2007 Mazda CX-9
Hot on the heels of Mazda's brand-new CX-7 midsize suv is the CX-9, a 7-passenger crossover SUV that the Japanese automaker introduced at the 2006 New York Auto Show. CX-9 shares styling with its smaller 5-passenger stable mate, but has a five-inch longer wheelbase and three rows of seats. According to Mazda, CX-9 is the largest vehicle Mazda has ever sold in the U.S., doesn't share components with CX-7, and was designed solely for the North American market. It will compete with Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander when it arrives in dealerships in early 2007.

Mazda says CX-9 will initially be offered in three trim levels: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. Sport and Touring models get 18-inch wheels and Grand Touring models get 20-inch wheels. Standard safety equipment on all models includes antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, roll stability, dynamic stability control, and 3-row curtain side airbags with rollover protection. Available options include power liftgate, leather seats, high-intensity discharge headlamps, and rain-sensing wipers.

Front bucket seats, a 3-person, 60/40 split-folding second-row seat that can be moved fore or aft up to five inches, and a 2-passenger, 50/50 split-folding third row are standard. Second- and 3rd-row seats fold flat to create a flat load floor. Standard on all models is a feature that flips and folds forward the second row seats with the touch of a button.

Sole powertrain is a 250-hp 3.5 liter V6 mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard. Optional is Mazda's active torque-split all-wheel-drive system. According to Mazda, the active torque system automatically apportions torque to the wheels with the most traction at all times and can allow up to 50-percent of the engine's power to be transferred to the rear wheels. The system is similar to the one used in the Mazdaspeed6 and the CX-7.

CX-9 will be built in Japan, and supplant the MPV minivan in Mazda's lineup. Prices weren't announced, but we'd expect Mazda's newest SUV to have a base price of about $27,000.

2007 Mazdaspeed3
Mazda introduced the Mazdaspeed3 at the 2006 New York Auto Show. The "speed3" will be the flagship of the 3 line and marks a freshening of the entire lineup. It also becomes the fourth vehicle to carry the Mazdaspeed in the U.S., following the Mazdaspeed Protege, Mazdaspeed MX-5, and Mazdaspeed6.

The Mazda 3 debuted in 2003. It's a compact car that comes in sedan and wagon form and competes with the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, and Toyota Corolla. The updated 3 is dimensionally unchanged from the 2006 model, but sports revised exterior trim and an updated instrument panel.

The Mazdaspeed3 arrives this fall. Power comes from a turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-liter 4-cylinder that makes 250 horsepower. This engine has 90 more horsepower than the standard 2.3 and is also used in the Mazdaspeed6 and CX-7. In the speed3, it drives the front wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission. Mazda claims a top speed of 150 mph. To match the power increase, Mazda has upgraded both the brakes and suspension.

Exterior changes for the Mazdaspeed3 include 20-mm wider front fenders, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and roof spoiler with integrated LED brake light. Inside, the monochromatic black interior is accented by red stitching on the seats, steering wheel, and shift knob. The instrument panel has a matte-black insert and unique gauges. Finally, aluminum pedals and stainless steel scuff plates round out the upgrades.

The Mazdaspeed3 will be built in Japan and should have a base price less than $25,000.

2006 New York Auto Show

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