Galadari Automobiles launches Mazda CX-9

The Mazda CX-9 makes it debut in Dubai after creating waves around the world in the 7-seater SUV category. In fact, just a few days ago,Mazda CX-9 was voted as the SUV of the year by Motor Trends magazine in the US. The 6-cylinder Mazda CX-9 is attractively priced and comes with a 263 hp, 3.7 liter, V-6 engine with 24 valves that embodies Mazda DNA as expressed in the Zoom Zoom concepts of stylish, insightful and spirited family car.

Targeted at young couples and modern families that are outwardly-focused, the Mazda CX-9 is meant for families that haven't lost their desire for high-intensity leisure activities, learning experiences and social interaction. The latest car from Mazda stable is also ideal for couples with grown up children who pursue an active lifestyle and it is specifically designed to make complex pursuits as easy and as pleasurable as possible.

Speaking at a glittering launch ceremony, Mr. G. A Kazmi, General Manager, Galadari Automobiles said:

"We are delighted to bring the latest 7-seater Mazda CX-9 to the UAE market. The Mazda CX-9 will be marketed to families that want to live life in style, luxury, and are passionate about what they drive. While all other conventional 3-row SUVs offer functionality and focus only on the family, the CX-9 offers emotional appeal, pride of ownership and a sense of satisfaction to the driver. As a leading automobile company in the UAE, it is our endeavor to provide best-in-class cars to our discerning customers."

Unveiling the all new Mazda CX-9 at the press conference, Mr. Mr. Keizo Okue, General Manager, Middle East & Africa Sales Division, Mazda Motor Corporation, said: "Mazda is committed to the UAE market and the launch of CX-9 is in line with our regional strategy to offer best-in-class transportation solutions. 3-row SUV offers overwhelmingly athletic styling , dynamic performance and high quality luxury craftsmanship at an attractive price. We are very confident that Mazda CX-9 will emerge as the car of choice for connoisseurs and lead the 3-row 7-seater segment."

He added: "Apart from offering the safest, most robust and reliable car, CX-9 is ecologically friendly and conforms to global emission norms. Mazda actively promotes the reduction of lead, chromium-6, cadmium, mercury and other environmentally harmful substances. The CX-9 is manufactured at a Japanese plant that is certified ISO 14001 for its environmental management system."

Product Overview

The Mazda CX-9 provides unique Mazda design and energetic performance as well as an up-market interior with class-leading space and unmatched versatility.

The CX-9 is a clean break from the traditional boxy SUVs crowding the market. Engineered with Mazda's signature "Soul of a Sports car", CX-9 deftly blends sporty driving spirit with seven-passenger SUV practicality. Standing out from existing crossover SUVs - vehicles that deliver SUV practicality with a passenger car driving experience - the Mazda CX-9 is the insightful solution not only to the modern family's complex needs but also to the enthusiast driver's desires. And of course Zoom-Zoom is standard.

The vehicle represents everything a Mazda SUV should be, offering ample power, striking appearance, fun-to-drive vitality, precision build quality and unexpected versatility.

Stylish Exteriors

The chief designer Hideki Suzuki set the design theme as "prestigious emotional crossover SUV" which includes three main design elements.

First, Mazda emotional sportiness that aims to bring Mazda's soul of a sports car DNA to the 7-passenger crossover SUV segment. Second is a prestigious feel. Since the CX-9 is positioned to be the top model in the Mazda lineup, it has a feeling of prestige appropriate to that level. And thirdly, the uniqueness that is indispensable for Mazda's first 7-passenger crossover SUV.

Many mid-sized crossover SUVs strive for the utilitarian look. The Mazda CX-9, however, is designed to evoke a strong pride of ownership. Its smooth and flowing silhouette, prominent wheels and tyres, muscular fenders and steeply angled windscreen and backlight give the CX-9 a dramatic-but-refined look.

CX-9's front end is unmistakably Mazda, with its elegantly sculpted sporty five-point grille and wide, bold bumper. A horizontal streak of chrome floats on the front grille bar, giving a distinctive and high quality feel. Side windows form a flowing, open and modern greenhouse, allowing clear vision from all seating positions. The unique trapezoid chrome exhaust pipe accentuates the fine detail put into the design.

Fantastic Interiors

Once inside the CX-9, the driver is greeted by a neatly organized combination of cylindrical shapes and blacked-out instruments on a T-shaped instrument panel. Brightly edged gauges with metal-look trim and indirect blue illumination set a cool mood. Indirect lighting is also embedded in the front and rear door trim and ceiling for a warm glow. Horizontal elements in areas such as the centre panel, door trim and seat design intersect with vertical accents to create the same harmony present in fine furniture.

Interior craftsmanship and attention to detail is visible everywhere. Soft trim is elegantly configured and constructed of top-quality materials and seats have an inviting yet sporty look and feel appropriate to this type of vehicle. The dash panel houses large, clearly marked entertainment and climate controls. Delicate stitching and the metallic look of the floating door grips reveal the designer's fine eye for detail.

Energetic and refined powertrain

An all-new 3.7-litre, V-6 engine has been engineered to provide the muscle to move the CX-9 with authority. The new 60-degree short-stroke V-6 is state-of-the-art throughout. Advanced features include a die-cast aluminium block with cast-in iron cylinder liners and aluminium cylinder heads for minimal weight. The valvetrain includes chain-driven dual overhead camshafts for minimal maintenance, four valves per cylinder with direct acting bucket-type actuators, and variable intake valve timing. A high 10.3:1 compression ratio maximizes efficiency and power output while the throttle is electronically controlled for instantaneous response. Two close-coupled catalytic converters cleanse the exhaust without inhibiting power.

Computer-aided-engineering analysis has been extensively used to configure the cylinder block casting, to shape intake and exhaust ports, and to design the high-volume exhaust system fitted with three large silencers. Very low back pressure is one of the reasons why the power curve is still ascending at the 6,500-rpm redline. In addition, the forged-steel crankshaft is fitted with induction-hardened journals, a full complement of counterweights and a dual-mass damper. Engineering details even extend to a roller-chain cam-drive sprocket lined with rubber for quiet operation.

A power peak of 204kW at 6,250rpm provides CX-9 with sparkling accelerating and passing performance. The torque curve shows a strong curve rising from 3,000 to 6,000rpm and peaking with 366Nm337Nm at 4,500rpm250rpm.

To combine excellent acceleration and high fuel mileage, CX-9 includes an Aisin-supplied six-speed Sports AT automatic transmission with manual-mode (6-speed Activematic) as standard equipment. Broad ratios maximize flexibility by providing enthusiastic launch acceleration with quiet cruising. The top two gears are both overdrive ratios, assuring highway mileage in the mid-20s.

Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive Front-wheel drive is standard in the Mazda CX-9 for excellent drivability, This system rapidly adjusts to changing traction needs by monitoring wheel slippage, steering angle, yaw rate, lateral acceleration, and available driveline torque. In normal driving, 100-percent of the driving torque is delivered to the front wheels. During aggressive acceleration or when one front wheel is on the verge of slip, a controlled percentage of the available torque is directed to the rear axle. A power take-off device integrated with the CX-9's transaxle spins a drive shaft attached to an active coupling built into the rear differential. Commanded by a control module, the servo-controlled multi-plate coupling can route up to 50 percent of the available torque to the rear wheels.

Being the sole distributor for Mazda, Galadari Automobiles is all geared up to make Mazda CX-9 a roaring success in the UAE. Mazda CX-9 will be available at Galadari showrooms across the country.

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