Mazda's CX-9, the company's largest vehicle originally designed for the US-market, is coming to Europe following its good reception State-side.
Already launched in North America last year, the CX-9 will offer European customers room for six passengers and a 3.7-litre V6 coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
The new Mazda SUV will aim to provide a touch of sportiness thanks to design items like a roof spoiler, trapezoidal exhaust pipes and 20-inch alloy wheels. New owners can opt for wood-like trim in the cabin as well as choose between two interior colour packages: black or sand; all models will feature leather seats. Other standard niceties include privacy glass, electric windows, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, three-zone climate control, a 10-speaker audio system with surround sound and keyless entry and start.
Mazda is also banking on the CX-9's safety credentials to boost sales in Europe. The SUV boasts large disc brakes coupled with roll stability control, ABS, emergency brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution and DSC to help keep occupants out of trouble. It received five stars on frontal and side impact crash testing from the US government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), although these tests aren't regarded to be as stringent as European NCAP evaluations.
At this stage there are no plans to sell the CX-9 in Britain or Ireland.
Dejan Jovanovic - 26 Aug 2008