Marketed by Mazda as “Always Elegant. Never Ordinary,” Mazda’s CX-9 has been an attractive, elegant  three-row crossover since it debuted in 2006. Sculpted, rounded and carved, the midsize SUV has always stood out from its many boxy competitors. With each successive model year, the Mazda CX-9, now in the fourth year of its second generation, has benefited from refinements, technology updates and performance improvements, and that tradition continues for 2019.

New Equipment for 2019 includes: a retuned suspension for a smoother ride; new Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ infotainment technologies; SiriusXM® 3-Year Traffic and Travel Link Subscription with information for Traffic, Weather, Sports Scores, Fuel Prices and Parking; a new reconfigurable 7.0-inch TFT gauge display, new 360-degree View Monitor and surround-view parking camera system, ventilated front seats, frameless rearview mirror, power-folding door mirrors, updated Santos Rosewood interior trim, new Signature trim level badge, and new uplevel packages. 

CX-9 has earned accolades from media leaders as a “10 Best” winner in truck and SUV competition; A Top-Safety Vehicle; a Tops in Design Crossover; “North American Utility of the Year” finalist; “World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year” finalist; “10 Best Interiors” and “10 Best Engines” awards recipient. CX-9 also won Strategic Vision’s “Total Quality Impact” award, and for 2019, Mazda CX-9, continues to impress in safety, earning the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s highest recognition of “Top Safety Pick+” when equipped with Smart Brake Support and Adaptive Front-lighting System. 

CX-9 also proudly embodies Mazda’s “Soul of Motion” design concept through its proportion -- a long hood, swept greenhouse, large wheels and short overhangs that convey stability and a contained sense of potential energy. A true midsize three-row crossover, CX-9 measures 199.4 inches long, 77.2 inches wide and 67.6 inches high, with a 40.5-inch front overhang and 115.3-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 8.8 inches and curb-to-curb turning circle radius is 19.4 feet. My test CX-9 Signature was in AWD configuration and came in with a curbweight of 4308 pounds.

My Signature trim also added a Signature Badge, LED grill and overhead accent lighting, 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, automatic power folding side mirrors and power sliding-glass moonroof with sunshade.

CX-9’s powertrain is the same as last year, with a 2.5-liter inline-4 turbo engine that delivers 227hp on regular (87-octane) unleaded fuel and 250hp with Premium (93-octane) gas. Torque is 310 lbs.-ft., and the EPA estimate is 20mpg/city, 26mpg/highway in AWD configuration (FWD is rated at 22/28). A week of mixed-use driving averaged 23.7mpg.

CX-9 delivers on the highway, with a driver’s feel and a pampering and alert ride. Road feel is good at speed and macadam ruts are smoothed out by its MacPherson strut independent front suspension with stabilizer bar and an independent multi-link rear with stabilizer bar. The power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering with engine-speed-sensing variable assist was attentive and accurate both at high speed and during autocross maneuvers, though some acceptable understeer took place during hairpins and S-Curves. Acceleration was dependable and solid in all ranges. My test CX-9 showed strong speed increase when asked and both passing at speed and overcoming long uphill grades were predictable and uncompromising. In track tests, my CX-9 finished off a zero-to-60mph sprint in 7.6 seconds during a steady 16-flat quarter-mile run.

The CX-9 cabin is elegant, intuitive, loaded and comfortable, but accommodations can be confining for drivers and passengers over 6-feet tall. Front headroom is 39.3 inches up front without a moonroof, 38.5 in row two and a child-friendly 35.4 inches in row three. Legroom is comfortable at 41.0 in front with 39.4 in row two and a confined 29.7 in row three, while shoulder room measures 57.9, 58.1 and 53.1.

The interior is saturated with high-tech and comfort amenities, infotainment, safety and navigational (option) amenities, a 7-inch LCD multi-information display, Bose® Centerpoint® Surround Sound System with AudioPilot® and 12 speakers, and my test Signature added Auburn Nappa leather seating and trim, heated second-row seats, genuine Santos Rosewood inlays and leather-wrapped steering wheel with unique stitching.

Safety is attended to well and includes such items as advanced dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side air curtains (front, rear and third row) with roll-over protection, Blind Spot Monitoring System, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, tire pressure monitoring system and more.

Available in four trim levels, FWD and AWD, the 2019 Mazda CX-9 starts at 33,325 for a front-wheel drive in the Sport trim – AWD starts at $34,080. Touring trim starts at $35,330 in FWD and 37,130 for AWD; the Grand Touring trim starts at $40,840 (FWD) and $42,640 (AWD) and the top-of-the-model-line Signature starts at $45,365 available only in AWD.

My test ride, a CX-9 Signature in Jet Black Mica Mica (a standard color), with Black Cloth interior, added a Power Driver’s Seat and I-Activsense Package for $1290 (power lumbar, heated front seats and side mirrors, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Rain-sensing wipers, Smart Brake Support, and more); Rear Parking Sensors for $500; Frameless Auto-Dimming Mirror with Homelink for $325; LED Fog Light for $450; Navigation System for $400; and Front and rear Splash Guards for $100. With Destination charges of $1045, my 2019 Mazda CX-9 Signature as tested, stickered at $38,190.

<I> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

It’s a Jeep thing July 18-19, 2020! PA Jeeps’ All Breeds Jeep Show makes a move from York, PA (and the York Fairgrounds) to Carlisle, PA and the Carlisle Fairgrounds as they celebrate their 25^th annual weekend of all things Jeep!  The All Breeds Jeep Show, produced by PA Jeeps, will make its annual home at the Carlisle, PA Fairgrounds where enthusiasts of America’s biggest automotive brands and vehicles come together annually to gather, share and celebrate the vehicles, manufacturers hobbies and interests.    

PA Jeeps was established in 1992 by a small group of friends in York. The club evolved into a group of more than 150 Jeep enthusiasts and friends that continues to grow. A quarter of a century ago they set in motion the All Breeds Jeep Show to share their passion for Jeeps. They are joined annually by more than 80 vendors and at least 700 Jeeps in celebration. The event features manufacturers of Jeep products, a swap meet, CTI Trailer as well as a show and shine Jeep show. Raffles, food vendors and a kid’s area add to the weekend fun. A highlight of the annual events is an obstacle course with materials donated by Union Quarries of Carlisle.

The Carlisle Fairgrounds is home to Carlisle Events, producers of their own portfolio of automotive events.  The Jeep weekend will fall between two of the many great events on the Carlisle Events schedule, the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals and Carlisle Truck Nationals.  The Carlisle Fairgrounds facility also welcomes a number of annual club cruise ins, a Camping World RV show and numerous community and charity events each year.

Carlisle Fairgrounds representative, Ed Scholly, was pleased to see the All Breeds Jeep Show choose the fairgrounds in Carlisle, PA. “The All Breeds Jeep Show making their home at Carlisle will put their enthusiasts in the company of some of the most passionate communities of automotive enthusiasts in the world. Some of the biggest automotive makes and models share their products and passions here.  Seeing an iconic brand like JEEP and their loyal enthusiasts at Carlisle will be good for the Carlisle Fairgrounds, and the automotive community as a whole. We are happy to welcome them.”       

PA Jeeps expressed excitement in the opportunity to grow their event in Carlisle as well.  “We are looking forward to the 25^th Anniversary of this event,” noted Jennifer Watson, Show Chairman of PA Jeeps. “The Carlisle Fairgrounds is set up for automotive events with all the resources on-site to make the All Breeds Jeep show the number one destination for Jeep enthusiasts in the Mid-Atlantic,” continued Watson.  “We are a non-profit club and organization, so the event supports a number of charities such as Keystone Warriors, Homeless Veteran’s, PA Breast Cancer Coalition and more.  We invite the Carlisle and surrounding communities to join us as well.”

Watson also recognized the surrounding community and town of Carlisle, specifically its numerous hotel offerings.  She also noted the numerous new restaurants and outlets to explore and be entertained.  This, combined with the Carlisle Fairgrounds itself will help make this event a memorable weekend endeavor for friends and families in the Jeep community. 

Jeep owners should eagerly connect with the PA Jeeps team to get involved, as the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds offer a more central location with more hotel options, great ease of access, more restaurants and a larger overall footprint to show, go and have fun.  Registration is now available for the 2020 event and details can be found at www.pajeeps.org.

The No.1-selling car in Europe for the past 44 consecutive years is the Volkswagen Golf. Though not currently cracking America’s top 100 -- Golf struggles, as do many compact hatchbacks -- that doesn’t change the excitement generated by Golf’s abilities and price – basing in the low $20Ks

The seventh-generation Golf originally replaced the “Beetle” and was introduced to America in 1975 as the “Rabbit.” Volkswagen has never made an official explanation as to why the “Golf’ designation was not available to the United States until the 2010 model year, but from the beginning, the vehicle was one of the first small hatchbacks to break the bonds of the econobox perception, delivering an upscale hatch for economy prices.

Following a slight design tweak in 2018 – straightening out some rounded architecture, adding some detail and upscaling the interior – the 2019 Golf changes engines and adds transmission options and driver-assistance items. Available in two trims --S and SE --  Front Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert are now standard on both trim levels, and a Driver-Assistance Package has been added as an option for the SE trim; all 2019 Golf models feature Volkswagen’s innovative MIB II touchscreen infotainment system; and the big news is a powertrain change.

For 2019, Golf believes less is more  … less power is more fuel-effective, as Golf replaces its 1.8-liter TSI® engine -- 170hp and 199 lbs.-ft. of torque – with a 1.4-liter turbo rated at 147hp and 184 lbs.-ft. for a fuel-economy increase of 4 mpg/city and 1 mpg/highway – 29/city and 37/highway. The new powertrain is the same system employed by the 2019 Jetta, and it is paired with either six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Golf’s unitary construction, bolt-on front fenders and two solid mounted subframes form the exterior. Its front bumper and chrome-surround grille flanked on either side by carved LED daytime running lights provide the Golf a light signature, and at the rear, full standard LED taillights complete the display without distracting from the strong C-pillar and non-boxy lines. With a curb weight of 2873 lbs. for manual transmission (2945 lbs. for an automatic), the compact hatchback measures167.6 inches long, 58.2 inches high and 70.8 inches wide on wheelbase of 103.8 inches.

Golf power comes from a front-mounted engine and a front-wheel-drive set-up. Its new 1.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI engine was mated to a six-speed manual gearbox in my test ride, and the system is enhanced by an air-to-water heat exchanger built directly into the intake module in place of an intercooler. The exhaust manifold is integrated into the head, reducing the distance that exhaust gases must travel to reach the turbocharger, resulting in faster response and improved low-rpm performance, as well as increased torque throughout the rev range. Even with the power loss, acceleration was equal to the larger engine’s results, as I found the previous turbo hesitant with more turbo lag, and my zero-to-60mph test sprint was accomplished in 60 mph in 7.7 seconds during a 16.0-second quarter-mile. That actually beat my last test runs in earlier-model Golfs, by 0.3 seconds. The power loss was felt in passing at speed, as in those ranges, while there is less lag, there is also a slower power build-up, resulting in longer passing times – close, but a bit longer. And my week with the 1.4-T manual saw an average of 30.9mpg.

Inside, Golf seems a bit snug, but is actually roomy for the niche, and it is filled with electronics. Interior headroom comes in at only 38.4 inches in front and 38.1 inches in row two; legroom is comfortable in row one at 41.2 inches and a cramped 35.6 for the second seats; and shoulder room is 55.9 and 53.9.

The standard 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel emphasizes the driver-centric nature of the Golf cabin, and backlighting for the controls provides an upscale ambience. Both Golf trims feature a raft of comfort and convenience features often found on more expensive vehicles, including up-niche cosmetics, Climatic® air conditioning, cruise control, rearview camera, partial leather-wrapped handbrake and shifter knob, and partial power front seats.

Safety items include a combination of both passive and active safety systems; front and rear disc brakes; hill-hold assist; six airbags; and a number of electronic safety systems, such as an Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control and Volkswagen’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking System.  

The 2019 Golf 1.4T is available in two trims – the S and SE.—with the base S starting at $21,845. My test SE started at $24,145, and added an 8-inch touchscreen (upgrading the base 6.5-incher on the S), a panoramic sunroof and keyless access with push-button start to the base model. In Silk Blue Metallic exterior paint, my test ride was matched to a Titan Black V-Tex Leatherette interior and came with the 6-speed manual transmission – an automatic trans would have been an $1100 upgrade. The Driver Assistance Package added High Beam Control (Light Assist), Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist), Auto-dimming interior rearview mirror, Adaptive Cruise Control and 17-inch alloy wheels for $1295. With Destination Charges of $895, my 2019 Golf SE stickered at $26,335.

 

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

As October quickly speeds forward, Carlisle Auctions and the team at the Sunset Automotive Group are rapidly planning a NEW two-day classic and collector car auction event unlike anything ever hosted at the 6061 Sawyer Loop, Rd. facility in Sarasota, Florida.  Over 400 consignments are planned and with hundreds already committed, the opportunity to own a piece of automotive history for Suncoast residents has never been easier!  

Carlisle Auctions not only offers two days of 400+ classics, it does so knowing that some of them will cross the block at no reserve, while others are high-end restorations.  Available lots include some low mileage, single owner cars too.  Highlights of note include a 1949 Chevrolet Suburban restomod, a rare color combo 1957 Corvette, a single family owned 1967 Mercury Cougar Dan Gurney, a single owner 1970 Ford F250, a very rare 1972 Buick GS Stage 1 and a 2010 Aston Martin Rapide with under 10,000 miles on it.  These six are just a few examples of the power, style and excellence slated to cross the block.

These cars crossing the block won’t be the only ones to drool over.  Via a partnership with Corsa 7 Motorsports from Sarasota, a pair of high-end exotics will be on display.  Anyone hoping to see first-hand a race prepared 2014 Lamborghini Super Trofeo EVO as well as a Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SCG 003CS; one of just 5 in existence, can do so with their admission to the auction.  Each car carries an impressive performance pedigree, having won races domestically as well as internationally.

Carlisle Auctions also makes it easier than ever to bid and buy with total confidence via FREE online bidding.  All-new, interested parties can simply visit www.CarlisleAuctions.com to register for online bidding, review consignments, bid and more.  This makes the entire process quite simple, though Carlisle Auctions must still approve a bidder application. 

In addition, spectators are welcome, with tickets costing just $10 daily.  Kids 12 and under are free, while all registered buyers or sellers have access included with their credentials.

To learn all about Sunset – Carlisle and this all-new event in Sarasota, visit www.CarlisleAuctions.com or call 717-960-6400 today.  Act fast though, as this event is expected to sell out from a consignment standpoint and expects to see a great bidder and spectator turnout too.

Launched for 2017 by Kia as a hybrid subcompact crossover, Niro is marketed as a hybrid SUV whose looks are un-hybriddy and more hatchback-like. After receiving a nod from the Guinness World Records folks for “for the lowest fuel consumption by a hybrid vehicle,” after a hypermiling Los Angeles to New York City trek with a fuel consumption record of 76.6 mpg, Niro became a darling for “green” car buyers who also wanted some sportiness along with their earth-consciousness. With the addition of an all-electric version – the Niro EV – to its line-up, the Niro family is greener than ever. Regarding the all-electric Niro EV, I didn’t test it, but it comes standard with DC fast-charging capabilities that Kia claims can refill 80 percent of the battery in just 75 minutes and can travel an estimated 239 miles on a full charge.

For 2019, Niro is a carryover with few updates, as Kia continues to rely on Niro’s sporty demeanor to complement its tops-in-class fuel economy and under- $30K pricing. New for this model year are an updated infotainment system; new software upgrades to its optional navigational system; a renaming of its “Graphite Edition” trim level to “S Touring”; and some minor color and trim mods.

An eye-catching 4-door that sits lower than most SUVs at the expense of ground clearance – only 6.3 inches – the hatch-looking crossover was drawn up at Kia’s design centers in Irvine, California, and Namyang, South Korea. Niro’s angular, slim, sporty, bold and confident character is enhanced by subtly sculpted surfaces offset by robust styling cues. Niro sits wide and low for better road hugging, measuring 171.5 inches long, 71.1 inches wide and 60.4 inches high, on a 106.3-inch wheelbase. The overhang is 34.3 inches in front and 30.9 inches in the rear, and Niro is light, with a curbweight for my tested LX trim of 3199 lbs.  

The Niro cabin is trendy and intuitive, filled with high-demand and high-tech interior enhancements. Glossy white or black accents underline the hybrid-crossover’s straightforward theme, and the instrument panel is uncluttered and clean, with colorful and informative gauges in easy sight, and driver-friendly primary and secondary controls positioned intuitively. Roomy for a subcompact, Niro’s cabin affords 40.1 inches of front headroom with 39.1 inches in row two; legroom is 41.7 inches in row one and 37.4 inches in the rear, and shoulder room comes in at 56.0 and 55.2. Seats with increased pad density in the cushions ensure a comfortable ride, and Niro boasts an elevated seating position much like the Kia Soul, providing drivers with a more commanding view of the road as well as easy ingress and egress.

The two-layered powertrain is anchored by the Kappa 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine, engineered specifically for hybrid applications. The two-tiered system includes an aluminum block and head engine that delivers 104hp and 109 lbs.-ft. of torque, and a 240-volt Lithium-ion polymer battery-powered electric motor that provides 43hp. The combined system, mated to a 6-speed dual clutch transmission, is rated at 139hp and 195 lbs.-ft of torque, for a driving range of 583 miles. Some Niro models are EPA rated as high as 52 mpg/city and 49mpg/highway, and my test Niro LX was rated at 51mpg in city driving and 46mpg/highway -- 49mpg combined. During a week of cruising in town and on the highway, I averaged less in town that the rated specs – 37mpg -- but did better on the interstates –53mpg – for an average of 46.1mpg.

On the road and at the track, Niro offers more than one would expect from a hybrid crossover. Steering response is quick, easy and accurate-for-the-niche, with only minor understeer. Tight turns and spirited cornering are accomplished handily with little body roll or top wobble. Road noise, especially when taking on bumps or tar strips was much higher than expected, but the sedan-like handling and reaction, in addition to the responsive acceleration, made for a solid driving and passenger experience. The independent front suspension with MacPherson struts, stabilizer and gas shocks worked in conjunction with the independent multi-link rear with twin tube shocks to further boost the experience by smoothing out most road irregularities.

From an acceleration perspective, Niro is predictable and rapid for the niche, and provides the perception of greater speed than it really delivers. My zero-to-6mph sprint was accomplished in 8.7 seconds during a 16.7-second quarter-mile, but the drive felt even more sportlike.

The 2019 Kia Niro starts at $23,490 for the base FE trim, and moves up through the LX at $23,900; the EX at $26,400; the S Touring at $28,800 and the Touring at $32,250. My test Niro LX in Deep Cerulean Blue exterior paint upgraded from the lower trim with Folding Rear Center Armrest with Cup Holders, Luggage Board with Under Floor Storage Tray, Rear Combination LED Lamps, Roof Rails, and Smart Key with Push-Button Start and Immobilizer for $1450 (The LX Advance Technology Package). Mud Guards were $95; Carpeted Floor mats were $135; and Auto-Dimming Mirror with Homelink and Compass were $350. With Destination charges of $1045, the sticker-as-tested was $26,880, for a hybrid SUV with sportiness.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>