All-new 2016 Mazda CX-9 officially unveiled, gets turbocharged 2.5L Skyactiv-G engine



As Mazda has promised, the all-new second generation Mazda CX-9 will be officially unveiled on 18 November (19 Nov for our timezone). This global unveiling confirms two key things; one, that the CX-9 is built on top of the platform shared with the Mazda6 and two, a turbocharged 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G will power the all-wheel drive SUV.

What’s changed? Essentially everything is new here. The company’s flagship model prominently features Mazda’s KODO – Soul of Motion design language with a front fascia that looks almost like the Mazda6, but gets a unique chrome-lipped bumper to square off the bold new look. Wheel sizes vary from 18-inches to 20-inches depending on trim level, and as is the case with crossovers, it gets plastic claddings around the car.

Inside, the CX-9 continues to impress with high quality materials and build. The driver gets a fancy three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with multifunction controls. The instrument clusters now feature a coloured LCD display that feeds driving information. Look to the centre and you’ll find the familiar 7-inch touchscreen display paired up to the MZD Connect System. We don’t know for sure if the head unit can be stored away with the push of a button, but considering its price, we think it should at least come with it.2015-Mazda-CX-9-Global-Debut-10

The biggest news though, lies under the hood. Powering the all-new CX-9 is a turbocharged 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G engine which replaces the 3.7-litre Cyclone V6 engine of old. This blown four banger makes 227 hp at 5,000 rpm and a whopping 420 Nm of torque that peaks from 2,000 rpm. Mazda claims that this engine solves conventional turbocharging hurdles such as poor low-rev performance, turbo lag and poor fuel economy via use of their Dynamic Pressure Turbo technology – the world’s first turbocharging system which varies the degree of exhaust pulsation relative to engine speed.

And because the turbocharged engine is based on Mazda’s own 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G engine, parts such as fuel pump and fuel injection system are shared while maintaining the same bore, stroke and bore pitch. As mentioned earlier, all that power will be sent to all four wheels via Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system. Mazda targets an annual sales forecast of 50,000 units globally, 80 percent of which is projected to be sold in the United States. 2015-Mazda-CX-9-Global-Debut-14

More details on the 2016 Mazda CX-9 will surface soon. Meanwhile, enjoy the gallery below.


IMAGE GALLERY