body structure. The MAIDAS body prevents cabin deformation by effectively distributing and absorbing impact in accidents to the entire vehicle body, reducing injury to occupants.

More than a dozen structural members in the floor and roof pillars made of high-tensile steel. Multiple steel reinforcements in the roof and a triple-H-shaped floor structure help absorb side-impact energy.

In addition to increasing the number of weld locations on the front side members and sub-frame, the CX-9 utilises a sub-frame extension to increase energy absorption at the initial stages of a crash.

The B-pillars are securely anchored to members in the floor and rocker areas with increased cross-section for all load-bearing members. The rear frame rails are positioned higher and configured as straight as possible for added rigidity.

Moreover, impact is smoothly directed to the underframe by the joints connecting the front side members to the sub-frame. The joints restrict the front side member from rising and prevent the sub-frame from bending downward.

In addition, the sub-frame has been designed to prevent the vehicle from running up the on-coming vehicle in a head-on collision, reducing damage to the on-coming vehicle.

Even in the unlikely event of a frontal collision, cabin deformation is suppressed and occupant injury is reduced by a frame structure that effectively absorbs and distributes impact.

Reducing the severity of side impacts
Cabin deformation is reduced even on impacts to the side of the vehicle by strengthening of the Triple-H structure as follows:

• Addition of roof reinforcements
• Use of high tensile steel on the central pillars
• Increase of door-to-body overlap by lowering the door impact bar positions to reduce penetration of a door into the cabin
• Impact absorption through the use of multiple cross members under the floor

These added measures are designed to control cabin deformation in side impacts and to reduce injury to passengers. Moreover, impact absorbing door pads are effectively distributed in the front doors, rear doors and the door trim to alleviate crash impact on passengers.

By maximum overlap between the doors and the chassis, Mazda's engineers aimed to minimise side-impact intrusion. Added energy absorbing material on front and rear door trim diminishes the transfer of impact loads to occupants.

Rear impact structure meets toughest regulations in the world
Safety is enhanced even with impacts to the rear by a special frame structure that meets the 80 km/h rear offset impact standards which were implemented in the U.S. in September 2006.

By placing the fuel tank in the centre of the vehicle where it is less likely to receive impact, damage to the fuel tank in a collision is reduced.

Deformation to the cabin is surpressed and injury to occupants minimised by a frame structure that employs high-tensile strength steel in the straight, rear side members and numerous crossmembers which absorb and distribute impact.

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12. Noise, Vibration & Harshness

• Reduced NVH levels a core focus during development
• More noise-suppressing foam than any other Mazda
• Tyre and suspension focus reduces road noise penetration significantly

NVH performance is a major factor in determining the level of prestige in a vehicle.The CX-9 achieves excellent cabin quietness as a result of the following measures:

• Eliminating noise penetration to the cabin
• Reducing the transmission of vibration by reinforcing body rigidity
• Reduction of road noise

A quiet cabin with less noise and vibration allows family and friends to enjoy conversation, or to listen to one's favorite music over the high quality audio system.

Sound penetrating the cabin from the vehicle body is reduced by the application of foam-filler material in appropriate locations. Foam-filler material is used in major noise penetration pathways in 22 locations, more than any previous Mazda.

Acoustical foam filler applied to internal cavities block noise transmission from underbody into cabin areas. A highly rigid damping sheet sits in the floor pan to eliminate resonance and to block road noise.

Road noise occurs as a result of vibration transmitted from the tyres to the wheels, wheels to the suspension, and then to the vehicle body. In the CX-9, vibration transmitted to the body is reduced by the optimisation of the wheel structure, improvement of the suspension rigidity and the high body rigidity.

After analysing and optimising the wheel structure, vibration from the wheels to the suspension has been reduced.

The rigidity of the suspension has been enhanced in the strut and knuckle connection area on the struts, and together with the optimisation of the rear sub-frame thickness, both improved quietness and handling have been achieved.

The high body rigidity previously mentioned suppresses the occurrence of road noise to the entire vehicle body. In addition, to minimise audible road noise, mode control panels are employed in the floor which have dual convex lobes that vibrate at the same frequency but in opposite phases when resonating with noise from the tyres.

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13. Mazda CX-9 Specifications

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14. Equipment

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