MattMPS

the car is designed for US tastes,but looking good. I love the interior, seems the best Mazda interior since Anfini/Xedos models of the 90's.

The engine seems a good piece of engineering, i hope that Mazda will mount it into a AWD 6 as flagship model (but not call it Mazdaspeed/MPS).

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

MAZDA:Mazda's All-New CX-9 to Feature New 2.5-liter Direct-Injection Turbocharged Gasoline Engine | News Releases

ASH8

They will, they have been saying they wont, but typical Mazda.

Naturally they say they wont put it in a Mazda 6 or smaller car when they are already selling them as they are, after all they don't want future buyers to stop and wait for the Mazda 6 turbo now would they.

As for the CX-9, god I hope that plastic looking wood grain (on console) looks better than in the pic as it reminds me of a kids toy plastic tree.

yomomspimp06

I'm with ASH. It's inevitable that they put it in a "speed" (using this term lightly) I just hope that they make a new awd 6 with this motor. The speed3 crowd is really anxious to see what's in store for them. I personally think the speed3 would have sold even better if there was a sedan version available... I hate the hatch. Oh well, that's why I picked up a speed6

ASH8

Could not agree more with yomoms

Considering the AWD has been available in the Atenza and Axela (3) virtually since it's inception and in some other markets, I really question some of Mazda's packaging decisions.

Fortunately (or unfortunately) the US is blessed with some of the cheapest new cars in the world (but the poorest profit margins for this manufacturer per unit), the US consumer just wont pay the extra cost associated with these extra mechanical add-ons because the US consumer still considers Mazda (in US) as a low rent/cheap brand. Where in other countries (like where I live) they have a much higher regard, with many new buyers cross shopping Mazda with the Germans.
Why, because basically the Mazda Dealer network again are a long way ahead of those in US for giving Customers service and fixing their issues usually in the first instance.
Never underestimate the importance of privately owned fixed operation dealer networks (service and parts), owner word of mouth is still the best form of owner satisfaction and brand improvement.

Don't get me wrong it is no easy task/fix and a very long term strategy to 'upscale' the brand in North America to the point where the consumer will pay more for more.

As I see it from afar, the opportunity is very ripe right now for Mazda in the US to really grow and not stagnate, unfortunately MNAO upper management and their presents gives me no confidence, I really hope I am wrong.

Anyway, as usual, I am dribbling.
(my IP was down for 4 days!..grr!)

yomomspimp06

I couldn't agree with you more.

gwilliams6

ASH8 you may be right about many US Mazda dealerships. We have heard some horror stories here on the forum. However this is NOT nationwide as you believe. Maybe I have just been lucky but i have found excellent Mazda dealerships in the different places I have lived in the Northeast US. These Mazda dealerships gave excellent service, had mechanics that knew their stuff, even with rotary cars, and had longtime, repeat and upscale customers, who could have shopped anywhere for other brands. So the situation is not as dismal as you think. I truly wish you could come to the US and see things for yourself coast to coast, and not just comment on them from Australia. That would be like me making pronouncements about Mazda's Australia network, without knowing it firsthand. Thanks

ASH8

OG, Yep, Mazda in USA are going so well all the top brass from Mazda distributors from around the world (including MNAO) physically present themselves @ Mazda in Australia regularly to see how it is done, fact.
Not my imagination unlike your part of the world (your dealership) and I am happy you have a good one and I have never said it was a 'nationwide dealer issue', THE problem (among others) is there are just not enough of the good ones in USA.
(example, you can not have a GM, or VW, or KIA mechanic (sorry 'technician') with his wealth of experience working on a Mazda product, you need to keep good Mazda techs who unfortunately are rare and not blend other makes in multi-franchise service dealerships).
IF there were Mazda in the USA would not be the poor performer it has been over the past 21 years...fact....every other major Mazda distributor has performed better, (double digit growth) even MME over the past 3 years and Europe has been a basket case economically.

All USA new car brand sales stats, USA and Australian JD Power owner surveys, other US/UK/AU Mazda owner forums not just RX where I am also a member (not this user name here) are just a few of the resources I use.

Did you actually view the recent interview with newish Mazda Australia CEO/MA (what you call a President) in the old MA headquarters, RE: the MA visitors?, particularly 5min.30sec - 7min.50.
I have said the same thing long before this interview.....anyway.


BTW: the BS about the 50% 'cut in price' for the ND MX-5/Miata is for the 1.5l, the 2.0l now here is about $500 cheaper than NC soft-top (when last sold here), when the hardtop arrives I expect to see it being no cheaper for us than NC PRHT.

Love the white Mazda 1800 (about 1972), my late father had same looking 1968 Mazda 1500 (dark blue, 4 speed on the column, solid), that is what got me into the brand as a kid, before that Toyota....the Mazda 1500 was a Bertone design and rejected by Alfa-Romeo, Toyo-Kogyo Co Ltd picked up the plans, the rest is history.
The Mazda 1500 was the start of Mazda Motors Melbourne (MA), a few earlier 1966-7 Mazda 800,1000 sedans, B1500 utes made it here new before the Mazda 1500.

ASH8

I posted a factory CX-9 video on page 1 yesterday..

Does anyone think the front brakes (disks in particular looks a little small) for the size and weight this car will/can carry?.

I guess Mazda engineered this correctly, but they just look small, I guess I am used to my big brake NC and FE.

ASH8

I guess this says everything when a US Distributor has to alert their Dealers in this bulletin only last week..

"Talk about the dog chasing it's tail", there should not be any need for this if some Dealer staff were 'competent', it is not as if plastic water bottles in cars are new.

zoom44

a pic is worth a thousand words but sometimes the words are clearer

2017 Mazda CX-9 offers three rows of turbocharged style in LA

ASH8

She looks fantastic, lets hope the media (in particular) and buyers love the powertrain.

We here get the new TC in about July next year, the second largest market after the US for CX-9.

Also great to see another 'launch colour' instead of 'Soul Red" which I like, just tired of seeing it.

According to the press MMC has to make/sell 50,000 a year to be viable, something they never achieved in the old TB CX-9.

gwilliams6

ASH8 I have never, and will never make any comments about Mazda Australia without first-hand knowledge. I guess with this forum platform you will just continue to beat this dead horse about MNAO, as for you, we are your favorite Mazda whipping boy. So I give up trying to put a bit a sanity,clarity and fairness into your continuous and unending criticism of MNAO and the US market. Enjoy yourself.

ASH8

Well I suggest you stop quoting me when I am talking to others here, YOU keep on quoting what I say, so I 'could' say the same, I have no right of reply in your democracy?

YOU are the only one who keeps it going, and back it up with mother statements with zero substance.

IF you look at the few post above I already said End, but you had to quote me on a comment to/ and from another member.

Dead horse in your eyes perhaps, I am not repeating what I have said YES many times, IF you don't see it for what it is worth then all good to you....

Edit: For the record I have consistently criticized Mazda Australia in many forums and on here too.

THE END.

gwilliams6

the end

ASH8

According to local GoAuto this new CX-9 uses a 'carry over platform' on a diet.
Mazda 2016 CX-9 - LA show: New Mazda CX-9 makes global debut | GoAuto

SayNoToPistons

iTrader: (8)

Carry over? How true is that? I thought it is supposed to be a stretched Mazda6 unpinning.

ASH8

Don't exactly know, GA are usually pretty spot on (a local industry publication).
I will find out more once MMC put up a parts and part number listing probably in new year and do some cross checks.
But it 'could' be a possibility that they have reused Ford platform as a 50,000 annual production is really not a great re-cover over production cost.
Most (all) of the weight savings have been from a old V6 to the 4 SA-GT.
We will know more soon.

ASH8

This from an online Australian Mag called WHEELS, was/is 'the' retail motoring paper magazine for over 70 years here.
2016 Mazda CX-9 Prototype Review

They are saying the new CX-9 uses the latest Skyactiv Platform and IMO I tend to agree with them.

An all-new CX-9 that takes Mazda’s latest Kodo design language and drapes it over a seven-seat version of the CX-5’s SkyActiv platform. The current CX-9 pre-dates Mazda’s SkyActiv models that focus on fuel efficiency and dynamics via light weighting and optimised internal combustion engines.

The CX-9 arrives on the crest of a Mazda success wave, and is the last of its range to benefit from its ‘SkyActiv’ approach to building cars. That means it rides on the same platform as the CX-5, which is also used on the Mazda 6 and 3 – all vehicles praised for their dynamics and fuel efficiency. With a focus on weight saving, the 9 is now around 130kg lighter, despite the fact that there’s more interior space and the similarly-sized boot. The 55mm increase in wheelbase creates more rear seat room, with loads of head- and leg-room in the second row. The third row – while lacking air-con vents – is large enough for children and the occasional short trip for rowdy adults in need of removal from the local RSL (War veterans club).

BOOST APPEAL
MAZDA says that it will sell 50,000 CX-9s annually, not many when it has an engine developed especially for it. Surely the 2.5-litre turbo will make an appearance in other models, as it fits in the 3, 6 and CX-5. The latter is the most likely, as the engine already runs 1.2 bar of boost and has limited power growth potential, making it not so good for a hot hatch or performance sedan. It also develops its 420Nm at 2000rpm, but that peak peters off earlier than the old V6, which plateaued at 4250rpm, as engineers found that in the real world, CX-9 drivers rarely breach 4000rpm, and only occasionally tap 3000rpm.

SPECS
Model: 2016 Mazda CX-9 AWD
Engine: 2488cc 4cyl, dohc, 16v, turbo
Max power: 169kW @ 5000rpm
Max torque: 420Nm @ 2000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Weight: 1940kg (est)
0-100km/h: 8.3sec (est)
Fuel economy: 8.9L/100km (est)
Price: $48,000 AUD (est)
On sale: July 2016

gwilliams6

Hey ASH8 isn't there supposed to be a new Skyactic Mazdaspeed 3 GT coming, possibly AWD ? Could they tweek this motor for better output ?

ASH8

Well FINALLY Jim O'Sullivan has fallen on his sword and is 'retiring' and wont be back at MNAO from January 1.

The new boss of MNAO is Masahiro Moro, a 32 year MMC executive.

I hope next to go will be VP Davis, I cant see how he can survive.

All good moves for Mazda in NA.

Mazmart

iTrader: (12)

I immediately thought of you when I saw the news.

I wonder what Moro's style will be like and how he will affect the dealer network. We shall see.

Paul

ASH8

Agree,

I am somewhat concerned that J.J.O's replacement is MMC, (they like to recruit with an employee exec of long tenure), I would have thought finding a dynamic, successful local (USA) car executive would be more appropriate, but, I guess new Japanese guy (Moro) needs to be given a chance, I just hope he does not become insular and somewhat isolated which can happen.
I would have thought Malcolm Gough (ex MA boss, now been in Japan for past decade would have been a possibility, though he has only been with Mazda for 28 years)...As long as it is not anyone Ford which I think are all gone now.

zoom44

I think it's significant that Moro has spent much of his carer in Marketing

MattMPS

few months ago was in Italy ,not far from my home, visiting a long term Mazda Dealer (one of the fewest with more than 20 years of business with Mazda in Italy)

the other guy is the CEO of Mazda Italy