I'm strictly comparing the interiors of the latest (2018) CX-9 Signature Trim and the (2018) CX-5 Grand Touring. I've had my eye out on the 2018 CX9 Signature Trim model because I'm loving the interior and the bells and whistles it comes with. Seeing how the 2018 CX-5 also has a lot of the same bells and whistles, and beefed up it's interior, I'm wondering if any of you guys have any thoughts of which interior looks better or if they're pretty much a wash?
Honestly, had you not said anything, I would have never compared them. So, I compared all three - CX3, CX5 and CX9. Frankly, they all look good to my eye.
I especially like the two-tone leather (front seat and seat back cover) you get with the 3 and 5, that you don't see in the 9. I like the fact that they are all angular and without tremendous visual clutter. Texture and materials selection is very nice on all three as well.
My only complaint is the choice of using Black Piano Plastics on the interior. Black Piano Plastic should be forced to suffer an International Ban. It should be a violation of International Law and Treaty, to use Black Piano Plastic anywhere in interior design. It is anathema to common sense, better judgement and good taste. You can't clean Black Piano Plastic. It looks great, but if you so much as stare at it long enough it will scratch and fade.
Mazda should replace all Black Piano Plastic with a choice of Faux Carbon Fiber colors. That will keep the cost down (which is what they are trying to do with the Black Piano Plastic) and it will turn an otherwise horrible trim idea into an amazingly brilliant carbon fiber accent that actually plays very well into the overall newness of the Kodo Design Language. In fact, I would also change the Exterior Black Plastic Trim pieces and replace those with neutral Faux Carbon Fiber as well. For the CX-9 however, I would hold out the option for having Real Carbon Fiber External Trim - at a reasonable price. I would also have an option for Carbon Fiber front Bonnet and Carbon Fiber Side-View Mirror Caps. And, an option for a Carbon Fiber Roof.
There are plenty of good looking, well designed and well executed Exterior and Interior Faux Carbon Fiber Wraps out there to inspire Mazda designers. The can look really OEM if executed correctly:
Almost any kind of color hue is available in Carbon Fiber these days:
In general, it is high time for all Black Plastics to go the way of the Dinosaur. If they decide to use Carbon Fiber Trim on the exterior, then they will need to replace the High Gloss Plastic Chrome with a more mellow Brushed Aluminum Metal Trim inset. The Brushed Aluminum against the Carbon Fiber on the Exterior and Interior would absolutely devastate the competition.
Even so, I think these interior just the way they are (3, 5 and 9) look outstanding for my money.
Great job Mazda! Keep up the good work.
