2008 Mazda CX-9
May 25, 2007 by Alborz Fallah
The Mazda CX-7 has been a huge success for the Japanese manufacturer, and now its bigger brother, the seven-seater Mazda CX-9 is on the way. Here to replace the discontinued Mazda MPV minivan, the CX-9 should do well riding on Mazda’s current reputation of reliability and performance.
Mazda Australia recently tested a prototype right-hand-drive engineering mule under Australian conditions and although the results have not been made public, Mazda was happy with the results (admittedly, they would have said that anyway!).
Australia will be the first market to receive the Right-Hand Drive CX-9 – Although Japan has the Minivan, the Japanese do not get the same car – yet. Infact the CX-9 had been designed initially (based on a stretched Mazda 6 platform) for Left Hand Drive markets and hence the conversion to RHD has taken some time.
Mazda plans to sell the CX-9 in two variants, prices from $55,000 and $60,000. Having to convert to RHD meant a few modifications, such as “flipping” the centre seat 60/40 split and middle row seatbelt mounting point had to be made.
The modifications have ensured the CX-9’s praised interior works just as well for the Australian market as it does in North America.
“The CX-9 is shaping up to be a strong entrant in the seven seat market, with our market research and the recent evaluation drive confirming that CX-9 has what it takes cabin space for seven adults, style and class leading dynamics – to make an impact in this family-friendly market segment. Mazda Australia’s marketing manager, Martin Benders said
The two variants are still under review and Mazda Australia is yet to release a full list of specifications. However, we do have some info, the engine will be sourced from Ford – a 3.5 Ford “Cyclone” V6, called the “MZI” in Mazda guise, the 186 kilowatt CX-9 engine will be available with:
- a choice of 18 or 20-inch alloy wheels,
- dual zone climate control air conditioning,
- cruise control,
- power windows and mirrors,
- six airbags
- Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
- Roll Stability Control (RSC).
Expects to see the new Crossover SUV in showrooms by January 2008.
Print it: 
Pity it doesn’t have a good diesel as undoubtably it will be heavyish on fuel. If it had that and no wood inside, I would buy one – honest !
The CX-7 fuel economy isn’t good from what I hear and the boost lag was annoying to me. The rear is a bit small too which the CX-9 solves.
A diesel would be a great addition to the range and the 3ltr T/D out of the BT-50 would do nicely…
I can’t believe it. A great looking vehicle that sells for US$32k starts in Australia for $55k. What a con!!
Given the Aus$ is currently at say US90c – US$32000 should translate to AUS$35500. Surely Caradvice could look into these discrepancies. I noticed Nissan has dropped prices for the Maxima and Murano in recent times.
Price discrepancies are everywhere. Here in Canada even though our $1CDN = $0.93USD our CX-9 costs $52K fully loaded versus around $39-40K in the US. And the car companies admit that there is a discrepancy, but won’t willingly do anything. Heck they don’t even allow the dealers at the US boarder cities to sell to Canadians.
Its a crazy greedy world!!!
Hey Al good to see your dollar worth more than the US now,I agree that is madness………
i agree mazda in australia asking alot more for cx-9. but i would pay for it in luxury if it includes everything like toyota klugger grande. this cx-9 even in luxury pack doesn’t have sat nav and also doesnt have rear dvd player. what a crap! it provides all of this in US market but here it is reap off. wake up australians
So let me get this straight you want all the features of a $64,490 Toyota Kluger Grande, packed into a $57,265 Mazda CX-9 Luxary…?
You do realise you can get a better aftermarket nav system, rear dvd system (I.E. Dual headrest screens, etc,) for less then the $7,000 difference?
Plus your getting a better looking car, bigger engine, better gearbox, bigger interior, bigger wheels, etc…
Ok, so no keyless start or electric boot (And a few more ‘nice’ features)… big deal lived without it before, and the performance of the Mazda out weights that!
This all coming from a Mazda CX-9 owner!
The dollar issue in Australia ….
The extra 20K per import vehicle, is to protect every autoworker in australia …call it a tax our government imposes on oversea vehicles… This way we can turn around and offer a sub-standard vehicle ‘built in australia’ for maximum return on investment…. Basically we are doing it to ourselves, only way to escape it, is to go to New Zealand ( no import tax ) , you can even buy a new aussie built car for less than we pay in Australia….now thats what i call crazy…
Oi – Oi – Oi …. the greed is for our government :(