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Mazda has a history of building track-tuned and enthusiast-oriented vehicles like the MAZDASPEED3 and 6, the MX-5, and the RX-7/RX-8. As such, it must be a tricky business to market a big, heavy crossover SUV when your reputation is built upon lightweight, thrilling, and sporty rides. After all, most crossovers, and especially large ones, are about as exciting as a bowl of rocks.


What is a Mazda CX-9 GT
The CX-9 is the Japanese brand's big-dog family hauler -- one that boasts three rows of seats, room for the crew and their things, and available AWD. Fresh out of a recent update, the latest CX-9 boasts refreshed styling, inside and out, that targets an affordable high-end look and feel. The CX-9 competes with machinery like the Honda Pilot, Dodge Durango, and Nissan Pathfinder with an eye for premium looks and the promise of a sporty driving experience.

The new face and body here are more elegant, mature, easily identifiable and modern than before. They're also unique. Thanks to a new KODO design language (check out the new Mazda6 and CX-5 for other examples), this big hauler packs much of the visual energy and passion you'll find in your favourite sports car. That's a good start to making a crossover that's a bit exciting.

2014 Mazda CX-9 Price and Specs
The CX-9 starts at $33,995 with front-wheel drive in GS trim, with AWD spiking the price to $36,995. The top-line GT, with standard AWD and a very lengthy list of premium features, is priced at $44,750.

Driving the 2014 Mazda CX-9
Even if it's not the most “zoom zoom” Mazda model on the road, CX-9 stays flat in corners, feels more agile than its size suggests, and steers and maneuvers more like a car than a truck. It's relatively easy to park, too. The 2014 Mazda CX-9 is nice and quiet at highway speeds as well, even wearing aggressive winter tires. The CX-9 rides with a firm sportiness without compromising much comfort. It's a nicely balanced ride and handling equation.

Under the hood is a 3.7L, 273-horsepower V6. It's not a quiet engine, but it sounds good and blasts the CX-9 along adequately when you give it the boots. Mazda's slick Active Torque Split AWD system was also on board, making quick work of slippery winter conditions. No issues with needless wheel spin or off-the-line traction. The tester wore a set of Blizzak winter tires, and proved confidently entertaining, even during a snow-plowing session through over a foot of powder on my favourite empty backroad.

The 6-speed automatic works well with the engine, quickly finding a gear ratio to maximize acceleration or gas mileage depending on your intentions. Manual-mode shifting is available too.

Inside and Out of the 2014 Mazda CX-9
Go with the top-line GT model like the tester, and you get Bose audio, a sunroof, heated seats, automatic climate control, navigation, Bluetooth, and more. I liked the powerful, high-performance xenon lighting system, and those who don't like looking behind them will like the blind-spot monitoring mirrors and a backup camera, too.

Shoppers will notice the perforated leather, suede inserts, glossy and metallic accents and intricate panel intersections, and how they work to show off some attention to detail. Material use is about average for the segment, but the design will rival a premium crossover's cabin any day of the week. So, the cabin pulls off some excitement, too.

The driver computer is a small LCD readout, rather than a full-colour screen. The navigation and phone interface isn't the market's most advanced -- but, all in all, test-drivers should find the CX-9 to be a sporty, upscale and well-equipped place to be.

It's also roomy: Up front there is generous space for two adults and their stuff, thanks to plenty of storage. Rear-seat occupants get their own climate control, and the accessory, form-fitted rubber mats make for easy cleaning of winter messes, cargo spills, and the like. The cargo hold is just massive, and conceals a third seating row that flips out of the floor as needed when you've got more than five total occupants along for the ride.

Complaints? As expected of a big powerful ute, gas mileage can get thirsty. During a lead-footed filming session in very deep snow, I saw 20L/100km. Discounting this exceptional situation, mileage landed at 15L/100km, which was as expected.

Further, the remote tailgate only worked some of the time, which was weird, and the leather on the steering wheel was a bit on the slippery side, so make sure you're grabbing on tight.

Comparing the 2014 Mazda CX-9 GT
Ultimately, the looks, room, and flexibility should leave drivers and their families feeling like they're in something that's sophisticated, entertaining and ready for anything -- even very deep snow. Consider the 2014 Mazda CX-9 a sportier, more engaging alternative to the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, and Ford Explorer.

It took 10 hours for volunteers to line up 24,189 toy cars around the National Motor Museum in the U.K., beating the previous record of 14,310 cars.

The line stretched over a distance of 1.91 kilometre.

Some of the toy cars had been offered by celebrities such as Pink Floyd drummer and race car driver Nick Mason. A Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR replica was given by Sir Stirling Moss, who used the real thing to win the 1955 Mille Miglia.

Source : newspress.co.uk

Ford of Canada is recalling 78,013 C-MAX and Escape vehicles from 2013-2014 because a defect in the restraint control module programming may delay deployment of the side curtain airbags in certain rollover circumstances. Dealers will reprogram the restraint control module as a result.

Another recall affects 89,539 Ford Escapes from the same model years. Misalignment of the exterior door handle and door panel may cause the door handle to bind. If this occurs, the door may open while driving or may be difficult to close. A vehicle operated in this condition would present a higher risk of injury and/or property damage. Therefore, dealers will inspect all four exterior door handles and reposition them as necessary.

Source: Transport Canada

From GMM

German Formula 1 driver Sebastian Vettel has confirmed he switched chassis ahead of this weekend's Spanish grand prix because of his poor performance in China.

After Shanghai, Dr Helmut Marko said Vettel would get a new chassis for Barcelona because his original RB10 could have "a hairline crack".

But chief designer Rob Marshall this week seemed to contradict Marko when he said Vettel's chassis change "was scheduled at the start of the season".

Red Bull RB10-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

In Barcelona, Vettel on Thursday revealed that his new RB10 for Spain actually isn't 'new' at all.

"Obviously if you change, you change to a new one, but we decided to change back to an older chassis just to make sure nothing is wrong," he told reporters.

Vettel said the decision to revert to the winter testing chassis is to eliminate a flaw as the potential cause of his recent struggles.

"We don't think that there was anything wrong with the old chassis but nevertheless we decided to change," he explained.

"It's more a sanity check rather than a real problem with the other chassis. It's just to try everything we can and basically reset and start again."

Teammate Ricciardo on Thursday said it is not unusual for Vettel to be switching chassis.

"I think if you feel you have races that are at less than optimal performance, you try to find some answers," he is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace.

"I will change eventually as well, but the last few races have been good for me, so I have no reason to yet."

The third annual EcoRun took place from May 6-8 in British Columbia, allowing 18 members of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) to test drive as many fuel-efficient vehicles and assess their performance in real-world conditions.

The AJAC EcoRun is intended to showcase the latest advances in fuel efficiency and reduced emissions being offered to consumers, as well as demonstrating ways Canadians can reduce their vehicle fuel costs by modifying their driving habits.

Each vehicle participating in EcoRun was fitted with a special monitoring device which recorded fuel consumption, as well as the driving techniques of the driver. The results will be posted on the AJAC website at www.ajac.ca.

Here's the list of vehicles that participated in this year's AJAC EcoRun:

• 2014 MINI Cooper
• 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel
• 2014 Ford C-MAX Energi
• 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
• 2015 Cadillac ELR
• 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel
• 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
• 2014 Hyundai Elantra
• Kia Optima Hybrid
• 2014 Mazda3 2.0L
• 2015 Mazda6 i-ELOOP
• 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL 350 4MATIC BlueTEC
• 2014 Mercedes-Benz E 250 4MATIC BlueTEC Sedan
• 2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV
• 2014 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV + Tech
• 2014 Nissan LEAF SL
• 2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid
• 2015 Volvo XC60 Drive-E

Source: AJAC

From GMM

Lewis Hamilton says the dark days of deep unpopularity in Spain are over.

The Briton's relationship with Barcelona hit a low at the height of his rivalry with Fernando Alonso, when fans with notoriously blacked out faces jeered.

"In the first years here I always had a bit of a bad feeling. Like in the drivers' parade," Hamilton told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

But in the intervening years, as Hamilton's relationship with home town hero Alonso improved, so too did his popularity in Spain.

"I keep getting more and more fans here," he said ahead of the Spanish grand prix.

"My relationship with Fernando has returned to normal and I think he has had the same experience as me when it comes to Britain," Hamilton explained.

Manuel Franco, the correspondent for Spanish sports newspaper AS, told Hamilton he is in fact now a 'favourite' F1 driver within Spain -- behind Alonso, of course.

"Favourite? Really?" Hamilton exclaimed. "I'm so happy to hear that. I always love coming here to Spain, Barcelona and winning would be a dream."

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W05. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

Fernando Alonso could not resist a mischievous joke on Thursday when asked about teammate Kimi Raikkonen's struggles so far in 2014.

Finn Raikkonen has struggled notably at Ferrari since returning to his 2007 title-winning team, but for the moment the high-pressure Maranello marque is backing him.

"He has class written all over him," said technical director James Allison, "and in a very short space of time I'm sure we will also see the results of that on the track."

The two Ferrari at the start of the Malaysian Grand Prix. (Photo: WRi2)

When asked about the gap between himself and Raikkonen so far this season, however, Alonso undoubtedly recalled the pre-season banter that suggested his 'number 1' crown at Ferrari may finally be in doubt.

"Usually I beat my teammates," the Spaniard joked, according to Finland's MTV3. "So it's not a big surprise."

More seriously, Alonso said Ferrari is working hard to get "both Ferraris" fully up to speed.

"We are not in a position at the moment that we expect," he said ahead of his home grand prix.

"The start of Kimi was not the best in terms of points but I think hopefully soon they will be close to the podium or to the victories and we - both Ferraris - can score many points for the team."

From GMM

Adrian Sutil has revealed he trialled abstaining from food altogether as he battled to lose weight for 2014.

According to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, the German is 13 kilograms heavier than his featherweight teammate Esteban Gutierrez.

Sauber, running Sutil's car without a drinks bottle so far in 2014, has managed to cut 'substantial' weight from its Ferrari-powered C33 for the Spanish grand prix this weekend.

Reports indicate it could be as much as 15 kilos lighter than before.

"I don't want to say numbers, but it is important that we are close to the (minimum) limit now," Sutil is quoted by Speed Week.

"You can never build a 'too light' racing car."

Still, it is suggested that Sutil's disadvantage will continue in Spain, as only Gutierrez is actually slightly beneath the FIA's mandatory limit, allowing him to position ballast around the car to improve handling.

Adrian Sutil, Sauber C33-Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

Sutil has been critical of the sport's reluctance to further increase the weight limit, as it has driven naturally heavier drivers to ramp up their dieting regimes.

He told reporters on Thursday that he has experimented with fasting.

"I was testing it a little bit here and there," said Sutil. "Two days, no food, only drink.

"It was not easy but interesting what the reaction is. I could feel there was a limit where I didn't have the power any more, the strength in my mind. It's just important to know your body quite well.

"I tried it but I'm still alive so don't worry too much," he told reporters.

From GMM

Valtteri Bottas will continue to sit out practice sessions this year for Williams' test drivers.

When reserve driver Felipe Nasr made his first Friday appearance in 2014, it was at the wheel of Finn Bottas' car in Bahrain.

Then in China, Bottas once again sat out the session rather than his teammate Felipe Massa.

And it is believed that when Susie Wolff steps into the FW36 on the Fridays at Silverstone and Hockenheim, once again it will be Bottas on the sidelines.

"It is just the agreement we have," Bottas explained to Finland's MTV3 broadcaster.

"One agreement allows it, and one does not," he added, obviously referring to the contracts in the hands of Williams' 2014 race drivers, Bottas and Massa.

Valtteri Bottas, however, is not bitter about the situation, as he enjoyed the very same kind of treatment in 2012, when he regularly stepped into a Williams on Fridays.

Back then, it was race regular Bruno Senna who always had to step aside for Bottas.

"Of course, every young driver wants to drive whenever you are given the opportunity," Bottas said in Barcelona.

From GMM

Lewis Hamilton has ruled out making use of Mercedes' new F1 psychologist.

It has emerged that Dr Ceri Evans, who also worked with New Zealand's 'All Blacks' during the rugby team's world cup triumph, was in the Shanghai garage last time out and could return this weekend in Barcelona.

The reports however said Evans had focused on the performance of engineers and mechanics, not the drivers Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

Ahead of the Spanish grand prix, Briton Hamilton - the winner of the last three grands prix on the trot - was asked whether he too would think about working with a psychologist to improve himself as a driver.

"Never. Never needed one and will never have one," he insisted. "So we'll never speak of it again unless I start going crazy."

Hamilton said Evans being in China had "zero impact" on him.

Mercedes' facilities. (Photo: WRi2)

Also not planning to make use of Mercedes' new psychologist is German Rosberg, who risks ceding his championship lead to Hamilton this weekend if he loses for a fourth straight time to Hamilton.

Nico Rosberg also laughed off suggestions he might start reverting to psychological 'mind games' to destabilise the notoriously emotional Hamilton.

"I am comfortable to keep on doing what I am doing," he said on Thursday. "What I need is a normal weekend. I have not had one of those lately and then I will be able to turn things around."

From GMM

Christian Horner insists Red Bull is not giving up on the 2014 title.

Many, however, believe Mercedes' advantage to be so great early this season that even powerful rivals like reigning world champions Red Bull and Ferrari will not be able to bridge the gap.

But team boss Horner told Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport: "There are still 15 races left -- it's a marathon not a sprint. Hopefully in Spain we will begin to significantly reduce our disadvantage to Mercedes."

He refers to 2012, when Red Bull was also able to recover after a significant rule change.

But the rule change for 2014 has been ever greater, and Mercedes' advantage is obvious.

"Renault is working hard to close the gap," said Horner.

Jean-Michel Jalinier (Renault), Christian Horner and Helmut Marko (Red Bull). (Photo: WRi2)

Indeed, Red Bull has made no secret that it believes the only problem with the RB10 is the French-made turbo V6.

"Our car is better than Mercedes, we're just lacking 50 horse power," Roger Benoit, the veteran correspondent for Swiss newspaper Blick, quoted a team insider as saying on Thursday.

Horner confirmed: "I know that our car is fantastic. When we close the disadvantage of the engine we will be back in top form. I think that out of the engine suppliers Mercedes has done the best job, followed probably by Ferrari and Renault. But we will see how it is in the end."

Christian Horner was asked if Red Bull could return to the top if it simply changed engine supplier.

"The pressure is obviously on Renault to deliver a competitive product," he answered, "but they have the right people to do that."

The proposed $35 billion merger between Omnicom Group and rival Publicis Groupe has been called off as the challenges in forming the world's largest advertising agency proved too immense for the partners.

The headquarters of the newly merged Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will be moved to London, CEO Sergio Marchionne clarified on Thursday, cementing a politically sensitive shift away from Italy, Fiat's home for the past 115 years.

GM's ignition switch controversy inevitably will lead to greater regulatory scrutiny of auto safety defects, top executives from Honda and Hyundai say.

Tesla Motors says its fight to sell electric cars directly to consumers faces a new hurdle as Missouri's legislature is weighing a measure to bar its company-owned store system.

Tesla Motors tumbled the most in more than five months after the electric-car maker reported a first-quarter loss and vehicle deliveries that trailed the highest analyst estimate amid constraints of battery supplies.

Toyota's decision to move its North American headquarters to Texas is causing political fallout in California.

The owners of DealerSocket, a leading provider of customer-retention software to dealerships, are in investment talks with Vista Equity Partners, a private equity firm with a minority stake in Reynolds and Reynolds.

General Motors, which is fighting about 60 customer lawsuits over demands for money for faulty cars, asked a federal court in Texas not to allow a group of customers to gather information from the company on its handling of ignition switch defects,...

General Motors is recalling 8,208 2014 Chevrolet Malibu and Buick LaCrosse sedans for a problem with the front brake assembly, the company's fifth recall in the last two weeks.