| Snowride |
I am due to change my Murano come February and was going to simply replace it with a 2007. I have been looking at the numerous new entries to the copycat Murano market but nothing really competes with the Murano for my needs. However, this new Mazda has given me an itch and is due on the showroom floor sometime in January. All those little things we would like to have on our Muranos such as bluetooth, aux input, electrically operated rear hatch, rain sensing wipers, independant rear climate control, rear dvd system, video game plug in with 110v ac outlet, factory remote start, 20" wheels, yada, yada, yada are available on the CX9. Everything which is available on the Murano is available on the CX9 except for the CVT which I would most likely miss the most. It does have a tiptronic 6 speed automatic though. Horse Power is rated at 263hp so it should have more than enough get up and go. Fuel economy has not been released yet but they are hinting at 25mpg highway. Do I need the extra 3rd row of seats? Probably not but they do fold flat and out of the way and would be there in case I ever wanted to use them.
Any comments (apart from the standard "it's a new model so expect to have some issues" ) on what looks like the first real competion for the Murano?
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/dis...Code=CX9&bhcp=1 |
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| njjoe |
Snowride-
Hmmmm.... I like it. I would like it a lot better if they got rid of the third-row seats altogether. That helps the rear seat passengers and gives much more usable rear cargo room.
I, too, would miss the CVT, but not the anemic transfer case.
Hopefully Nissan will take notice and incorporate some of the features (Bluetooth, audio input jack) in future models.
-njjoe |
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| gadgetfreak |
| That looks really nice. Everything the Murano is missing for around the same price. I just configured a top of the line (without NAV or DVD) for $35k. Just when I thought I had the best car, I start to doubt it. But I hope Nissan is a better car than a Mazda. At least I can rely on that for the next 36 months of my 39 month lease. The grass is always greener.... |
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| ekaxel |
| 7 passenger = small second seat and limited luggage capacity. Look at the MDX and Tribeca B9 for examples... |
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| Eric L. |
Joe - there is a two row version available - the CX-7, which is slightly smaller than a Murano.
I think the CX-9 will be a competitive vehicle, although Mazdas have never been regarded as mainstream as Toyota or Honda, so even if the CX-9 is a better three row crossover than the Highlander or Pilot, the mindless droves will still buy Toyota and Honda. Which is fine with me - I prefer that Murano's are more "rare" (despite record sales each month) than Highlander or Pilot - it keeps the vehicle somewhat unique. |
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| Kris |
| I like the CX-9. What I do not like is the third raw of seats. I am not sure also about the quality of the engine. Somehow it is difficult to find anything better that VQ. In 2 years time, when I am due for new car who knows? Then again it is still FWD.....:( |
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| gadgetfreak |
| I saw that the CX9 has AWD as an option. Also, people are always complaining about a 3rd row seat. With elementary school kids, it can be helpful (provided that when the 3rd row is down, the second row can get pushed far back). That is one of the things that I knew I would be giving up when getting an MO. Worth it, yes. But my MO would be that much better for ME with a 3rd row. |
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| Kris |
quote:
Originally posted by gadgetfreak
... But my MO would be that much better for ME with a 3rd row.
I understand you. My Murano almost never has pasengers, and is so it is just my wife. I think I had maybe 3 - 4 times passengers in the back seat within last 3 years. So for me the 3rd raw is of no value. Lucky we to have so many choices.... |
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| Snowride |
| The CX7 is really small in comparison to the Murano and I'm not to impressed with a turbo charged four banger pulling this crossover. The CX7 is only rated at 2000 lbs towing capacity wereas the CX9 is 3500 like the Murano. Now if the CX9 does have good legroom in the rear seat, I think they will have a winner. Would be even nicer if they offered it in 5 OR 7 seat configuration. Looking at the pics available on the link I posted, it sure looks like there is ample legroom back there. I'll keep you posted as I am really interested in this vehicule. |
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| Snowride |
Here are a few more tidbits I dug up on the CX9.
"The 60-40 split second row not only carries three in comfort, it also offers approximately five- inches of fore-and-aft slide travel and a reclining backrest."
Looks like the CX9 is a larger vehicule in every respect to the Murano. Mostly in length though.
L = +12"
W = +2.2"
H = + .75"
Wheel Base = +2"
Still have not found the weight of th CX9 to compare to the Murano
Here's a pic of the CX7 compared to the CX9 (CX9 is the blue one)
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| Kris |
12" longer than Murano - it is just a too big of a vehicle to drive/handle well. Murano is as big as I would ever want. I would even go for a smaler one if everything was right.
It will be interesting to see how Mazda competes in the market segment. |
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| Snowride |
| Then obviously the CX7 would be better suited for your needs. ;) |
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| Kris |
quote:
Originally posted by Snowride
Then obviously the CX7 would be better suited for your needs. ;)
Nope! 4-cylinder engine does not cut for me... |
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| Gonzo |
quote:
Originally posted by Kris
Nope! 4-cylinder engine does not cut for me...
4 Cylinder turbo charged.... 265 HP as I recall.
I sat in one last night at the auto show. I liked it, I might have a different thought after a spin. |
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| gadgetfreak |
quote:
Originally posted by Kris
I understand you. My Murano almost never has pasengers, and is so it is just my wife. I think I had maybe 3 - 4 times passengers in the back seat within last 3 years. So for me the 3rd raw is of no value. Lucky we to have so many choices....
Although I have a minivan for when I go out with the family, I would much rather take the MO on day trips as it is much more fun to drive. If the MO had a third row, it would be a possibility. Without it, I am SOL. Now, IF I had a CX-9, AND the CX-9 was as nice or nicer than the MO (in both ride and features), I wouldn't be in such a bind. Surely, I can't be the only one that feels that way. :) |
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| Ctx |
| How big is the family, Gadget? I remember a squeeze in my younger years.. |
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| gadgetfreak |
| 2 now with a 3rd this month. With 2, it is great to take a day trip with the MO (we went apple picking last month an hour a way). With an infant seat stuck in the middle, the older boys won't be as happy. And as all of us with kids know, two unhappy kids in the back with an infant seat in the middle spells disaster. Oh well. |
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| hfelknor |
I can see a third row in your future.
And a bus, if you don't figure out what's causing these kids......
Homer;) |
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| gadgetfreak |
| Everytime the cable goes out, 9th months later we get a bundle of joy.:2: |
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| Snowride |
My local dealer gave me a jingle yesterday to come on by and see the new CX9 he just recieved and that it was available for a test ride. :D
Although really nice on paper there is no way I am going to get one to replace my Murano. The only things that exceeds the Murano in this model are the comfort of the seats and and and? No wait, that's it. Guess I will hang on to old bertha until the next major change as rumor has it, maybe this fall/winter with the 2008. |
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| elliotgb |
| I like the looks of the CX9. Only question is, where am I going to put my 3 course meal? No room on that dash. Now the MO on the other hand.............................. |
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