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2017 Mazda CX-9 Sneak Peek from the Los Angeles Auto Show

Hours before the Japanese manufacturer's official unveiling of the all-new 2017 Mazda CX-9, automotive tipster Ferd got its hands on the first live photos of the newest three-row mid-size crossover from Mazda. It's a beautiful family hauler, isn't it?
2017 Mazda CX-9 live photo from the Los Angeles Auto Show 11 photos
Photo: Ferd on Facebook
2017 Mazda CX-9 live photo from the Los Angeles Auto Show2017 Mazda CX-9 live photo from the Los Angeles Auto Show2017 Mazda CX-9 live photo from the Los Angeles Auto Show2017 Mazda CX-92017 Mazda CX-92017 Mazda CX-92017 Mazda CX-92017 Mazda CX-92017 Mazda CX-92017 Mazda CX-9
Ever since the CX-5, the first Mazda model to adopt the KODO Soul of Motion design language, the Japanese manufacturer has leveled up in terms of styling across its entire lineup. Incidentally, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 is also the first Mazda to feature the eco-friendly and fuel-efficient SkyActiv technology suite.

With the 2017 Mazda CX-9, the Hiroshima-based automaker is turning the KODO up a notch. As you can see in the photo gallery below, the main inspiration for the new-gen CX-9 is the Mazda Koeru Concept. Of course, much of the concept's design cues had to be toned town a little to accommodate the seven seats inside this family-oriented machine, but the end result is rather bewitching for a mid-size crossover.

From a subjective point of view, the sculpted snout and the upright front grille are the elements that float our boat the most. Compared to the first-gen CX-9, the new kid on the block features a shorter rear overhang and a more dramatically sloped rear window. As for the inside, expect to find bits & bobs borrowed from the 2016 Mazda6, including an HUD and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Slated to go on sale in the first quarter of next year, the 2017 Mazda CX-9 raises the bar not only for exterior and interior design, but also for performance and efficiency. Compared to the current 3.7-liter V6, the new-generation CX-9 will drop the Ford Cyclone V6 for a much-rumored 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G motor. There's no official information on this inline-4, but multiple sources suggest that we're dealing with a turbocharged unit that is expected to crank sufficient horsepower and torque for towing at least 3,500 lbs (1,587 kg).

We'll update this story once the official unveiling gets underway, so follow this space.

UPDATE: Here's the 2017 Mazda CX-9, and yes, it's powered by a SkyActiv-G 2.5T force-fed inline-4.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
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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.
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