All Smiles: Updated 2010 Mazda CX-9 headed for New York
Click image above to enlarge
In addition to U.S. premieres for its new Mazdaspeed3 and reworked CX-7, Mazda will have a global debut in the form of a "heavily revised" CX-9 at next month's New York Auto Show.
For 2010, the three-row crossover will receive a riff on the controversial "smiley face" front graphic that has already been shown for 2010 on the Mazda3, MX-5 Miata, and CX-7. Judging by the supplied image, changes include a new front fascia integrating the aforementioned five-point grille, along with different lighting units and exterior mirrors. In addition to the exterior fettling, Mazda is promising new options and safety features, along with improved driving dynamics (already a CX-9 strong suit).
We'll likely have to wait until press days to learn further specifics, but for now, check out Mazda's official NY preview press release after the jump.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Aprime 11:33AM (3/20/2009)
It looks unsure.
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AC 12:13PM (3/20/2009)
it is unproportional. block that front bumper with your hand and all the sudden the car looks right.
people are trying too hard to come out with new design...
fashion is one thing while the principle of beauty is another.
a well proportioned body always looks better than unproportioned one, while the shape of design featured in the correctly proportioned might be different.
no matter how ridiculous some clothing design maybe, they still goes on a super model.
Yikes 11:37AM (3/20/2009)
Needs a bigger grill.
Or two.
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AntBee 11:39AM (3/20/2009)
F You, Mazda, F You!
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PiCASSO 11:39AM (3/20/2009)
Mazda's cars would fit nicely in a live version of Pixar's Cars movie. And that's not a compliment... this new corporate face is nasty.
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XJ 11:48AM (3/20/2009)
It happily eats small objects on the road.
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Jim Dubois 11:52AM (3/20/2009)
Dear Mazda,
As a 2006 Mazda3GT owner, I can say without hestitation that your new front end goofy "smiley" designs are horrible looking. No one in their right mind would purchase a car with such a silly grin no matter how good the performance is.
You need to fire your lead designer who pen'd these designs.
My next car will NOT be a Mazda if these fugly designs persists.
You managed to screw up the once great looking Miata and Mazda3 and now the C9 SUV.
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Mazda FTW! 12:00PM (3/20/2009)
Jim - I own the same car/model year and I was a bit apprehensive at first too, but I've started seeing the new one of the road here in Toronto and it seems to be a runaway hit. I work for an insurance form and we work with some Mazda dealers and they are selling them like hot cakes.
And frankly speaking, on the road, it looks damn good.
Jim Dubois 12:04PM (3/20/2009)
Sorry to say I cannot get use to the looks of the Maz3 redesign whether in print or in person. It makes me cringe everytime I see it.
I believe your view of the front redesign is in the minority.
Mazda FTW! 12:24PM (3/20/2009)
Fair enough. But I understand Mazda's desire to continue to be a strong player in the market and the market, for whatever reason, today demands cars which have exaggerated looks and grilles and lines.
A.N.E. 12:26PM (3/20/2009)
@Jim Dubois
Then count me in as one of the minority too.
I like the new look.
I was getting tired of all the cars looking angry anyway.
I prefer a smile over a scowl anyday.
Aprime 12:52PM (3/20/2009)
Money talks, not auto enthusiasts on a blog.
Toy Yoda 6:21PM (3/20/2009)
Okay, you don't like the grin look. Would you rather prefer it to the ever popular angry/constipated look instead? Personally I prefer a neutral look like the recently penned Aston Martin DBS, Vantage, and or DB9, or a Porcsche.
But that aside, count me in the minority; I'd take a happy look over the constipated look any day.
Fazzster 11:53AM (3/20/2009)
I cannot believe they are extending the "smiles" motif across the Mazda model line. Can we slap the guy/gal who gives this the green light?
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Luis 11:55AM (3/20/2009)
I think it looks ok. At least the front is blocky/chunky.
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Nobody Special 11:56AM (3/20/2009)
Ford Edsel,,,,,,but no, I actually think the the Edsel grill was better.
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Jim Dubois 11:59AM (3/20/2009)
Goofy Mazda smiley front design = Subaru bug eye disaster on 2001-2003 Impreza models
Hopefully, Mazda listens and smartens up and changes it quickly and not let it drag on for three years with plummeting sales across the model range.
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Bill 12:27PM (3/20/2009)
I liked the bug eye! Looks better than the one that came after it.
Toy Yoda 6:46PM (3/20/2009)
I like the goofy smile look. I prefer a neutral look, but the goofy smile look is so much better than the popular angry/constipated look.
David 12:00PM (3/20/2009)
It looks more "conventional" than ever, and when you're an SUV, that's a BAD thing. Rots 'o Ruck, Mazda.
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