Cars really are a thing of dreams. But even when family duties oblige you to get a 7-seater, you don't have to make excuses for choosing such a vehicle. Take the all-new 2017 Mazda CX-9 and its athletic physique as a case in point.
Have you ever seen a 7-seater mid-size crossover as beautiful as the 2017 Mazda CX-9? We haven't either. But then again, the Japanese manufacturer from Hiroshima had to make the second-generation CX-9 beautiful because the crossover segment is more crowded than ever and competition is getting stronger with each passing day.
The 3-row model is fully imbued with the latest expression of the KODO - Soul of Motion design language and the newest SkyActiv technologies. As for the passion that went into the exterior styling of the CX-9, the design team's goal was to express dynamism without making compromises on the practicality front.
Once you hop inside, you'll be greeted by a well-thought-out cabin garnished with a wide range of features. Even though this vehicle is perfect for the active family, that is genuine aluminum on the dashboard and door panels. The design of the dash offers horizontal spaciousness for the driver and front passenger, while the long wheelbase provides enough legroom for both the second- and third-row occupants.
Regarding engine options, the rumors were true. Gone is the gray-haired 3.7-liter Ford Cyclone V6 powerplant of the first-gen CX-9 and in its place comes a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder motor. It may be smaller in displacement compared to the old V6, but the SkyActiv-G 2.5T Turbo is more frugal. The inline-4 turbo promises "class-leading torque and an estimated around 20 percent increase in fuel efficiency."
This renders the CX-9 among the most efficient vehicles in the 7-seater mid-size crossover segment.
With 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) at your disposal, channeled to the front or all four wheels, what more could you wish for? The company informs that North American sales of the 2017 Mazda CX-9 start this spring, with the Japanese brand targeting to sell 50,000 units a year on a global scale.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the all-new CX-9 as an overall package?
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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