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Mazda CX-9

Published 10:51 am Friday, January 16, 2009

It’s not often around here that you get to put an SUV through its paces in snow and ice without making a trip to Stevens or Snoqualmie passes.

The 2009 CX-9, Mazda’s top-of-the-line sport-ute complete with powerful V6 engine, six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, all-wheel-drive, and three-row, seven-passenger interior, passed the lowland test with flying colors.

Snow and ice were no match for the CX-9 attired in an appropriate cloak of Story Blue Mica paint. The CX-9 delivered traction, control and confidence on some admittedly dicey roads – the worst seen in the Puget Sound region in more than a decade. When called upon to descend a steep hill down Chennault Beach Road in Mukilteo to deliver a colleague home, the CX-9 obliged with a smile.

Heater: check. Heated seats: extra nice. Defroster and de-icer: double check.

Not only does the CX-9 have a rear camera that activates when the vehicle is placed in reverse, but it also comes equipped with a blind spot monitoring (BSM) system.

This feature came in particularly handy on I-5 when trying to execute a lane change without letting my eyes leave the road ahead.

The BSM system notifies the driver of vehicles in the detection areas by illuminating a warning light located in the side-view mirror. If the turn lever is operated in the direction of the BSM warning light, the warning light will flash and a beep will sound, notifying the driver if a vehicle is positioned in the blind spot.

Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes include an anti-lock brake system that prevents lockup during emergency use. That was never needed, as the traction control system automatically engaged when excessive wheel slippage was detected, reducing driveline torque to restore traction. All-wheel drive engaged even from stops on icy hills, delivering starting traction without a moment’s hesitation.

Armed with a little common sense and a measure of defensive driving acumen, I dare say the CX-9 will get you anywhere you need to go, any time.

When it comes to delivering cargo, once again the CX-9 was up to the task. Six boxes and several bags of toys were delivered from the Herald to Christmas House by simply dropping the third-row split-bench seats into their folded position, a task that took less than five seconds.

The 273-horsepower engine delivers instantaneous response. The 60-degree short-stroke V6 is state-of-the-art and has a die-cast aluminum block with cast-in iron cylinder liners and aluminum cylinder heads (four valves per cylinder) for minimal weight.

My Grand Touring model came equipped with Bluetooth hands-free phone capability, Sirius satellite radio, power moonroof, BOSE audio package, heated seats and outside mirrors, and leather sport power seat package.

Also offered in Sport and Touring trim levels, CX-9 models come with air conditioning, power windows and door locks, keyless entry, trip computer, cruise control, six airbags and a choice of black or beige interior hues as standard operating equipment.

Access to third-row seating is easy, and there’s ample room for adults in every position – I checked them all.

The CX-9 was a true blessing that allowed this driver to fulfill his busy holiday season schedule totally unaffected by the winter wonderland that was wreaking havoc for many less fortunate drivers stuck behind the wheel of vehicles not as suited for what Mother Nature dished during that memorable week in December.