Mazda CX-9 begins production run in Hiroshima plant

Mazda CX-9 production begins 1

Production of the all-new Mazda CX-9 has begun at the company’s Ujina Plant No. 1 in Hiroshima. The three-row, seven-seater SUV was first unveiled at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show, featuring a new turbocharged SkyActiv-G petrol engine.

According to Mazda, the first units of the CX-9 that are produced will be headed for the North American market (US and Canada). The company forecasts global sales to hit 50,000 units annually, with the North American market expected to encompass 80% of that figure.

As mentioned earlier, the second-generation Mazda CX-9 is the first Mazda SUV to carry the company’s new 2.5 litre SkyActiv-G turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which develops up to 250 hp and 420 Nm when running 93-octane petrol in the US (227 hp on 87-octane).

The engine is mated to a six-speed SkyActiv-Drive torque converter automatic transmission and i-Activ all-wheel drive system. It also boasts the highest efficiency in its class, according to US EPA test cycles.

Mazda CX-9 production begins 2

Mazda’s KODO, Soul of Motion design language also makes its mark here, bringing the SUV up to speed in terms of looks with the other models in the company’s line-up – CX-5, CX-3, Mazda 6, Mazda 3 and Mazda 2. Highlights include the full LED headlights and five-point front grille.

It’s all-new on the inside as well with a revamped dash and new equipment. Mazda’s MZD Connect infotainment system is present, along with other goodies such as a heads-up display, automatic air-con and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system on the range-topping variant. You’ll also get premium materials including Auburn leather upholstery and Rosewood trim on the centre console.

The Mazda CX-9 should trickle down to other markets in the future, Malaysia included. The only question is when, and for how much.

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • Jimmy on Feb 12, 2016 at 5:37 pm

    Looks more like an estate with superlow ground clearance lacking offroad capabilities being a Mazda selling at Benz/BMW price.
    There are many much cheaper vehicles with 7 seats and similar size. Many of them are taller with higher ground clearance, with similar interior (the current CX-9 interior is cheap looking).
    Better get a GLC or X3 if you have 3 children or fewer.
    Go and have a real look yourself.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 79
    • Flying Dutchman on Feb 12, 2016 at 9:04 pm

      Dude, this thing is bigger than X5 and Q7… GLC and X3 are like midgets compared to the CX-9….

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 0
    • Diablo on Feb 12, 2016 at 10:34 pm

      CX-9 Malaysia circa RM200k.
      More exp than Santa Fe, Sorento and Fortuner.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 8
    • Lance on Feb 12, 2016 at 10:55 pm

      CX9 interior cheap? Seriously you should look at the new Mazda 6 interior and compare it with the 3 series.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
    • Hmmm for the similar size you can get a Grand Santa Fe, a toyota Prado (no not a Fortuner, fortuner’s just high but it’s smaller in reality), a Chevy Traverse, a Pajero (not not the Pajero Sport; pajero sport’s just high but it’s smaller in reality), a Nissan Patrol, and a Honda Pilot.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 4
    • Doneo on Feb 13, 2016 at 11:01 am

      The CX-9 is AWD. It is not the high clearance off-roader 4WD that you are thinking of. AWD is for all weather driving and 4WD is for all terrain driving. In terms of AWD driving the CX-9 is more than capable

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • DPCraft on Feb 12, 2016 at 5:38 pm

    Mazda really know what consumer wants!!
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrY4g9EAveg
    I <3 this car very upmarket.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 1
  • seancorr (Member) on Feb 12, 2016 at 6:36 pm

    So this fella will be in the 300k segment while the XC90 will be in the 400k segment and the X5 and Q7 in the 500k segment. My personal pick will be the XC90…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 21 Thumb down 3
  • shawal on Feb 12, 2016 at 8:52 pm

    current cx-9 is selling for 280k
    it would be a welcomed suprise if the replacement comes at the same price or even lower….

    with a smaller turbo engine compare to the 3.7 litre v6 previously, it has a strong case for itself here in malaysia…

    bermaz shud seriously consider ckd it from the get go…. Lol…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
  • neutral on Feb 12, 2016 at 9:51 pm

    sneak this under 300k and i can see it selling decently here….over that will be asking for too much.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  • It’s a true beauty. Just like the rest of the latest Kodo Mazdas. If sensibly and competitively priced (as expected) would be a strong contender to beat the Germans and the Swede at sales figures. Only worry would be the local dealers de-speccing it. Still – no one can take away the beauty of this beast. Nice.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
    • I do not know or have any ideas what really stand out in MAZDA SUV as compare to other established European or American SUV.

      1) In term of class leading SUV Comfort = Mercedes
      2) In term of class leading luxury = Range Rover
      3) In term of class leading driving dynamic= BMW
      4) In term of class leading safety = Volvo
      5) In term of class leading performance = Porsche
      6) In term of class leading Prestige = Bentley
      7) iN term of class leading ruggedness = Cadillac

      Maybe I got it Mazda SUV can represent class leading cheaper maintenance cost but unfortunately the selling price is not cheap and hence maintenance and parts do not come cheap nowadays.Quite expensive too.

      So second thought where does Mazda SUV outshines everyone Reliability??.

      All news cars are pretty reliable nowadays if properly service and maintain regularly.

      So i yet to hear from others as what class leading areas is Mazda SUV badged ahead of others and is more capable AT.

      Maybe MAZDA AND LEXUS Both are just half baked brand only. Nothing outstanding in any particulars areas or engineering to shout about except expensive purchase price . So class leading in higher purchase price but getting less in return right?

      MAZDA RV IS NOT THAT GOOD EITHER.

      Just my 2 cents worth about Mazda SUV.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 9
      • kazanixm on Feb 15, 2016 at 7:36 am

        In term of class leading of pricing+efficiency+smaller cc but with higher torques= why not?

        just saying though. American peoples have their own taste. Let`s see how it will do there.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • RV? Seriously? Work harder and get a better job so you dont have to worry about RV.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Will mac on Feb 13, 2016 at 3:58 pm

    Love the interior. But that grill is massive.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Captain Obvious on Feb 13, 2016 at 11:32 pm

    Bermaz please don’t screw your initial batch of Mazda car buyers again… since you like doing that to all your other cars

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
 

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