The full-sized CX-9 has been shipped in from Australia and comes equipped with a 72-litre fuel-tank to feed its 2.5-litre (2,488cc) turbocharged SkyActiv-G engine that comes with i-Stop idling technology and a compression ratio of 10.5:1 - producing 228hp at 5,000rpm and 420Nm of torque from 2,000rpm onwards.
The six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission manages power to the front wheels that are steered by the electronic power-assisted steering system for this 1,858kg (kerb) SUV that has a wheelbase of 2,930mm and measures 5,075mm-long, 1,969mm-wide and 1,747mm-tall.
It sits on MacPherson struts (front) and a Multi-link (rear) suspension while it rolls on 20-inch wheels with 185/80 series tyres. Stopping power comes from disc brakes all-round with i-ELOOP Brake Energy Regeneration system.
Externally, the CX-9 comes equipped with a bulbed daytime-running lights and LEDs for the fogs, automatic headlights and rear combination lights as well as external mirrors with integrated turn signals, powered tailgate and a glass sunroof with sliding and tilt functions.
Inside it's leather wrapped for the seats, steering and gearknob. Furthermore, the driver gets a head-up display, engine start-stop button, electronic parking brake, cruise control, tri-zone climate controls with independent rear control, auto-dimming rear view mirror, one-touch up and anti-pinch for all power windows and an eight-way powered seat with two memory slots.
For entertainment, there's an eight-inch full-colour MZD Connect touchscreen display that can also be controlled by the multi-function Commander Control dial on the centre tunnel or via the steering wheel with phone buttons too for the 12-speaker Bose sound system.
There's also an AUX-port, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, and four USB ports - two in the centre armrest and another two in the second row seat armrest.
For safety, the Australian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP) has awarded the CX-9 with the full five-star rating for its crash test, thanks to the inclusion of six-airbags, anti-lock braking system, dynamic stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, emergency brake assist, smart city brake assist, traction control, blind-spot monitoring system, emergency stop signal, ISOFIX anchor points and top tethers and emergency locking retractors for the seat-belts.
There's no hint of price as yet, nor how many of the goodies will remain once the CX-9 officially makes its local debut, but let's all hope most - if not all, of these items remain.
