Mazda New Zealand has made a detour out of its usual medium-size and four-cylinder hunting ground with the launch of the super-sized CX-9.
Not only is it more than 5m in length and a porky 2087kg on the scales, the big CX-9 is the first Mazda sold in New Zealand with more than four cylinders since the 3.0-litre variant of the Tribute SUV ended its run in 2004.
Mention of the Tribute is a reminder the affair between Mazda and conventional SUV design was short-lived. The "Zoom-Zoom" brand has been an early adopter of so-called crossovers and will soon have a CX family offering three choices - upcoming CX-5, familiar CX-7 and the CX-9 which arrived in New Zealand this year.
The full-size dimensions, V6 performance and a luxury specification makes the $59,990 price tag, and to put it in some perspective try comparing the CX-9 to any six-cylinder sedan or conventional station wagons of a comparable specification with the likes of leather trim, power adjustable and heated front seats and a reversing camera.
Then consider the CX-9 delivers all-wheel drive, a sunroof, seven-seat accommodation, 20-inch alloy wheels, a powerful Bose audio as standard and also boasts a 2000kg braked towing capacity. There's no doubt the CX-9 is a lot of vehicle for the money.
In terms of styling the CX-9 has a strong family resemblance to the sporty mid-size CX-7. There's a similar frontal treatment and the fast roofline and wedge-like waistline are also reproduced in significantly bigger scale.
Mazda's 3726cc 24-valve V6 with variable valve timing revs out eagerly to develop a healthy 204kW at 6250rpm and there is 367Nm of torque at 4250rpm served up with modern V6 refinement.
The power is directed to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission that consistently delivers smooth shifts and responsive kickdown. The gearing allows a relaxed 1800rpm in sixth gear when cruising at 100km/h or 2250rpm in fifth gear and 2900rpm in fourth.
But there is the matter of thirst to consider and a big displacement petrol V6 in a wagon weighing over two tonnes and driving all four wheels will never be a recipe for remarkable fuel efficiency. The CX-9 is rated at 11.3 litres per 100km for the combined cycle test and my road test averaged 12.2 litres per 100km and the CX-9 also has a large 76-litre fuel tank to provide plenty of range.
The CX-9 is among a very select group of vehicles which have 20-inch diameter wheels as standard fitment. It's a key part of the assured stance of the CX-9 and the 10-spoke wheels are shod with 245/50 R20 Bridgestone Dueler H/L 400 tyres that are very much highway-oriented in tread pattern.
Out on the highway the grip from big Duelers gives the CX-9 confidence through sweeping corners.
Find a road with tighter corners, camber changes and surface imperfections and there's no way the CX-9 can completely disguise either its size or its weight. It takes up a lot of room on the road and when it's asked to change direction in these situations it lets you know there are two tonnes answering the call.
The steering requires little effort at low speeds but squeezing the CX-9 into a regular size car park confirms not only its length but its 1936mm width.
The suspension allows a comfortable ride which soaks up bumps and small level changes with plenty of compliance. And the CX-9 also stops impressively with powerful brakes.
The interior has the stylish cockpit layout and quality materials - piano black surfaces, chrome detailing plus leather steering wheel and gearshift lever - which also mark out the Mazda6 and CX-7 as something special.
A low sill height helps the step up into the cabin where the raised driving position gives commanding forward visibility and the large mirrors - with an automatic tilt down function when reverse is selected - are also a help. The standard reversing camera is a real assistance in tighter spaces and is reassuring confirmation of just how long the CX-9 really is.
The driver's seat is power adjustable with cushion height/tilt and slide/recline movements along with a manual lumbar support adjuster and a three position memory. The steering wheel has tilt and reach adjustment.
The front seats are heated and the front passenger seat has four-way power adjuster.
In spite of the fast roofline the CX-9 stands tall enough that the standard sunroof doesn't create any headroom issue for taller drivers. But access can have its hazards and taller drivers will learn to duck their heads when climbing aboard - the gentle arch from A-pillar into roofline is a prime target for contact between your scalp and the upper door aperture.
Cabin storage includes a generous size centre console box, plenty of glovebox space, two front door bins with bottle holders and a sunglass holder in the ceiling console.
Among the big SUV ranks the CX-9 uses its size for a genuine seven-seat configuration rather than the more common 5+2 arrangement.
The second row has a 60/40 split design with a sliding mechanism so legroom can be balanced between the middle and rear passengers. A flat floor in the second row makes a considerable contribution to the space in the rear and there's generous headroom.
The third row has a 50/50 split fold option and although headroom is restricted this is a more genuine attempt at seven-seats than most SUVs. With three rows of seats in use the CX-9 is limited to 267 litres of load capacity but lower the split fold third row and there is 928 litres and the 60/40 split second row folds to offer 1887 litres (measured to the ceiling).
There's some additional concealed storage space under the floor and the load area includes a roll-out tonneau cover, a 12-volt outlet and load securing hooks.
Joining the sheer size and seating layout of the CX-9 as other selling point is the luxury specification. There's dual zone air conditioning with separate rear controls, rain sensor wipers, cruise control, power adjustable mirrors, power windows and remote central locking.
The 277-watt Bose audio system has 10-speakers with a six-disc in-dash CD system and easy USB and auxiliary connectivity in the centre console box.
Safety equipment includes six airbags with the side curtains extending to the third row along with active front seat head restraints. All seat positions have a three-point seat belt and there are two ISOFIX points and three tether points for installing child seats in the second row.
The standard Electronic Stability Control includes traction control and roll stability control functions.
Like other larger SUVs the Mazda CX-9 offers an appealing alternative to a similarly priced conventional six-cylinder family car or station wagon.
There's no SUV price premium at work here and when you weigh up the seven-seat versatility, the all-wheel drive capability and the value of its luxury appointments there's a good chance they will offset the fuel consumption penalty.
MAZDA CX-9 $59,990
SAFETY:
Dual front airbags.
Front seat side and curtain airbags.
Front seatbelt pretensioners and load force limiters.
Active front seat head restraints.
Dynamic Stability Control and traction control.
Roll Stability Control.
Anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist.
Three-point centre rear seat belt.
2 x ISOFIX child seat mounts.
3 x child seat tether points.
Immobiliser security system.
Space saver spare tyre.
CRASH TEST RATING:
Euro NCAP rating: Not tested.
FUEL ECONOMY:
Combined (claimed): 11.3 litres per 100km.
Road test results
Combined: 12.2 litres per 100km.
MORE INFORMATION:
THE NUMBERS
Engine 3726cc vee-six 24-valve fuel-injected petrol.
Maximum output 204kW at 6250rpm.
Maximum torque 367Nm at 4250rpm.
Length 5099mm.
Width 1936mm.
Height 1728mm.
Wheelbase 2875mm.
Kerb weight 2087kg.
Fuel tank capacity 76 litres.
Wheels 20 x 7.5-inch alloy.
Tyres Bridgestone Dueler H/L 400 245/50 R20 radials.