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| A good looking crossover SUV, the sleek Mazda CX-9 is also extremely accommodating. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press) |
Mazda and Ford have enjoyed a good working relationship for decades, going back to the '70s when Ford used Mazda's compact pickup truck to re-badge as its then-popular Courier. It's a business relationship that continues to this day, although polarities have now shifted and Mazda's B-Series is little more than a rebranded Ranger while it's Tribute is, likewise, a reworked Escape. The utilitarian and almost archaic nature of the B-Series might be a bit of an irritation to zoom-zoom zealots, but some of Ford's involvement with the Japanese brand has been truly enlightening.
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| It looks great from all angles. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press) |
For instance, the fabulous new Mazda6 shares some Ford architecture along with drivetrain mechanicals, as does the CX-9 crossover SUV I'm testing this week. The CX-9, which has been given a nice refresh for 2010, shares its architectural roots with the blue oval brand's Edge, but to look at it and even to drive it you wouldn't think there's all that much in common. Both are great CUVs, but the Mazda feels a little lighter on its feet despite offering a third row for up to seven passengers, and the detailing inside is, well, nicer.
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| A truly upscale experience inside, the CX-9 rivals some premium branded crossovers. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press) |
Granted Edge hit the market first and before the blue oval folks really started getting their interiors top-notch, like the Flex, Taurus and new Fusion, but Mazda's done a good job making the CX-9 more premium than pauper. Sure there are some harder plastic panels, atop the dash and strangely on the rear door caps that butt up against the windows, the front sills are soft-touch, but all-round there's quality materials, good workmanship, nicely detailed and well damped switchgear, plus a lot of high-end features.
