Mazda Australia will for the first time venture into the medium SUV market when it launches by year's end its all-new, seven-seat crossover CX-9.

The first Australian-bound CX-9s are set to roll off Mazda's Hiroshima production line in a few days and they will be powered by a new 3.7-litre V6 engine producing 204kW of power at 6,250rpm and 366Nm of torque at 4,250rpm.

Previewed for the first time at the 2007 Sydney Motor Show in North American left-hand-drive specification, Australia will be the first market to receive the 3.7-litre right-hand-drive CX-9 when it goes on sale from December.

Available in two grades - Classic and Luxury - the Australian CX-9s, which have been extensively modified for right-hand-drive use, are expected to be priced from the low $50,000s.

Modifications include "flipping" the centre seat 60/40 split and middle row seatbelt mounting point, ensuring that CX-9's insightful interior works just as well in Australia as it does in North America.

The 3.7-litre engine mates to a six-speed Activematic transmission and delivers its power and torque to the road through Mazda's Active Torque Split All-wheel-drive system.

Engineered with Mazda's "Soul of a Sportscar" signature, the CX-9 is a clean break from the traditional boxy SUVs crowding the market and it sits on different architecture to the five-seat Mazda CX-7.

CX-9 will be generously equipped with a choice of 18 or 20-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning (three-zone climate control with independent rear control), cruise control, power windows and mirrors, an in-dash six-disc CD player (MP3 compatible) operated through a touch screen audio system that includes a reversing camera, six airbags and active safety features such as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Roll Stability Control (RSC).

CX-9 rides on a 2875mm wheelbase, one of the longest in its class, providing easy access to its three-row seating. There's ample room for adults and sufficient cargo space to accommodate modern Aussie families.

The driver's seat and steering column move quickly and easily over a long range of adjustment. The 60/40 split second row carries three in comfort and offers approximately five-inches of fore-and-aft slide travel and a reclining backrest. In the 50-50-split third row, the seating position and leg room are both class-leading in numbers and real comfort.

Entry to the third row is easy, with nearly 660mm of access space between the folded second-row seat and the C (third) pillar. Releasing the second row seat in order to enter the third requires only one simple hand motion to unlatch the seat and move it forward. Even with the third row occupied, the CX-9 provides 480-litres of cargo capacity, eclipsing the boot space of many large sedans. Both second and third-row seats fold flat to allow additional storage all the way to the back of the front seats.

The CX-9's front end is unmistakably Mazda, with its elegantly sculpted sporty five-point grille and wide, bold bumper. A horizontal streak of chrome floats on the front grille bar, giving a distinctive and high quality feel. Side windows form a flowing, open and modern greenhouse, allowing clear vision from all seating positions. The unique trapezoid chrome exhaust pipe accentuates the fine detail put into the design.

Once inside the CX-9, the driver is greeted by a neatly organized combination of cylindrical shapes and blacked-out instruments on a T-shaped instrument panel. Brightly edged gauges with metal-look trim and indirect blue illumination set a cool mood. Indirect lighting also is embedded in the front and rear door trim and ceiling for a warm glow.

Interior craftsmanship and attention to detail is visible everywhere. Soft trim is elegantly configured and constructed of top-quality materials and seats have an inviting yet sporty look and feel appropriate to this type of vehicle. The dash panel houses large, clearly marked entertainment and climate controls. Delicate stitching and the metallic look of the floating door trim-grips reveal the designer's fine eye for detail.

The increase in displacement from 3.5-litres, an engine originally launched in North America in January 2007, to 3.7-litres, was achieved through an increase in bore, meaning the inherent "revability" praised previously has been retained.

The 60-degree short-stroke V6 is state-of-the-art throughout. Advanced features include a die-cast aluminum block with cast-in iron cylinder liners and aluminum cylinder heads for minimal weight. The valvetrain includes chain-driven dual overhead camshafts for minimal maintenance, four valves-per-cylinder with direct acting bucket-type actuators, and variable intake valve timing. A high 10.3:1 compression ratio maximizes efficiency and power output while the throttle is electronically controlled for instantaneous response. Two close-coupled catalytic converters cleanse the exhaust without inhibiting power.

A power peak of 204kW at 6,250 rpm and provides CX-9 with outstanding acceleration power and passing performance. Regular unleaded fuel is suitable for use in the CX-9.

Mazda's Active Torque Split All-wheel-drive system achieves a fine balance between sporty control over the car that makes it particularly fun to drive and handling stability on snowy or wet surfaces or under other challenging road conditions. Power and torque are faithfully and thoroughly transferred to the road surface for maximum efficiency and performance.

Managing Director for Mazda Australia Doug Dickson said: "We are always looking for ways to improve our Stylish, Insightful and Spirited product. This is why we insisted Australia get the 3.7-litre engine over the 3.5-litre initially launched in the USA last year."

"Not only does CX-9 cater to large Australian families, but its stylish looks and high-performance 3.7-litre engine creates an appealing SUV package that is exciting to drive. Simply put, CX-9 delivers practicality with a touch of Zoom-Zoom."

CX-9 PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
Note: Australian pricing and specification has yet to be confirmed

For further information contact:
Lydia Richards
Media Communications Manager
Phone: (03) 8540 1962
Mobile: 0439 347 658
Email: lrichards@mazda.com.au