Mazda Motor Corporation sent a prototype right-hand-drive engineering 'mule' and a team of engineers to evaluate the V6-powered CX-9 under Australian conditions.

The all-wheel-drive CX-9 was driven on a mix of city and country roads, including tram tracks and gravel.

Australia will be the first market to receive the right-hand-drive CX-9. It goes on sale locally in January 2008.

To be offered in two grades, the Australian CX-9s, which have been extensively modified for right-hand-drive use, are expected to be priced between $55,000 and $60,000.

Modifications include “flipping” the centre seat 60/40 split and middle row seatbelt mounting point, ensuring that the CX-9’s interior works just as well in Australia as it does in North America.

The evaluation drive, which focused on areas such as powertrain, suspension and steering calibration and NVH, also included the left-hand-drive North American specification CX-9 displayed at this year’s Melbourne Motor Show.

Mazda Australia’s marketing manager, Martin Benders said: “The CX-9 is shaping up to be a strong entrant in the seven seat market, with our market research and the recent evaluation drive confirming that CX-9 has what it takes – cabin space for seven adults, style and class leading dynamics – to make an impact in this family-friendly market segment.

“Having the opportunity to drive a prototype CX-9 with the crossover SUV’s engineers in advance of the launch further underlines Mazda’s commitment to the Australian market.”

While final specifications have yet to be confirmed, the 186 kilowatt CX-9 will be generously equipped with a choice of 18 or 20-inch alloy wheels, dual zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, six airbags and active safety features such as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Roll Stability Control (RSC).

For CX-9 to wear the Mazda Winged-M symbol, it had to be more than just another crossover SUV. It had to be a true Mazda, embodying the company’s signature “Soul of a Sports Car”. And so engineers determined CX-9 had to have an independent suspension on all four corners.