First look: Big new Mazda CX-9 to hit US

MAZDA last night revealed a vehicle it described as its second sport utility vehicle designed exclusively for the United States market – the CX-9.

Seemingly destined for other markets, including Australia, the seven-seat CX-9 luxury 4WD wagon will receive it first public airing at the New York International Auto Show on April 13.

It is larger than the five-seater CX-7, which made its global production debut at the Detroit motor show in January and goes on sale here in November.

According to Mazda: "The seven-passenger Mazda CX-9 is a clean break from the traditional boxy SUVs crowding the US market" as it combines "a sporty driving spirit with seven-passenger SUV practicality".

The CX-9 is claimed to bring unique design, energetic performance, an upmarket interior, unmatched versatility and class-leading interior space.

Powered by a new MZI 3.5-litre V6 and to be available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations in the US, Mazda’s newest crossover will be produced at the Ujina No 1 Plant near Mazda’s Hiroshima HQ.

To go on sale across the US in early 2007, CX-9’s right-hand drive future remains unknown but, if approved for sale in Australia, the all-new model remains at least two years away from Mazda dealerships Down Under.

"It’s early days and information is very limited at the moment," Mazda Australia spokesman Alastair Doak told GoAuto. "So at this stage it’s unknown if CX-9 will be produced in right-hand drive – but it seems likely.

"The large SUV formula is one that has legs in the Australian market, so if CX-9 became available to us then obviously we’d have to have a look at it," he said.

Mazda will also launch a facelifted version of the compact Tribute 4WD that broke cover at February’s Melbourne motor show, where the CX-7 made its Australian debut nine months before ahead of its on-sale date.