2013 Mazda CX-9 unveiled ahead of Aussie debut

AutoBlog: 2013 Mazda CX-9 unveiled ahead of Aussie debut

2013 Mazda CX-9

Mazda is slowly but surely wiping its smiley Nagare design language from the faces of its automobiles, and it appears that the seven-passenger CX-9 is the next to get the bolder Kodo-influenced treatment. The 2013 CX-9 you see here will officially bow at the Australian International Motor Show in mid-October, but Mazda has released a few preliminary images and details regarding the big CUV's refresh.

Now, as much as we like the design of the new CX-5 crossover and Mazda6 sedan, we aren't quite sure if we love the way the new Kodo lines flow onto the CX-9's larger body. The more we stare at the images in the gallery above, the more we start to like it, but this is indeed a case where we'll need to see the finished product in person before making any final judgments. But for now, scroll down to read the official press blast..

We can't yet see what sort of changes have been applied to the rear end or the interior, but new details up front include LED running lights in the headlamp clusters and bolder, more pronounced lines around the foglamp housings.

Mum's the word about any other new-for-2013 changes, and Mazda states that the current CX-9's 3.7-liter V6 and six-speed automatic will carry over, likely mated to both front- and all-wheel drive.

We'll no doubt receive more details closer to the car's official unveiling in Australia next month.

PRESS RELEASE:

2013 Mazda CX-9 World Premiere at Australian International Motor Show

- Incorporating elements of KODO design with Mazda's new family face -

HIROSHIMA, Japan-Mazda Motor Corporation will hold the world premiere of the refreshed Mazda CX-9 crossover SUV at the 2012 Australian International Motor Show.

Held in Sydney, the 2012 Australian International Motor Show begins October 18 and runs through to October 28, 2012. The 2013 CX-9 will be launched in Australia later this year.

Mazda CX-9 is a crossover sport-utility SUV featuring a distinctive sporty appearance, a high-quality cabin, the flexibility of three-rows, and Mazda's exciting "Zoom-Zoom" driving dynamics. The current CX-9 has sold over 210,000 units* in 74 countries, including North America and Australia, as Mazda's range-topping SUV.

The 2013 Mazda CX-9 carries over the utility and dynamic driving performance of the current model while adopting Mazda's "KODO - Soul of Motion" design theme at the front and rear for even sportier styling and stronger presence. Enhancements in craftsmanship and interior design further the feeling of quality and refinement. With regard to equipment, the infotainment system features the latest audio, navigation and speech-recognition systems based on the Human Machine Interface (HMI) which is intuitive to use. In addition, advanced active-safety features, such as Forward Obstruction Warning System, Lane Departure Warning System, and High Beam Control System, help drivers recognize and avoid danger.

As with the current model, the 2013 CX-9 features the MZI 3.7-liter V6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission for powerful and refined driving pleasure.

The all-new Mazda6 (known as Atenza in Japan) will also make its Australian premiere in Sydney. It is the second of Mazda's new generation of products that adopt the full range of SKYACTIV technologies and the KODO - Soul of Motion design theme. It is the first model to be equipped with Mazda's unique brake energy regeneration system, i-ELOOP.

The 2012 Australian International Motor Show will open to the press on October 18, and to the public from October 19 to 28, 2012. Mazda will hold its press conference on the morning of Thursday, October 18 from 9:12 to 9:22 local time.