She says, he says: Mazda CX-9

He: Mazda gave the CX-9 a makeover last year, with new-look front and rear design, but - aside from a bit more gear on some models - the rest of the car is unchanged. At first glance it seems like this car is aimed at people like you and me. We've both got a couple of kids and want the flexibility to bring their friends along sometimes, but without wanting to drive a people-mover. What were your first impressions?

She: I regret to say I'm not a massive fan. I don't love the extruded badge on its snout, and the interior is fairly old-school. But my big complaint is the lack of a driver's reversing aid - how can a car this big have no rear sensors?

He: Well it does have a reversing camera, so I while I understand you miss the sensors, I think a camera is more important. I was a bit surprised it doesn't come with satnav, too, given it's standard on the cheaper Mazda3 range (except for the base Neo model). I agree with you about the interior: it's a bit dated, especially once you've been in a new Mazda6 or CX-5, which are a step above. But I did love the space, it's a genuine seven-seater with decent room in the second- and third-row seats. Do you concur?

She: Well, sort of. I would like some way of getting air to the third row, and I wish the centre middle seat was less of a smack to the bum and more of an actual seating option, but I like the adjustability of the two rear rows. I do agree that the general high quality and spec of Mazdas has set this older car up with high expectations, and I imagine the next-generation CX-9 will be a more welcome offering in terms of fitout and driver aids. Meanwhile, though, how can the CX-9 in front-wheel-drive be only 0.2 litres per 100 kilometres more efficient than the all-wheel-drive version?

He: Well, it's still a big car and Mazda doesn't offer it with a diesel - just the petrol V6. I guess the real saving is the upfront purchase price, because the cheapest AWD CX-9 is $12,955 more expensive - that buys a lot of unleaded petrol. And the engine does offer decent grunt. I didn't have seven on board but the engine certainly felt strong enough to cope.

She: The engine is strong and solid, and the handling is not bad. The seats are comfortable in the front and middle rows and it's a fairly quiet ride. It's got that high riding position that drivers in this category are after, and all the anti-roll and airbag technology you would want. I also like middle seats that split, because two teens on a road trip normally features one in the third row with the middle seat folded, and other in the middle row. Otherwise, they rip each other apart - clearly, Mazda understands that.

He: I think the biggest problem the CX-9 has is its competition. The Kia Sorento is available with a diesel engine and AWD for less ($43,990 plus costs) and uses 7.3L/100km. And that's just one of many diesel, seven-seat sports utility vehicles available for similar money - Ford Territory, Hyundai Santa Fe and Holden Captiva 7. So, would you buy a CX-9 over any of those?

She: Not this version when the Sorento has so much more on offer. Maybe the new one will change my mind.

He: Yeah, if the new CX-5, 6 and 3 are any indication the all-new CX-9 should be a big step forward. But that won't arrive until 2015, and this model is off the pace.

Mazda CX-9 2WD Classic

Price $44,525

Vital statistics 3.7-litre V6 petrol; 204kW/367Nm; 6-sp auto; 11.0L/100km; front-wheel-drive