VW Teramont and Mazda CX-9 - which is better?

The content of the article:

• Exterior appearance of VW Teramont and Mazda CX-9
• Interior design of models
• Specifications
• Driving qualities of VW Teramont and Mazda CX-9
• Complete set and cost

At the end of 2014, due to the currency crisis, the Mazda CX-9 left the Russian market, and sales of such "mastodons" as the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander practically disappeared. At some point, it even seemed that the seven-seat crossover segment would completely disappear.

However, more than 4 years have passed, and they are still being sold and even replenished with new competitors, one of which is the German "giant" - VW Teramont, which we decided to compare with the Japanese "samurai" - Mazda CX-9 of the latest generation.

Exterior appearance of VW Teramont and Mazda CX-9

Mazda CX-9 is a bright, stylish and, let's not be afraid of the word, a sophisticated crossover that instantly catches the eye and makes passers-by turn around.

Its front part sports spectacular head optics, a stylish false radiator grille and a neat front bumper.

The dynamic profile is represented by a long bonnet, inflated wheel arches and a billowing window line, while the stern exhibits narrow side light shades and a pair of exhaust trunks.

Against its background VW Teramont looks like a heavy and clumsy "brontosaurus". However, this gives the car a brutality. Despite the fact that VW cannot be called handsome, you cannot call it a freak either.

External dimensions VW Teramont and Mazda CX-9:

As you can see, the "Japanese" is a little longer, but narrower and lower than his opponent. In addition, it loses in terms of the length of the wheelbase, but in terms of ground clearance, on the contrary, it is the winner (220 mm versus 203 mm).

Both cars offer a wide range of body colors, so potential buyers will definitely have a lot to choose from.

Interior design VW Teramont vs Mazda CX-9

Comparing the interior decoration of cars, we came to the conclusion that from the point of view of design Mazda looks a little more interesting and modern.

In front of the driver of the CX-9 is a stylish multifunction steering wheel, as well as an attractive and easy-to-read instrument panel, represented by three deep wells. The driver's workplace in VW Teramont looks a little simpler - however, this is typical for the interior of most Volkswagens.

Both in the first and in the second case, the central part of the dashboard demonstrates the touchscreen display of the multimedia center and a separate microclimate control unit, to the operation of which there are practically no complaints.

The quality of the materials used is comparable - among them there are both soft and hard plastics, genuine leather, decorative inserts made of aluminum and wood.

True, Teramont still has more hard plastic, and it is masked worse than its competitor. But from the point of view of ergonomics, the "German" is a clear favorite. However, you don't expect anything else from Volkswagen.

The amount of free space in the front seats of both crossovers is enough to comfortably accommodate people of very different sizes.

But the second and third row are more spacious for VW, but in fairness, we note that the second row of Mazda also offers a sufficient amount of free space and has a more comfortable sofa.

The luggage compartment is also noticeably larger for the Teramont - 583 liters versus 408 liters in the seven-seat version. In five- and two-seater versions, the luggage compartment volume is equal to 1500 (2071) liters for Volkswagen and 1082 (2016) liters for Mazda.

The maximum level of equipment of the "German" offers more "chips", most of which are not available to the "Japanese". We are talking about a huge panoramic roof and an all-round visibility system.

Specifications VW Teramont vs Mazda CX-9

In the photo: VW Teramont engine

Under the hood of the Mazda CX-9, an uncontested 2.5-liter gasoline engine of the Skyactiv-G line is installed, producing 231 hp. with. and 420 Nm of torque. A pair of it is a 6-speed "automatic", which accelerates the crossover to a hundred in 8.6 seconds. and allowing to develop maximum 208 km / h. The combined fuel consumption is declared at around 9.2 l / 100 km.

Unlike the "Japanese", the line of VW Teramont power units is represented by two engines:

1. 2-liter turbocharged TSI petrol engine generating 220 hp. and 350 Nm of thrust. With him, the car exchanges a hundred in 8.6 seconds. and accelerates to a peak of 190 km / h, consuming an average of 9.4 l / 100 km.
2. 3.6-liter V6 with a capacity of 280 liters. and a peak moment of 361 Nm. This is enough to overcome the first hundred in 8.9 seconds. and develop a maximum of 190 km / h. Average fuel consumption is declared at around 10.6 liters for every 100 kilometers.

Regardless of the type and power of the engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission acts as its partner.

The Japanese crossover has an intelligent all-wheel drive system in its equipment, however, we strongly do not recommend meddling on the off-road in this car. The reason for this is the short-travel suspension, small departure / approach angles, as well as the rapidly overheating center coupling.

The German is also equipped with a proprietary all-wheel drive system, and even though it cannot be called a full-fledged SUV, its off-road driving capabilities are better than those of the opponent.

Driving qualities of VW Teramont and Mazda CX-9

VW's steering is sharp enough for such a large car. In addition, the steering wheel is light at low speeds, so even a petite girl can easily handle it.

But the Mazda's steering is not only longer by half a turn, but also noticeably heavier - the car just asks for strong male hands.

The Japanese crossover confidently storms a winding highway and practically does not roll in corners - the car literally sets up for fast driving.

At the same time, the "German" does not want to drive quickly, although he confidently holds a straight line and no less playfully "plunges" into turns - however, the rolls are noticeably greater than those of the competitor.

It should also be noted that the Teramont has a more comfortable and omnivorous suspension, while Mazda loves a better road surface.

Options and cost of VW Teramont vs Mazda CX-9

The minimum price for Mazda CX-9 in Russia is 2,795 million rubles, and its basic equipment offers:

• 6 airbags;
• fully LED optics;
• 3-zone climate control;
• interior trim with genuine leather;
• multi-wheel;
• rear view camera;
• advanced acoustics;
• 20-inch light alloy wheels;
• power windows for all doors;
• heated front seats;
• Cruise control;
• rain sensor and light sensors;
• ABS, DSC, RSC, EBD and TCS systems;
• media center with 7 "display;
• keyless access;
• immobilizer and central locking;
• headlight washers and more.

The base VW Teramont will cost at least 2.949 million rubles.for which the buyer can count on the following equipment:

• light-alloy wheels R18;
• multifunction steering wheel with leather sheath;
• LED headlights for low and high beam + DRL;
• heated front seats;
• 3-zone climate control;
• audio systems with 8 ”touch screen;
• adaptive cruise control;
• cloth interior;
• electronic immobilizer;
• front and side airbags;
• rain sensor;
• dynamic auto-corrector of headlights and so on.

As we already said, the list of additional options for the German crossover significantly exceeds that of Mazda. However, the "top-end" Teramont is much more expensive.

Conclusion

So, the winner of our comparison is the VW Teramont, which offers a larger and more sophisticated cabin, as well as more versatile driving characteristics and richer equipment levels.

The only drawback of the "German" can be considered a somewhat boring exterior and interior, as well as a higher cost. Mazda has a more stylish and modern appearance, so this car is recommended to all those for whom design is as important as equipment and comfort.