Although the Mazda MPV minivan has been retired, Mazda still has a seven-seater in its portfolio. The CX-9 is one of them new-fangled CUVs (Crossover Utility Vehicles) rather than a minivan, but it's a seven-seater nonetheless.

While many CUVs try to look like SUVs, the CX-9 pursues a sleek-and-sporty look, like a stretched CX-7. Under the skin is another variation on the architecture that underpins the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX.

Conventional rear side doors give access to a 60/40-split three-passenger middle seat. Tumble said seat forward, and a wide 60-cm gap allows access to the 50/50-split two-person third row. The rearmost seats fold flat and flush with the cargo deck, the middle ones somewhat less so. Although Mazda claims all seats are adult-size, interior cubic-footage is on the low side among seven-seaters.

We haven't driven the CX-9 yet, but if the 263-hp, 3.5-litre V6 and 6-speed automatic work as well as they do in the Edge, drivers should be in for a treat. And if tire sizes are any indication, athletic handling should be part of the deal: standard rubber on the GS is substantial 18-inchers and the GT rolls on whopping 245/50VR20s.

Both models are front-drive as standard, with Active Torque-Split all-wheel drive optional. Safety features includes ABS, traction control and rollover stability controls.

A sharp dresser -- and athletic

Not all that commodious for a 7-seater