Parents must be jumping for joy right now over Mazda’s press release that they’ll be adding a dock for the Gameboy Advance console. That pretty much keeps their kids at bay right? Well, too bad though since kids nowadays are probably using a Sony PSP or a Nintendo DS Lite. But at least Mazda is making an effort to help address the needs of the parents and the wants of their children (well, almost).

According to Mazda, the Dockable Entertainment System or DES, will be an optional feature that can be added to its Mazda CX-9 crossover vehicle. The system will allow Gameboy Advance users to dock their console to play games and it can also be used to watch movies thanks to its portable DVD player. The complete package of the DES contains the following accessories: a dockable DVD player with a 10.2 inch display, roof-mounted docking station, two wireless headphones, a wireless game controller, charger and carry bag. The DES is actually meant for vehicles equipped with a moonroof but for those who don’t have one, a Rear Seat Entertainment System complete with Bose 5.1 surround sound, 115V power outlet and audio/video input can be installed as an optional feature. The current price set for the DES feature is pegged at $1,400.

Okay, while the feature of docking a game console in your car comes off as innovative, the only problem with this is Mazda decided to make use of an out-of-date game console for its new entertainment system. Instead of going for a Gameboy Advance console, why not make use of the current handheld consoles out in the market today? Some kids may still have their Gameboy Advance with them but I’m sure they would probably prefer to lug around their DS Lite or PSP with them instead of their Gameboy. So to the creative geniuses at Mazda, while having this type of system in your car is cool, let’s try to up this one next time by using the latest game consoles alright?

Sources: Max Console, Jakopnik, Automotive Business Review

Mazda CX-9, which is the latest crossover utility vehicle from the Japanese automaker Mazda, has already established a decent number of followers in the United States as well as in Canada.

In spite of the burning $40, 000-tag price of the Mazda CX-9, more and more motorists in North America are still clamoring for this vehicle. To date, the economical SUV has already accumulated a total of 19, 630 units, where 3,000 were purchased last month, since its first appearance in the US market last March. With only a month left before the year closes, the automobile has successfully exceeded the company’s set goals.

Aside from being a hit for automobile owners, the Mazda CX-9, equipped with well-crafted Mazda Parts, was even recently hailed as the SUV of the year by the Motor Trend Magazine. Such recognition further placed this vehicle, which is laden with precision-engineered Mazda Parts, on the pedestal.

Conceptualized three years ago, the Mazda CX-9 was among the models that came from the company’s annual advancement activity program. Hiroshima (Japan), Frankfurt (Germany), and Irvine (California) are the research and development centers that are behind the program. The products of such program are geared toward particular markets, like the United States, for example.

“The CX-9 was originally supposed to be a minivan,” said Robert Davis, who is the Mazda North American Operations’ head of development and quality.

With such positive response for the Mazda CX-9 from its western market, the company is keen in coming out with more models that will only be available in the North America-based Mazda dealers.

Details from Auto Week and photos from Mazda USA.

As the CX-9 is Mazda’s first SUV, it paved the way for Mazda to have enter the full size SUV market. Some say that the CX-9 is like an inflated version of the ingenious CX-7. In reality, the design of the CX-9 can be traced to the architectural design of the Mazda 6 sedan. If one will give a long look at the CX-9, one will see that it is really similar to the CX-7 but for obvious reasons, the original design was stretched in order to come up with a bigger and larger vehicle. As for the works when it comes to the engineering of the CX-9, it can be observed that it has a unibody that is undoubtedly the best among its kind when it comes to rigidity of structure.

Some say that it is the “Soul of a Sports Car” and the “Zoom Zoom” or what they call athletic dynamism is what distinguishes Mazda vehicles from the rest. On the other hand, there are some speculations on the agility of the CX-9. The said vehicle measures for 4400 pounds. Unlike the GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook, or the Buick Enclave, the CX-9 has a good footwork. This gives the said vehicle a step higher when it comes to safety.

Another feature of the CX-9 is that it does not seem to need a lot of fuel. Other sport utility vehicles tend to be thirsty for fuel all the time. For this reason, many are expected to have their eyes on the CX-9. It features an EPA fuel-economy rating of 16 mpg in the city and of 22 mpg on the highway. Aside from the agility of the CX-9, fuel economy, as well as increased hustle, it features good interior furnishings. It has a DVD entertainment system, a premium Bose audio, a nav system for the DVD, power sunroof, among other features. Safety features of the CX-9 include the ABS, stability control that comes with roll stability control, traction control, and air bags. It has a camera that helps minimize blind spots. It flashes a warning in the vehicle’s mirrors when a vehicle is hovering near the rear areas of the vehicle.

The sole distributor of Mazda vehicles in UAE, Galadari Automobiles, has already released a statement that the Mazda CX-9 will be launched. What makes the CX-9 particularly special is that it is the first 3 rows, 7-seater crossover sport utility vehicle that is created by Mazda. This vehicle already made its debut in Dubai. Its unveiling made noise among auto enthusiasts and was able to be voted for the SUV of the year by Motor Trends magazine. The Mazda CX-9 has a 6-cylinder V-6 engine that is geared with 24 valves that represents Mazda’s Zoom concept of family cars that are stylish, spirited, and insightful.

The Mazda CX-9 is designed especially for young couples as well as modern families that are fond of adventure. This vehicle is perfect for any family who are intact with their sense of adventure and other high-intensity leisure activities. It has sufficient space for an outgoing family to haul all their stuffs. It is also ideal for families with children who have an active lifestyle.

At the launching ceremony of the CX-9, Mr. G. A Kazmi, who is the General Manager of Galadari Automobiles said, “[w]e are delighted to bring the latest 7-seater Mazda CX-9 to the UAE market. The Mazda CX-9 will be marketed to families that want to live life in style, luxury, and are passionate about what they drive. While all other conventional 3-row SUVs offer functionality and focus only on the family, the CX-9 offers emotional appeal, pride of ownership and a sense of satisfaction to the driver. As a leading automobile company in the UAE, it is our endeavor to provide best-in-class cars to our discerning customers.”

As for the time that the new Mazda CX-9 was released, Mr. Keizo Okue, the General Manager of the Middle East and Africa Sales Division of Mazda Motor Corporation, made mention that “Mazda is committed to the UAE market and the launch of CX-9 is in line with our regional strategy to offer best-in-class transportation solutions. 3-row SUV offers overwhelmingly athletic styling, dynamic performance and high quality luxury craftsmanship at an attractive price… We are very confident that Mazda CX-9 will emerge as the car of choice for connoisseurs and lead the 3-row 7-seater segment.”

From an SUV pool consisting of 11 brands, which includes a Toyota Land Cruiser and a Nissan Rouge, the 2008 Mazda CX-9 proved its sport utility ruggedness as it was hailed as the top SUV for this year by Motor Trend magazine.

The latest medium-built vehicle from the Japanese automaker will be part of the November issue of Motor Trend, which is one of the longest running automobile magazines.

“We wondered if it would be possible for Mazda to inject its sports car DNA into their first-ever three-row crossover, a crossover that happened to be one of the largest in the lineup,” said Angus MacKenzie, who is the editor-in-chief of Motor Trend.

Mazda’s latest SUV offering boasts of high-performing Mazda Parts, like the six-cylinder 3.7-liter engine that is capable of producing as much as 273 ponies. In just 7.8 seconds, this mean four-wheel machine can jump from zero to 60 miles per hour.

The Mazda CX-9

Two sports utility vehicles (SUVs) from Mazda recently received the government’s thumbs-up in terms of car safety.

The Mazda CX-9 and CX-7 vehicles earned the highest possible ratings in impact crashes by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the government agency responsible for reducing vehicle-related accidents. In particular, the two Mazda vehicles received a five-star frontal and side impact crash-test ratings and four-star rollover resistance ratings.

“This is a true testament to Mazda’s advanced safety engineering that both CX-9 and CX-7 received the highest safety honors,” said Jim O’Sullivan, President and CEO of Mazda North American Operations. “While other companies can certainly build safe vehicles, we’re the only company that delivers that safety with a healthy dose of Zoom-Zoom in every car and SUV.”

The NHTSA did its frontal testing by placing dummies in a vehicle and crashing it into a stationary barrier at 35 miles per hour. There are tools that measure the force of impact to the head, chest, and legs of the dummy. For the side impact test, a 3,015-pound barrier moving at 38.5 mph is crashed into the side of the passenger compartment of the stationary vehicle.

The Mazda CX-9 and CX-7, along with other Mazda vehicles, help drivers avoid accidents through the use of standard safety features such as Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control Systems (TCS), and Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TMPS). Also, CX-9 and Tribute are both equipped with standard Roll Stability Control (RSC), which uses gyroscopic sensors to actively measure and help control both yaw and roll movements.

Passive safety technologies, which are available on CX-7, CX-9, MAZDASPEED3, and Tribute, include three-point seat belts for all seating positions, second row Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child safety restraints, seat belt reminding systems, advanced dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags and air curtains (front and rear). These features are designed to work especially during accidents.