2010 Mazda CX9 set to arrive

The latest Mazda CX9 shows the smiley face is appearing everywhere.

Just a week after the launch of the new MX5, the latest Mazda to get the company's new corporate "five-point" grille is the CX9.

Apart from the CX9 and MX5, the new face is spreading across the Mazda range.

It appears on the next-generation 3, due in local showrooms within days and the CX7 due later this year.

The 2010 CX9 is expected to hit local showrooms later this year, about the same time as the refreshed CX7.

The CX9 will be unveiled at next month's New York motor show.

Mazda is not spilling the beans on exactly what the changes are underneath, saying only that the car will get "added options and reinforced safety features".

However, the seven-seater's existing 3.7-litre V6 and six-speed automatic is expected to carry over.

Unlike the CX7 though, no diesel version is tipped to be added to the range.

CX9 buyers can however expect improvements in the V6's fuel economy and a mildly updated cabin.

Visually, the new corporate grille is prominent, as are the revised foglights and lower air intake.

New larger exterior rear view mirrors and updated tail-lights complete the look.

Locally Mazda is one of the few brands that has had a good sales start this year even though its overall share has slipped almost 9 per cent.

At the launch of the new MX5 last week, Mazda Australia managing director, Doug Dickson, says he remains confident this year in the face of the 20 per cent market downturn.

He expects Mazda to continue to build its market share through the year despite overall sales volumes being down.

The arrival of the next-generation 3 hatch and sedan is expected to be a big driver.

Mazda, like other Japanese importers, has been under pricing pressure because of unfavourable exchange rates with the Japanese yen.

Dickson expects the Australia dollar to rebound against the yen over the next few months.

"The Australian dollar could gain lost ground over the next few months," he says.

"So pricing pressure will disappear over the next six months."

Dickson expects Mazda Cars to sell about 70,000 vehicles this year, 12 per cent down from the 79,826 vehicles sold last year.

2009 Mazda MAZDA6 Review

The 2009 Mazda 6 has moved up. All-new, redesigned and re-engineered for 2009, the Mazda6 has moved up in size, in features, and in power. All this without serious damage to price, fuel economy, or driving dynamics.

Virtually every dimension inside and out has increased with the introduction of these all-new 2009 models. The 2009 Mazda 6, or Mazda6 as Mazda calls it, now delivers plenty of room for four or five adults along with a big trunk that holds as much as some SUVs can fit under their luggage covers. For the first time in Mazda6 history, this one has been designed expressly for the North American market and is considerably bigger than the overseas version.

The 2009 Mazda 6 is offered with a choice of four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines, each larger and more powerful than before. Its new V6 is now among the most powerful in the class, producing 272 horsepower, and it comes standard with an automatic. Meanwhile, drivers seeking fuel efficiency will not be disappointed with the four-cylinder's 170 horsepower.

Four trim levels are offered on the Mazda 6 sedan, with prices ranging from less than $20,000 to around $33,000 for a fully loaded V6 model. All are four-door sedans. There is no wagon, hatchback, or MazdaSpeed version available for 2009.

Navigation is available on the 2009 Mazda 6 with voice activation. Bluetooth and blind spot monitoring systems are offered, as are audio inputs and noise-compensation sound systems. These gadgets are convenient, but what we like most about the Mazda 6 is its driving dynamics.

The Mazda 6 competes against an impressive group of midsize sedans, but we think anyone shopping Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima, or Hyundai Sonata should have the Mazda6 on their comparison test-drive list. And its sportiness makes the Mazda6 an alternative to the Acura TL, Nissan Maxima, and Volkswagen Passat. The styling isn't conservative and the manners aren't boring.

The 2009 Mazda 6 comes with a choice of engines and trim levels. The Mazda6 i is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that gets an EPA-estimated 21/30 miles per gallon City/Highway with the five-speed automatic transmission. It's also available with a five-speed automatic. The Mazda6 s is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 with an EPA-rated 17/25 mpg and comes exclusively with a six-speed automatic.