Mazda CX-9 2008 review

But there is nothing puzzling about the success of the CX-9. It has rapidly built a strong fan base since being released late last year, with sales enough to more than make up for the declining demand for the older, smaller CX-7.

Never mind that the CX-9 is more than $10,000 dearer, it has rapidly established itself as the favourite SUV for Mazda buyers.

Here is a roomy sleek-looker which delivers effortless performance without getting flustered.

Dull, the CX-9 certainly isn't.

Where the firm, turbo-boosted CX-7 feels like it wants to be a sports car, the CX-9 is akin to a refined, big sedan which happens to have a few rows of seats.

Its comfort should come as no surprise, really, since it weighs more than two tonnes, even before anyone gets aboard, putting it among the heavyweights of the “medium-sized” SUV class.

But the CX-9 always feels responsive and surefooted.

Mazda has given it such a smooth and powerful V6 engine that the weight doesn't hamper performance (just as quick to 100km/h as the lighter CX-7), and it has such a well-sorted chassis that it feels positively nimble.

However, weight means thirst, in this case officially rated at 13 litres per 100km, making it thirstier than even a Ford Territory. Helping reduce the fuel bill somewhat, at least the Mazda is content with regular unleaded.

But there is no escaping its sheer size, noticeable when you tackle a crowded car park. Though the turning circle is commendable (same as the smaller CX-7's), it is longer, wider and taller than even the Territory, so there are some places it simply won't fit.

The seat layout gets top marks for convenience. The centre row slides or reclines or can be folded flat. The back row can disappear to floor level by merely tugging on a couple of straps. Very clever and practical, very Mazda.

The pair of rear-most pews actually can accommodate adults, and getting in back there is not too difficult.

When all the seats are in place, rear luggage space is limited: less than in the CX-7. However, tuck away a seat or two — or five, even — and the CX-9's cargo area becomes vast.

Up front, a wide transmission tunnel means it does not feel as spacious as you might expect in such a large vehicle.

And though it is more than 5m long, Mazda couldn't find anywhere to fit in a full-size spare tyre. There is a spacesaver instead, which seems to be very much the trend these days.

As the tail is such a long way from the driver, reversing is made easier and safer by a rear-view camera.

So it's big, and it has a thirst. Both these drawbacks, admittedly, are hard-to-escape consequences of the CX-9 having all the room which seven people might require.