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FireFlyz | 67
but no cooling vents. However, cool air
is circulated quite quickly from the front
except on very hot days.
The flat dashboard remains unchanged
which is a bummer since it doesn’t quite
go with the new aggressive looking
exterior. Nevertheless, it’s well put
together and functional. The dials and
buttons are easily reached and feel sturdy.
In the center sits the colored displaywhich
shows audio entertainment, navigation
and reverse camera view. The CX-9 comes
with a 3-zone climate control for driver,
front passenger and rear, all of which
can be controlled from the front. Rear
passengers can exert some autonomy on
cooling by utilizing the controls on the
rear of the centre console.
VERDICT
Sure, this isn’t an all-new model like
some in its class but all its finer points
in terms of safety and driveability have
been retained while its appearance has
been updated. As far as large SUVs are
concerned, this one still has charm.
Specif ications
ENGINE
3,726cc 24-valve V6DOHCwith
variable valve timing
OUTPUT
274hp@6,250rpm; 367Nm@
4,250rpm
TRANSMISSION
6-speed Activematic automatic
transmission
BRAKESANDSUSPENSION
Ventilated discs (front & rear);
McPherson strut (front); multi-
link (rear); ABS; BA; EBD; TCS;
DSC; RSC
TYRE SIZE
245/50 R20
WHEELBASE (mm)
2,875
DIMENSIONS (mm)
5,096 (L) x 1,936 (W) x 1,728 (H)
KERBWEIGHT (kg)
1,966
FUEL TANK (l)
76
PRICE (OnThe RoadWith
Insurance)
FromRM296,184.45
SUV and gives you more confidence in
corners than some of the new SUVs. It’s
amazing how little body roll there is and
how un-clumsy it feels. It behaves more
like a smaller vehicle and that illusion
is popped only when you need to park.
Admittedly, the ride is a little firm but is
still comfortable enough for the majority.
On the technical side, the CX-9 comes
with a host of electronic aids (bundled
as i-Activesense) that make your drive a
little better and safer. There’s the Blind
Spot Monitoring System (BSM), Traction
Control System (TCS) and Forward
Obstruction Warning (FOW) and Lane
DepartureWarning System (LDWS). BSM
uses radar that detects vehicles in your
blind spot and warns with a beep and a
light on the wing mirror of the affected
side. Meanwhile, FOW can sense when
you’re too close to the vehicle in front and
LDWS keeps you in your lane (unless the
turn signal is engaged).
INTERIOR
As a 7-seat SUV, the CX-9 is very spacious.
Even with all three rows occupied, cargo
space is a satisfactory 267 liters; you get
487 with the third row folded and 2,852
with both rows folded. That’s plenty of
room for a family getaway. The trunk is
accessed via a powered liftgate and the
trunk floor hides a compartment to keep
things private when the tonneau cover
isn’t in use.
All the seats are clothed in leather. The
second row slides to adjust for legroom
so you can choose to either maximise
passenger or cargo space. The third row
also benefits from this as tall adults are
able to fit comfortably back there, but only
for short distances. Although knee space
is adequate, the third row looks more
suited for shorter passengers. At the back,
there are armrests and four cup holders