2008 Mazda CX-9 Sport Trim Overview

The front-wheel-drive 2008 Mazda CX-9 Sport is a longer brother to the CX-7. A crossover with a sporty look and sport-tuned independent and multilink rear suspension, the 2008 CX-9 Sport gets a more refined engine this year. The 3.7-liter, 24-valve, DOHC V6 and 6-speed automatic transmission with sport shift deliver 270 hp and 273 ft-lbs of torque. A rear spoiler and dual exhaust hint at the sport pretensions of this family car. Riding on 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, the CX-9 Sport earns five-star safety ratings thanks to standard 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, traction and stability control with rollover protection, and dual front-side and side head impact airbags for all three rows. An auto-dimming rearview mirror can be added, along with a new rearview camera.

Both second and third rows split-fold flat, and the second row slides back and forth to adjust for legs or cargo. Its sliders are flush, making access to the third row less dangerous. The cargo area features tie-downs and expands from 17 to 100 cubic feet. A roof rack, cargo net, and cargo cover cost extra. Intermittent front and rear wipers are standard. Other equipment that comes with the 2008 CX-9 Sport includes power windows, locks, and mirrors, remote entry, wheel-mounted cruise control and audio controls for the CD player, and three-zone climate control, so all passengers can ride in comfort. An external temperature display and privacy glass are other nice conveniences, and leather trim adorns the wheel, shifter, and consoles. Options include a sunroof, 8-way power driver's seat, remote start, satellite radio, a 6-CD changer with MP3 playback, and a DVD player.