ON FRONT PAG E N O R T H E AST V I C TO R I A , A L P S A N D H I G H CO U N T RY
JULY 15 - 21, 2016
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MAZDA CX-9: Stylishly conservative, the shape of this all-new SUV should appeal to many Australian families.
All-new Mazda CX-9 shines
By EWAN KENNEDY Masahi Otsuku, flew downunder for the presentation of the CX-9 to the media. A huge majority of vehicles in the Mazda CX-9 class are bought as people movers, not SUVs so a great deal of emphasis on the new CX-9 has been in improved interior space. It is larger inside and access to the seats has been improved. Styling is fairly predictable at the front, which comes as no surprise as Mazda’s Kodo shape has been a huge success. At the rear there are hints to the CX-9’s smallest brother, the cute little Mazda MX-5 in the layout of the taillights and
the horizontal panel that runs between the lights. There’s a stylish rear spoiler. But that’s where the fun ends, the rest of the shape is fairly conventional, probably to suit the tastes of buyers in the USA, where about 80 per cent of sales are likely to take place. The high window line follows the latest trend in many makes of cars at present, so check your smallest children can see out of the windows as part of your personal test drive. The model range is CX-9 Sport,Touring, GT and Azami. All four models can be bought with two- or four-wheel drive.
The entry level Sport has a fairly basic 7.0-inch infotainment colour touchscreen. The others get an impressive 8.0-inch colour touchscreen. Mazda’s MZD Connect has been designed to minimise driver inattention, though obviously it cannot completely eliminate it. It provides internet connectivity, hands-free phone use, access to your contact list. It can receive text messages and display a list of sender IDs. Likewise the lower grade model have AM and FM radio, while the GT and Azami gain DAB+.
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THE first Mazda CX-9 was launched here just before Christmas 2007 and despite its age has been selling pretty well, being a long time favourite on the family SUV market. In recent years, though, buyers have been asking Mazda Australia to update it. That somewhat overdue new CX-9 is finally here and has the latest technology in infotainment, powertrain and suspension technology and offered in a number of models and drivetrains. Australia continues to be Mazda’s biggest selling market on a population basis so several important guests, including Mazda CX-9 program manager,
Brand New Mazda CX-9 Make it yours
Paul Davenport 0408 057 837 Michael Henderson 0418 512 531 Kylie Stevenson 0428 215 677 Noel Gilbert 0438 597 200
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