Staff Writer

I think the 2008 Mazda CX-9, and I think “fusion,” remembering long-ago music history and theory classes. (Believe me, it surely wasn’t physics or anything about atomic energy.)
But at the intersection where jazz and rock meet, there is fusion. And you can get there by driving the Mazda CX-9, the manufacturer’s seven-passenger crossover vehicle that makes the most of Mazda’s “zoom-zoom” philosophy, refusing to punish the buyer who needs a certain amount of utility but perhaps secretly — or more probably openly — desires the heart of an old Jaguar beating beneath the hood.
It’s for people who daily have to do “all that jazz” with all its runs and spirals — but who like to do it with a little kick. Fusion.

ERGONOMICS/AESTHETICS
The CX-9 wins with a third-row seat that give the CUV room for seven actual grownups. The second row adjusts five inches fore and aft to allow those actual grownups actual access to the two seats in the rear, which have 32.4 inches of legroom.
The test vehicle came in Stormy Blue Mica, which would be my personal choice if I were buying the CX-9, something I would definitely consider. The finish was deep and offset by a sand leather interior. The touring package included the leather in the $31,615 base price. On top of that, the driver’s seat had eight-way controls and heater with power lumbar support.
On the outside, Mazda attempts to create the feel of motion with a sleek take on the CUV when it could settle for the mundane. The touring package also included 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, heated power mirrors and halogen headlights.
The CX-9 is roomy enough inside for seven — or is roomy enough with folded seats to provide some utility. There has been some complaint about headroom from some reviewers, but it is not something that bothered me (at 5-foot-9). In fact, a bit of a sloping, low roofline made the CX-9 seem more car-like.
Bluetooth technology was poart of the touring package, but a stereo upgrade, moonroof and Sirius satellite radio were parts of a $1,760 option. A handy rear-view camera, navigation system and smart card/fob for keyless operation were all part of another $2,717 “touring assist” package.

PERFORMANCE
The CX-9 excelled during a weeklong test drive that made driving on Interstate highways and in local traffic fun if not an adventure.
Its “zoom-zoom” equates to 273 horsepower produced by a 3.7-liter DOHC V6 coupled with a six-speed sport automatic transmission, which had sport-shift capability.
The CX-9 was void of stutters and fretful moments of underpowered acceleration at any point on the speedometer or highway.
More fun. More fusion.
With a curb weight approaching 4,300 pounds, the CX-9 is a heavyweight, but moves with the speed and athleticism of a welterweight, daring the competition to either keep up or stand toe to toe and take a punch.

FINAL THOUGHTS
The CX-9 is a unique combination of style and performance in a relatively new CUV (crossover utility vehicle) class. It’s a winner on every front.