Mazda CX-9: Know its alternatives

Manufacturers usually have a clear goal of which segment they want to play in. For example, Mercedes knows that its GLE will go in the mid-size SUV segment and who the competition is. However, certain carmakers want to straddle two segments. One lower and the one above. They form the niche that is more or less happy satisfying the purists as well as the ones who want an affordable package. What the customers stand to lose is only on the brand value.

Mazda’s flagship SUV, the CX-9 is one such oddball. It straddles the segments that the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sorento operate in and on the other hand, the Audi Q5, as well as BMW X3, are its competitors too. Here is what you need to know about the Mazda CX-9 competition.

Hyundai Tucson

In its second generation, the Hyundai Tucson has seen a sea change in the way the Korean carmaker has approached SUVs. It not only looks desirable but also has got the latest technology. There is an auto hold, drive modes, auto wipers as well as headlights, sunroof, 17-inch wheels, dual zone climate control, Arkamys music system, powered driver’s seat and an electronic parking brake. There is also the no keys needed tailgate system. Hyundai offers two engine options with the Tucson. Both are petrol. The 2.0-litre Nu naturally aspirated petrol motor produces 155 PS of power and 196 Nm of torque. This motor is paired to a 6-speed front wheel drive automatic transmission. Price for this variant starts from RM 123,848. The other engine is a turbo petrol motor that makes 177 PS and 265 Nm from its 1.6-litre heart. This one too is an FWD and power is transferred via a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. Price of this one is RM 20,000 more than the naturally aspirated variant.

Kia Sorento

This cousin of the Tucson borrows heavily from it. The grille looks different though, and so are the choices for the alloys. Inside the cabin, the Kia is better equipped and boasts more features. The Kia Sorento for that matter, however, has a lower spec infotainment system than that of the Hyundai. Going one up, the Sorento can seat seven people. It also gets dual-zone climate control with vents for the second and third-row seats.

Regarding the engine, the Kia Sorento gets a single 2.1-litre diesel engine that produces 147 PS. This engine is highly torquey and has a 6-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels. The Kia Sorento price starts from RM 158,322.

Audi Q5

This new generation Audi Q5 has been steadily raking up the numbers in terms of bookings. Built on a new platform, the new Q5 not only brings the coveted Audi badge but also a host of goodies. Tri-zone climate control, more spacious seating, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatible music system, powered front seats with memory function, powered tailgate and panoramic sunroof are on offer. The new Audi Q5 also has a lone petrol engine. This 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine makes 225 PS and 350 Nm. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The power is sent to all the four wheels while top speed is closer to 230 kmph. As far as prices are concerned, the Audi Q5 price starts from RM 303,890.

BMW X3

This one again is all-new. The third generation BMW X3 now gets active flaps for the kidney grille, bigger lightweight alloys, and LED tail lights. The cabin gets a bigger infotainment system that's paired with touchscreen capability. BMW also offers powered memory seats for the front passenger and driver’s seat. The rear passengers can tilt their seats as well. The panoramic sunroof, as well as powered tailgate too, are part of the package. In terms of engine, there is a bigger 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbo unit that is good for 252 horse and 350 Nm of torque. When coupled to the standard xDrive AWD and 8-speed automatic transmission, the BMW X3 will do 0 to 100 kmph in 6.3 seconds. The company claims a top speed of 240 kmph. Claimed fuel efficiency is 7.6 litres per 100 km. Prices start from RM 323,400.

All in all, as we said before, the Mazda CX-9 sits in the middle of these two segments. As we have explained previously, the Mazda is to be taken in as a new product, and it will serve you for years without even breaking into a sweat.