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If you are looking for a family car that strikes a balance between an SUV and a minivan, then the CX-9 is just right for you. Srinivasan Iyer test drives

MazdaCX-9

At the launch of the CX-9 in December last year, Mazda paraded a bevy of cars with family after family in it. As the cars were slowly driven into a city street-like atmosphere complete with traffic lights, accompanied to Mazda's Zoom-Zoom music and a group of dancers, gasps and adjectives describing the seven-seater, crossover SUV were soon to be heard all around. "Wow! It's really big," was my first reaction. I still maintain that, and it's strikingly appealing, with smooth curves on the front giving way to sleek lines across the length of the car and elongated tail lamps rounding off the rear.

The CX-9 model that we drove was equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels, which give it a muscular appeal. There is another model in the CX-9 line-up which is fitted with slightly smaller 18-inch alloy wheels. The car embodies Mazda's Zoom-Zoom philosophy of visual appeal. When Mazda launched its new generation of cars to catch up with its more illustrious Japanese peers, the carmaker wanted to convey to the world an immediate image of youthful exuberance, style and driving fun. Spirited performance is an essential element of Zoom-Zoom. The interiors of the car live up to the handsome exterior. The car's keyless entry feature is quite cool. A click on a credit-card like gadget, but only thicker, opens the door to well-appointed features. The card also hides a conventional key, should technology fail. I had no problem getting in and slipping into the driver's seat.

The two-tone leather seats are a standard feature on all the CX-9s available here, but the new batches that will arrive sometime soon will also have the option of fabric seats. I think the CX-9's appeal would dim a tad were it to have anything other than leather. Thanks to the 2,875mm long wheelbase, there is enough legroom in the first two rows. The third row, in my opinion, is ideally suited for noisy kids who would do well to keep themselves occupied on long drives. The second row has a 60/40 split, with a backrest that can recline or fold. This allows easy access to the third row. The third row splits 50/50 and has easy adjustments to make room for leg space and cargo. Even with the third row occupied, the CX-9 can take 487 litres of cargo. And the powered rear door allows a one-touch access to the boot space.

All the controls are logically positioned for ease of use. The meters and the audio dials are illuminated by blue indirect lighting. The three-spoke leather steering wheel is functional. It has all the usual features of cruise control and volume adjustment. Steering-wheel tilt control and multi-way driver's seat adjustment makes it easy for drivers of all sizes to achieve a comfortable driving position. The CX-9 boasts of up-to-the-minute features like a hot power point in the centre storage area and an auxiliary power point to rig up an iPod.

I was particularly impressed with what's under the bonnet. The CX-9 is powered by a 3.7-litre V6 mated to a six-speed transmission and it churns out 270bhp at 6,250rpm. The engine's advanced features include variable valve timing, a high compression ratio and electronic throttle to achieve an ideal balance of power, response and fuel economy. It took me some time to explore the car's potential, thanks to the mind-boggling traffic on the roads these days. What better place than the isolated stretch leading to Qantab beach to test the car's prowess? The climb on the steep incline was effortless. Let me remind you that I did not have to push hard on the pedal. The car grips the road firmly and the ride is smooth. The four-wheel ventilated disc brakes featuring an anti-lock brake system (ABS), brings the car to a halt without much fuss. The CX-9 is also equipped with a traction control system to detect wheel slippage and adjusts torque to restore traction, while the dynamic stability control (DSC) minimises under or oversteer during emergency manoeuvres. A six-airbag system is fitted as standard equipment and includes side-curtain airbags that extend to the third row to protect the passengers in the event of a crash. Mazda has engineered the body around its Impact-energy distribution and absorption system. The CX-9 has received the highest possible ratings in frontal and side impact crashes from the US government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle safety tests as well as a four-star rollover resistance rating – both testimonies to Mazda's superior engineering standards. US-based Motor Trend magazine named the Mazda CX-9 its 2008 Sport/Utility of the Year.

I enjoyed the drive listening to FM radio. The car's Bose stereo system features ten speakers and a sub-woofer. Even at low volume levels I had to strain to listen to the whir of the engine. The passenger compartment is remarkably well-insulated from external noise thanks to double door seals and sound-deadening foam at 22 strategic points. Overall it’s a car that meets all city-driving needs. So if you need the practicality of three rows but you just can't bring yourself to drive a minivan or a truck-based sport-utility, then the Mazda CX-9 is the perfect car for you. I picture the CX-9 just as the way it was showcased at the launch: family, friends and kids in tow going on a picnic.