2016 Mazda CX-9 Scores 35-Percent Improvement in Fuel Efficiency Over Predecessor

- Torquey, Turbocharged and Efficient SKYACTIV Engine Contributes to CX-9's 8.3 L/100 km NRCan-Estimated Highway Rating -

RICHMOND HILL, ON, March 2, 2016 /CNW/ - Mazda Canada Inc. (MCI) today released Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) estimated fuel economy figures for its all-new 2016 Mazda CX-9 midsize, three-row crossover SUV. Certified at 10.5 city/8.3 highway/9.5 combined L/100 km, when equipped with front-wheel drive, the 2016 CX-9 is among the most-efficient vehicles of its size—and achieves those numbers without having to use an extra-cost hybrid or diesel powertrain.

With a dramatic 35-percent improvement in efficiency, CX-9 follows in the footsteps of Mazda's entire new-generation line-up of 2016 cars and crossovers that have adopted efficient, lightweight SKYACTIV Technology. Like the 2016 MX-5 with its 25-percent improvement in combined fuel economy versus its predecessor, CX-9 benefits from added amenities and more agile handling dynamics, thanks to its nearly 150 kg weight loss.

"The all-new CX-9 three-row crossover brings the best of our SKYACTIV Technology to the table, and elevates it with refined style and elegant interior appointments, while also providing a dramatic increase in fuel efficiency versus the outgoing model," said Vincent Reboul, Director, Marketing. "And although it has the practical capabilities to be an excellent everyday family/utility vehicle, it still maintains the distinctively Mazda driving feel which will set it apart from the segment and appeal to the inner driver."

At the heart of the 2016 CX-9 is the new SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine, which produces the power of a V-6 engine without the fuel-efficiency penalty. It uses a dual-valve Dynamic Pressure Turbo to quickly generate power and a cooled exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR) to lower engine temperatures without having to add extra fuel as many turbocharged engines do. Uncommon in turbocharged, gasoline-powered engines, a cooled EGR doesn't affect NRCan's fuel-economy test numbers, but it does help achieve improved real-world efficiency versus turbocharged engines without cooled EGRs.

CX-9's engine makes a hearty 310 lb-ft of torque from just 2,000 rpm and 227 horsepower at 5,000 rpm using 87-octane gasoline (250 horsepower with 93-octane). It comes paired with a six-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and Mazda's predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive is optionally available, delivering confidence in any road conditions. i-ACTIV all-wheel drive sends power where it's needed before the driver can sense a loss in traction by measuring road and vehicle conditions more than 200 times per second via 27 sensors.

Due to its lightweight design, i-ACTIV all-wheel drive adds little mechanical friction, leading to its stellar fuel-economy numbers. Ratings are as follows:

	NRCan-Estimated L/100 km
	City	Highway	Combined
FWD	10.5	8.3	9.5
AWD	11.2	8.8	10.1

The 2016 Mazda CX-9 is scheduled to arrive in Canadian Mazda dealerships by June. Final packaging and pricing will be announced closer to its on-sale date.

Mazda Canada Inc. is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer service and parts support of Mazda vehicles in Canada. Headquartered in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Mazda Canada has a nationwide network of 165 dealerships. For additional information visit Mazda Canada's media website at www.media.mazda.ca.

Note: NRCan-estimated fuel economy is based on a standard five-cycle test. Actual fuel economy will vary.

SOURCE Mazda Canada Inc.

Image with caption: "2016 Mazda CX-9 intermediate, three-row crossover (CNW Group/Mazda Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160302_C8409_PHOTO_EN_633107.jpg

Chuck Reimer, Mazda Canada, [phone]; Sandra Lemaitre, Mazda Canada, [phone]