2007 Mazda CX-9 Crossover SUV

April 4th, 2006

The 2007 Mazda CX-9 crossover SUV, the one that will replace the popular Mazda MPV people hauler on the North American and Australian markets, will be officially unveiled at the upcoming 2006 New York International Auto Show.

Designed specifically for the North American market and built on the Ford CD3 Platform that the new car-based SUV will share with the new Ford Edge crossover, the Japanese seven-seater will combine powerful engine with modern looks.

Like its smaller sibling, the CX-7 (counter-intuitively, the model with “9″ in its index seats only seven and the one with the “7″ has only seats for five passengers), the new Mazda CX-9 has been created with young families in mind.

That’s why the new SUV features roomy interior and ~~metrosexual~~ trendy, not SUV-like, exterior.

2007 Mazda CX-9 Crossover SUV (rear view)

Its huge (for a Japanese crossover) MZI 3.5-liter V6 engine is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The engine is good for 263 hp and 338 Nm (249 lb-ft) of torque.

It is not really thirsty, that’s why the heavy (it tips the scales at 1955 kg of curb weight) SUV has an EPA fuel economy rating of 24 mpg (9.8 l/100km) on the highway and 18 mpg (13.1 l/100km) in the city.

The CX-9 can be ordered with either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive transmission.

Different trims come with different options, but what comes standard on all of them is safety.

In its press release, Mazda says that the CX-9 will feature standard DSC, RSC and ABS, as well as six airbags, remote keyless access, air conditioning, electrically powered windows and door looks and cruise control.

The new Mazda CX-9 will have to compete against the 2007 Ford Edge, Subaru B9 Tribeca, 2007 Toyota Highlander (and its upcoming replacement) and the GMC Acadia. It is expected to appear in North American showrooms early next year.

Additional photos, prices and full technical specifications will be published later.