2010 Mazda CX-9 Debuting at 2009 New York Auto Show

As we get closer to April’s New York auto show, we’re learning more about the few new arrivals scheduled for release. Over at the Mazda booth expect to see a new 2010 Mazdaspeed3, the updated 2010 CX-7 and a just announced 2010 CX-9.

While there isn’t much information on the new CX-9, Mazda does say it received an exterior/interior refresh and some new options and safety features. Judging from the single quarter-profile shot provided above, the CX-9’s exterior refresh amounts to some minor cosmetic surgery to the front lower lip. The result is probably the least successful transference of Mazda’s controversial “smile” design language to an existing model. Both the CX-7 and new MX-5 Miata look more natural sporting the new design element.

Mazda said the “zoom-zoom” driving characters were also improved on the CX-9, which probably means they dialed in the tuning a bit. As for interior enhancements, the CX-7 received higher quality materials and a new gauge cluster. Maybe something similar is in store for the CX-9, which already is quite luxurious inside. It won Cars.com’s Family Car of the Year in 2008, and its upscale interior was one reason it garnered the award. We’ll have more information on the changes when we travel to the New York auto show next month.

2010 Mazda CX-7 Gains New Base Four-Cylinder Engine (KickingTires)
First Look: 2010 Mazdaspeed3 (KickingTires)

2010 Mazda CX-7 Gains New Base Four-Cylinder Engine

• Competes with: Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester
• Looks like: All of Mazda's models are putting on a happy face
• Drivetrain: 161-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with five-speed automatic or 244-hp, turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder with six-speed automatic; front- or all-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Summer 2009

Offered until now with only a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Mazda CX-7 crossover gains a new normally aspirated four-cylinder for the 2010 model year. The new engine displaces 2.5 liters and makes 161 hp, which is quite a bit less than the 244-hp turbo four-cylinder, which is still available. The base four-cylinder teams with a five-speed automatic and is only available with front-wheel drive (the turbo CX-7 uses a six-speed automatic and can have all-wheel drive). Gas mileage is one of the low points of the CX-7's high-powered turbo engine, and though fuel economy figures haven't been released, the new base four-cylinder should give the CX-7 more competitive fuel economy.

Cars.com Reviews the 2009 Mazda CX-7

Practicality is overrated. Or at least so said Kelsey Mays once he took the wheel of the 2009 Mazda CX-7. Yes, its price, mileage and cargo room tell your head there are better options, but Mays says once you're behind the wheel your heart will butt in and make itself heard. Read his full review to find out why the CX-7 deserves a good deal of consideration.

2009 Mazda CX-7 Review

Mazda Kazamai Concept Packs Fuel-Efficient Turbo

There’s no doubt the Kazamai concept that debuted at the 2008 Moscow auto show today is wildly futuristic and will likely never see the light of day as a production model. However, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine that Mazda says powers it will in fact be the next-generation engine that the company will roll out in production models as early as 2011.

Based on the engine that powers the CX-7 crossover, the new version will get 30% better mileage, Mazda says. Currently, a FWD CX-7 gets 17/23 mpg, so a 30% increase would bring those figures to 22/30 mpg, which is better than any non-hybrid SUV on the market in terms of highway mileage. Plus, the CX-7’s current engine is a blast to drive. We’d expect this new turbo, along with a next-generation six-speed automatic transmission, to spread to other models, including the new Mazda6 and perhaps a future version of the Mazdaspeed3 performance hatchback. 

The move follows a trend we’ve covered before where, by simply adding existing technology, like turbocharging, to gasoline engines, mileage is greatly increased. An increase of 30% in three years is pretty good — although two years would be better. A few more photos below.

Weekend Athlete: 2008 Mazda CX-7

If the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited I recently drove wasn’t the right car for me because I stay on-road, then the Mazda CX-7 is the right car for me because I do. In other words, even though this has all-wheel drive, I wouldn't want to take it down more than a gravel road or a snow-covered parking lot. However, that's only part of the Weekend Athlete test.

Ch-Ch-Changes: 2008 Mazda CX-7, CX-9

As we continue our look at 2008-model-year changes, we‘re a bit surprised to see models that were new for 2007 having any alterations at all. The new CX-7 and CX-9 crossovers were huge new launches for Mazda this past year, and the CX-9 even won our three-row-crossover Faceoff against the GMC Acadia and Hyundai Veracruz. Mazda, however, saw some small changes that needed to be made.

For 2008, the CX-9 gets an entirely new engine. The new 3.7-liter V-6 gets 273 hp, a 10-hp bump over the engine it replaces. It gets roughly the same mileage, taking the more-stringent 2008 EPA tests into account. A new blind-spot monitoring system will also be available.

Changes to the 2008 CX-7 are less extreme but also impact the engine. The company has modified the CX-7’s impressive four-cylinder turbo engine so that premium fuel is now recommended, not required. That means owners can fill up on regular when gas prices spike too high too swallow.

The 2008 CX-7s and CX-9s are beginning to arrive at dealers this month.

Related
Ch-Ch-Changes: Mazdaspeed6, Mazda6 Wagon Dropped for 2008 (KickingTires)
Research 2008 Mazda CX-7 (Cars.com)
Research 2008 Mazda CX-9 (Cars.com)

Mazda Lineup Growing, Advertising Not Catching Up

We just finished reading AutoWeek’s story on Mazda’s expanding lineup — moving from seven nameplates to nine in two years and adding six more bodystyles in the same timeframe — and we’re a bit dismayed that the company isn’t planning on expanding ad buying in the same proportions.

Here’s where we dissect some of the industry speak for you. Mazda’s new director of marketing David Klan isn’t planning on highlighting the new CX-7 and CX-9 crossovers over the rest of the lineup despite their positive reviews and brisk sales of the CX-7. He went the understated route, saying “the crossovers are a natural extension of the brand.” Sounds like a politician or losing quarterback who can only say one thing, no matter what the topic is.

The point is the CX-7 and CX-9 are probably the most important vehicles to hit Mazda’s lineup since the Mazda6.

More on the Mazda CX-7 Adrenaline Concept

Yesterday we brought you initial information on Mazda’s tricked-out CX-7 crossover concept at SEMA. Today we’ve received official images of the Adrenaline concept and are a bit more impressed by the level of customization. The fade-to-yellow paint job is a bit too wild for our tastes, but we’ll take the customized cargo compartment with matching luggage. We even like the wild interior, complete with yellow inserts in the seat fabric and steering wheel. Keep reading for more images.

Mazda Adds Speed to CX-7 Concept

The Mazda CX-7 is a heck of a crossover SUV in stock form. Now the company’s performance shop, Mazdaspeed, has gotten its hands on a CX-7, just in time for this year’s SEMA show. Since the CX-7 already has the same engine and driveline as the Mazdaspeed6, they decided to give it a six-speed manual transmission, too. Engine power was boosted from the 244-hp norm to an even 300 horses. The vehicle’s height was also lowered significantly. Add extreme 22-inch wheels and copious amounts of body work, and you get one mean-looking Mazda.

While the paint scheme, interior and, most definitely, the wheel size will never make it to a production car, we don’t doubt Mazda is considering a Mazdaspeed version of the solid-selling CX-7 to go along with ones it has produced for the Mazda3 and Mazda6. 

[Source: Mazda, photo via Autoblog]